4 Key Parameters for Collagen Hydrogels

4 Key Parameters for Collagen Hydrogels

01/24/23

The following list provides the key parameters required for forming 3D hydrogels from type I collagen. Full directions for use and commonly asked questions are found on individual product pages.

  • Concentration
    • Typical working concentrations for 3D hydrogels are > 1 mg/ml for Telocollagen, and 1.5 mg/ml for Atelocollagen.
  • pH
    • Neutralize the collagen to a pH of ~7.0-7.4.
  • Osmolarity
    • The collagen salts should be isotonic (~300 mOsmo).
  • Temperature
    • Warm collagen to 37°C after completing the above steps to form a 3D hydrogel. Note: 37C is the optimal temperature for collagen gelation, though collagen can begin fibrillogenesis/gelation at lower temperatures. 

 

First Hydrogel?

If this is your first collagen hydrogel, consider using PureCol® EZ Gel, a 5 mg/ml type I Atelocollagen that has been previously neutralized.

To form a 3D hydrogel, simply incubate at 37C.

PureCol® EZ Gel addresses 3 of the 4 steps above. The concentration (5 mg/ml) is > 1.5 mg/ml. The pH has been neutralized (~7.4). The salts are adjusted to isotonic levels (~300mOsmo). 

The only step left is to add your cells, dispense into a dish and incubate at 37C. 

Learn more here.


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