Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Microengineering 3D Collagen Hydrogels with Long-Range Fiber Alignment
Published on: September 7, 2022
Metal-mediated tandem coassembly of collagen peptides into banded microstructures
Marcos M Pires1, David E Przybyla, Charles M Rubert Pérez
1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Abstract:
The ability to recapitulate the features of natural collagen at the micro- and nanoscale with novel biopolymers has the potential to lead to improved biomaterials. Herein we describe stimuli-responsive collagen-based peptides (IdaCol and HisCol) that together form higher order assemblies in the presence of added metal ions. SEM and TEM imaging of these assemblies revealed microscale petal-like and intertwined fiber morphologies, each with periodic banding on the nanometer scale. The observed banding is consistent with tandem coassembly of alternating IdaCol and HisCol triple helical blocks that may laterally associate either in or out of register to form higher order structures, and mimics the banding found in natural collagen fibers.
Related Concept Videos
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

