Development of Low-Molecular Weight Collagen Peptide Complex with Glycosaminoglycan Components

Enzymatic hydrolysis of biopolymers of the cartilage tissue was studied for obtaining a complex of type II collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides. Hydrothermal hydrolysis in a high pressure homogenizer followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the cartilage tissue biopolymers with proteolytic enzyme preparation Karipazim yielded a complex of collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides with molecular weights of 240-720 Da. Low molecular weight of the components increases their bioavailability. Entering into the cells (chondrocytes), low-molecular-weight peptides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides as structural elements of the matrix can participate in the formation of fibrils of collagen and proteoglycans. Exogenous substances replenish deficient components of the matrix and/or their concentrations, affect the formation and strengthen the cartilage tissue. Thus, using cattle and porcine hyaline cartilages, we prepared a complex of biopolymers with lower molecular weights in comparison with previously developed nutraceuticals.