UV spectroscopic characterization of type I collagen

The near UV absorption of type I collagen can be used to measure its tyrosine content and, therefore, the integrity of the nonhelical telopeptides. The far UV absorption of the protein can be used to determine its concentration and to monitor its thermal denaturation. The concentration, when determined along with low speed centrifugation to precipitate collagen fibrils, allows monitoring of the in vitro assembly of collagen fibrils. These methods are examined in detail and compared with other available techniques in terms of the advantages, drawbacks, and pitfalls in their usages.