Collagen can be divided into recombinant collagen and animal-derived collagen according to its source.

 

Animal-derived collagen is mainly obtained by extracting it from animal connective tissues with high collagen content (cow Achilles tendon, pig skin, cowhide, fish skin, etc.). The main extraction methods include acid extraction and enzyme extraction. Animal tissue extraction is the mainstream route with the longest application time and the widest application range. Extracting and preparing collagen from animal tissues has the advantages of simple production, low cost, and strong biological activity.

 

Recombinant collagen uses genetic engineering recombinant DNA technology to design specific sequences, enzyme cuts, splices, and connect vectors to human collagen genes. Then, plasmids or viral vectors are used to transfer the target genes into appropriate engineering cells (for example, Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, etc.), and collagen or collagen-like polypeptides are produced by fermentation expression, and then prepared through extraction and purification. Recombinant collagen has the advantages of low immunogenicity, good water solubility, and further processing. At the same time, it is safer than animal-derived collagen.