Collagen is the main matrix component of the dermis layer of the skin. Collagen is mainly composed of type I collagen and type III collagen. Type I collagen is located in the deep layer of the dermis, in large quantities, with thick fibers in a bundle-like form, providing support; type III collagen is mostly located in the superficial layer of the dermis, in small quantities, with fine fibers in a loose net-like form, giving the skin its elasticity.
The main basic unit of collagen is the collagen tripeptide unit - glycine-X-Y (where X includes proline or hydroxyproline, and Y includes serine, glutamic acid, etc.). The soluble type I collagen has a molecular weight of less than 300,000, and collagen has the characteristic of being easily soluble in acidic aqueous solutions.
The raw materials for type I collagen include animal sources such as cow bones, cow tendons, pig skin, fish skin, etc. The molecular weight distribution of type I collagen is wide and the production volume is large. Its applications include pharmaceutical excipients, medical devices, cosmetics, etc. The molecular weight of type III collagen is approximately 55KD. The products are mainly derived from recombinant bacteria fermentation. Because they are 100% human-derived, they have the advantages of no allergic reactions and no rejection, and are mainly used in medical and cosmetic fields.
The production process of type I collagen includes desalination and deacidification of the collagen solution, removal of small molecule derivative reagents, removal of small molecular weight collagen and collagen peptides, and concentration of collagen. The production process of type III collagen mainly involves clarification of the recombinant bacterial lysate, removal of large and small molecular weight impurities of collagen, replacement and concentration of collagen protein elution solution, etc. The quality control indicators include: purity of the main component, impurity content, pH, conductivity, clarity, concentration, etc.
Collagen has the characteristics of high molecular weight and high solution viscosity. Wuhan Bona has successfully achieved the process goals and batch production of collagen through the selection of appropriate filter membrane types and accuracy, combined with the membrane filtration system.
The membrane filtration system has numerous advantages in processing collagen raw materials:
Carried out at room temperature, with mild conditions and without component degradation, it is particularly suitable for heat-sensitive substances.
2. Pure physical filtration, without phase change or chemical reaction, without damaging the active ingredients;
3. High filtration accuracy, uniform pore size distribution, enabling the purification and concentration of active components;
4. The system is simple to operate, has a short process, is easy to clean and maintain.
5. The liquid after membrane treatment is clear and stable in nature, which is conducive to the subsequent processing steps.
6. The system operates in counter-flow mode, without the need for any additives. It does not introduce any new impurities, thus completely resolving the problems of pollution and blockage.
7. The system is designed in a modular manner, making it convenient to replace membrane elements. Online cleaning and drainage devices are also incorporated in the design to reduce labor intensity and production costs, thereby enhancing production efficiency.
8. Made of stainless steel sanitary material, in compliance with QS quality standards;
9. The system is automatically controlled by PLC, reducing labor intensity. The membrane filtration process takes place in a sealed container, enabling clean production.
10. The membrane filtration element has a large filling area, resulting in a small system footprint. This makes it convenient for technological improvements, expansion or new projects, effectively reducing investment costs and production costs.
