FAQ
What is Collagen?
Collagen is nature’s most abundant protein polymer. It is made up of three polypeptide strands, creating a left handed triple helical structure. More than a third of the human body’s protein is collagen. Collagen makes up 75% of our skin.
Why is animal collagen different from plant collagen?
Collagens can be classified as being of animal or plant origin. Animal collagen is extracted from bovine and porcine bone or skin. Plant collagen is made by modifying polysaccharides (natto gum) through fermentation of yeast. Plant collagens used in cosmetics are heated and denatured simple proteins in the form of gelatins, which may exist at room temperature. They are biologically inactive. True active collagen must retain its molecular integrity at cold temperatures to be able to impact cell function. Refrigerated animal source collagen is the most viable therapeutic collagen with all of its properties intact. This makes it a superior product to plant collagen. PURIGENEX products always use safe porcine-animal source collagen, to ensure superior bioactivity.
What is the difference between atelocollagen and collagen?
In a Type I collagen molecule, there are antigenic formations called “telopeptides” at each end of the protein. A telopeptide extremity in a collagen molecule consists of about 12-27 amino acids. The peptide sequence in a telopeptide is unique to each individual; and, complete removal of the peptide is necessary to avoid an immune reaction. Atelocollagen is a telopeptide-free collagen that is non-immunogenic. An atelocollagen molecule has a complete triple helical alpha-chain structure consisting of about 1010 amino acids.
Why should collagen be stored at a low temperature?
Collagen is easily denatured at high to room temperatures because the triple helical structure of the collagen protein reacts to heat and degenerates. This produces inactive gelatin. Refrigerating collagen at a low temperature assures the biological activity of the product, prevents resolution (denaturing), and protects the stability of our formulas.
Can I use collagen products if they are past their expiration date?
Some researchers have found that expired collagen does not interfere with their specific experiments, or with the efficacy of a commercial collagen product. However, expired products may not perform as described, and we do not encourage you to use them.
Is this product sterile?
PURIGENEX products are supplied in sterile sealed bottles and vials. Once the seal on the bottle or vial is opened, it is no longer sterile and must be used in a timely fashion. Refrigeration will help inhibit any microbial growth.
Can I use UV light to sterilize the collagen formulas?
These products should not be exposed to UV light, heat, or ionizing radiation. Exposure to these conditions will modify the collagen, causing irreversible degeneration.
Can I freeze PURIGENEX collagen products?
Freezing is not recommended for these products as it may damage the collagen.
Do you sell Type II, III, IV, or other collagen products?
PURIGENEX products are only made with Type I atelocollagen. Our researchers do not routinely manufacture or develop other types of collagen.
How is the PURIGENEX collagen made?
Our researchers have developed a proprietary state-of-the-art process that produces the highest quality and purity level of collagen available anywhere. Because this process is what makes our products – and our team’s medical collagen media – unique, the detailed manufacturing is confidential. However, if you have an interest, the general methods for making and isolating collagen can found in the literature.