title: Optimal conditions for long term storage of native collagens.
abstract: Cryopreservation was used to maintain the biological activity of collagen, i.e., its fibril formation property, after isolation from tissues. Freezer temperatures commonly available in laboratories, -15 degrees C and -90 degrees C, and liquid nitrogen temperature, -196 degrees C, were compared for efficacy in preserving both type I collagen structure (amino acid and subunit composition, triple helix) and activity (fibril formation in vitro). Whether the collagen was stored dry or in acetic acid solution at -196 degrees C, the kinetics of fibril formation were completely stable for at least two and a half years, but decreased after several months storage at -15 degrees C or -90 degrees C. Types II and III collagens, also with intact nonhelical ends, are also completely stable in liquid nitrogen for at least two and a half years.
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000145:classification; D005615:Freezing; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods; D011485:Protein Binding; D051381:Rats; D013710:Tendons; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D003094:Collagen; D019342:Acetic Acid