Spectral properties of collagen types and their application for diagnostics

Abstract Collagen is one of the main structural proteins in the extracellular matrix. However, its role is not only as a building element in different types of tissues, but also as a signaling molecule, which takes part in regulating processes defining the cellular shape, behavior, and even differentiation. Specific alterations in collagens fluorescence have been observed for abnormal tissues in comparison with healthy tissues, and its potential as a diagnostic marker has been recognized. This work is focused on gaining a better understanding of the specific alterations in collagen fluorescence to recognize them in tissue fluorescence. We investigated the spectral properties of collagen in different modifications such as powdered collagen, hydrogel, thin layers, and fibrillar layers of different collagen types.