Hydroxyproline (collagen) dosage

Hydroxyproline is an amino acid derived from proline and is a key analytical marker for collagen. Found almost exclusively in animal connective tissues (skin, bone, cartilage), it is used to indirectly quantify collagen content in raw materials and finished products. Hydroxyproline measurement has become essential for the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries seeking to control the quality and integrity of their protein, gelling, or functional ingredients.

In food and nutraceutical applications, hydroxyproline content is used to assess the purity of collagens, collagenates, gelatins, or hydrolysates. In cosmetics, this measurement helps validate formulations containing collagen or functional peptides. Its use also extends to animal tissue analysis, the study of biomaterials, and the characterization of technical products incorporating structural proteins.

Industrial applications of dosing

Hydroxyproline assays address several industrial needs:

• Verification of the actual collagen content in food gelatins
• Quality control of collagen peptide-based food supplements
• Measurement of the purity of hydrolysates in health and wellness products
• Quantification of structural proteins in animal extracts
• Evaluation of the quality of high-end cosmetic formulations
• Comparative studies and competitive analyses of raw materials

The dosage can also be used to determine the regulatory compliance of ingredients, particularly when a minimum level of collagen is required for the enhancement of a finished product.

Available analytical methods

Two main analytical approaches are used to quantify hydroxyproline:

HPLC
is used for complex or high-protein matrices. It offers excellent precision and high reproducibility. Chromatographic separation allows for the dissociation of hydroxyproline from other amino acids after protein hydrolysis, ensuring reliable quantification even at low concentrations.

Colorimetric methods
are rapid approaches based on the reaction of hydroxyproline with specific reagents, producing a color measurable by spectrophotometry. Suitable for gelatins, animal extracts, or formulations with a simple profile, they offer an economical solution for routine quality control.

The choice of method depends on the matrix, the required sensitivity, and the desired level of precision. YesWeLab assists its clients in defining the most appropriate analytical strategy.

Matrices that can be analyzed

• food gelatins
• collagen hydrolysates and peptides
• animal or tissue extracts
• Dietary supplements in powder or capsule form
• liquid or creamy cosmetic formulations
• biomaterials or technical ingredients based on animal proteins

YesWeLab can also handle atypical or complex matrices requiring specific preprocessing.

Internal linking to other relevant analyses

Several additional analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue can be combined with hydroxyproline measurement:

HPLC analysis
is essential for the quantification of amino acids, peptides, and active molecules.

Analysis of gelation
relevant for gelatins and functional products rich in collagen.

Compression force measurement:
Useful for characterizing nutritional tablets or blocks containing structural proteins.

Analysis of the density of liquids
Often associated with the physico-chemical characterization of liquid or semi-solid formulations.

Spectrophotometry
Used in colorimetric methods related to the determination of hydroxyproline.

Why choose YesWeLab for this dosage?

YesWeLab selects the most suitable laboratory for each project based on the matrix, analytical method, and objective of the analysis. Our partners include ISO 17025 accredited laboratories specializing in protein, physicochemical, and nutraceutical analyses. Our digital platform allows you to centralize your requests, track your samples, and easily access your results, regardless of the volume of analyses required. Since 2020, we have been supporting food, nutraceutical, and cosmetics manufacturers in controlling their ingredients and formulations.