# Self-Assembly of Collagen Triple Helices into Higher Order Structures

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · William Marsh Rice University (TX) · $600,000

## Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Dr. Jeffrey D. Hartgerink of Rice University aims to reveal the atomic structure of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen is a remarkable protein which undergoes multiple levels of assembly. The beautiful final product controls an incredibly wide range of biological behavior including tissue integrity, cancer metastasis, wound healing, effective response to viral and bacterial invaders, and even weight regulation. Amazingly, despite early studies dating back to the 1950’s, collagen is very poorly understood. Without an accurate structure, advances in all these areas will be limited. The research team has recently discovered that bundled collagen can take on a never-before-observed shape. The team will explore the circumstances under which this novel shape is formed, undertaking studies with potential to reveal the mysteries of collagen superstructure that have evaded sight for over seventy years. This work expects to lay out chemical methods allowing scientists to mimic biological materials, which may lead to breakthroughs in tissue regeneration, immunology, and cancer research. This program will also serve as the basis to train the next generation of scientists including graduate students pursuing a PhD, undergraduates pursuing Chemistry and Bioscience degrees, and enhancing the pipeline of STEM focused students by engaging high school stu

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505948
- **Awardee organization:** William Marsh Rice University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K51LECU1G8N3
- **PI:** Jeffrey D Hartgerink
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** RET SUPP-Res Exp for Tchr Supp
- **Estimated total:** $600,000
- **Funds obligated:** $600,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505948

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505948, Self-Assembly of Collagen Triple Helices into Higher Order Structures. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505948. Licensed CC0.

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