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Sigma-Aldrich

Papain from Carica papaya

solution, light brown, ≥10 U/mg protein (~25 mg/ml)

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About This Item

CAS Number:
Enzyme Commission number:
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352204
eCl@ss:
42030311
NACRES:
NA.54

biological source

papaya

Quality Level

form

solution

specific activity

≥10 U/mg protein (~25 mg/ml)

mol wt

Mr ~23000

technique(s)

cell culture | mammalian: suitable
single cell analysis: suitable

color

light brown

storage temp.

2-8°C

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General description

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme and is naturally occurring in papaya (Carica papaya L.). It is obtained from the latex of cut unripe papaya. Papain belongs to the cysteine proteinase family. It is a globular, single-chain protein composed of four disulfide bridges and catalytically essential residues. Papain consists of an all α-domain and anti-parallel β-sheet domain.

Application

Papain from Carica papaya has been used:

  • in the enzymatic dissociation of rat cortices to extract astrocytes for cell culture
  • to study its effects on Alpaca seminal plasma viscosity and sperm function
  • to study its effects on the yield and cryo-survival of Rhinoceros spermatozoa
Papain is used as a meat tenderizer. It′s also used to break up tissue in the preparation of primary cell cultures.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Papain is a cysteine protease that cleaves peptide bonds and is known to cleave the Fc portion of antibodies.
Papain plays an important role in many biological processes in many living organisms. It exhibits proteolytic activity against proteins, amino-acid esters and amide links, and short-chain peptides. Papain preferentially cleaves the peptide bonds of basic amino acids such as arginine, phenylalanine, and lysine. It has a wide range of applications in drug discovery, pharmaceutical, food, baking, and dairy industries.

Unit Definition

1 U corresponds to the amount of enzyme which hydrolyzes 1 μmol N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE, Cat. No. 12880) per minute at pH 6.2 and 25°C

Pictograms

Health hazardExclamation mark

Signal Word

Danger

Hazard Statements

Hazard Classifications

Eye Irrit. 2 - Resp. Sens. 1 - Skin Irrit. 2 - STOT SE 3

Target Organs

Respiratory system

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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The effect of glycosaminoglycan enzymes and proteases on the viscosity of alpaca seminal plasma and sperm function
Kershaw CM, et al.
Animal Reproduction Science, 138(1-2), 261-267 (2013)
José M Laparra et al.
Journal of food science, 74(6), H168-H173 (2009-09-03)
This study aims to understand the enhancing effect of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as chondroitin/dermatan structures, on Fe uptake to Caco-2 cells. High-sulfated GAGs were selectively purified from cooked haddock. An in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model was used to evaluate
Immobilization of papain: A review
Veymar G, et al.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 188, 94-113 (2021)
Papain , a plant enzyme of biological importance: a review
Mamboya E.
American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 8(2), 99-104 (2012)
Extraction of Near-Field Fluorescence from Composite Signals to Provide High Resolution Images of Glial Cells
Robert T D, et al.
Biophysical Journal, 80(5), 2477-2482 (2001)

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