papain
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex of the papaya fruit (Carica papaya). It breaks down proteins into peptides and amino acids, making it widely used in various industries. Papain has excellent catalytic activity and works effectively across a broad pH range, especially in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. It is valued for its meat tenderizing, digestive aid, and therapeutic properties.
papain
Primary Uses
- Food Industry
- Used as a meat tenderizer by breaking down tough muscle fibers.
- Employed in brewing and beverage production to clarify beer and juice.
- Added to chewing gums as a proteolytic agent to enhance texture.
- Utilized in protein hydrolysis for flavor enhancement and nutritional supplements.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications
- Used in digestive enzyme supplements to aid protein digestion.
- Applied topically in wound care products for debridement of dead tissue.
- Incorporated in anti-inflammatory and anti-edema formulations.
- Used in enzyme therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Incorporated in exfoliating and skin care products for gentle removal of dead skin cells.
- Used in hair care formulations to improve scalp health and reduce dandruff.
Secondary Uses
- Textile Industry
- Used in the treatment of fibers and fabric processing for biopolishing.
- Leather Industry
- Applied in leather softening and dehairing processes.
- Research Applications
- Employed in biochemical studies involving protein digestion and peptide mapping.
- Agriculture
- Used as a natural pesticide and plant growth enhancer in some formulations.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Papain (EC 3.4.22.2)
- Common/Trade Name: Papain
- CAS Number: 9001-73-4
- HS Code: 3507.90.00
- Synonyms: Papaya enzyme; papaya proteinase; papaya latex enzyme
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine, off-white to light yellow powder
- Color & Odor: Slight characteristic odor
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- pH Optimum: 6.0 – 7.0
- Enzyme Activity: Measured in units (varies by grade and purity)
- Molecular Weight: Approx. 23-25 kDa
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally regarded as non-hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; may cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals
- Exposure Limits: No specific limits; standard enzyme handling precautions advised
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture and light
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed plastic or glass containers
- Shelf Life: 12–24 months if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and direct skin contact to prevent sensitization
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade enzyme standards (FCC)
- Approved for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries by relevant authorities
- Meets purity and activity requirements set by ISO and JECFA
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk
- Allergenic Potential: Possible respiratory sensitizer; avoid inhalation of dust
- Safety: Non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Use gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling powder
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid dust generation
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; discontinue use if irritation or allergic reaction develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust during fire
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides upon burning
Related products
Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate BP
Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate BP is a synthetic corticosteroid ester in its water-soluble sodium salt form. It is widely used for its strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in medical and veterinary applications. It is typically formulated as an injectable or ophthalmic solution to manage acute or chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including severe allergic reactions, asthma, arthritis, and dermatological disorders. Its rapid onset of action and high potency make it valuable in emergency and systemic therapy.
Diclofenac Sodium BP
Diclofenac Sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for its potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It is the sodium salt form of diclofenac, providing enhanced solubility and rapid absorption. Diclofenac Sodium BP (British Pharmacopoeia standard) ensures pharmaceutical-grade purity and compliance with stringent quality standards. It is commonly formulated in oral tablets, topical gels, injections, and ophthalmic preparations.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride is an anticholinergic and antispasmodic agent used primarily to relieve smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It works by blocking muscarinic receptors, thereby reducing muscle contractions and spasms, which helps alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders. It is commonly available in oral tablets, capsules, and injectable formulations.
Diphenhydramine HCL BP
Diphenhydramine HCL BP is a first-generation antihistamine with potent anticholinergic, sedative, and antiemetic properties. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, the common cold, and motion sickness. Diphenhydramine HCL is a white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water, making it suitable for oral, topical, and injectable pharmaceutical formulations. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it causes sedation and is often used as a sleep aid and for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Ferric Ammonium Citrate
Ferric Ammonium Citrate is a dark green to black crystalline or granular inorganic compound composed of iron, ammonium ions, and citrate ions. It is a complex salt of citric acid with ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and ammonium. This compound is highly soluble in water, forming a greenish solution, and is widely utilized as a source of iron in various chemical, pharmaceutical, photographic, and food applications. It acts as a mild oxidizing agent and an iron supplement, valued for its bioavailability and ease of incorporation into formulations. Ferric Ammonium Citrate is typically available in different formulations distinguished by their water and ammonium content, such as green and brown types.
Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous Gluconate is an iron salt of gluconic acid, appearing as a pale greenish-blue or green crystalline powder or granules. It is widely used as a nutritional iron supplement and food additive due to its good bioavailability and relatively low toxicity compared to other iron salts. Ferrous Gluconate is water-soluble, providing a stable source of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) that is easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. This compound is commonly employed in pharmaceuticals, food fortification, and medical formulations to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is also used as a reducing agent and color stabilizer in various industrial applications.
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic Acid is a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid classified as a phenolic compound with potent antioxidant properties. It exists as a pale yellow to light brown crystalline powder with a faint characteristic odor. Ferulic Acid is commonly found in the cell walls of various plants such as rice bran, wheat, oats, coffee, apples, and fruits, where it plays a role in plant structural integrity and defense against environmental stress. It is valued across multiple industries—cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food, and agriculture—due to its ability to neutralize free radicals, absorb UV radiation, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
Manganous Dihydrogen Phosphate
Manganous Dihydrogen Phosphate is an inorganic manganese compound with the formula Mn(H₂PO₄)₂. It is typically encountered as a hydrated crystalline solid that is soluble in water. This compound serves as a valuable source of manganese and phosphorus in agricultural and industrial applications. It is primarily used as a micronutrient fertilizer component, an additive in animal feed, and a reagent in chemical syntheses. Its high solubility makes it effective for foliar sprays and soil applications to correct manganese deficiencies in crops.

Preservatives(food)
Flavors
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Oils
Carrier Oills
Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances (Cleaning)
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders