How to Use Proteinase K in 5 Key Applications?

Introduction

In the modern biological laboratory, there is a seemingly ordinary but indispensable reagent that has quietly underpinned many breakthroughs in life science research: proteinase K. Since its first description in 1974, proteinase K has become a regular fixture in the laboratory, and has become a useful tool in the hands of scientists.

Proteinase K is a highly active protease of the chymotrypsin class, purified from Candida albicans (tirtirachium album limber), and is used for the general degradation of proteins in biological samples.

1. Core Properties of Proteinase K

Proteinase K is a serine protease with broad cleavage activity. It is able to cleave carboxy-terminal peptide bonds of both aliphatic and aromatic amino acids.

Wide pH adaptability is one of the distinguishing features of proteinase K. It is active over a wide pH range (pH 4-12.5).

Proteinase K is relatively stable even in urea and SDS and also has the ability to degrade natural proteins.

Proteinase K is a highly active protease of the chymotrypsin class, purified from Candida albicans Limber (Tritirachium album Limber) and used for the general degradation of proteins in biological samples.

The enzyme has two Ca2+ binding sites, which are some distance away from the active centre of the enzyme and are not directly related to the catalytic mechanism.

2. Top 5 application areas of Proteinase K

2.1 Medical and basic research

In molecular biology experiments, Proteinase K is often used to digest protein components of a sample to help release DNA or RNA, an indispensable step in techniques such as genome analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

2.2 Genetic diagnostics and nucleic acid extraction

Proteinase K is widely used in genetic diagnostic kits, genomic DNA extraction kits, and RNA extraction kits to remove nucleases from DNA and RNA preparations.

2.3 Clinical Diagnostics

In clinical diagnostics, Proteinase K can be used to disrupt the protein shell of pathogens, thus improving the efficiency of detecting viral nucleic acids.

2.4 Industrial applications

Proteinase K is used in the leather industry in processes such as softening and refining of leather, hair removal and softening, and silk degumming.

In addition, it is used in the preparation of chromosomal DNA for pulse electrophoresis.

2.5 Food and brewing industry

In the food and brewing industry, proteinase K is used for meat tenderisation and wine clarification.

In the washing industry, it is also used in enzyme laundry powder, laundry detergent and other products.

3. Product advantages and specifications

Proteinase K offered by Shanghai Leader Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is characterised by high purity and high activity, with a specific activity value of 38 U/mg.

The product adopts Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the protein source species with molecular mass of 28,650.

The company offers 100mg regular packs or customised services to meet the specific needs of different customers.

The product has an expiration date of 24 months in dry powder condition and 12 months at -20℃ in liquid form.

4. Guidelines and Precautions for Use

After customers use the buffer to dissolve proteinase K, it needs to be stored at -20℃.

It is better to divide into several portions for easy use and avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

If left at 2℃- 8℃for more than 3 days, it is recommended to filter and decontaminate or add bacteriostatic agent such as 0.3% azide Na to prevent microbial contamination.

Dissolve to a working concentration of 20mg/ml using 20mM Tris-HCL buffer (pH 7.5) as required.

Supplier

Shanghai Lingjun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2016 which is a professional manufacturer of biomagnetic materials and nucleic acid extraction reagents.

We have rich experience in nucleic acid extraction and purification, protein purification, cell separation, chemiluminescence, and other technical fields.

Our products are widely used in many fields, such as medical testing, genetic testing, university research, genetic breeding, and so on. We not only provide products but also can undertake OEM, ODM, and other needs. If you have a related need, please feel free to contact us .