What is papain?
Papain, also known as papain, is a protein hydrolyzing enzyme. Papain is a low-specific protein hydrolyzing enzyme contained in papaya (Carieapapaya), which is widely found in the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of papaya, of which the content is richest in immature milk. The active center of papain contains cysteine, which belongs to mercapto protease, it has the features of high enzyme activity, good thermal stability, natural hygiene, and safety, therefore, it is widely used in food, medicine, feed, daily chemical, leather and textile industries.
Application of papain
1. Meat tenderization: papain can decompose myofibrillar protein and collagen in meat. In the meat processing process, add the right amount of papain, it will penetrate into the meat tissue, and hydrolyze the proteins.
2. Beer clarification: In the process of beer brewing, papain can decompose the protein turbidity in beer, to improve the clarity of beer.
3. Juice processing: It can be used to break down pectin and protein in fruit juice.
4. Baked goods production: in baked goods, papain can improve the performance of the dough. It breaks down the gluten proteins in flour, making the dough softer and more elastic.
5. Anti-inflammatory and decongestive: papain has anti-inflammatory and decongestive effects. In topical applications, such as creams or gels containing papain, it can be used to treat several inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and tenosynovitis.
6. Wound treatment: In wound treatment, papain can help clear wounds. Wounds often contain necrotic tissue and fibrin clots, and papain can break these down, cleaning the wound surface, reducing the risk of infection, and facilitating the growth of new tissue.
7. Drug development and production: In the process of drug development, papain can be used to produce protein hydrolysates. For some insoluble protein drugs, through the hydrolysis of papain, it can be converted into peptides or amino acid combinations that are easier to dissolve and absorb, thus improving the bioavailability of the drug.
8. Exfoliation: In skin care products, papain can be used for exfoliation. It is able to break down the protein connections between the aged keratinocytes on the skin surface, making it easier for the stratum corneum to peel off.
