papains
Papains are a family of cysteine proteases found in plants of the Caricaceae family, most notably papaya. These enzymes are known for their ability to break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Papain itself, the most prominent member of this family, is derived from the latex of the papaya fruit. It is a soluble protein with a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa and an optimal pH range of 5-8.
The catalytic mechanism of papain involves a catalytic triad of amino acid residues: cysteine, histidine, and
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, papain finds applications in wound healing preparations, skincare products, and