Collagenase is a protease with specificity for the bond between a neutral amino acid (X) and glycine in the sequence Pro-X-Glyc-Pro. This sequence is found in high frequency in collagen. Collagenase is unique among proteases in its ability to degrade the triple-helical native collagen fibrils commonly found in connective tissues such as skin, tendon, blood vessels, and bone. Collagenase disaggregation has been suitable for the culture of human tumors, mouse kidney, human adult and fetal brain, and many other tissues including epithelium. It is relatively gentle, dissociates well at physiological temperature and pH, and requires no mechanical agitation or special equipment.

Gibco® Collagenase Type IV is isolated from Clostridium histolyticum and packaged as a lyophilized, non-sterile powder for research use in cell or tissue dissociation and organ perfusions. Gibco® Collagenase Type IV activity is guaranteed to be greater than 160 units/mg. Compared to other collagenase preparations, collagenase IV is prepared with a low tryptic activity and is well-suited for digestion of islet cells from the pancreas.

Product Use
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.