Papaya peptidases A and B are separated from a crude latex extract of the unripe Carica papaya fruit on an anionic ion-exchange resin, whereas previous methods have used cationic resins. The resulting enzymes are sufficiently pure to allow highly specific antibodies to be prepared. Two hybridoma cell lines secreting such monoclonal antibodies have been deposited. The antibodies can be used to detect levels of the enzyme in food and drink. The enzymes themselves are also useful medically, for degrading slipped discs.
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