Biocatalysts Ltd Launch Proteocut K to the Life Science Market
The first enzyme jointly developed with BRAIN AG, is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to liquid Proteinase K.
Enzyme specialists, Biocatalysts Ltd, announce the launch of their new enzyme, Proteocut K, the first enzyme jointly developed with BRAIN AG.
It is a subtilisin-type serine protease with a broad substrate specificity that can be used to hydrolyse proteins in nucleic acid preparations. Proteocut K (PK909L) is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to liquid Proteinase K.
Proteinase K is a subtilisin-type serine endopeptidase that displays a broad-spectrum pH profile and substrate specificity which allows it to efficiently and effectively hydrolyse a wide range of proteins and is an ideal choice for use in molecular biology applications. Proteocut K is also a serine endopeptidase which is active over a wide pH (6.0 – 10.0) and temperature (40 -70°C) range, has an activity of ≥ 1,450 U/ml (Haemoglobin assay) and can be used in a range of life science applications including:
• Isolation of genomic DNA from cell lysates
• Removal and inactivation of nucleases and RNases
• Isolation of plasmid DNA
• Cloning of PCR products
• NGS and microarray procedures
As a leader of industrial biotechnology, BRAIN AG developed a lab-scale downstream protein purification process, to deliver enhanced activity and increased performance. This process was then transferred to Biocatalysts Ltd where it was scaled up to meet larger manufacturing volumes and commercialised for market launch.
Proteocut K underwent comparative testing at an independent laboratory to assess its performance against a commercially available Proteinase K. In applications such as plasmid DNA extraction and deactivation of restriction enzymes, the comparative testing showed Proteocut K performs as well or better than the Proteinase K. The laboratory also confirmed that Proteocut K has an increased resistance to certain detergents and additives such as those used in SDS page, as well as being highly effective in degrading lysozyme and has an inactivation temperature of 80°C when incubated for 6 minutes.
In this time of increased demand for molecular biological testing, Proteocut K gives kit manufacturers, R&D and biotechnology companies another option in sourcing a key raw material for their applications.
“We have taken our commercial knowledge of producing enzymes at industrial scales and applied it into the Life Science field, to produce an enzyme that performs like Proteinase K whilst providing additional benefits. This is a new chapter for Biocatalysts Ltd as we diversify into new markets, we feel our experience in manufacturing enzymes will enable us to provide an enhanced offering into this important market.
