Analysis of papain from different varieties of papaya plant latex

Abstract

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of protein. It shows several biological functions in plants and animals. It is used in many industries like food, leather, detergents, meat processing, and medical application like blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and digestion processes. The present study focused on the evaluation of proteolytic activity from latexes of three varieties of papaya grown in Kampala namely Solo, Red Royale, and Sunrise. To study the protein concentration of various papaya latexes, three different varieties of papaya latex were collected from a papaya farm. Papain was isolated from the latex. The estimation of protein was done by Lowry’s method. The protease enzyme was assessed by the Kunitz method, with appropriate modifications. Protease-controlling parameters were studied by assessing Temperature, pH, and Substrate concentration. The solo variety showed good activity followed by Red Royale and Sunrise varieties. An innovative aspect of the current study helps to determine the protease activity in the different latexes of plants that could positively affect the local economy.