Collagenase Type IV

Collagenase is a protease consisting of a single polypeptide chain approximately 1,000 amino acid residues in length. Collagenase is capable of digesting native collagen fibrils commonly found in connective tissues and therefore is frequently used for tissue dissociation. Collagenase preparations contain the activity of several proteases, including collagenase, caseinase, clostripain, and trypsin (Kessler & Yaron). Collagenase Type IV contains low levels of tryptic activity and is frequently used for pancreatic islets (Taguchi et al.) and for applications where maintenance of receptor integrity is required.