Description
Ficin is a cysteine protease enzyme which is derived from the latex of fig trees with activity similar to other cysteine protease enzymes including endopeptidases, aminopeptidases, and dipeptidyl peptidases. Ficin cleaves mouse immunoglobulin G molecules (IgG1) in the hinge region. The concentration of cysteine changes how ficin cleaves IgG1. A F(ab’)2 fragment is formed in the presence of 1mM cysteine. The F(ab’)2 fragments are smaller than whole IgG molecules and better penetrate tissue for antigen recognition while avoiding unspecific binding to Fc receptors. In the presence of 10mM cysteine, two 2 Fab fragments are produced instead. F(ab) fragments block background from primary antibody binding, and block endogenous and exposed immunoglobulins and tissues in labeling experiments.
Immobilized Ficin Agarose Resin offers a convenient solution to the production of F(ab’)2 and Fab fragments while eliminating autolysis and protease contamination and the need to remove the enzymes following digestion. Fab and F(ab’)2 can be further separated from whole IgG with either Protein A Agarose Resin (GoldBio Product # P-400) or ion exchange chromatography.
Activity:1-1.5 mg ficin/ml of resin
Support: 6% Cross-linked Agarose
Storage/Handling: Shipped at ambient temperature. Upon receipt, store at 4°C, do NOT freeze.
