Trypsin-EDTA 5X

Trypsin is an essential enzyme in cell culture, used primarily for detaching adherent cells from their growth surface during passaging. It’s a serine protease that cleaves proteins, particularly at the C-terminal side of lysine and arginine amino acids. This action helps to dislodge cells by breaking down the proteins that mediate cell adhesion to the culture dish. Trypsin is effective at physiological temperatures and is often used in combination with EDTA, which chelates divalent cations, further facilitating cell detachment.

In cell culture, trypsin is valued for its ability to maintain cell viability while ensuring successful dissociation. It’s available in various concentrations and formulations, allowing customization for different cell types and experimental needs. While trypsin is generally well-tolerated, care must be taken to avoid overexposure, which can damage cell membranes and surface proteins. Consequently, trypsinization protocols are designed to minimize cell stress, ensuring that cells remain healthy and viable for further culture or analysis.

The product Trypsin-EDTA 5X is used for detaching adherent cells such as intestinal epithelial cells, thyroid follicles, and others from the culture surface. The necessary concentration of trypsin enzyme for detaching cells from their adherent surface depends on the cell type and the age of the environment, and its presence in the cell culture process is essential.