Biocatalysts Introduces Papain Alternative

Biocatalysts Ltd. (Cardiff, UK) is introducing Promod 950L, a microbial protease that the company says can perform as a papain enzyme alternative in foods and beverages.

Papain is used in food and beverage manufacture for a host of reasons, including flavor production and hydrolysis of yeast. But the enzyme has its drawbacks. Papain is sourced from papaya, meaning its availability and price is contingent on the fruit’s harvest. Also, papain is activated with the help of sulfites, which require a statement on product labels.

Promod 950L does not require sulfites, and it’s even kosher and halal-friendly. The company says its newest enzyme is particularly useful for hydrolyzing baker’s and brewer’s yeast to improve the solubility and yield of protein.