Trypsin is a protein-cleaving digestive enzyme of the pancreas belonging to the serine proteases, which cleaves lysine and arginine at the C-terminus. Trypsin solutions are used for the separation of cells from tissue or cell monolayers. Thus, they are essential for routine applications in cell culture passaging, for cell culture experiments to obtain an adequate number of cells or for dissociation of primary tissue.As an alternative to Trypsin, the morecell-protective solution ROTI^®Cell Accutase solution can be used, which is free of mammalian components.

This trypsin solution contains EDTA (0.22%). EDTA is a chelating agent and enhances the ability of trypsin to detach adherent cells. EDTA binds calcium and magnesium, which additionally weakens cell contacts. This favors the hydrolysis of specific peptide bonds by trypsin.

The required trypsin concentration depends primarily on the cell type and the age of the cell culture. For orientation, you will find a complete protocol in the technical info brochure.

After cell dissociation, trypsin should be inhibited. This can be done either by using FCS or trypsin inhibitors.