The pH Optima for Papain and Bromelain Treatment of Red Cells |
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Authors: | Marion L. Scott PhD Carole A. Johnson and P.K. Phillips |
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Affiliation: | Blood Group Reference Laboratory, Oxford, UK |
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Abstract: | The action of papain and bromelain, prepared over a pH range from 4.6 to 8.6, was evaluated for the ability to render red cells agglutinable by five incomplete antibodies of differing blood group specificities using a two-stage technique. The optimal pH for treatment of red cells by activated papain or bromelain was between 5.4 and 5.8. Above this pH range, a fall in serological sensitivity was apparent which was much more pronounced with papain than with bromelain. The optimal pH for enzyme treatment of red cells can be achieved in two-stage techniques, but not in one-stage techniques due to the buffering effect of serum proteins. |
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