Can I substitute the type of protease I use for my application?

Yes.  Selection of a protease in many cases is simply due to the historical precedence of the given cell isolation protocol being followed; however, that is not to say a different one would not work.  The isolation of human islets is a perfect example in which thermolysin, BP Protease (a Dispase equivalent), and C. histolyticum neutral protease have all been successfully used.  Generally, bacterial or fungal sources of protease are selected due to their broader specificity. Substitution of one protease for another may not be a seamless transition, however, as the kinetics of digestion can be dramatically different among the various general proteases.   For guidance in selecting a protease, contact VitaCyte’s technical support team.