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Chemical Name: α-Chymotrypsin
Chemical Group: Serine protease enzyme, typically from bovine or porcine pancreas
Synonyms: Chymotrypsin, Protease EC 3.4.21.1
Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow, crystalline or lyophilized powder, enzyme preparation often for biochemical use
Recommended Uses: Laboratory research, protein digestion, pharmaceutical processing
Smell: Odorless or slight proteinaceous scent
Potential Hazards: Inhalation of fine powder may cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions, eye contact can produce intense irritation or redness, skin contact might trigger sensitivity, prolonged exposure risks prompting asthma-like symptoms; ingestion gives the possibility for gastrointestinal upset
Allergen Warning: Sensitizer for skin and respiratory tract, history of allergies increases risk
Hazard Category: Not classified as hazardous under normal GHS standards, though handling as a protein allergen is strongly suggested
Common Symptoms: Respiratory discomfort, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, rash in susceptible individuals
Main Ingredient: α-Chymotrypsin
CAS Number: 9004-07-3
PURITY: Ranges 50%–95% depending on the grade, rest comprises stabilizers and trace moisture
Possible Additives: Calcium salts, buffer agents in enzyme preparation, stabilizing sugars or polyols occasionally used
Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air, deep breaths, rinse mouth with water, seek attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Immediate wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, monitor for signs of allergy
Eye Contact: Immediate flushing with running water for ten minutes, consult physician if discomfort remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, consult healthcare professional if discomfort occurs or material was swallowed in larger quantities
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products: Oxides of carbon, nitrogenous gases, possible trace chlorine compounds from stabilizers
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing; enzyme dust can become airborne and irritate rescue personnel
Explosion Risk: Organic powders have dust explosion potential in rare high-concentration air suspensions; minimize dust accumulation during storage or spills
Spill Cleanup: Wear suitable protection, minimize dust by moistening spill with wet towel or gentle misting; sweep up gently for disposal
Environmental Release: Prevent discharge into drains or waterways; constrain landfill disposal to minimize soil and aquatic disturbances
Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow, particularly in small rooms; sensitive allergic personnel should be evacuated
Waste Disposal: Collect solids in sealed, moisture-proof containers for regulated disposal
Handling: Avoid breathing dust or direct skin contact, use appropriate PPE, work in fume hood or ventilated space when possible
Hygiene: Handwashing after use, keep work surfaces clean, avoid consumption of food or beverages in work zone
Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store dry and cool at 2–8°C, preserve away from strong acids, bases, oxidizers; do not freeze unless product documentation supports it
Shelf-life: Varies by manufacturer and purity, but typically stable for one to two years if kept moisture-free and refrigerated
Personal Protective Equipment: Latex or nitrile gloves, safety goggles or glasses, lab coat, N95 respirator or equivalent in case of dusty procedures
Engineering Controls: Certified fume hood for weighing, splash guards, HEPA filtration in sensitive zones
Exposure Limits: No established national or international limit for α-Chymotrypsin, but general proteinaceous dust exposure should be minimized, especially due to asthma risk
Workplace Monitoring: Suitable in high-throughput labs, particularly for keeping airborne enzyme below 0.05 mg/m³ for those with known allergies
Physical State: Solid, crystalline or lyophilized
Color: Pale yellow or off-white
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, buffer solutions; insoluble in organic solvents
Odor: Mild, proteinaceous if any
Melting/Boiling Point: Decomposes before melting, as is common with enzyme proteins
pH Activity Range: 7–9; loses activity at lower or much higher pH
Other Features: Sensitive to heat, becomes denatured above 50°C, loses catalytic function if hydrated and left at room temperature for long periods
Stability: Stable in dry cool storage, loses activity when exposed to heat, humidity, acids, or bases
Reactivity: Reacts with aqueous solutions containing peptide or protein substrates, reacts with oxidizers, detergents, and denaturing agents
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents; storing with other chemicals may degrade activity or create irritants
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating causes protein decomposition, forming organic fumes and trace nitrogen oxides
Acute Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, digestive discomfort if swallowed
Chronic Exposure: Asthma-like sensitization in at-risk individuals, rare skin allergy development
Toxicity Data: Oral toxicity extremely low based on animal studies, poorly absorbed in the digestive tract, but inhaled form much more hazardous due to allergenic properties
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: Allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma noted in enzyme industry workers
Environmental Fate: Biodegradable proteinaceous material, does not persist in soil or water long-term
Aquatic Toxicity: Low risk at typical release levels, large spills may consume oxygen during biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to rapid breakdown by microorganisms
Soil Impact: Rapid enzymatic breakdown in most soil types, minimal ecotoxic risk
Method: Incineration preferred for larger lab-scale amounts; small quantities can be mixed with absorbent and disposed of as regulated laboratory waste
Do Not: Flush into surface waters, storm drains, or regular trash without containment; avoid dust dispersal during wastage
Special Notes: Follow institution or local environmental safety protocols for allergenic or bioactive materials
Shipping Classification: Typically non-hazardous enzyme preparation according to international regulations, not regulated as a dangerous good if properly packaged
Packaging Requirements: Leak-proof, moisture-resistant containers, primary and secondary containment for freeze-dried or powdered form
Transportation Hazards: Risk of dust inhalation during transfer, bag breakage or wetting may cause loss of activity or contamination
Labelling: Not classed under major hazard classes, but labeling as a sensitizing agent strongly recommended in professional environments
Safety Standards: Covered by OSHA regulations for respiratory and skin protection when used in large-scale or industrial operations; laboratory-scale use guided by institutional protocols
Environmental Laws: Not covered by EPA as a significant environmental toxin, but local requirements may vary regarding enzyme dust and biohazard waste disposal
Worker Protection: Consistent with recommendations from NIOSH regarding allergenic protein handling, requiring routine use of gloves and respiratory protection when airborne dust is possible
