collagenase I

Collagenase I is a proteolytic enzyme primarily derived from the bacterium *Clostridium histolyticum*. It specifically cleaves the peptide bonds in triple-helical regions of native collagen types I, II, and III, leading to the breakdown of collagen within connective tissues. These enzymatic activities make collagenase I useful for the enzymatic debridement of necrotic tissue in burns or chronic skin ulcers (topical: Santyl), as well as in some tissue dissociation protocols. Collagenase derived from *Clostridium histolyticum* is also the biological basis for approved pharmaceutical products (such as Xiaflex and Qwo) developed for the injection-based treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, Peyronie's disease, and cellulite. The enzyme acts by hydrolyzing collagen fibers, decomposing pathological collagen build-ups.

Brand names

Santyl

Other names

collagenasecollagenase type Iclostridial collagenasebacterial collagenasecollagenase clostridium histolyticumcollagenase clostridiopeptidase A