Crab collagenase in wound debridement.

A comparative study was performed of the caseinolytic, necrolytic and fibrinolytic activities of a crab collagenase product prepared from the hepatopancreas of the king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) and four enzyme preparations (trypsin/chymotrypsin and protease complexes isolated from Aspergillus terricola, Carica papaya and pseudomonodaceae). This paper reports an in vitro investigation, an in vivo study with rats and a clinical evaluation. It was found that crab collagenase has the highest proteolytic activity measured with respect to fibrin clot and necrotic eschar in vitro although its caseinolytic activity is the lowest. A clinical trial involving 21 patients with leg ulcers confirmed the clinical efficiency of crab collagenase compared with trypsin/chymotrypsin. The results suggest that crab collagenase is useful in wound debridement.