Improved procedure for preparation of F(ab')2 fragments of mouse IgGs by papain digestion.

Preparation of F(ab')2 fragments from mouse monoclonal IgG by papain digestion can result in incorporation of traces of papain into antibody fragments by disulfide exchange. Such trace contamination can have detrimental effects on the integrity of these antibody fragments following reduction. Gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography procedures did not eliminate papain contamination from F(ab')2 preparations. The use of antibody specific for papain to remove this contamination from F(ab')2 preparations is described.