Start with what bromelain is
Bromelain (commonly referenced as CAS 9001-00-7) is a protease enzyme complex extracted from pineapple stem and fruit. For an industrial buyer the single most important fact is that “bromelain” is not a single molecule with one fixed activity – it is a mixture of proteases, and its commercial value lives entirely in the activity specification, not the name. Two drums both labelled bromelain can perform nothing alike if their activity units differ.
The one number buyers under-specify: activity
Enzyme purchasing lives and dies by activity units (typically GDU or MCU per gram). If your purchase order only says “bromelain 100 g,” you have specified almost nothing. Always state the required activity, the test method, and the acceptable range. A supplier can meet the weight and still ship you a weak, unusable batch. The activity line on the COA is the line that protects you.
Grade and intended use must match
Bromelain is used across food, supplement and cosmetic applications, and the grade, microbial limits and documentation differ by use. A food- or supplement-bound buyer needs a different compliance package than a cosmetic raw-material buyer. State your intended application up front; it changes which standards the supplier should test against and which third-party reports are worth requesting.
Moisture, particle size and packaging
Enzymes degrade with heat and moisture. The COA should report moisture content, particle size (which affects dispersion and dissolution), and loss-on-drying where relevant. Packaging and shelf life are not afterthoughts: sealed, cool, dry storage is what preserves the activity you paid for. Ask how the material is packed and what the supplier warrants through the stated shelf life.
Lead time, MOQ and samples
Because enzyme grades and assays vary, confirm typical lead time and minimum order quantity when you request a quote rather than assuming catalog stock. For qualified buyers, arrange a sample and run your own in-house activity check before committing to bulk. A small sample test beats a large, spec-compliant-on-paper disappointment.
Red flags in a supplier conversation
Be wary of any vendor who cannot produce a batch-specific COA, who is vague about activity units, or who resists naming the test method. Equally, treat a price that is far below market with suspicion – enzyme activity is expensive to standardize, and a cheap drum is often a weak drum.
Procurement checklist
- State activity units + method + range on the PO
- Confirm grade matches intended use (food/supplement/cosmetic)
- Require COA: activity, moisture, particle size, microbes, heavy metals
- Agree storage, packaging and shelf-life warranty
- Run a sample assay before bulk commitment
Frequently asked questions
Why does activity matter more than purity?
For an enzyme, function is the product. A high-purity powder with low activity does nothing useful; the activity unit is the real specification.
Can I get a third-party test report?
Yes – reputable suppliers provide a COA with every shipment and can supply a third-party report if you state intended use and standard when inquiring.
How should I store it?
Sealed, cool and dry, per the COA. Detailed handling guidance travels with the batch documentation.
Is bromelain stable in formulation?
It is sensitive to heat, pH and moisture. Stability must be validated in your specific matrix; do not assume it survives all processing.