α-Chymotrypsin is widely used in medical and biochemical applications due to its proteolytic activity. In ophthalmology, it is employed during cataract surgery to facilitate the removal of the lens by breaking down the zonular fibers that hold it in place. This enzymatic action simplifies the procedure and reduces the risk of complications. In research, α-chymotrypsin is utilized to study protein structure and function, as it selectively cleaves peptide bonds at specific amino acid residues, aiding in protein sequencing and analysis. Additionally, it is used in cell culture techniques to dissociate tissue into individual cells for experimental purposes. Its ability to degrade proteins also makes it valuable in industrial processes, such as the production of protein hydrolysates for nutritional supplements or food products.