Measuring cellulase activity: application of the filter paper assay to low-activity enzyme preparations.

TitleMeasuring cellulase activity: application of the filter paper assay to low-activity enzyme preparations.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsNordmark, TSoren, Bakalinsky, AT, Penner, MH
JournalAppl Biochem Biotechnol
Volume137-140
Issue1-12
Pagination131-9
Date Published2007 Apr
ISSN1559-0291
KeywordsCellulase, Chemistry Techniques, Analytical, Enzyme Activation, Filtration, Paper
Abstract

An approach is presented for obtaining relative filter paper activities for enzyme preparations having activities below that required for application of the traditional International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry filter paper assay. The approach involves the utilization of protein stabilizers to retard the time-dependent enzyme inactivation that may occur under traditional filter paper assay conditions. Enzyme stabilization allows extended reaction times and the calculation of relative activities based on the time required for saccharification of 3.6% of the traditional substrate, making results proportional to those obtained in the traditional International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry assay. The assay is demonstrated using a commercial cellulase preparation along with KCl and bovine serum albumin as protein stabilizers.

DOI10.1007/s12010-007-9045-3
Alternate JournalAppl. Biochem. Biotechnol.
PubMed ID18478382