title: An improved assay method for amylase activity using an amylodextrin fraction as substrate.
abstract: A rapid and simple method for determination of amylase activity, by using a fraction of amylo-oligosaccharide (amylodextrin, 1) as substrate, is described. The sample solution is incubated with a solution of 1 and the substrate consumed is estimated by measuring the difference in absorbance at 460 nm. The Km value of 1 is about half that of starch. The homogeneity of 1 in its chemical structure and molecular weight facilitated the specification of amylase units according to the international definition. This procedure was applied for assay of human-serum amylase with excellent reproducibility. This method did not require a large dilution factor, as the standard curve showed a linear relationship over a wide range of amylase concentrations.
mesh_terms: D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis*; D003912:Dextrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism*; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D003912:Dextrins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000681:Amylases; D000516:alpha-Amylases