A rapid test for chitinase activity that uses 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide.
A total of 101 strains of bacteria from environmental and clinical sources, most of which were gram negative, were tested for chitobiase activity by using a filter paper spot test with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide as the substrate. The results were compared with those obtained by a conventional plate method for chitinase activity by using colloidal chitin as the substrate. There was excellent agreement in the results for both methods. The filter paper spot test with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide has the advantages of being rapid, simple to perform, and inexpensive. This method should be adaptable to a wider range of microorganisms, particularly those with unusual growth requirements.
O'Brien
M
M
Department of Microbiology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742.
Colwell
R R
RR
D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology*; D002688:Chitinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media; D004187:Disaccharides; D005936:Glucans / Q000378:metabolism; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D006923:Hymecromone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism*; D014468:Umbelliferones / Q000378:metabolism*
D003470:Culture Media; D004187:Disaccharides; D005936:Glucans; D014468:Umbelliferones; C025158:4-methylumbelliferyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside; D006923:Hymecromone; C032438:chitobiose; D002688:Chitinases; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase; D005944:Glucosamine; D000117:Acetylglucosamine