title: Screening plate method for detection of bacterial beta-glucuronidase.
abstract: For screening tests of bacterial beta-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) activity an agar plate (MUG plate) containing the enzyme substrate, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide, was developed. In the presence of beta-glucuronidase, the strongly fluorescent 4-methylumbelliferone, which can be detected by ultraviolet light, was liberated. For tests of fastidious bacteria, the MUG-plate was enriched with supplements containing heat-labile growth factors without influencing the reaction. The plate was found to be suitable for screening tests. The sensitivity of the MUG-plate was determined by means of fluorimetric method. With the present method, beta-glucuronidase activities were demonstrated in some well-known beta-glucuronidae-producing microorganisms as well as in Bacteroides and Corynebacterium spp.
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology*; D002474:Cell-Free System; D003374:Coumarins / Q000378:metabolism; D005470:Fluorometry; D005965:Glucuronates / Q000378:metabolism; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D008722:Methods; D013045:Species Specificity; D014812:Vitamin K; D014815:Vitamins
chemical_list: D003374:Coumarins; D005965:Glucuronates; D014815:Vitamins; D014812:Vitamin K; D000362:Agar; D005966:Glucuronidase