A micro-method for the quantitative estimation of rennets and other proteolytic enzymes

Abstract

SummaryAn agar diffusion slide assay using a thin layer of calcium caseinate has been developed as a micro-method for the quantitative study of calf rennet and other proteolytic enzymes. The number and width of the precipitation zones formed as a result of proteolytic activity depended upon the enzyme used, the concentration of calcium ion, pH and temperature. The assay was highly reproducible and particularly suitable for the measurement of large numbers of samples. It was considerably more sensitive than the milk clotting technique and, in general, more sensitive than other standard methods for measuring proteolytic activity.