| Cat# | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kit-0089 | Amylase Assay Kit | Inquiry |
| Kit-0090 | Malt Amylase Assay Kit | Inquiry |
Amylase is a group of proteins that serves as a critical enzyme in our bodies. This enzyme acts as a catalyst in the process of breaking down starches into sugars, which can then be used by the body for energy. Amylase is most often referenced for its integral function in digestion, specifically, the conversion of complex carbohydrates to simple sugars. However, it also plays a critical role in several other biological facets, ranging from the process of germination in plants to the brewing of beer.
So what is the biological activity of amylase? Much like other enzymes, amylase enhances the rate of biochemical reactions, in this case, the digestion of starches. Starch molecules are long chains of glucose that are energetically rich but are too large to be absorbed by the human gut in their complex form. Amylase breaks these large molecules down into manageable units, disassembling the chain of glucose units to produce simpler sugars. Amylase acts in the mouth and stomach of mammals whereby it catalyses the hydrolysis of starch into simpler compounds like maltose and dextrin. Amylase is therefore responsible for the sweet taste you get when you chew starchy foods such as bread or potatoes.
There are several methods to detect the activity of amylase and they are mainly based on two principles: measuring the ability of amylase to hydrolyze starch and measuring the production of glucose in this reaction. The Iodine test is a simple and reliable method for detecting the activity of amylase. In this method, a solution of iodine is mixed with a sample containing starch. Before the reaction, the iodine interacts with starch to form a complex that has a blue-black color. However, when amylase is added to this mixture and incubates for a period, the starch is eventually broken down, thereby resulting in a color change. The reaction can be monitored by comparing the disappearance of the blue-black color which signifies decomplexation of starch and iodine with time. The faster the blue color disappears, the higher is the activity of amylase.
Another method for detecting amylase activity is based on the use of glucose test strips. Here, the activity is determined by measuring the concentration of glucose released during the amylase-mediated hydrolysis of starch. The glucose test strips react with glucose to produce a color change. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the amount of glucose present, therefore indicating the activity of the amylase in the sample.
For the convenience of researchers and medical professionals, several commercial amylase activity/detection kits are available, which streamline the process of detection. Some notable kits include the Amylase Activity Colorimetric/Fluorometric Assay Kit, the Amylase Assay Kit, and the Amylase Activity Assay Kit. These kits are straightforward to use and often entail the same principles as the traditional methods for the detection of amylase activity, but with optimized and pre-prepared solutions for robust and reproducible measurements.
Overall, amylase stands as a critical player in the biological theater, facilitating the conversion of complex carbohydrates to simple sugars. Through the use of simple testing methods and commercially available kits, the activity of this crucial enzyme can be swiftly and accurately detected, enhancing our understanding of various biological processes and human health conditions.
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