pH 5.7, 4.3 Mm calcium
Reaction times: 7-20 minutes
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0.05% M phosphate buffer pH 5.7, 4.3 Mm calcium Reaction times: 7-20 minutes |
Substrate: 0.46% w/v soluble starch |
| It is easy to measure distance. All you need is a ruler. But measuring the activity of an enzyme is more complex, The yardstick for enzyme performance is called simply a "unit', which is a defined amount of enzyme, In simple terms, a unit can be seen as a measure of speed. The more units, the faster a particular reaction will occur. Industrial enzymes, both liquids and solids, are sold on a weight basis. Each kilogram is sold with a guaranteed activity. |
| The KCU |
| Let's take a closer look at the unit used by Campo Enzymes activitest to define the activity of alpha-amylases - the KCU (Kilo Campo alpha-amylase Unit).
The amount of enzyme that, under standard conditions, breaks down 5.26 grams of starch in one hour.
As the activity of an enzyme varies with temperature and pH, the test conditions have to be precisely defined. In the case of KCU, the activity is determined at 37C (99 F) and pH 5.7.
The biotechnologic alpha-amytase (TAN) is available in two strengths: 240 KCU/g and 480 KCU/g.It follows that compared with TAN 240 L, only half the dose of TAN 480 L is required to achieve the same effect in the same time.That's correct but the confusion comes when comparing TAN to another alpha-amylase such
as Campo-amyl. This alpha-amylase is sold with an activity of 120 KCU/g but this doesnt mean that you need twice as much Campo-amyl 120 L
to achieve the same effect as TAN 240 L. Though on paper TAN has more activity, Campo-amyl a is more pH-stable and the process |
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RELATIVE ACTIVITY %
Substrate: 0.46% w/v soluble starch
0.05 M phosphate buffer
pH 5.7, 4.3 mM calcium
Reaction time: 7-20 minutes
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| It is not enough to check the activity units of an enzyme. The process conditions affect the activity.
For starch liquefaction at higher temperatures, Campo-amyl (orange) performs better than TAN (blue).
Depending on the process conditions, more activity can be obtained from a given enzyme product. By increasing the temperature of the substrate from 40ºC
(1 04ºF) to 90ºC (194ºF), the activity of Campo-amyl increases dramatically. conditions have to be taken into account. The test Procedure is conducted at 37C and gives a misleading result for Campo-amyl ä. By increasing the temperature of the substrate from 37C to 90C (194 F), the activity of Campo-amyl ä increases 4.6 times! |
| Confusion remains !!! |
| Surely there must be simpler methods for measuring enzyme activity? Two international commissions have delved into this problem without reaching a satisfactory solution for the enzyme industry. For example, in the 1960s, the Commission on Enzymes for the International Union of Biochemistry come up
with the following definition.
One unit (U) is defined as that amount which will catalyze, the transformation of one micromole of substrate per minute under defined conditions. This definition was fine in theory but difficult to apply in practice. Instead, there remains a confusing array of special units where the unit for one class of enzymes is completely different from another. Furthermore, the units used by one manufacturer of enzymes cannot usually be compared directly with the units of another. |
| No secrets about units |
| As part of their quality program many customers must analyze the activity of the enzymes they purchase.
Campo Research has methods of analysis for all the enzyme
activities in their product range.These methods are available upon request.Lastly, remember that even a few units can go a long way because a small amount of enzyme can transform a large amount of substrate... under the right conditions.
The following exotic novel ingredients are some of New Fruit Enzymes complexes available for formulations of novel new hair-care, bath-care and liquid soaps range of products. The novel concept is expected to turn the industry in a paradiagm shift to non-irritant and extremely mild |
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