Application of a Sodium Carbonate-Bicarbonate Buffer in the Phosphatase Test for Cheese

Abstract

A sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer solution containing 11.50 g. sodium carbonate and 10.15 g. sodium bicarbonate per liter of solution has been found to be highly effective in maintaining optimum pH for phosphatase activity in the trichloracetic acid Kay-Graham 24-hour phosphatase test for cheese. Optimum pH for phosphatase activity was maintained with the single sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer upon the addition of a great variety of dairy products, including very aged hard cheeses. The optimum pH for phosphatase activity during incubation for 24 hours at 35° C. with a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer substrate was 9.55 ± 0.15. © 1949, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.