A Comparison of Assays on Hydrolytic Activity of Lipase with and without Surfactant

Abstract

Two mwjor methods currently used in Japan for determining lipase hydrolytic activity, i.e., surfactant [poly (vinyl alcohol), PVA] addition and surfactante non-addition, were compare under experimental conditions made the same as much as possible. PVA inhibited the olive oil hydrolytic activity of all three lipases tested (lipases produced by Candida cylindracea, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Rhizopus japonicus). The degree of inhbition depended on the lipase. There was some indication as to which olive oil would be suitable as a substrate and the application limit of each method. Advatages and disadvantages of both methods are comparatively discussed.