Enzyme Testing

Enzymes are becoming increasingly common, beneficial additives to animal feeds and human dietary supplements, aiding in the digestion and utilization of nutrients. Of particular interest are the major pancreatic enzymes (amylases, lipases, and proteases), which aid in the digestion of starches, lipids, and proteins, respectively, as well as phytase, which improves the availability of phosphorus present in plant materials and other ingredients, and other enzymes catalyzing the breakdown of oligosaccharides present in foods and causing digestive problems.

Since enzymes are relatively sensitive to environmental conditions, including interactions with other ingredients, as well as manufacturing processes, it is important to verify the actual enzyme activity in the final product, rather than relying on the formulated concentration. It is also a special characteristic of enzymes that their optimal working conditions such as pH, temperature and substrate vary depending on the source and type of enzyme. It is therefore very important when tracking the activity of an enzyme and comparing the observed activity to the expected activity that the appropriate analytical method is used. In most cases, in order to enable a laboratory to perform the appropriate assay, the laboratory must be provided with information about the type and source of the enzyme.

Eurofins Scientific offers the following enzyme assays:

• Amylase and protease measurements using the USP methods
• Commercial phytase using methods publicized by AOAC, DSM or other manufacturers. These assays can be conducted on enzyme concentrates, premixes or finished feeds.