Lipase Enzyme Activity - UV Vis Spectrophotometry

This spectroscopy application note shows the enzyme activity of lipase using the UV5Bio spectrophotometer and CuveT thermostating unit from METTLER TOLEDO. For more information, please proceed to download below.

What are lipases? 

Lipases are important enzymes that catalyse the cleaving of fats (lipids). Most lipases cleave triglycerides into mono- and diglycerides. Lipases play not only an important role in the metabolism of living organisms, but also in many industrial applications such as yogurt and cheese fermentation, laundry detergents and even biofuel production.

How is lipase activity measured spectrophotometrically? 

Here, lipase activity is measured by the cleavage of the substrate 1,2-di-o-lauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid 6-methylresorufin ester (DGGR). The reaction releases a dicarbonic acid ester, which is spontaneously hydrolysed under slightly acid conditions to glutaric acid and resorufin. The blue color of resorufin can be detected by measuring the absorbance at a single wavelength. The rate of resorufin generation is directly proportional to the enzymatic activity. As lipases are temperature dependent, a cuvette holder thermostated at 40°C was used for the reaction. For full equipment, sample preparation, method and results information, please download the application note below.