α-Amylase (α-AL) Activity Assay Kit (DNS, Micro Method)

Description

The α-Amylase (α-AL) Activity Assay Kit from Aladdin Scientific Corporation (G1501772) provides reagents for the quantitative, colorimetric determination of α-amylase enzyme activity in various biological samples. This 96-test kit utilizes a microplate-adapted 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. The assay principle relies on the enzyme's catalysis of starch hydrolysis to produce reducing sugars, which then reduce DNS to form a colored product measurable at 540 nm. A key feature is the thermal inactivation step (70°C for 15 minutes) that selectively eliminates β-amylase activity, allowing for the specific measurement of the heat-stable α-amylase. The kit includes DNS reagent, a starch substrate, and a glucose standard for curve generation, with a reported detection range of 0.0156 to 1 mg/mL for reducing sugar and a sensitivity of 0.0078 mg/mL. It is designed for use with samples such as saliva, animal tissues, and plant tissues (e.g., seeds or seedlings). The procedure involves sample preparation, a standard curve setup, a defined incubation and reaction sequence, and subsequent calculation of enzyme activity expressed per gram of tissue, per mg of protein, or per liter of liquid sample. Users must supply standard laboratory equipment including a microplate reader or spectrophotometer, a water bath, and a centrifuge.