Dye-labelled substrates for the assay and detection of chitinase and lysozyme activity

Abstract

A carboxymethyl-substituted soluble chitin and a reprecipitated colloidal chitin derivative were covalently linked with Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R. Both conjugates are new dye-labelled substrates suitable for the assay and detection of chitinase and lysozyme activity. A reliable colorimetric microassay adapted to microtitre plates was established, based on the precipitability of carboxymethyl-chitin-Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R from buffered solutions with hydrochloric acid. Furthermore, sensitive plate-clearing assays were developed for the isolation and detection of chitinolytic microbial populations, and for the screening of pure cultures.