Measurement of hemicellulase activities: Part I Xylanases

Abstract

The Commission on Biotechnology, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry at its meeting held on August 20-21, 1983 at Lyngby, Denmark decided to prepare a document incorporating recommendations on hemicellulase assay procedures and their evaluation. The decision was taken in light of the recently concluded global effort on preparation of a document on "Measurement of Cellulase Activities" which contains recommended cellulase assay procedures and their evaluation under process conditions. The cellulase document has since been adopted by the commision and published in February 1987 issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry. We are aware that hemicellulases have been studied and characterized to a much lesser extent than cellulases. Further, hemicellulases are much more complex as they represent an array of enzymes such as xylanases, mannanases, arabinases (both endo and exo kinds) and their corresponding glycosidases. The first step taken by us was to compile the information available on assay procedures being followed at varous laboratories, which were contacted for this purpose. Those which responded are included in this report. Since most of them reported on xylanase assay procedures in response to our enquires, we propose to take up this assignment for xylanases only in the first phase. This is in view of the fact that xylanases are the most studied enzymes amongst hemicellulases. Other enzymes such as mannanases etc. may be taken up after completion of the first phase. The Commission may decide on the conduction of standard xylanase assays by those interested to participate on the basis of standard substrates, enzymes and methodologies as had been followed for cellulase assays.