Estimation of Lysozyme in Certain Biologic Materials

Abstract

A method of lysozyme assay, based on the ability of lysozyme to clear a standard suspension of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, is descr. Extracts of certain biologic materials after Seitz filtration and treatment with alumina to remove color and bacteria, are added to a standard suspension of M. lysodeikticus followed by incubation for 1 hr. at 37[degree]C. The results are read on a Junior Coleman Spectrophotometer at 5400[degree]A. A table indicates calculation of units of lysozyme/g. of moist stool or biologic material from the dilution of extract used. A procedure for collecting a 24-hr. sample of feces and other biologic materials is descr. The method allows for a rapid, accurate, and reliable estimation of lysozyme activity in a large number of samples. Data are given to show the reproducibility of results using this method in the analysis of various standard solns. and certain biologic extracts.