Detection of cellulase and xylanase activity in isoelectric-focused gels using agar substrate gels supported on plastic film

Abstract

A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive technique is described for the detection of endoglucanase and endoxylanase in isoelectric-focused gels. Agar substrate gels containing 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose or xylan are prepared on GelBond® plastic film and placed in contact with an electrofocused gel containing the enzymes under study. Hydrolysis zones in substrate gels are visualized by staining with Congo red. As little as 1 ng of enzyme is detected in 5 min using this technique.