Phytase Activity Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Phytase belongs to the phosphatase enzyme family that hydrolyzes phytic acid, an indigestible form of phosphorous to inositol and free inorganic phosphorous. Phytic acid is often referred to as an anti-nutrient because it binds to minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium in the digestive tract and reduces its absorption thereby leading to bone loss and toxic build-up. Phytase is produced by bacteria in the gut of ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep etc. making it possible for them to use the phytic acid found in grains, plant tissues as a source of phosphorus. However, animals such as dogs, pigs do not produce phytase and thus, their feed is supplemented with phytase. Phytase can reduce the anti-nutritional effect of phytate and improve the digestibility of phosphorous, calcium, amino acids, carbohydrates etc. Phytases can also be used as a human supplement to boost bone health and reduce osteoporosis. BioVision’s Phytase Activity Assay Kit provides a facile, rapid way to monitor phytase activity in various biological samples. In this kit, phytase cleaves the phytic acid substrate and releases phosphate, which is then used to release glucose from a disaccharide. In subsequent reactions, glucose reacts with the probe and the developer to generate a fluorescent product measured at Ex/Em = 535/587 nm. The assay is simple, sensitive, and can detect as low as 1 μU of phytase activity under assay conditions.