Enzyme Activity Measurement for Pectinesterase

With years of exploration, Creative Enzymes has become a globally recognized leader in the development of enzyme assays. Our aim is to lower the cost of customized activity quantitation and improve the quality of test results. Ultimately, this sets us apart from other service companies. Creative Enzymes is capable of providing the accurate activity assay for esterases such as pectinesterase. The reliable test is based on years of experiences on enzyme testing and method optimization.

Pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11; pectin pectylhydrolase; PME), which belongs to class 8 (CE8) of the carbohydrate esterases, is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the methylester moieties on pectin molecules, resulting in the release of methanol and partially de-esterified pectin. Pectinesterase is a ubiquitous enzyme which is not only widely distributed in the plant kingdom, but also in fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. In many plants, multiple isoforms of pectinesterase are found. As pectin is one of the main components of plant cell walls, pectinesterase thus affects both the integrity and rigidity of plant tissues. Pectinesterase has been widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Owing to its enzymatic activity, pectinesterase serves as a critical role in increasing the hardness of fruit and reducing the turbidity of juices. It can also be used in the preparation of low-methoxyl pectin. Moreover, pectinesterase also participates in the production of the free carboxyl groups which, in the presence of calcium ions naturally taking place in the juices, and thus causes pectin precipitation as calcium pectate. These multiple applications of pectinesterase have made it a useful enzyme in the fruit juice industry. Besides, pectinesterase also acts as an allergenic marker for the sensitization to Russian thistle (Salsola kali). Therefore, pectinesterase is attracting ever-increasing interests for its multiple and pivotal functions.

Herein, Creative Enzymes is proud to offer the most precise enzyme assay for pectinesterase. The activity of pectinesterase can be determined using the spectrophotometric assay, which is considered to be the reliable and cost-effective method for activity quantification. Under the catalysis of pectinesterase, methanol released from pectin is oxidized with alcohol oxidase to form hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde. Hydrogen peroxide is then quantitated with peroxidase and analyzed spectrophotometrically. The results of our test are assured by the most advanced instrument and the state-of-the-art technology. Creative Enzymes is committed to being the most reliable provider for enzyme activity assays in the global market. Our passion for high-quality services is only surpassed by our great reputation in the marketplace.

Figure: The crystal structure of pectinesterase from Dickeya dadantii.
PDB: 2NTB