2] Some sensitive methods for the assay of trypsinlike enzymes

Abstract

There is a need for more sensitive assays for proteolytic enzymes as increasing numbers are discovered that are present in minute quantities and have biologically important roles. Among these, serine proteases in particular predominate, since they are essential in blood clotting, clot removal, complement action, and fertilization, to name a few areas of current interest. Most of the individual enzymes have a trypsin-like specificity. This chapter details some of the sensitive methods used for the assay of trypsin-like enzymes. The chapter also discusses active site titration, reagents or fluorimetric enzyme titration and rate assays-like fluorometric esterase assays, plasminogen activator assay, isotopic TsArgOMe assay and fluorometric assay of proteolytic activity.