Feed ingredients supplier, AB Vista, has launched two new assays for a cost-effective and convenient testing of xylanase enzyme in the company's Econase XT product, which is used in animal feeds.
The new assays overcome the problems of conventional laboratory-based methodologies, such as the inability to differentiate between the target xylanase and other enzymes in the feed. The assays also ensure quick and accurate results and can be carried out without the need for complex equipment or specialised staff.
The new AB Vista enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA) employs a specific monoclonal antibody to capture the active form of Econase XT, the presence and level of which is then quantified using a secondary, colour-based reaction. The ELISA measures only active enzyme, ignoring other xylanase enzymes present in the sample, whether they are endogenous or added.
Two versions of the assays are available.
The QuickStix lateral-flow kit is a qualitative assay for rapid detection of commercial levels of active Econase XT. It can detect enzyme presence in individual feed pellets and is able to produce results within five minutes following the production of the feed.
The QuantiPlate micro-titre well kit allows accurate quantification of enzyme activity over a range normally found in commercial feeds. Easy to use, it is capable of producing accurate results within three hours.
