A SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR ISOLATING CASSAVA LEAF LINAMARASE SUITABLE FOR CASSAVA CYANIDE DETERMINATION

A simple method was developed for isolating cassava leaf linamarase. I t involved homogenising the leaves in a buffer containing polyvinylpol ypyrrolidone, followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation, filtration and partial purification of the enzyme by hydrophobic interaction chro matography. All stages of the enzyme preparation were carried out at r oom temperature and it was completed within 90 min. A linamarin-indica tor strip for checking the activity of the enzyme preparation was also developed. This isolation technique which has been developed into a s imple kit should be suitable for laboratories in developing countries where the enzyme is needed to determine the cyanogenic potential of ca ssava and its products.