MICROBIAL TRANSGLUTAMINASE ESTIMATION IN ENZYME-TREATED SURIMI-BASED PRODUCTS BY ENZYME IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific determinatio n of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) has been developed using its polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. In the assay we calibrated sodiu m dodecylsulfate (SDS)-denatured MTGase for standard, and the detectio n limit of the SDS-denatured MTGase was 0.1 mu g/mL. When products wer e extracted with SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol, which assured optimum prot ein recovery,the assay covered the expected levels for determination o f MTGase in surimi-based products. In model kamaboko products, recover ies were 50-71%. When the procedures were applied to commercial produc ts, 0.01-0.18% (w/w) of MTGase were found in the products.