Detection and determination of lipase (acylglycerol hydrolase) activity from various sources

Methods for the detection and determination of lipases (acylglycerol hydrolases) and preparation of assays are reviewed including substrates, conditions and screening. Some newer methods for the determination of lipase activity are discussed. Several of these are: (a) titrimetry, (b) colorimetry of Cu soaps of free fatty acids (FFA), (c) colorimetry of chromophores in the acyl chain of FFA or in glycerol, (d) radioassay, (e) gas liquid chromatography, (f) enzymatic treatment of FFA and measurement of the resulting products, and (g) direct immunological determination of the lipase. Examples and sensitivities are given and advantages and disadvantages are described.