Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

α-amylase from human saliva has been used to test α-amylase inhibitors using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). It also has been used to study the digestibility of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO).

Biochem/physiol Actions

α-amylase catalyses the hydrolysis of α-1,4 glycosidic linkage in oligosaccharides. It plays a crucial role in the initial digestion of starch, glycogen and polysaccharides. Elevated levels of amylase in serum is linked to acute pancreatitis.

General description

α-amylase is the main secretory protein constituent of saliva. It contains 496 amino acids and has two isoforms, glycosylated and non-glycosylated. α-amylase gene is located on human chromosome 1p21.1. α-amylase is mainly produced in pancreas and saliva.

We are committed to bringing you Greener Alternative Products, which adhere to one or more of The 12 Principles of Greener Chemistry. This product has been enhanced for energy efficiency and waste prevention when used in starch ethanol research. For more information see the article in biofiles.

Other Notes

View more information on enzymes for complex carbohydrate analysis at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer

Packaging

100, 500, 2500 units in glass bottle

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing (NH₄)₂SO₄ and sodium citrate

Preparation Note

Chromatographically purified

Unit Definition

One unit will liberate 1.0 mg of maltose from starch in 3 min at pH 6.9 at 20 °C.