Amylopectin/Amylose/Total starch content Assay Kit

Accurate Quantification of Starch Components in Plant and Food Samples

The Amylopectin/Amylose/Total Starch Content Assay Kit offers a reliable and scientifically validated method for quantitative analysis of starch fractions in cereals, grains, and processed foods. Unlike traditional colorimetric or iodine-binding methods—often affected by cross-reactivity and absorbance interference—this kit uses selective binding with concanavalin A (Con A) and enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis to specifically distinguish amylose from amylopectin, followed by glucose quantification for total starch analysis.

Principle of the Assay

Traditional starch analysis methods rely on iodine-complexation with amylose, which is not entirely specific due to interference from amylopectin. This kit overcomes these limitations by:

1. Selective Binding:
   Concanavalin A (Con A) selectively binds to amylopectin, precipitating it and allowing separation from amylose.
2. Enzymatic Hydrolysis:
   The remaining starch fractions are digested by a starch-specific enzyme complex into glucose.
3. Quantification:
   Glucose is then quantified using a colorimetric method, and the contents of amylose, amylopectin, and total starch are calculated accordingly.

Applications

• Determination of amylose-to-amylopectin ratio in cereal and root crops
• Analysis of starch content in processed foods
• Nutritional profiling and breeding studies in agriculture
• Functional food research and labeling

Key Features

• ✅ High Specificity: Distinguishes amylopectin from amylose using Con A lectin binding.
• ✅ Accurate Quantification: Enzyme-based digestion provides consistent glucose yields.
• ✅ Comprehensive Analysis: Simultaneously determines amylose, amylopectin, and total starch.
• ✅ Research-Grade Reagent Quality: Optimized for reproducibility in plant, food, and biochemical laboratories.

Precautions & Safety

• Concanavalin A (Con A) is hazardous by inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Handle with care using appropriate PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection).
• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a skin and eye irritant; use in a fume hood when possible and avoid direct contact.
• Store reagents at specified temperatures to maintain reagent integrity.

Kit Includes (Typical Contents)

• Concanavalin A (lyophilized or solution)
• Enzyme complex for starch hydrolysis
• Glucose standard solution
• Assay buffer(s)
• Colorimetric detection reagent
• User manual with full protocol and calculation guide

Required Equipment (User Supplied)

• Spectrophotometer or microplate reader (typically at 540 nm)
• Centrifuge
• Water bath or incubator
• Pipettes and tips
• Protective equipment for hazardous reagents