New Chromogenic Substrates for Rapid Determination of Collagenase Activity

Abstract Cowhide collagen insolubilized by formaldehyde treatment was grafted with chlorotriazine dyes in order to obtain chromogenic substrates for rapid determination of collagenases. The cross-linking degree and the dyeing procedure were chosen as to permit a maximal sensitivity of the method. Collagenolytic activity was estimated by colorimetric measurement of the coloured soluble split products liberated in supernatant as a result of the enzyme action on the insoluble dyed substrate. Some precision parameters were calculated (cv=6.62%) and proved a satisfactory reproducibility of the method.