THE AUTOMATED KINETIC ASSAY OF SOLANINE

Kinetic assays are characterized by high speed, remarkable precision, low detection limits, small volumes of sample and reagent, and are well-suited for automation. Therefore this method was chosen for the determination of the "solanine"-complex in potato and adapted for the LKB Reaction Rate Analyzer 8600.

Solanine inhibits butyrylcholinesterase EC 3.1.1.8. and acetylcholinesterase EC 3.1.1.7. The activity of cholinesterase is tested by using S-acetylthiocholine iodide as a substrate and made visible by reaction of 5,5'- dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) with the SH group of the splitting product. As an economic source of cholinesterase dried human serum may be taken.

The practical range of assay lies between 0,5 and 10 μg solanine/ml; detection limit is 0,2 μg/ml. To eliminate interfering substances solanine must be partially isolated before determination.