RAPID DETECTION OF SULFHYDRYL COMPOUNDS USING A PAPAIN BASED ASSAY

摘要

The invention relates to a method for detecting compounds containing a free sulfhydryl group in a sample and a test device which is used to detect such compounds. The method and test device use a papain-based assay where the papain is initially complexed with a metal ion making it inactive. Sulfydryl compounds in a sample activate the papain. Enzymatic activity of papain on a papain substrate releases a dye producing a detectable signal. The test device may be used in detecting compounds containing a free sulfhydryl group in industrial, environmental, experimental and biological samples.