A colorimetric assay of pancreatic lipase: rapid detection of lipase and colipase separated by gel filtration.

A rapid assay for pancreatic lipase (E.C., glycerol-ester hydrolase 3.1.1.3) is described. The assay is based on the color change of a pH indicator as butyric acid is released from the substrate tributyrin. A mixture made with tributyrin and the water soluble components of the assay is ideally suited for use as a rapid test as, for example, when assaying chromatography fractions. Quantitative data can be obtained by measuring the disappearance of absorbance at 557 nm versus a blank reaction. The assay has been used in the rapid preparation of colipase-free lipase and colipase.