▣ FPA Total cellulase is a family of glycosidases that hydrolyse crystalline cellulose into soluble sugar molecules. Within this family there are a variety of enzyme subtypes with differing substrate specificities that must work together to bring about complete cellulose hydrolysis. They are found in structures called cellulosomes.

This protocol is based on the International Union of pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) procedure. Basically, this measures the ability of the cellulose to hydrolyze both crystalline and amorphous regions of cellolose. Therefore, it is generally believed that FPase assay is the best mesure of the activities of both endo- and exo- type in a cellulase with a strip of filter paper (Whatman #1, 50 mg, 1 X 6 cm) for 1 hour reaction at the given temperature.

Ref.

Decker et al. 2003. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 105-108: 689-703