Visual Reading Method for Detection of Bacterial Tannase
R. Osawa1 AND T. P. Walsh2
1 Veterinary Service and Research, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane, Queensland 4069
2 Centre for Molecular Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Queensland University of Technology, Garden Point Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4001
ABSTRACT
Tannase activity of bacteria capable of degrading tannin-protein complexes was determined by a newly developed visual reading method. The method is based on two phenomena: (i) the ability of tannase to hydrolyze methyl gallate to release free gallic acid and (ii) the green to brown coloration of gallic acid after prolonged exposure to oxygen in an alkaline condition. The method has been successfuly used to detect the presence of tannase in the cultures of bacteria capable of degrading tannin-protein complexes.