Lipase and Phospholipase Activity Methods for Marine Organisms

Lipases are very important enzymes having a role in fat digestion and lipid metabolism in marine animals, plants, and microorganisms. The methods for measuring lipase and phospholipase activity have been applied in several studies; however, considering that lipases are water-soluble molecules and their substrates are generally water-insoluble molecules, several steps are required for measuring their digestion products. After a general review of the main type of methods used in marine lipase studies, and experimental procedures, a proposal of new or improved methods is described in order to facilitate the lipase activity measurements in marine organisms.