Microbial Transglutaminase Estimation in Enzyme‐treated Surimi‐Based Products by Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay

ABSTRACT An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific determination of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) has been developed using its polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. In the assay we calibrated sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)‐denatured MTGase for standard, and the detection limit of the SDS‐denatured MTGase was 0.1 μg/mL. When products were extracted with SDS and 2‐mercaptoethanol, which assured optimum protein recovery, the assay covered the expected levels for determination of MTGase in surimi‐based products. In model kamaboko products, recoveries were 50–71%. When the procedures were applied to commercial products, 0.01–0.18% (w/w) of MTGase were found in the products.