COMPATIBLE SOLUTE ECTOINE AS WELL AS DERIVATIVES THEREOF FOR ENZYME STABILIZATION

The present invention is concerned with means and methods for maintaining and preserving enzymatic activity. In particular, the invention relates to a dry composition comprising a dehydrogenase, a redox cofactor, an agent capable of eliciting at least one optical change in an optical property of an indicator reagent in the presence of redox equivalents, an indicator reagent, and at least one compatible solute being ectoine or a derivative thereof. The invention further contemplates a diagnostic test element for the determination of an analyte from a body fluid sample and a method for the manufacture of such a test element. Further envisaged by the present invention is the use of at least one compatible solute as mentioned above for reducing a decrease of the enzymatic activity of at least one enzyme in a composition under dry conditions. Furthermore, contemplated is a method for determining the presence or amount analyte in a body fluid sample based on the test element according to the invention.