Cassava Latex as a Source of Linamarase for Determination of Linamarin

A major constraint in the enzymatic assays for determination of linamarin in cassava is the preparation of purified linamarase. Cassava latex, which exhibits high linamarase activity, was tried as an alternate source of the enzyme. Enzyme yield from latex was compared with that from rind and leaf. Preparations from latex had significantly higher linamarase activity (∼300-fold) compared to leaf and rind. The purification of the enzyme was easier since homogenization of large quantities of tissues could be avoided. A 1 g amount of latex could yield enough enzyme for >3000 assays. Keywords: Cassava; latex; linamarase; linamarin determination