Tween 80 Hydrolysis is a biochemical test for differentiation of saprophytic species of Mycobacteria.
The commonly non-pathogenic, slow growing scotochromogens and non-chromogens produce a lipase that is able to hydrolyse Tween 80 into oleic acid and sorbitol, while the saprophytic species of these groups are unable to hydrolyse Tween 80. Intact Tween 80 binds neutral red indicator to give an amber coloured complex. When Tween 80 is hydrolysed, it can no longer bind with the neutral red indicator. The neutral red indicator assumes its normal configuration at pH 7, which is pink-red in colour.
Reagent:
Tween 80 Hydrolysis kit; is a biochemical test for differentiation of saprophytic species of photochromogens, non-chromogens and scotochromogens. It comprises of:
1. Concentrated mixed Tween 80 Hydrolysis reagent.
The Tween Hydrolysis substrate reagent used in the test can be prepared from concentrated mixed Tween 80 Hydrolysis reagent of the Tween 80 Hydrolysis kit.
