A Biotest Based on an Acetylcholinesterase Tissue Preparation Immobilized on Paper.

A sensitive biotest for determining acetylcholinesterase inhibitors has been developed on the basis of a paper matrix and an electric eel ( Electrophorus electricus) tissue preparation with high enzymatic activity. Photometric detection at λ = 480 nm based on the ferricyanide reaction (resulting in the formation of copper ferricyanide) was used. The biotest allows the determination of carbamate inhibitors (eserine and neostigmine) and sanguinarine (an isoquinoline alkaloid) at levels of 10−6 to 10−5 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]