Galactose Colorimetric Detection Kit (2 Plate)

Assay Principle: 

The DetectX® Galactose Colorimetric Detection Kit quantitatively measures galactose levels in serum, plasma, buffers, and tissue culture media. This detection kit features a streamlined assay process with a run time of 30 minutes. For accurate measurements, users should read the complete kit insert before conducting the assay. The kit includes a Galactose Standard for establishing a standard curve.

Protocol Summary:

• Add standards or diluted samples to the provided transparent microtiter plate.
• Introduce HRP, Substrate, and Galactose Oxidase solutions to each well, ensuring thorough mixing.
• Incubate the mixture at room temperature for 30 minutes. The color-generating reaction occurs when galactose oxidase reacts with galactose to produce hydrogen peroxide, leading to a pink-colored product.
• After incubation, use a plate reader to detect the signal at 560nm. Calculate galactose concentration using the intensity data and the standard curve.

Background:

Galactose, a hexose sugar distinct from glucose due to the configuration of its hydroxyl group, is an integral part of various foods, including dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. As a mixture of α-D-galactose and β-D-galactose, humans absorb this monosaccharide through Na+/glucose co-transporters SGLT1 and SGLT2 in the proximal jejunum and renal epithelium.

In cellular metabolism, β-D-galactose is converted to galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P), subsequently reacting with UDP-glucose to form UDP-galactose and glucose-1-phosphate. This process is part of the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism, essential for preventing the accumulation of galactose in the body.

The DetectX® Galactose Colorimetric Detection Kit is a critical component in understanding galactose metabolism and identifying metabolic disorders like galactosemia. Galactosemia arises from an enzyme deficiency in the Leloir pathway or excessive galactose intake. Accurate monitoring of galactose levels is also vital in many dietary studies, clinical diagnostics, and for research into metabolic diseases. The kit’s sensitivity and ease of use make it a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians alike.