Lipase activity assay

Lipase is an essential enzyme in many biological and industrial systems. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, making it a central element in lipid digestion, fermentation, and enzymatic formulation processes.

Lipase activity measurement allows for the quantification of the enzymatic efficacy of an extract or finished product. It is essential for ensuring the quality of enzyme formulations, validating the functional properties of dietary supplements, and monitoring the biological activity of fermented products.

Why analyze lipase activity?

Lipase activity assessment is a requirement in many fields:

• Nutraceuticals: control of enzymatic stability in extracts and supplements;
• Agri-food: monitoring of fermentation or enzymatic rancidity in dairy products, cheeses, oils or derivatives;
• Animal nutrition: formulation of digestive enzymes in animal feed;
• Plants and plant extracts: standardization of natural ingredients for health or technical purposes.

This dosage is also useful for the development of probiotic or fermented products, where enzymatic activity plays a functional or organoleptic role.

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab, lipase enzymatic activity is determined using two main approaches:

• Spectrophotometry: use of chromogenic substrates (e.g., p-nitrophenyl palmitate) which release a colored product measurable by absorbance;
• Titrimetry: determination of fatty acids released by enzymatic hydrolysis using a strong base (e.g., NaOH), according to standardized methods.

These methods allow the activity to be expressed in enzyme units (U/g or U/mg), according to industry standards.

Affected matrices

The lipase activity test is applicable to a wide variety of matrices, including:

• Enzyme powders (isolates or complex enzyme mixtures);
• Dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, functional mixtures);
• Fermented products (cheeses, yogurts, fermented plant-based drinks);
• Plant extracts rich in natural enzymes or derived from biotechnology.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete enzymatic characterization, YesWeLab suggests combining this analysis with other compatible services:

• Amylase activity assay – for starch hydrolysing enzymes
• Protease assay (proteolytic activity) – complementary for enzyme mixtures
• Bromelain assay – a plant enzyme often associated with lipase
• Moisture content measurement – ​​useful for standardizing extracts
• Heavy metal analysis (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) – to ensure regulatory compliance of enzyme extracts

YesWeLab, your partner for enzyme testing

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, formulators, and laboratories in managing their analyses through a digital platform that simplifies ordering, sample tracking, and results retrieval. Thanks to a network of ISO 17025/COFRAC accredited partner laboratories, we guarantee reliable, fast results tailored to your matrices and requirements.

Order your lipase activity analysis

Add this service to your personalized quote or contact our scientific team for dedicated support for your analytical project.