Introduction
Crude acid phosphatase from wheat germ can be isolated by gentle aqueous extraction of pulped wheat germ to provide an enzyme-rich and vitamin-rich liquor, containing amongst other things Vit E, Vit B1 (thiamine), Vit B6 (pyridoxine), Vit B2 (riboflavin) and Vit B3 (niacin). This is generally spray dried at low temperatures and the dried product (fine powder) is sold as wheat germ extract.
The enzyme acid phosphatase is ubiquitous in nature and wheat germ provides a convenient source. It is a non-specific esterase utilising a variety of phosphate esters. It exists in three isoforms (I, II and Ill), each having pH optima ...
