Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I'm doing the Sucrose & Glucose & Fructose, Oh My! Uncovering Hidden Sugar in Your Food.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

I'm having trouble finding invertase in Sydney. Is there a store in Sydney or an alternative to using invertase? I can't order online because delivery will take too long. My project is due next week so it would be helpful if you could answer soon!

Hi,

Invertase is used in many food manufacturing processes to convert sucrose to fructose and glucose. To find a local source of the enzyme you can call:

1. Candy makers - invertase is used in making the liquid centers in some candies

2. Vitamin and supplement stores - some enzyme preparations contain invertase

3. Universities - a food or agricultural sciences lab might have invertase and could give you some

4. Food manufacturers - some processes might use invertase

In reading about invertase i learned that the enzyme can be purified from baker's yeast (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... 9000,d.eXY). You could try that as a last resort if you can't find invertase anywhere else. You could inactivate the yeast by heating it to 60C for 15 minutes then release the enzyme by adding a bit of detergent. I don't know if this yeast enzyme will actually convert sucrose to glucose but I think it would make an interesting addition to your project. Scientists often are faced with having to create a work-around for something they don't have.

Let us know what you decide to do and how it comes out, ok?

Good luck!

Sybee