Improved bioassay method for Spodoptera litura chitinase inhibitors using a colloidal chitin powder with a uniform particle size as substrate

A previously reported bioassay method for Spodoptera litura chitinase inhibitors has been improved by use of colloidal chitin powder with a uniform particle size. This improvement made the assay four times more sensitive. Detection of three active supernatants by screening of supernatants and cell extracts from 135 fermentation broths has proved the efficiency of this improved method.