Detection of l-alanylaminopeptidase activity in microorganisms using chromogenic self-immolative enzyme substrates.

Three potential chromogenic enzymatic probes, each possessing a self-immolative spacer unit, were synthesised for the purpose of detecting l-alanylaminopeptidase activity in microorganisms. An Alizarin-based probe was the most effective, allowing several species to generate strongly coloured colonies in the presence of metal ions.