1. α-amylase α-amylase is an enzyme we have in our saliva.
by Fulvio Rossi
α-amylase is an enzyme we have in our saliva.
Its function is to break starch
into maltose.

2. How to verify if our saliva contains α-amylase.
Collect a sample of saliva and put
it in contact with a gel which
contains starch.
Then, after waiting for 24 hours, add
some iodine solution which
only colors the starch.
As a result, if there is α-amylase in the
sample, a white stain will form
because the solution can’t color
the maltose.

3. The spherification technique
It’s a culinary technique that allows to
create spheres which enclose liquid.
Sodium alginate, which is a
salt extracted from brown algae, is
used, together with calcium chloride.

4. How to create the spheres.
Pour some syrup, juice or any other
liquid into a beaker and then add
the sodium alginate.
In an other beaker mix some calcium
chloride with some water.
Finally drop some drops of the solution with
the sodium alginate into the solution with
the calcium chloride.
When the two solutions come into contact,
the sodium is replaced by calcium creating
a film which creates the spheres.