Functionalized agarose as an effective and novel matrix for immobilizing Cicer arietinum β-galactosidase and its application in lactose hydrolysis

Abstract

-The present study demonstrates the immobilization of β-galactosidase from Cicer arietinum on a simple and inexpensive matrix, glutaraldehyde functionalized agarose (GFA), to suggest its potential application in hydrolyzing whey lactose in biotechnology industries. The designed matrix provided large surface area for the immobilization of β-galactosidase, apart from exhibiting greater biocatalytic activity in terms of selectivity, loading and stability. GFA retained 83% enzyme activity as a result of immobilization. Soluble and GFA bound Cicer arietinum β-galactosidase showed the same pH and temperature-optima at pH 5.0 and at 50 °C, respectively. However, immobilized enzyme exhibited a greater fraction of activity at both acidic and basic pH, and at higher temperature ranges. GFA bound enzyme lost only 20 % enzyme in the presence of 3% galactose, and retained 70 % activity even after its sixth repeated use. Immobilized enzyme showed pronounced lactose hydrolysis from whey in batch processes at 55 °C as compared to enzyme in solution.

Mechano-chemical and biological energetics of immobilized enzymes onto functionalized polymers and their applications

“…Furthermore, Snow Brand Milk Products in Japan reported the method for hydrolysis of lactose using S. lactis galactosidase entrapped in cellulose triacetate fibers. This plant was able to convert ten tons of milk/per day and cellulose immobilized galactosidase that showed less than 9% of activity even after 50 cycles of reuse [ 120 , 121 ]. Indeed, amylase entrapped in calcium alginate beads was applied for starch hydrolysis.…”

Utility of Functionalized Agarose Nanoparticles in Hydrolyzing Lactose in Batch Reactors for Dairy Industries

“…Hence, several efforts were raised in the recent past to engineer β-galactosidase for removing product inhibition in order to obtain greater yield of lactose-free dairy products. [9][10][11][12] Last decade witnessed the profound impact of heterogeneous catalysis on chemicals and fuels production, environmental protection, remediation, processing of consumer products and development of advanced materials. 13 Improvement in catalytic activity and selectivity holds the key for developing efficient catalytic processes.…”