Membrane supported enzymatic synthesis of galactosyl-oligosaccharides

In the enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose, the enzyme b-galactosidase transfers a galactose moiety to an acceptor containing a hydroxyl group. If this acceptor is a water molecule, galactose is liberated (hydrolysis). When a sugar moiety acts as the acceptor, galactosyl-oligosac-charides (GOS) are formed .

Our results show that membrane supported enzyme used in continuous bioreactors may perform well in the production of GOS from lactose (Fig. 2a). Different oligosaccharide yields were obtained depending on the enzymes source, the substrate concentration, salt concentration, temperature, pH, degree of lactose conversion and the actual bioreactor used. In this presentation, the am ount and nature of the products formed in the continuous membrane bioreactors used and the factors that affect them shall be discussed. Furthermore, the development of a membrane reactor system for a process with thermostable enzymes shall also be presented.