Search

In this work, we studied the development of a biocomposite formulated with alginate and gelatin, crosslinked with genipin for application as support for β-galactosidase immobilization. Also, the biocomposites with the immobilized enzyme were characterized by thermal analyses and SAXS (size, density, and interconnectivity of alginate rods) for a detailed analysis of the microstructure, as well as the thermal and operational stabilities of the enzyme. The structural modifications of the biocomposite determined by SAXS demonstrate that the addition of both genipin and enzyme produced a significant reduction in size and density of the Ca(II)-alginate rods. Immobilized β-galactosidase could be stored for 175 days under refrigeration maintaining 80% of its initial activity. Moreover, 90% of its relative activity was kept after 11 reuses in a batch process of lactose hydrolysis. Thus, the biocomposite proved to be effective as support for enzyme immobilization.

A new support for the immobilization of β- d -galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis was developed, consisting of mesoporous silica/titania with a chitosan coating. This support presents a high available surface area and adequate pore size for optimizing the immobilization efficiency of the enzyme and, furthermore, maintaining its activity. The obtained supported biocatalyst was applied in enzyme hydrolytic activity tests with o-NPG, showing high activity 1223 Ug−1, excellent efficiency (74%), and activity recovery (54%). Tests of lactose hydrolysis in a continuous flow reactor showed that during 14 days operation, the biocatalyst maintained full enzymatic activity. In a batch system, after 15 cycles, it retained approximately 90% of its initial catalytic activity and attained full conversion of the lactose 100% (±12%). Additionally, with the use of the mesoporous silica/titania support, the biocatalyst presented no deformation and fragmentation, in both systems, demonstrating high operational stability and appropriate properties for applications in food manufacturing.