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New β-galactosidase producers with potential for prebiotic synthesis
Sara C Silvério1, Eugénia A Macedo2, José A Teixeira1
1CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Bioresource Technology
|November 22, 2017
Summary
This study identified new fungal sources of beta-galactosidase enzymes. These enzymes efficiently produce prebiotics like galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) simultaneously.
Area of Science:
- Enzymology
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Beta-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are enzymes with significant potential in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
- Prebiotics, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), are beneficial for gut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen for novel fungal sources of beta-galactosidase.
- To characterize the enzymatic properties and prebiotic synthesis capabilities of identified fungal beta-galactosidases.
- To investigate the simultaneous production of GOS and FOS using crude enzymatic extracts.
Main Methods:
- A screening of 50 fungal strains was performed using chromogenic agar plate assays.
- Promising strains were cultured under submerged fermentation for enzyme production.
- Enzyme characterization included optimal pH and temperature determination.
- Prebiotic synthesis (lactulose, GOS, FOS) was assessed using enzymatic extracts.
Main Results:
- Fifty fungal strains were screened, identifying effective beta-galactosidase producers.
- Optimal conditions for the enzymes were determined to be pH 3.0-5.5 and temperatures of 45-65°C.
- Maximal yields for lactulose and GOS were 3.3% and 20%, respectively.
- Crude extracts with dual activity simultaneously produced GOS (2-15% yield) and FOS (4-30% yield).
Conclusions:
- Novel fungal sources of beta-galactosidase were identified.
- The characterized enzymes are capable of producing valuable prebiotics.
- This study reports the first instance of simultaneous GOS and FOS synthesis using crude extracts with dual enzymatic activity, highlighting their potential for industrial applications.
