Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
14:53
Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
11.8K
Optimized Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates For Lactose Conversion in Whey
María Luciana Dellamea1, Joshua George Scott1, Julie Melissa Goddard1
1Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Journal of Food Science
|November 8, 2025
Summary
This study developed reusable enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) to convert lactose from dairy byproduct whey permeate into a glucose, galactose, and fructose sweetener blend. This offers a sustainable method for valorizing dairy waste.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis
- Enzyme Engineering
- Dairy Technology
Background:
- Whey permeate, a lactose-rich dairy co-product, is underutilized.
- Free enzymes for lactose conversion lack stability and reusability for industrial use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize carrier-free cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) for efficient lactose conversion.
- To assess the stability, reusability, and performance of CLEAs in transforming whey permeate.
Main Methods:
- Formation and optimization of β-galactosidase and glucose isomerase CLEAs.
- Characterization of CLEA properties, including density and recyclability.
- Application of CLEAs in a batch process for whey permeate treatment.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed β-galactosidase and glucose isomerase CLEAs with good yields.
- CLEAs demonstrated recyclability with retained activity over seven cycles.
- Complete lactose hydrolysis in 15 min and significant glucose-to-fructose isomerization achieved.
Conclusions:
- CLEAs are efficient and recyclable biocatalysts for lactose upcycling.
- This approach enables sustainable valorization of dairy co-products into valuable sweeteners.
- Optimized CLEAs offer a reusable alternative to free enzymes in industrial applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Hydrolysis
120.8K
Overview
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which the addition of water breaks down a polymer into its simpler monomer units. For example, peptides break into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and DNA into nucleotides. Enzymes often facilitate these processes.
Hydrolysis Reverses Dehydration Synthesis
Complex carbohydrates can be broken down by breaking the bonds between individual sugar units. The reaction breaks a glycosidic bond as water is added to the compound. The...
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which the addition of water breaks down a polymer into its simpler monomer units. For example, peptides break into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and DNA into nucleotides. Enzymes often facilitate these processes.
Hydrolysis Reverses Dehydration Synthesis
Complex carbohydrates can be broken down by breaking the bonds between individual sugar units. The reaction breaks a glycosidic bond as water is added to the compound. The...
120.8K
00:56Crossed Aldol Reaction Using Strong Bases: Directed Aldol Reaction
2.6K
The reaction between two different carbonyl compounds comprising α hydrogen in the presence of a strong base like lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) to form a crossed aldol product is known as a directed aldol reaction. The directed aldol reaction is depicted in Figure 1.
2.6K