A lactose flow injection analysis biosensor system for monitoring and process control

In this work an enzymatic lactose biosensor composed of the immobilized enzymes E- galactosidase and glucose oxidase was developed. Oxygen consumption during the reaction catalyzed by these enzymes was detected. The biosensor was integrated into an FIA (flow injection analysis) system that allows measurement of lactose on-line in less than three minutes. This biosensor was used to monitor lactose concentration during the production of E-galactosidase by the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus from cheese whey. The sensor showed good stability after four months and after almost 7000 measurements had been performed. The analytical curve was linear in the range of lactose concentration from 1 to 30 g/L. Keywords: lactose, biosensor, flow injection analysis, Kluyveromyces marxianus