Optimal Production of β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus fermentum for the Synthesis of Prebiotic Galactooligosaccharides (Gos)

The enzyme β-galactosidase (β-gal) has extensively used for improvement of lactose intolerance condition. Present study, was designed to assess the potential of β-gal enzyme produced by Lactobacillus fermentum, a kefir isolate, as a biocatalyst for the manufacture of prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. The efficiency of L. fermentum to produce β-gal of 4,254 u/ml was determined by permeabilizing the cells with solvents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and chloroform. Different parameters contributing β-gal production including reaction time, temperature, pH, carbohydrates, and substrate concentration on L. fermentum were studied and optimum β-gal activity was found to be 6,232.13 u/ml. It was observed that different experimental parameters for pH (7.0), temperature (35°C), and carbohydrates (galactose) were statistically significant (p