Recuperação e purificação de β-galactosidase de Kluyveromyces lactis utilizando cromatografia de modo misto

Abstract

The most important lactases, as far as biotechnological interest is concerned, are those produced by Kluyveromyces yeasts, which are intracellular and currently obtained mostly by submerged-state fermentation. This technique, just as the mainstream biotechnological processes, involves a need for protein and peptide purification from a variety of sources. In this context, one of the most promising notable techniques that can be highlighted is Mixed Mode Chromatography, which allows simultaneous ionic and hydrophobic interactions between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. Thus, the aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of recovery and purification of a Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidase, produced via fermentation process, by employing Mixed Mode Chromatography. Unit operations, such as protein precipitation and dialysis were also performed in order to concentrate the enzyme of interest and eliminate cell debris and other interferences inherent in the fermentation medium, something that would result in a decrease in the process yield. The production showed satisfactory results, with mean values for total enzyme concentration of 0.45 mg/mL, enzymatic activity of 77 U/mL and specific activity of 167,9 U/mg. The Purification Factor obtained was 1.17. A precipitation step, followed by a dialysis process, was performed and the later chromatographic run carried out in fixed bed with this material yielded recovery values of 41.0 and 48.2% of total protein and activity, respectively. SDS-PAGE Electrophoresis confirmed the purification evolution throughout the unit operations employed, confirming the viability of the employment of the techniques used to obtain an enzyme of considerable degree of purity and possessing high-added value.