Imobilização de β-galactosidase de Kluyveromyces lactis em diferentes suportes e protocolos de ativação.

Abstract

β-galactosidase immobilization was studied seeking to add value to cheese whey trough lactose hydrolyze producing galactose and glucose. This work aimed to develop biocatalysts using different organic supports and activation protocols. Firstly, some supports were prepared as chitosan 2.5% (w/v) (with and without pretreatment with dimethylformamide) and 2.0% (w/v), chitosan-alginate-epoxide (QAE), cashew bagasse (BC) and coconut shell fiber (CV), which were activated in different ways with glutaraldehyde, epichlorohydrin or glycidol. Initially, it was determined the immobilization yield, couple yield and apparent activity from obtained catalysts, being chosen six derivatives according to better results parameters: 2.5% chitosan (w/v) glutaraldehyde activated (QUITGLU1), 2.0% chitosan (w/v) KOH coagulated at 50°C glutaraldehyde activated (QUITGLU2) and epichlorohydrin (QUITEPI) or glycidol (QUITGLI), chitosan 2.5% (w/v) dimethylformamide treated with epichlorohydrin (QUIT-DMFEPI) or glycidol (QUIT-DMFGLI). Thus, catalysts (QUITGLU1, QUITGLU2, QUITEPI, QUITGLI) were studied as operational stability by using a continuous reactor, as well as, maximum enzyme loading and effectiveness assays. Then, it was determined QUITGLU2 as the best biocatalyst and following studies were carried out: immobilization time, enzyme optimum temperature and pH, kinetic parameters using lactose as substrate at 37°C, storage at 10°C and operational stability using high load enzyme and cheese whey as substrate. CV and BC supports did not present good results for β-Kluyveromyces lactis galactosidase immobilization, as well as, QAE support. Supports treated with dimethylformamide presented low immobilization yields. The results for QUITGLU2 derivative presented maximum loading of 75 mgProtein.g-1support and higher effectiveness than others. The operational stability for this derivative remained stable, with constant glucose production for 10 h of reaction. Immobilization time of 3h proved enough for the process. The Km and Vmáx values were respectively: free enzyme (46.79 mM and 7,142.86 μmol.(mL.min)-1) and catalyst (69.56 mM and 113.25 μmol.(g.min)-1). During 120 days of storage at 10°C, no decrease derivative hydrolitic activity was noted, demonstrating satisfactory storage stability. Finally, the biocatalyst showed good results as operational stability when used high offered enzyme load (theoretically immobilized load 255.9 mgProtein.g-1chitosan) for cheese whey hydrolysis