Production of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides from lactose using beta-galactosidases from Lactobacillus reuteri.

The beta-galactosidases (beta-Gals) of Lactobacillus reuteri L103 and L461 proved to be suitable biocatalysts for the production of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. Maximum GOS yields were 38% when using an initial lactose concentration of 205 g/L and at approximately 80% lactose conversion. The product mixtures were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Disaccharides other than lactose and trisaccharides made up the vast majority of GOS formed. The main products were identified as beta-d-Galp-(1-->6)-d-Glc (allolactose), beta-d-Galp-(1-->6)-d-Gal, beta-d-Galp-(1-->3)-d-Gal, beta-d-Galp-(1-->6)-Lac, and beta-d-Galp-(1-->3)-Lac. There were no major products with beta1-->4 linkages formed. Both intermolecular and intramolecular transgalactosylation were observed. d-Galactose proved to be a very efficient galactosyl acceptor; thus, a relatively large amount of galactobioses was formed. Monosaccharides could be conveniently separated from the mixture by chromatography using a strong cation-exchange resin.