title: beta-Galactosidase immobilization for milk lactose hydrolysis: a simple experimental and modelling study of batch and continuous reactors.
abstract: The experiment described in this paper introduces students to the practical use of an enzyme (beta-galactosidase, or lactase) acting on a natural substrate. The enzyme is immobilized onto a cheap support, and the immobilized derivative is used in a packed-bed reactor for continuous milk lactose hydrolysis. The results are compared to those obtained for discontinuous batch reactors with soluble enzyme. A mathematical model of the two types of reactors is run, and its results are compared with the experimental data obtained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia, P.O. Box 4021, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Obón
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Castellar
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Iborra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manjón