beta-Galactosidase immobilization for milk lactose hydrolysis: a simple experimental and modelling study of batch and continuous reactors.
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.
Obón
JM
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia, P.O. Box 4021, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
Castellar
MR
Iborra
JL
Manjón
A