Beta-Galactosidase: Properties, Structure and Functions

β-galactosidase is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of the lactose β-1,4 linkage into α-D-glucose and β-D-galactose. β-galactosidase is found in plants, animals and microorganisms. In Beta-Galactosidase: Properties, Structure and Functions, the authors discuss the main microorganisms that produce β-galactosidase, the characteristics of the culture media, bioprocessing parameters, the most relevant downstream steps used in the recovery of microbial β-galactosidase, as well as the main immobilisation techniques. Next, this compilation examines β-galactosidases classification, mechanisms, characterization and applications. Recent advances in galacto-oligosaccharides production and purification are also covered, and different challenges and future perspectives are discussed. In the closing study, strains with β-Galactosidase activity were isolated from 25 Yak Yoghourt samples collected from the Gannan pasturing area of Gansu Province. An efficient β-galactosidase producing strain SYA2 screened out from 21 strains was identified as Enterobacter sp. by means of morphological feature observation, physiological and biochemical characteristics measurement, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. See more