Cicer α-
galactosidase was immobilized onto
chitosan and
Amberlite with immobilization efficiency of 62% and 51%, respectively. Compared to soluble
enzyme, immobilized enzyme had a broader operational pH range and thermal stability. Temperature optimum for
chitosan immobilized enzyme and
Amberlite immobilized enzyme was 70°C, whereas it was 50°C for soluble
enzyme. After 120days storage at 4°C
chitosan immobilized enzyme retained 54% activity and
Amberlite immobilized enzyme showed 32% activity. After using the
immobilized enzymes 12 times,
chitosan immobilized enzyme showed 52% activity, while
Amberlite immobilized enzyme retained 22% activity with pNPGal. The
immobilized enzyme exhibited higher K(m) compared to the soluble
enzyme.
Raffinose family
oligosaccharides (RFOs) are mainly responsible for
flatulence on taking of soybean derived food products.
Immobilized enzyme can be used effectively for the hydrolysis of RFOs. After five runs,
chitosan and
Amberlite immobilized enzyme retained 53% and 34% activity, respectively with soybean RFOs. The easy availability of
enzyme source, ease of its immobilization on matrices, non-toxicity and low cost of matrices, increased stability of
immobilized enzyme, and effective hydrolysis of RFOs makes it a suitable product with potential applications at industries.