56] Continuous production of high-fructose syrup by cross-linked cell homogenates containing glucose isomerase

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the continuous production of high-fructose syrup by cross-linked cell homogenates containing glucose isomerase. Glucose isomerase is an intracellular enzyme, which is produced in large quantities only under carefully controlled conditions. To achieve good production economy, precise regulation of very large fermenters must therefore be possible. It is also necessary that the immobilization technique is inexpensive and that the specific volume activity is as high as possible. Furthermore, the engineering aspects of the isomerization process, for example, pressure drop and heat transfer in large reactors, need special attention before the industrial production of high fructose syrups is feasible. The process described is currently in operation in pilot plant scale and the results are so promising that industrial reactors of more than 10 m 3 capacity are expected to be on stream within a year. The immobilization technique and the chemistry of the enzyme-catalyzed isomerization are described. Finally an outline of the process layout is given.