Encapsulated NOLA™ Fit 5500 Lactase—An Economically Beneficial Way to Obtain Lactose-Free Milk at Low Temperature

Abstract

The current requirements of industrial biocatalysis are related to economically beneficial and environmentally friendly processes. Such a strategy engages low-temperature reactions. The presented approach is essential, especially in food processes, where temperature affects the quality and nutritional value foodstuffs. The subject of the study is the hydrolysis of lactose with the commercial lactase NOLA™ Fit 5500 (NOLA). The complete decomposition of lactose into two monosaccharides gives a sweeter product, recommended for lactose intolerant people and those controlling a product’s caloric content. The hydrolysis reaction was performed at 15 °C, which is related to milk transportation and storage temperature. The enzyme showed activity over the entire range of substrate concentrations (up to 55 g/L lactose). For reusability and easy isolation, the enzyme was encapsulated in a sodium alginate network. Its stability allows carrying out six cycles of the complete hydrolysis of lactose to monosaccharides, lasting from two to four hours. During the study, the kinetic description of native and encapsulated NOLA was conducted. As a result, the model of competitive galactose inhibition and glucose mixed influence (competitive inhibition and activation) was proposed. The capsule size does not influence the reaction rate; thus, the substrate diffusion into capsules can be omitted from the process description. The prepared 4 mm capsules are easy to separate between cycles, e.g., using sieves.