Microorganisms for the production of microbial beta- galactosidase, microbial beta- galactosidase, method for production thereof and application thereof

摘要

A beta-galactosidase product which in regard to enzyme chemical and immunological properties is or is substantially identical to the beta- galactosidase which is produced by fermentation of the microorganism NRRL B-11,229, is produced by means of a microorganism belonging to the taxonomic group which is represented by the type culture NRRL B-11,229. The microorganism NRRL B-11,229 itself seems to be related to Bacillus stearothermophilus. The beta-galactosidase has a molecular weight of the order of 116,000 determined by gel electrophoresis. It has a high thermostability and a low inhibition from lactose or hydrolysis products originating from lactose. The beta-galactosidase product - if desired as an immobilized preparation - may be used for hydrolysis of a lactose containing liquid, for example whey, in order to form a syrup containing glucose and galactose and a minor amount of lactose. The hydrolysis may be performed continuously or batchwise.