Biotechnological Applications in Food Technology

β-Galactosidases produced by microorganisms are being utilized in food technology for hydrolysis of lactose in milk and milk by-products. The catalyst has gained much consideration in perspective of lactose intolerance in human population and because of significance of milk in human eating routine. β-Galactosidases hydrolyse β-galactopyranosides, that is, lactose, and shape a scope of transductiongalactosylation items or galactooligosaccharides (GOS) fit for giving a few medical advantages as prebiotics.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a potential source of food grade enzymes and other metabolites. Lactic acid bacteria producing extracellular cell bound β-galactosidase have been isolated and enzyme production was carried out using modified MRS medium incorporating lactose as enzyme inducer.