Beta-Galactosidase: Properties, Structure and Functions

-galactosidase is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of the lactose -1,4 linkage into a-D-glucose and -D-galactose. -galactosidase is found in plants, animals and microorganisms. In Beta-Galactosidase: Properties, Structure and Functions, the authors discuss the main microorganisms that produce -galactosidase, the characteristics of the culture media, bioprocessing parameters, the most relevant downstream steps used in the recovery of microbial -galactosidase, as well as the main immobilization techniques. Next, this compilation examines -galactosidases classification, mechanisms, characterization and applications. Recent advances in galacto-oligosaccharides production and purification are also covered, and different challenges and future perspectives are discussed. In the closing study, strains with -Galactosidase activity were isolated from 25 Yak Yoghourt samples collected from the Gannan pasturing area of Gansu Province. An efficient -galactosidase producing strain SYA2 screened out from 21 strains was identified as Enterobacter sp. by means of morphological feature observation, physiological and biochemical characteristics measurement, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis.