Cicer α-galactosidase immobilization onto chitosan and Amberlite MB-150: optimization, characterization, and its applications

Cicer α-galactosidase was immobilized onto chitosan and Amberlite with immobilization efficiency of 62% and 51%, respectively. Compared to soluble enzyme, immobilized enzyme had a broader operational pH range and thermal stability. Temperature optimum for chitosan immobilized enzyme and Amberlite immobilized enzyme was 70 °C, whereas it was 50 °C for soluble enzyme. After 120 days storage at 4 °C chitosan immobilized enzyme retained 54% activity and Amberlite immobilized enzyme showed 32% activity. After using the immobilized enzymes 12 times, chitosan immobilized enzyme showed 52% activity, while Amberlite immobilized enzyme retained 22% activity with pNPGal. The immobilized enzyme exhibited higher Km compared to the soluble enzyme. Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are mainly responsible for flatulence on taking of soybean derived food products. Immobilized enzyme can be used effectively for the hydrolysis of RFOs. After five runs, chitosan and Amberlite immobilized enzyme retained 53% and 34% activity, respectively with soybean RFOs. The easy availability of enzyme source, ease of its immobilization on matrices, non-toxicity and low cost of matrices, increased stability of immobilized enzyme, and effective hydrolysis of RFOs makes it a suitable product with potential applications at industries.

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► Cicer α-galactosidase was immobilized onto low cost matrices chitosan and Amberlite MB-150.
► The thermal stability, storage stability, and reusability of Cicer α-galactosidase are largely improved after immobilization.
► Immobilized Cicer α-galactosidase can be used for improving nutritional value of soy based foods.