Characterization of a protease-resistant α-galactosidase from the thermophilic fungus Rhizomucor miehei and its application in removal of raffinose family oligosaccharides

► A novel α-galactosidase gene (RmGal36) was cloned from Rhizomucor miehei. ► The recombinant enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified for characterization. ► RmGal36 exhibited good thermal and pH stability and resistance to proteases. ► The enzyme completely hydrolyzed raffinose and stachyose in 1 h at 50 °C. ► RmGal36 is a potential candidate in the food and feed industries.