Production of High Fructose Syrup (HFS) with immobilized glucose isomerase

We have published an article in collaboration with University of Sfax (Tunisia) and University of Sciences and Technology of Houari Boumediene (Algeria). The glucose isomerase (GICA) from Caldicoprobacter algeriensis was immobilized by ionic adsorption on polymethacrylate carriers. The Sepabeads EC-HA yielded the highest recovery of activity (89%). The adsorbed enzyme displayed higher relative activity at acidic pH, greater thermostability, and better storage stability, compared to the free form. Moreover, the immobilized enzyme showed an excellent operational stability, in 15 successive 3h reaction cycles at 85°C under a batch reactor, preserving 83% of its initial activity. Interestingly, a continuous process for High Fructose Syrup (HFS) production was established with the adsorbed GICA using a packed bed reactor during eleven days at 70°C. HPAEC-PAD analysis showed a maximum bioconversion rate of 49% after 48h of operation.

Reference: "Immobilization of the glucose isomerase from Caldicoprobacter algeriensis on Sepabeads EC-HA and its efficient application in continuous High Fructose Syrup production using packed bed reactor". S. Neifar, F.V. Cervantes, H. BenHlima, A. Bouanane-Darenfed, A.O. Ballesteros, F.J. Plou, S. Bejar. . Food Chemistry (2019), doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125710

Conference in Universidad de Vigo Symposium

Francisco J. Plou delivered a conference on "Enzymatic biotransformations of carbohydrates into bioactive compounds" during the one-day symposium "Xornada Enzimas: Ciencia e Tecnoloxía 2019” held in Orense (University of Vigo). Several speakers from the academic and industrial areas explained the current possibilities of using enzymes in the food sector.