Preparation and Characterization of PVA–SA Hydrogel Immobilized β-Galactosidase With Improved Catalytic Properties


Akdoğan D., PEKSEL A.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/bab.70177
  • Dergi Adı: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, INSPEC, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: enzyme immobilization, sodium alginate, β-galactosidase
  • Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study reports the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase in a polyvinyl alcohol–sodium alginate (PVA–SA) hydrogel and its performance compared with the free enzyme. Through immobilization, the optimum temperature shifted from 40°C to 60°C, with the immobilized enzyme retaining high activity and exhibiting improved resistance to heat-induced inactivation. Although maximum catalytic activity was observed at pH 5.0 for both free and immobilized forms, the immobilized enzyme sustained higher stability in near-neutral and slightly alkaline environments. Kinetic analysis revealed that the Km value increased from 0.21 to 0.33 mM, indicating diffusion limitations, whereas the apparent Vmax rose from 0.40 to 1.71 U/mg protein. Storage experiments demonstrated improved stability at 4°C, with about 60% of the initial activity retained after 8 weeks, whereas freezing at −20°C accelerated inactivation. The immobilized enzyme retained more than 80% of its catalytic performance after three consecutive uses and still preserved approximately 65% following the fourth cycle. Lactose hydrolysis experiments confirmed efficient and sustained performance, reaching 78% conversion after 180 min.