Cold-Active ?-Galactosidases: Insight into Cold Adaption Mechanisms and Biotechnological Exploitation.

ABSTRACT: ?-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) catalyze the hydrolysis of ?-galactosidic bonds in oligosaccharides and, under certain conditions, transfer a sugar moiety from a glycosyl donor to an acceptor. Cold-active ?-galactosidases are identified in microorganisms endemic to permanently low-temperature environments. While mesophilic ?-galactosidases are broadly studied and employed for biotechnological purposes, the cold-active enzymes are still scarcely explored, although they may prove very useful in biotechnological processes at low temperature. This review covers several issues related to cold-active ?-galactosidases, including their classification, structure and molecular mechanisms of cold adaptation. Moreover, their applications are discussed, focusing on the production of lactose-free dairy products as well as on the valorization of cheese whey and the synthesis of glycosyl building blocks for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

SUBMITTER: Mangiagalli M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7832830 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature