Current trends of ß-galactosidase research and application

Beta-galactosidase (ß-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23), has tremendous potential in research and application in various fields like food, bioremediation, biosensor, diagnosis and treatment of disorders. The sources of the betagalactosidase are microorganisms, plants and animals. Microbial beta-galactosidase is of much interest because of their thermostability, thermoacidophilic and thermoresistant properties. Whey, a by-product of cheese industry possess a challenge in terms of down-stream processing and has been utilised for ethanol, exopolysaccharide and single cell protein production by employing microbial beta-galactosidases. Transglycosylation and transgalactosylation properties of microbial beta-galactosidases have been utilized for production of glucose, galactose, heteropolysaccharide, galactooligosaccharides. Beta-galactosidase has wide range of medical and industrial applications. Immobilization of betagalactosidase improves its stability and reusage. Single molecule analysis of beta-galactosidase of Escherichia coli give insights into its kinetic properties. Thus, research and development processes in beta-galactosidase have significant applications.