Optimization of fermentation parameters and enzyme immobilization of alpha-galactosidase isolated from different bacteria

D Galactose galactohydrolase (E.C.3.2.1.22), commonly referred to as galactosidase, catalyzes the hydrolysis of -galactosidic linkages in oligo-saccharide such as raffinose, melibiose, stachyose and verbascose, polysaccharides like galactomannans, and glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins and glycolipids. Ceramide trihexosides, its higher homologues and derivatives are also cleaved by the action of -galactosidase. (Bau et al., 1961; and Fischer et al., 1895), have isolated for the first time, galactosidase from bottom yeast. Because of its action on melibiose it was named as melibiase.