β-Galactosidase in immobilized cells of gherkin Cucumis sativus L.

Abstract

Cell suspensions of gherkin (Cucumis sativus L.) were permeabilized by Tween-80, and immobilized by glutaraldehyde. β-Galactosidase showed pH optimum at 4.9 and temperature optimum at 58°C. The enzyme catalysed hydrolysis was linear for 3 h with 60-68% conversion of the substrate. The cells characterized by high β-galactosidase activity and stability on long-term storage showed valuable technological properties.