Repeated-Batch Operation of Immobilized ${\beta}$-Galactosidase Inclusion Bodies-Containing Escherichia coli Cell Reactor for Lactose Hydrolysis

In this study, we investigated the performance of an immobilized ${\beta}$-galactosidase inclusion bodies-containing Escherichia coli cell reactor, where the cells were immobilized in alginate beads, which were then used in repeated-batch operations for the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-${\beta}$-D-galactoside or lactose over the long-term. In particular, in the Tris buffer system, disintegration of the alginate beads was not observed during the operation, which was observed for the phosphate buffer system. The o-nitrophenyl-${\beta}$-D-galactoside hydrolysis was operated successfully up to about 80 h, and the runs were successfully repeated at least eight times. In addition, hydrolysis of lactose was successfully carried out up to 240 h. Using Western blotting analyses, it was verified that the ${\beta}$-galactosidase inclusion bodies were sustained in the alginate beads during the repeated-batch operations. Consequently, we experimentally verified that ${\beta}$-galactosidase inclusion bodies-containing Escherichia coli cells could be used in a repeated-batch reactor as a biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-${\beta}$-D-galactoside or lactose. It is probable that this approach can be applied to enzymatic synthesis reactions for other biotechnology applications, particularly reactions that require long-term and stable operation.