Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which include oligogalactosyl lactose and transgalactooligosaccharides, are critical prebiotics for promoting intestinal health, especially by encouraging the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria.
Prebiotics are a substrate selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit. Criteria for defining prebiotics are gradually evolving. GOS are non-digestible carbohydrates composed of 3 to 10 or more galactose molecules and a terminal glucose molecule.
How can galactooligosaccharides be used to improve intestinal health in nutraceutical products?
The human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem within the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Prebiotics, non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms, have emerged as a key modulator of this complex microbial community.
There are several types of prebiotics, including fructans, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols, which have an impact on the composition of the gut microbiota.What benefits can galactooligosaccharides offer in the formulation of dairy products and infant foods?
GOS are often used in milk-based products and infant formulas to mimic the effects of breast milk oligosaccharides because they are physiologically similar to breast milk.
The benefits of GOS include selective stimulation of beneficial microorganisms, reduced production of toxic substances, improved immune response, increased mineral absorption, and reduced severity of obesity and diabetes.
Beyond its nutritional value, GOS is crucial in dietary supplements intended for infants and the elderly, supporting intestinal health and overall well-being.
In medical contexts, lactulose, a derivative of GOS, is used to treat conditions such as hyperammonemia and portosystemic encephalopathy.
Importantly, GOS supplementation in infants has been linked to lower risks of allergic conditions such as eczema, underscoring its potential in allergy prevention.What industrial processes are used for the production of galactooligosaccharides?
GOS are produced through the catalysis of glycoside hydrolases, typically with lactose as a substrate, leading to a mixture of GOS with different levels of polymerization. Various microbial glycoside hydrolases have been used for their manufacture. Several biotechnological technologies, such as immobilizing or recombinant enzymes, have improved production.
Biotechnological innovations have been crucial in this area, particularly for the environmentally friendly production of high-value compounds. One notable approach involves the conversion of lignocellulosic agricultural wastes into oligosaccharides, either through microbial fermentation or enzymatic hydrolysis using microorganisms or enzymes. Furthermore, the fields of probiotics and prebiotics merge environmental and social studies.How can galactooligosaccharides improve the texture and stability of food products?
Categorized into the raffinose and melibiose families based on their specific bonds, GOS offers versatile applications due to its unique attributes. Its moisture-retaining capacity and ability to depress the freezing point make it a valuable additive for the food industry, helping to preserve freshness and texture. Additionally, GOS acts as a sweetener with approximately 30-60% of the sweetness of sucrose, making it suitable for a variety of foods, feeds, and pharmaceuticals.
Industrial processes for the production of galactooligosaccharides
Predominantly extracted from cow and soy milk, GOS appears prominently in human milk during the early stages of lactation.
Galactooligosaccharides comprise a glucose molecule linked to a series of galactose units, usually two to ten in number. These units can form alpha or beta configurations, depending on the type of bond between the galactose and glucose molecules. Alpha GOS, with a terminal sucrose moiety, is prevalent in human and bovine milk, as well as in seeds and legumes, while beta GOS is derived from lactose.
Innovative approaches have been explored for the continuous production of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), focusing on improving process efficiency and scalability.
One notable method involves immobilization of galactosidase enzymes on various substrates, coupled with nanofiltration fractionation using cellulose acetate membranes. These techniques not only improve GOS production efficiency, but also present viable options for scaling up the manufacturing process.
Specifically, the use of chitosan as a substrate to immobilize galactosidase has been shown to significantly increase GOS yield. This makes the production process more economical and efficient compared to conventional methods.
Furthermore, whole cell transformation techniques employing Kluyveromyces marxianus, followed by enrichment with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, proved effective in improving both GOS purity and yield.
The multifunctionality of galactooligosaccharides, spanning food quality enhancement, health benefits, and medical uses, underscores their importance in food industries. In response, the industry is focusing on more efficient and sustainable methods for oligosaccharide production. All in line with consumer demand.
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