Work

Optimization of kestose production by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae invertase exhibiting selective transfructosylation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kestoses, short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), are valued for their intestinal, immunomodulatory, sweetness, and prebiotic properties compared with longer-chain FOSs. Although invertases are widely used for kestose production, most enzymes generate mixed FOS products. This study investigates a GH32 invertase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScINV), heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, with an emphasis on its product selectivity for kestose production. RESULTS: kestoses after 24 h, corresponding to a yield of 9.0% and a purity of 7.5%. Purification by ligand-exchange chromatography using XA2004-30-Ca resin increased kestose purity to 19.4% with complete recovery, whereas higher-resolution fractionation achieved 100% purity with a reduced recovery of 14.9%. CONCLUSION: ScINV exhibits selective kestose production without formation of higher-degree FOSs. Although partial peak overlap limits single-step recovery, purification using XA2004-30-Ca resin provides a promising basis for scale-up. Coupling this approach with continuous simulated moving bed technology may improve process efficiency and industrial feasibility. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.70503