Lactulose production from milk concentration permeate using calcium carbonate-based catalysts

Milk concentration permeate (MCP), a low-value by-product of ultrafiltration plants and calcium carbonate-based catalysts were used for lactulose production. The results obtained show the effectiveness of oyster shell powder and limestone for lactose isomerisation as a replacement for egg shell powder. With the reaction conditions of 12 mg/ml catalyst loading, reflux time of 120 min at 96 degrees C, a maximum yield of 18-21% lactulose was achievable at a cost of <50% of original lactose degradation (measured by HPLC). De-proteination of MCP by acidification prior to isomerisation helped lactulose formation in the earlier stages, but did not significantly increase the yield. The resulting lactulose MCP (40 degrees B) incorporated at the rate of 3-4% was effective in enhancing the growth rate and acid production of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) in probiotic products. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.