Recent advances on physiological functions and biotechnological production of epilactose.

Wanmeng Mu, Qiuxi Li, Chen Fan, Chen Zhou, Bo Jiang

Index: Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 97(5) , 1821-7, (2013)

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Abstract

Epilactose (4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-mannose), an epimer of lactose, is a rare disaccharide existing extremely small quantities in heat-treated milk, in which epilactose is produced by non-enzymatic catalysis from lactose. This disaccharide is a kind of non-digestible carbohydrate, has a good prebiotic effect, and promotes intestinal mineral absorption. This article presents a review of recent studies on epilactose formation in food system, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and its physiological functions. In addition, the biochemical properties and kinetic parameters of the epilactose-producing enzyme, cellobiose 2-epimerase, are compared, and the biotechnological production of epilactose from lactose is reviewed.