Optimization of Bioreactors Performances in the Production of Fructose from Inulin with Immobilised Inulinase

Fructose is a monosaccharide present in most fruits, honey and in some vegetables, such as onion and chicory As a sweetener, fructose is 1.5 times sweeter than sucrose and it is the sweetest among natural sugars; in sweetening operations lower quantities of fructose can be used instead of sucrose. In this paper a study of enzymatic production of fructose from inulin by immobilized inulinase hydrolysis is presented. A kinetic study of the reaction both for the native and the immobilized enzyme has been carried out. Reaction kinetics and enzyme deactivation rates predictions were coupled in a comprehensive model able to predict reaction performances in a batch and in a continuous bioreactor.