Electroinduced extraction of beta-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis

A new methodology for the extraction of beta -galactosidase from the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis was obtained by electropulsation. The application of a series of electric pulses (2 ms duration, I Hz frequency, and 4-4.5 kV/cm field strength) to fresh cells suspended in deionized water, followed by in cubation in PBS., led to a spontaneous slow release of enzyme at a yield of 75-80% without any further treatment. Most of the enzyme was extracted wit hin 8 h after electropulsation. This release was dependent on the growth ph ase. The specific activity of beta -galactosidase in the supernatant of pul sed cells was higher by a factor of 1.5-1.7 in comparison with crude extrac t.