Response Surface Methodology To Optimize β‐Galactosidase Immobilization Using a Combination of Hydrocolloids as the Supporting Matrix

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the composition of a mixture of hydrocolloids (low‐viscosity sodium alginate, high‐viscosity sodium alginate, and κ‐carrageenan) used in the immobilization of β‐galactosidase for application in the hydrolysis of lactose. A five levels, a three‐factor design was adopted. The activity and stability of the immobilized enzyme and the strength of the supporting matrix were optimized by using a mathematical model applied in the range of process conditions. Requirements for multifactor response surface designs were satisfied, and the correlation coefficient, R 2 , was larger than 0.850, ensuring a good adjustment of the model to the experimental values. Best results were obtained for values of 1.00% low‐viscosity sodium alginate, 1.40−1.60% high‐viscosity sodium alginate, 0.10−0.30% κ‐carrageenan, and 10−12% enzyme.