The Structure of Lactose

Lactose is the primary sugar present in the milk of mammals. The amount of lactose in cow milk is around 4.4-5.2%, while the amount of lactose in human milk is approximately 6.5-7.5%. Lactose displays a molecular formula of C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁. It is also a two-sugar unit that is formed by the linkage of d-galactose and d-glucose through a β-1,4 glycosidic bond. Lactose possesses reducibility due to its unbound aldehyde group at the glucose moiety. Lactose possesses an anomeric center at the C1 carbon of the glucose component. This results in the hydroxyl group having the ability to occupy either an equatorial position (β-anomer) or an axial position (α-anomer) relative to the pyranose ring, see Fig.1. In solution, lactose constantly interconverts between its α and β anomeric forms. The rate of mutarotation is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, ionic concentration, and solvent properties.

Fig.1 The chemical structures of the α- and β-lactose. (CD BioGlyco)

Lactose Manufacture Service at CD BioGlyco

CD BioGlyco produces lactose from whey which is a by-product from cheese or casein manufactured by the separation process. The whey permeate undergoes partial demineralization through either calcium precipitation or nanofiltration. Then the permeate is collected in a falling film multiple-effect evaporator. Slow-controlled cooling and gentle mixing are employed to maximize the size of lactose crystals during the crystallization process. The large lactose crystals are isolated in decanter washers. Subsequently, we wash the lactose crystals in a refiner washer with cold water.

To produce higher-purity sugar, we dissolve the lactose crystals again in a solution. Then the solution is treated with activated carbon, which effectively adsorbs various impurities, including riboflavin and peptides. To maximize the production of lactose, we employ a recycling process during the crystallization phase of the concentrated lactose. By carefully reusing the materials, the yield is significantly increased. After crystallization, we dry the crystals using a fluidized bed dryer and then mill them to achieve the desired size. Through our method, we obtain lactose with high quality and high purity for diverse applications.

Fig.2 Process chart for the manufacture of lactose. (CD BioGlyco)

Applications

• Lactose promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and helps reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria, contributing to a healthy intestine.
• Lactose possesses a relatively low solubility that makes it ideal for use in instantiating or enhancing the dispersibility of dry food mixes.
• Lactose plays a key role as a dry powder inhaler in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Lactose is used as a raw material for lactose derivatives such as lactulose, lactobionic acid, lactitol, and galactooligosaccharides.

Advantages of Us

• Our technological process of production involves diverse recycling procedures to minimize waste.
• Our manufacturing technique is committed to maximizing the yield.
• Our lactose products are high-purity.

CD BioGlyco, a supreme company in the field of carbohydrate manufacture, offers exceptional One-Stop Solution for Carbohydrate Manufacture. With a profound expertise in the field of glycobiology, CD BioGlyco specializes in providing a comprehensive range of carbohydrate manufacture services. Our standout feature includes a cutting-edge separation process for high-purity oligosaccharide manufacture that is used to produce lactose. If our services accord with your needs, we encourage you to contact us.

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