METHOD OF PREPARING GALACTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES

摘要

A method of preparing a mixture of galactooligosaccharides having the formula: Gal-(Gal)n-Glc wherein Gal represents a galactose residue, Glc represents a glucose residue, and n represents an integer from 1 and 4, and monosaccharides. The method includes the steps of treating a lactose solution with microorganisms containing .beta.-galactosidase or isolated .beta.-galactosidase wherein said .beta.-galactosidase has galactosyl transfer reaction activity. A portion of the glucose prepared by the .beta.-galactosidase treatment is converted into fructose by the addition of glucose isomerase to the lactose solution being treated, or by adding glucose isomerase after completion of the treatment. A monosaccharides sweetener then can be prepared by separating the monosaccharides from the resulting mixture.