Cost-effective GOS production from whey permeate streams
South Dakota State University has developed a cost-effective method to produce galactooligosaccharides (GOS) using whey permeate streams, reducing production costs by eliminating lactose refinement. This innovation enhances GOS accessibility for broader food applications beyond high-value products.
Overview
South Dakota State University presents a breakthrough in the production of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a type of prebiotic associated with various health benefits. Traditionally, GOS is produced from refined lactose, making it costly and limiting its use to high-value products such as infant formulas. This innovative approach utilizes whey permeate streams, a by-product of the cheese industry, to significantly reduce production costs. By leveraging both yeast fermentation and enzyme processes, this method enhances the efficiency and yield of GOS production, offering a sustainable solution for the food industry.
Technical specifications
- Utilizes concentrated cheese whey permeate, which contains 45-60% lactose, as the raw material
- Eliminates the need for costly lactose purification processes such as ultrafiltration and deproteinization
- Employs yeast for fermentation, enhancing the production of β-galactosidases needed for GOS synthesis
- Reduces overall production costs and environmental impact by utilizing industrial by-products
- Aims to achieve high purity and yield of GOS suitable for broader food product applications
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, with laboratory evaluations ongoing to optimize conditions for high purity and yield. Future plans include process improvements for scalability, aiming to bring this sustainable solution to industrial scales.
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large statewide community. Industry engages through a university‑linked research and technology park that colocates tenant companies with faculty labs and pilot‑scale processing suites for de‑risking and demonstration. A statewide extension network and field sites provide real‑world environments for validation and market feedback, while shared‑use core facilities and tailored workforce pipelines connect talent and tools to corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from USDA and NSF, with additional awards from NIH and DOE, alongside state and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP and industry agreements, and incubator space at the research park supports startup formation and scale‑up.
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