Process for continuous production of galacto-oligosaccharides

Continuous preparation of a concentrated fraction of galacto-oligosaccharides by reaction of lactose with a beta-galactosidase followed by ultrafiltration and fractionation using a cation exchange resin. Continuous production of a concentrated fraction of galacto-oligosaccharides from lactose by :- a) filling a reactor with a bath containing a lactose solution and beta-galactosidase-type enzymes to produce, by enzymatic reaction, homosaccharides (glucose Glu and galactose Gal) and oligo-saccharides , including galacto-oligosaccharides ; b) continuously supplying the reactor with a given flow rate of fresh lactose ; c) continuous circulation of the reaction bath at a given flow rate in an ultrafiltration membrane unit, effecting a permeate containing a lactose residue, homosaccharides and oligo-saccharides, and a residual bath containing enzymes and mainly lactose ; d) continuous transfer of the residual bath to the reactor ; e) continuous passage of the permeate to one or more simulated mobile beds (SMB) containing strongly cationic ion exchange resins effecting the separation of three fractions : - a primary fraction containing mainly lactose ; - a secondary fraction containing mainly galacto-oligosaccharides ; and - a tertiary fraction containing mainly homosaccharides ; f) continuous transfer of primary fraction to the reactor ; g) independent collection of the other fractions. An Independent claim is also included for the concentrated galacto-oligosaccharide fractions obtained.