Enhanced maltotetraose purity in industrial production by a sustainable bio-physical process

Abstract

Maltotetraose (G4) consists of four glucose units linked by an α-1,4-glycosidic bond. This compound demonstrates remarkable versatility in food processing and exhibits specific physiological functions, suggesting promising applications in the medical, chemical, and food sectors. However, due to the closely related physical and chemical properties of maltotriose (G3), G4, and maltopentose (G5), achieving high-purity G4 has been challenging, resulting in a staggering price of US$438.88 per gram. In this study, a novel and efficient bio-physical method was developed to produce high-purity G4. Initially, multi-enzymatic hydrolysis yielded G4 at a 65.83% purity. Subsequent processes involving yeast fermentation and SMB separation further enhanced the purity to an impressive 93.15%. Notably, this pioneering method represents the successful separation of G3, G4, and G5 to exclusively obtain high-purity G4 from maltooligosaccharides, surpassing previous purity achievements. Every facet of this bio-physical method underwent meticulous design and optimization, ensuring a production process that is environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient. To validate its practicality, pilot-scale production tests were conducted. The cost analysis indicates that producing high-purity G4 through this method amounts to only US$0.013 per gram, representing that the actual selling price of G4 was 33,760 times the production cost under this process.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China,(No. 32272263)

Science and Technology Support Program of Jiangsu Province,(BE2022323)

Collaborative Innovationcenter of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province,(2022-2-3)