Integrated Biocatalytic Process for Trehalose Production and Separation from Maltose

To develop cost-effective, bio-based, industrial trehalose production from maltose, an integrated bioprocess for the trehalose production and separation from maltose with recombinant trehalose synthase in permeabilized cells is proposed in this study. We have successfully established an efficient production system for recombinant trehalose synthase (TreS) in a 50 L fermentor and suitable processes for separation and purification to achieve comprehensive utilization of the raw material and products. Maltose syrup (30 wt %) was considered as the feedstock and was hydrolyzed into trehalose in one step using an efficient TreS (9,234 U/mL) by whole-cell catalysis, and a trehalose conversion rate of 75% at 30 °C can be reached in the bioreactor system. Industrial process optimization analysis was also employed to improve the technology. Trehalose separation and purification processes based on simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) were performed, and the product was crystallized with 97.6 ± 0.02% purity and 95.9% recovery yield.