A two-phase method to produce gel beads

A method for producing entrapped whole cell biocatalyst is described. The procedure consists of the direct mixing of a gel suspension with an oily phase. Three biopolymers are used: gelatin, agar, and carrageenan using K. fragilis cells containing β-galactosidase activity as a design model. For a given gel type and concentration, the bead’s particle size is a direct function of the agitation rate and the type of impeller, as well as the geometry of the system. Therefore, the particle size distribution is obtained as a function of the impeller’s Reynolds number in order to define a scale-up criteria. The β-galactosidase biocatalyst is characterized considering the effect of particle size and substrate concentration on the effectiveness factor. This method does not require the usual extrusion equipment and, as shown here, is adequate for scaling up.