Permeabilization of yeast cells (Kluyveromyces fragilis) to lactose by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

Whole cells of lactose-fermenting K. fragilis had very low beta-galactosidase activity. Treating these cells with a cationic detergent, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (0.1%), at 4 degree C for 5 min increased enzyme activity 480-fold. Detergent-treated cells readily hydrolysed lactose in milk and sweet whey; glucose produced was not metabolized further. Detergent-permeabilized cells could be used, e.g. to produce low lactose milk, or in utilization of whey. [From En summ.]