The operational conditions of β-galactosidase encapsulated in pectin-alginate hydrogel were investigated as well as its catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of lactose from whey and whole milk. β-Galactosidase encapsulated in pectin-alginate hydrogel showed the best results to yields and diffusional effect and pH range. Thermostability showed considerable income gain for half-life (1.7-fold), activation energy of denaturation (31.6-fold), activation of denaturation (217.3-fold at 40 ºC; 266.8-fold at 50 ºC; 345.6-fold at 60 ºC), and entropy of activation of denaturation (-42.0 J mol 1 K-1). Reusability of encapsulated β-galactosidase was observed in 8-cycles for the milk whey lactose hydrolysis (51.9%) and 7-cycles for whole milk (55.6%), and the lactose hydrolysis was observed in 13% in milk whey and 10.3% in whole milk after 10 cycles. These results revealed an industrial application potential of β-galactosidase encapsulated in pectin-alginate hydrogel for lactose hydrolysis of milk whey and whole milk processes.

This paper analyses how buyer companies perceive the value added to products and services offered by their suppliers and identifies the predominant elements that affect purchasing decisions and establishment of relationships between companies in a B2B context. A multiple case study was developed in 12 buyer companies from three industrial segments in southern Brazil: metal-mechanics, furniture and foods. The findings show that for supplier companies in the metal-mechanics industry to add value, they must identify buyers' needs, develop technology/innovation, be focused on competitive aspects, keep control of the supply chain, provide different purchasing channels, develop partnerships, and adapt to cultural aspects. Companies in the food industry consider the model for creating value to adapt to meet customer needs, the effective use of purchasing channels, functionality of products, and technical knowledge. The companies in the furniture industry value the methods that suppliers use to capture and implement required changes, effective control of the supply chain, and the representativeness of the suppliers' brand in the market. This study captures the perception of buyer companies in relation to predominant value-adding elements and could guide decisions for the adoption of managerial actions by supplier companies focused on adding value.