Production of HPMC-films for lactase administration.

The present work aimed to develop and characterize HPMC-films (HFs) based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) with the addition of lactase for later application in the reduction of lactose in whole milk. The HFs were produced by the casting technique, with the addition of 1, 3, 5 and 7 g of lactase per 100 g of filmogenic solution. All the formulations presented a high capacity of film formation, but the thickness and time of disintegration increased according to the added lactase concentration. Regardless of the formulation developed, HFs in whole milk, a reduction in the lactose content (~ 80%) occurred, classifying the product as zero lactose. Thus, the HPMC-films with the addition of lactase can be considered as a good alternative for solubilization in foods which have a high concentration of lactose.