Production of xylo-oligosaccharides from corn cobs using a xylanase-rich cocktail produced by Fusarium sp. E.A1.3.1 in free and alginate-immobilized forms, and in vitro fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lyofast LRB and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LMG P-21021L

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) have garnered attention due to their prebiotic properties and associated health benefits. However, the challenge of high production costs persists in industrial-scale manufacturing. This study aimed to optimize xylan extraction parameters from purple pericarp corn cobs and to produce XOS using a xylanase-rich cocktail from Fusarium sp. E.A1.3.1 (EnCoF). Its performance was compared to that of a commercial xylanase, both in free (CoXyA) and immobilized forms on alginate beads. Optimal conditions were determined as 2 M NaOH at 60 °C, achieving a desirability index of 89.9 %, validated by mathematical modeling. Xylans extracted under these conditions were devoid of monomeric carbohydrates (xylose or glucose). Soluble CoXyA yielded higher XOS quantities compared to EnCoF. Conversely, immobilized EnCoF exhibited superior XOS yields over CoXyA. Soluble enzymes demonstrated enhanced substrate accessibility, thereby facilitating efficient XOS production. Meanwhile, EnCoF immobilized on alginate beads exhibited robust stability for reuse, retaining approximately 70 % activity across 10 cycles. In vitro fermentation assays indicated that XOS derived from NaOH-pretreated substrate served as a carbon source for L. rhamnosus Lyofast LRB and L. plantarum LMG P-21021L, yielding results similar to commercial fructo-oligosaccharides. In conclusion, the production of XOS from corn cobs utilizing Fusarium sp. E.A1.3.1 represents a promising strategy to mitigate production costs, suitable for incorporation into symbiotic foods with probiotics.