Cells of suspension culture Citrullus vulgaris cv. "Samara" were permeabilized by Tween 80 and immobilized by glutaraldehyde. The highest a-galactosidase activity was at pH 5.4 and 60°C. The hydrolysis of substrate was linear for 3.5 h reaching 65-70% conversion of the substrate. The cells characterized with high enzyme activity, and stability in long-term storage showed convenient physico-mechanical properties (physical protection from shear forces and easy separation of product from biocatalysts).