Encapsulation system for protection of probiotics during processing
US10561161B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23V2400/51
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Comestible products, for example beverage products, are disclosed containing encapsulated probiotic bacteria having resistance to subjection to at least thermal and acidic conditions. Beverage products include at least one aqueous liquid and capsules comprising a gelled mixture of alginate and denatured protein, and probiotic bacteria entrapped within the gelled mixture. The average particle size of the capsules is optionally less than 1000 microns (μm) in diameter, such as less than 500 μm in diameter. Methods are provided for making such encapsulated probiotics by providing a mixture comprising sodium alginate, denatured protein and active probiotic cells, and combining the mixture with a divalent cation to initiate cold gelation of the sodium alginate and denatured protein to form a second mixture. The second mixture is passed through an opening having a diameter of less than 1000 μm to form capsules. The weight ratio of protein to alginate is from 1:1 to 9:1.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.