Agricultural Research Service

Issued:

August 4, 1998

Abstract:

The invention involves microorganism strains that convert sugar to nonfattening food ingredients either enzymatically or through fermentation. These strains of the bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides produce alternan, a carbohydrate polymer, which has potential commercial applications as a low-viscosity bulking agent, a food extender, and in cosmetics. In contrast, previously known bacterial strains that produce alternan also produce high amounts of the polysaccharide dextran which must be separated through difficult and costly procedures. A rapid screening technique is described, which ensures that only the alternan-producing bacterial strains with low levels of dextran are selected.

Inventors:

Timothy D. Leathers Biopolymer Research, NCAUR Peoria, Illinois 61604 (309) 681-6592 / fax: (309) 685-4135	Gregory L. Cote Biopolymer Research, NCAUR Peoria, Illinois 61604 (309) 681-6592/ fax: (309) 685-4135
G. Thomas G. Hayman (former ARS)

Industry Keywords:

microorganisms, dextran, alternan, sucrose, fermentation, cosmetics, polysaccharide, nucleic acids, genes, DNA/RNA, food additive

^*Divisional of parent patent.