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Bacteria and Enzymes for Production of Alternan Fragments
Patent Number: 5888776
Docket Number: 13698
Serial Number: 9098886
Date Patented: 03/30/1999
Agency:
Agricultural Research Service
Date Filed:
June 17, 1998
Abstract:
The invention involves a new enzyme, alternanase, which can be used to make
thin compositions or fractions of the carbohydrate alternan. Alternan, which is
made from cane or beet sugar, can be used as a bulking agent or as a partial
substitute for gum arabic. The enzyme discovered in the invention essentially cut
alternan molecules into fragments that can be used to thin alternan and develop
compositions with reduced viscosity and increased solubility, enhancing
alternan’s functional properties for use as bulking agents and extenders in foods
and cosmetics. The invention also involves a way to isolate alternanase-
producing bacteria from soil such as those from the Bacillus family. It is
envisioned in the invention that commercial formulations of alternanase can be
prepared directly from liquid culture medium.
Inventors:
Greg Cote | Herbert L. Wyckoff |
Biopolymer Research | (Same address as first inventor) |
Peoria, Illinois 61614 |
(309) 681-6319 | |
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Peter Biely | |
(Same address as first inventor) |
Industry Keywords:
biotechnology, bacteria, enzymes, polysaccharide, alternan, cosmetics, bulking
agents, gum arabic, extenders, sugar, viscosity
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