NEWS

Stabilization of Probiotic Bacteria

BTL is involved in many funded researched projects and has just started its latest TSB funded research project in the field of probiotic bacteria.

The principle objectives and activities of the project are:

• To optimise the fermentation processes that enable production, recovery and stabilisation of probiotic micro-organisms
• To produce stable freeze-dried probiotic cultures for long term ambient storage and distribution
• To demonstrate the feasibility of replacing petrochemical-derived bile acid stabilizers in the formulations with organic material from renewable sources
• To combine these processes into a commercially viable manufacturing system for high-value food additives and ingredients

The project brings together industrial and academic partners in Microbial Developments Ltd, University of Cambridge, and BTL. The University, led by Professor Nigel Slater, brings specific technology and know how for the effective formulation of orally-available microbial preparations particularly in the field of bile acid stablisiers. Microbial Developments is an innovative biotechnology company with 25 years experience in the manufacture, fermentation and freeze-drying of micro-organisms currently exporting to 47 countries worldwide.

Probiotics are amongst the highest value ingredients in the food industry yet poor stabilisation and formulation frustrate supply chains. The stabilised probiotic formulations developed through this project will be innovative in that they will be the first that will be both stabilised through freeze drying, and formulated to ensure that they can be recovered through re-hydration without neutralisation by the action of bile acids in the gut.

This will enable the benefits of probiotics to be optimally exploited through new and more profitable supply chains, accessing wider market opportunities. The processes developed through the project will also allow more efficient utilization of resources through lower wastage from extended stability and product shelf life.

The project is programmed to finish scheduled to complete in October of this year.

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