Methods of Producing 5-ketofructose

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel and highly efficient method for producing 5-ketofructose (5-KF), a low-calorie sweetener, using acetic acid bacteria such as Gluconobacter oxydans. The bacteria are genetically engineered to express fructose dehydrogenase, enabling them to convert various carbohydrates (including fructose, glucose, sucrose, and starch) into 5-ketofructose. The method can utilize a combination of engineered strains and added enzymes to efficiently process these substrates.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of 5-ketofructose as a natural low-calorie sweetener for use in food and beverage industries.
• Manufacture of sweetener formulations (e.g., powders, liquids, granules) for direct consumer use.
• Preparation of health-oriented food products for people managing obesity, diabetes, or dental health, due to 5-KF’s low metabolizability by gut bacteria.
• Use in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for producing glycohydrolase inhibitors (pyrrolidine aza sugars).
• Industrial-scale bioproduction of 5-ketofructose from a variety of cheap carbohydrate sources, including starch and sucrose, using cost-effective microbial fermentation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a natural, high-intensity sweetener with minimal calorie content and excellent sensory properties (taste) compared to alternatives like Stevia.
• 5-ketofructose is not metabolized by intestinal bacteria, reducing risks of gastrointestinal side-effects and promoting dental health.
• Highly efficient conversion yields (up to 87–90%) allow for cost-effective mass production, lowering overall manufacturing costs.
• The method offers versatility in input carbohydrates, enabling use of various agricultural or industrial sugar streams, including fructose, glucose, sucrose, and starch.
• Genetic modifications in the process reduce unwanted byproducts, improving purity and efficiency compared to existing biotechnological or enzymatic methods.
• The platform can be further adapted to produce other rare sugars or value-added derivatives, expanding its industrial and commercial potential.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing 5-ketofructose using an acetic acid bacterium which is genetically modified to express a fructose dehydrogenase as well as to microorganisms which can be used in said method.