Enzymatic Production of Levan-Based, Prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides

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This patent discloses a novel method for producing levan-based, prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) by utilizing genetically modified microorganisms. Specifically, it uses engineered host organisms to express two key enzymes—levansucrase and endolevanase—which efficiently convert sucrose into levan and then into short-chain fructooligosaccharides with prebiotic properties. The process aims to overcome challenges in traditional levan/FOS purifications and achieve high yields of dietary fibers suitable for food supplements and prebiotics.

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

• Production of prebiotic dietary fiber ingredients for incorporation into functional foods and beverages.
• Manufacture of prebiotic supplements for human and animal health to support gut microbiota.
• Addition of FOS to infant formulas and baby foods to promote healthy digestion in infants.
• Use in animal feed to improve digestive health and nutrient absorption in livestock and pets.
• Industrial-scale production of FOS for pharmaceutical applications, such as gut health and immune function modulation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables efficient, scalable enzymatic production of short-chain, levan-based fructooligosaccharides from inexpensive sucrose substrate.
• Provides high-purity prebiotic FOS with proven health benefits, such as stimulating beneficial gut bacteria and generating health-promoting short-chain fatty acids.
• The method avoids labor-intensive traditional purification processes associated with high-molecular-weight levan, simplifying downstream processing.
• Allows use of genetically engineered production hosts with optimized enzyme activity, leading to faster conversion rates and higher yields.
• The resulting FOS are classified as dietary fiber and can be used in a broad range of food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical products to improve human and animal health.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparing (levan-based) fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using at least one (genetically modified) host organism. Through the production of a levansucrase and an endolevanase in the host organism, the enzymes can be used to convert the substrate sucrose into FOS. Additionally, the invention is directed to fructooligosaccharides obtainable by the method according to the invention; a specific expression vector, a specific genetically modified host organism, and a specific cell extract or culture supernatant, which are usable for the production of FOS; and a prebiotic or food supplement comprising or consisting of the FOS. Finally, the invention relates to a method for preparing levan using a levansucrase.