Compositions containing glucose and hemicellulose and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to compositions containing glucose and hemicellulose and uses thereof. The composition is a sweetener composition comprising: from 40% to 60% by dry weight of glucose; and from 40% to 60% by dry weight of purified hemicellulose; wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises: from 82 dry weight% to 88 dry weight% of xylan, and wherein the xylan comprises from 70 dry weight% to 99 dry weight% of arabinoxylan; 8% to 9% by dry weight of xylooligosaccharide, and the xylooligosaccharide refers to polysaccharide with 2 to 10 xylose units; 4% to 5% by dry weight of xylose; wherein the glycemic index of the sweetener composition is from 35 to 50, and the sweetener composition is a syrup.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2019 / 031760 and international application date of May 10, 2019 after entering the Chinese national phase. The application number is 201980044378.2 and the invention name is "Compositions containing glucose and hemicellulose and their uses".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 669,684 filed on May 10, 2018. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is incorporated in its entirety into this application. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a composition comprising glucose and hemicellulose and to its use, in particular as a food ingredient or as a sweetener or additive for oral products. Background Art

[0005] Additives and sweeteners are used in the production of food and beverages, and for other ingested articles (such as medicines and supplements). Many sweeteners used to produce such products are derived from natural sources. These natural sugars and their precursors can be selected and combined to give the required performance of a particular product. For example, sugars derived by hydrolysis of corn starch are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to give sweet taste, but can also give food or beverage other features, such as bulk and texture.

[0006] Starch is processed into sugar usually based on enzyme catalyzed reaction, and this reaction can comprise starch hydrolysis into glucose and glucose isomerization into fructose.Through these processes, glucose and fructose (component of sucrose) can be produced from starch.By changing the processing degree under these reactions, syrup with variable viscosity and sweetness and other functional specifications can be produced from starch.Syrup can also be concentrated or crystallized to form dry additive products.The obtained sweetener can be classified in various ways, for example, by measuring dextrose equivalent (DE).Dextrose equivalent (DE) is the measurement of the amount of sugar present in the sugar product reduced relative to dextrose, expressed as dry basis percentage.

[0007] Glucose syrup sweeteners of various DE are commercially available, including 42DE and 63DE syrups. These sweeteners are used for various manufactured products, which rely on the consistent chemical and physical properties provided by the sweeteners, such as sweetness and viscosity. Replacing these sweeteners in commercially produced products may be difficult, because in addition to providing a sweet flavor, these sweeteners can also provide increments, viscosity and other properties to the product. Low DE syrups can be produced by incomplete or partial hydrolysis of starch to provide a mixture of starch and glucose. The degree of hydrolysis can be controlled to produce products with a specific DE for specific applications.

[0008] High potency sweeteners have been the subject of a large amount of research for food and beverage products with reduced calories. Many difficulties have been encountered when developing such products, including health and safety concerns or peculiar tastes (such as metallic flavors or overly sweet flavors). Another obstacle encountered in producing high potency sweeteners is that these products usually have very different characteristics in terms of increment and viscosity compared to sugar compositions with equal sweetness. When attempting to incorporate high potency sweeteners into existing recipes or products, these differences may become a problem because even if the same degree of sweetness is obtained, the texture of the product will also change significantly.

[0009] Prebiotic fiber is the indigestible part of food that passes through the small intestine without being digested and ferments after reaching the colon. The fermentation process allows colonies of beneficial bacteria to enter the digestive tract and may help increase the number of bacteria needed in the digestive system, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases and improve overall health. Fiber syrups from plant sources can be a source of prebiotic fiber. Fiber syrups can include: isomaltooligosaccharides, protected starch, polydextrose, beta-glucan and / or other types of soluble fiber. Fiber syrups may also include naturally occurring sweeteners or added sweeteners. Fiber syrups can be used to provide in large quantities in calorie-reduced products because long-chain fibers are not easily digested and pass through the intestines. Soluble fiber in the diet can improve digestion by drawing water into the intestines. It can also produce a sense of fullness and prevent blood sugar and insulin from soaring, thereby reducing the desire for food and reducing or preventing the intake of inappropriate food or inappropriate food amounts.

[0010] The production of sugars (e.g., glucose) from cellulosic biomass has been the focus of considerable research and development. Many different methods for converting cellulosic biomass into sugars are known in the art. These typically include: a pretreatment step, in which the cellulosic biomass is physically and / or chemically altered to open up the polymeric sugar structures contained in the cellulosic biomass; and an enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis step, in which the polymeric sugars are broken down into monomeric sugars.

[0011] Foods and beverages with a low glycemic index can provide health advantages in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease and / or diabetes. Foods with a low glycemic index can also be used to control appetite and promote weight loss. Foods that contain soluble fiber can help lower total cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of heart disease.

[0012] There is a need for alternative sweetened products or food ingredients that have a lower calorie content and / or a lower glycemic index and yet provide similar bulk and / or viscosity properties at the same sweetness level as sugar or corn syrup.

[0013] There is also a need for alternative sweetened products that include soluble fiber and / or ingredients that can function as prebiotics. Summary of the invention

[0014] It has been found that a sweetener composition can be prepared that includes glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan. It has also been found that these compositions can be prepared in various proportions to provide compositions with varying sweetness and viscosity or bulking properties.

[0015] In one aspect, a sweetener composition is provided, which comprises glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan. In another aspect, glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan are derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In a specific embodiment, glucose is derived from cellulose, and xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan are derived from hemicellulose. In another aspect, a sweetener composition is provided, which comprises glucose and purified hemicellulose.

[0016] In another aspect, the ratios of glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans can be varied to provide compositions of varying sweetness and viscosity or bulk properties. In specific embodiments, these characteristics can be selected to mimic existing commercial sweeteners, for example, those derived from starch.

[0017] In another aspect, a method of preparing a sweetener composition from lignocellulosic biomass is provided, the method comprising:

[0018] Obtain glucose;

[0019] obtaining purified hemicellulose; and

[0020] The glucose is allowed to mix with the purified hemicellulose.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the purified hemicellulose comprises: a mixture of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan. In another embodiment, glucose is derived from cellulose. In another embodiment, glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan are derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In another embodiment, glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan are derived from lignocellulosic biomass from the same source.

[0022] In another embodiment, the ratio of glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan is selected to provide desired properties. Such properties may include sweetness, DE value, viscosity, bulk, dietary fiber, soluble fiber or calories.

[0023] In another aspect, there is provided the use of a sweetener composition as described above for sweetening a food or beverage. In another aspect, the sweetener composition can be added to a food or beverage to provide properties other than sweetness, for example, viscosity, bulk, water retention, etc.

[0024] In another aspect, there is provided use of a sweetener composition as described above as an additive in a pharmaceutical composition or a supplement.

[0025] In another aspect, a food additive comprising purified hemicellulose is provided. In one embodiment, the purified hemicellulose is partially hydrolyzed to provide a mixture of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans.

[0026] In another aspect, use of a food product comprising purified hemicellulose in a food, beverage, medicament or supplement is provided.

[0027] In one aspect, provided herein are sweetener compositions comprising about 5% to 95% by dry weight of glucose and about 5% to about 95% by dry weight of purified hemicellulose.

[0028] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Purified hemicellulose may include: xylose, oligoxylose and xylan. Purified hemicellulose may include: hydrolyzate of xylose, hydrolyzate of oligoxylose or hydrolyzate of xylan. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 30% to about 75% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 40% to about 60% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 45% to about 55% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 30% to about 75% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 40% to about 60% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 45% to about 55% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include xylan of about 20% to about 95% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include xylan of about 30% to about 95% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 50% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 80% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 87% xylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 70% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 60% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 30% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 15% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 9% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 0.1% to about 25% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 0.1% to about 40% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 0.1% to about 10% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 4% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 10% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 5% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 1% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 10% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 5% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 1% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.The purified hemicellulose may contain less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylans, or hydrolysates thereof.The purified hemicellulose may contain less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The purified hemicellulose may contain less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may contain less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may contain less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may contain less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may contain less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. The DE of the sweetener composition may be about 35 to about 75. The DE of the sweetener composition may be about 40 to about 65. The DE of the sweetener composition may be 42, 53 or 63. The DE of the sweetener composition can be about 42. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 53. The DE of the sweetener composition can be about 63. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 35 to about 50. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 40 to about 45. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 42. The sweetener composition can provide about 175 to about 225 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can provide about 180 to about 200 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can provide about 190 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can include soluble fiber. The sweetener composition can include about 20 grams to about 60 grams of soluble fiber / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can include about 35 grams to about 45 grams of soluble fiber / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include about 41 grams of soluble fiber / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include prebiotics. The sweetener composition may provide about 2 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition to about 6 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may provide about 3 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition to about 5 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include about 4 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may be free of insoluble fiber. Glucose acid may be provided at least in the form of dextrose. The sweetener composition may be solid. The sweetener composition may be a syrup. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2500cP to about 3000cP at 120°C. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2700cP to about 2900cP at 120°C. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2800 cP at 120° C. The molecular weight (Mw) of the purified hemicellulose may be less than 4000 Da. The polyphenol content of the purified hemicellulose may be less than about 0.5 dry weight %. The antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose may be less than about 10000 μmol TE / 100 g.The purity of the purified hemicellulose can be at least about 95%. Xylan can contain about 70% to 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. Xylan can contain about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. Xylan can contain about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. Xylan can contain about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0029] In another aspect, provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising about 48% to 53% by dry weight of dextrose, about 41% to about 45% by dry weight of xylan, about 4% to about 5% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 2% to about 2.5% by dry weight of xylose.

[0030] In another aspect, provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising about 50% by dry weight of dextrose, about 43% by dry weight of xylan, about 4% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 2% by dry weight of xylose.

[0031] In another aspect, provided herein are food products comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein.

[0032] In another aspect, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein.

[0033] In another aspect, provided herein are dietary supplements comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein.

[0034] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein in a food product.

[0035] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0036] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein in a dietary supplement.

[0037] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of sweetening a food product, the method comprising adding any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein to the food product.

[0038] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of sweetening a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising adding any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein to the pharmaceutical composition.

[0039] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of sweetening a dietary supplement, the method comprising adding any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein to the dietary supplement.

[0040] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for reducing the calorie content of a food product prepared by a formula, the method comprising: providing a formula including a certain amount of sugar or syrup, and preparing a food product according to the formula, but at least a portion of the sugar or syrup amount is replaced with any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein in an amount of about 50% to about 150% of the amount of the partial sugar or syrup. On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for reducing the glycemic index of a food product prepared by a formula, the method comprising: providing a formula including a certain amount of sugar or syrup, and preparing a food product according to the formula, but at least a portion of the sugar or syrup amount is replaced with any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein in an amount of about 50% to about 150% of the amount of the partial sugar or syrup.

[0041] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. A portion of the sugar or syrup can be substituted with an amount of about 80% to about 120% of any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein of a portion of the sugar or syrup amount. The amount of sugar or syrup can be substituted with an amount of about 100% of any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein of a portion of the sugar or syrup amount.

[0042] On the other hand, the present invention provides a purified hemicellulose composition, the composition comprises about 82% to about 92% by dry weight of xylan, about 8% to about 9% by dry weight of oligoxylose and about 4% to about 5% by dry weight of xylose. On the other hand, the present invention provides a purified hemicellulose composition, the composition comprises about 87% to about 88% by dry weight of xylan, about 8% to about 9% by dry weight of oligoxylose and about 4% to about 5% by dry weight of xylose. On the other hand, the present invention provides a purified hemicellulose composition, the composition comprises about 87.3% by dry weight of xylan, about 8.5% by dry weight of oligoxylose and about 4.2% by dry weight of xylose.

[0043] On the other hand, the present invention provides a purified hemicellulose composition, the composition comprises about 85% to about 95% by dry weight of xylan, about 5% to about 25% by dry weight of oligosaccharides and about 0% to about 5% by dry weight of xylose. Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 85% to about 93% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 85% to about 91% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 85% to about 89% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 85% to about 87% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 87% to about 95% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 89% to about 95% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 91% to about 95% by dry weight of xylan. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 93% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 87% to about 93% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 86% to about 88% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 88% to about 92% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 90% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 5% to about 20% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 5% to about 15% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 5% to about 10% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 5% to about 8% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise about 10% to about 25% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 15% to about 25% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 20% to about 25% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 10% to about 20% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 6% to about 12% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 8% to about 10% xylooligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 0% to about 4% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 0% to about 2% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 0% to about 1% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 0% to about 0.5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may include about 0% to about 0.1% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise from about 0.1% to about 5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise from about 0.5% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 1% to about 5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 2% to about 5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 4% to about 5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.1% to about 5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.1% to about 4% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.1% to about 2% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.1% to about 1% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.1% to about 0.5% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.5% to about 4% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may contain about 0.5% to about 2% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose composition may comprise from about 0.5% to about 1% xylose by dry weight.

[0044] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The purified hemicellulose composition may be off-white. The molecular weight (Mw) of the purified hemicellulose composition may be less than 4000Da. The polyphenol content of the purified hemicellulose composition may be less than about 0.5 dry weight%. The antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose composition may be less than about 10000 μmol TE / 100g. The purity of the purified hemicellulose composition may be at least about 95%. Xylan may comprise arabinoxylans of about 70% to 99% by dry weight. Xylan may comprise arabinoxylans of about 80% to about 99% by dry weight. Xylan may comprise arabinoxylans of about 90% to about 99% by dry weight. Xylan may comprise arabinoxylans of about 95% to about 99% by dry weight.

[0045] In another aspect, provided herein is a food product comprising any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein.

[0046] In another aspect, provided herein are sweetener compositions comprising any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein.

[0047] In another aspect, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein.

[0048] In another aspect, provided herein are dietary supplements comprising any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein.

[0049] In another aspect, provided herein is the use of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein in a food product.

[0050] In another aspect, provided herein is the use of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein in a sweetener composition.

[0051] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0052] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions provided herein in a dietary supplement.

[0053] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for preparing purified hemicellulose, which includes: providing a lignocellulosic biomass; mixing the lignocellulosic biomass with water; activating the lignocellulosic biomass and the water using conditions including a first temperature and a first pressure to form a first activated cellulose stream; the first activated cellulose stream can be washed to form a washed first activated cellulose stream and a first soluble extract, wherein the first soluble extract may include hemicellulose, and the first soluble extract is purified to form purified hemicellulose.

[0054] Embodiments may have one or more of the following features. The first temperature may be from about 190°C to about 225°C. The first pressure may be from about 200 psig to about 500 psig. The duration of the activation step may be from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes. Washing may include washing with water at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 100°C. Purification may include one or more of: decolorization, treatment with carbon, ion exchange (IX), reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, or a combination thereof. Treatment with carbon may be treated with activated carbon. Performing IX may include performing secondary ion exchange. Performing reverse osmosis may include using a nanofiltration membrane. Decolorization may include alkaline peroxide treatment. Decolorization may include conditions including a pH of from about 9.5 to about 11.5. Decolorization may include conditions including a pH of from about 10.0 to about 11.0. Decolorization may include peroxide treatment. Based on the dry weight of the xylan component of the hemicellulose, the peroxide treatment may include a peroxide loading of from about 5% to about 40%. Based on the dry weight of the arabinoxylan component of hemicellulose, the peroxide treatment can include a peroxide loading of about 5% to about 40%. Decolorization can last for about 1 hour to about 5 hours. Decolorization can last for about 2 hours to about 4 hours. Decolorization can be carried out at a temperature of about 50°C to about 100°C. Decolorization can be carried out at a temperature of about 60°C to about 80°C. Purification can include, in sequence: decolorization, treatment with carbon, ion exchange (IX) and reverse osmosis to form purified hemicellulose. The method may also include: adding hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight to the decolorized hemicellulose. The method may also include drying the purified hemicellulose.

[0055] In another aspect, provided herein are purified hemicelluloses prepared by any of the methods provided herein.

[0056] In another aspect, a method of preparing a sweetener composition is provided, the method comprising: providing glucose; providing purified hemicellulose; and mixing the glucose with the purified hemicellulose to form the sweetener composition.

[0057] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Glucose may include glucose prepared from lignocellulosic biomass. Purified hemicellulose may include purified hemicellulose prepared from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass may include hardwood, softwood, plant stalks, plant straw, or a combination thereof. Lignocellulosic biomass may include wheat straw, wheat flour, wheat bran, corn stalks, bagasse, hardwood, softwood, or a combination thereof. Glucose may be prepared by methods including steam treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, or a combination thereof. Purified hemicellulose may be prepared by methods including steam treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, or a combination thereof. Hemicellulose may be prepared by any method provided herein. Purified hemicellulose may be any purified hemicellulose provided herein. About 1 to 20 parts of glucose by dry weight are mixed with about 1 part of purified hemicellulose by dry weight. About 1 part of glucose by dry weight is mixed with about 1 part of purified hemicellulose by dry weight. Purified hemicellulose may include: xylose, oligoxylose and xylan. Purified hemicellulose may include: hydrolyzate of xylose, hydrolyzate of oligoxylose or hydrolyzate of xylan. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 30% to about 75% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 40% to about 60% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include glucose of about 45% to about 55% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 30% to about 75% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 40% to about 60% by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include purified hemicellulose of about 45% to about 55% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include xylan of about 20% to about 95% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include xylan of about 30% to about 95% by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 50% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 80% to about 95% xylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 87% xylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 70% to 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The xylan may comprise about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 60% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 30% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may comprise about 5% to about 15% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.The purified hemicellulose may contain about 1% to about 25% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 1% to about 40% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 1% to about 10% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may contain about 4% xylose by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 10% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 5% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 1% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 10% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 5% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The sweetener composition may include less than 1% glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof by dry weight. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The purified hemicellulose may include less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may include less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may include less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may include less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The sweetener composition may include less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not dextrose, xylose, oligoxylose, xylan or its hydrolysate. The DE of the sweetener composition may be from about 35 to about 75. The DE of the sweetener composition can be about 40 to about 65. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 42, 53 or 63. The DE of the sweetener composition can be about 42. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 53. The DE of the sweetener composition can be about 63. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 35 to about 50. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 40 to about 45. The glycemic index of the sweetener composition can be about 42. The sweetener composition provides about 175 to about 225 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition provides about 180 to about 200 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition provides about 190 calories / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can include soluble fiber. The sweetener composition can include about 20 grams to about 60 grams of soluble fiber / 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include about 35 grams to about 45 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include about 41 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may include prebiotics.The sweetener composition can provide about 2 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition to about 6 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can provide about 3 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition to about 5 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition can contain about 4 grams of prebiotics / 100 grams of sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may be free of insoluble fiber. Glucose acid may be provided at least in the form of dextrose. The sweetener composition may be solid. The sweetener composition may be a syrup. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2500cP to about 3000cP at 120°C. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2700cP to about 2900cP at 120°C. The viscosity of the sweetener composition may be about 2800cP at 120°C.

[0058] In another aspect, provided herein are sweetener compositions prepared by any of the methods provided herein.

[0059] In another aspect, provided herein is a food product comprising a sweetener composition prepared by any of the methods provided herein.

[0060] In another aspect, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a sweetener composition prepared by any of the methods provided herein.

[0061] In another aspect, provided herein is a dietary supplement comprising a sweetener composition prepared by any of the methods provided herein.

[0062] In another aspect, provided herein is use of a sweetener composition provided herein prepared by any of the methods provided herein in a food product.

[0063] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of a sweetener composition provided herein prepared by any of the methods provided herein in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0064] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of a sweetener composition provided herein prepared by any of the methods provided herein in a dietary supplement.

[0065] In another aspect, the present invention provides a food product comprising an amount of any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein, wherein the sensory properties of the food product are comparable to similar food products comprising an amount of an alternative sweetener composition other than the sweetener composition, wherein the amount of the sweetener composition in the food product can be about 50% to about 150% of the amount of the alternative sweetener composition in the similar food product.

[0066] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The dextrose equivalent (DE) of the sweetener composition may be about 50% to about 150% of the DE of the alternative sweetener composition. The caloric content of the food product is no more than about 95% of the caloric content of similar food products. The caloric content of the food product is no more than about 92% of the caloric content of similar food products. A serving of the food product provides at least one gram more dietary fiber than a serving of similar food products. A serving of the food product provides at least two grams more dietary fiber than a serving of similar food products. The DE of the sweetener composition may be about 30 to about 75. The DE of the sweetener composition may be 42, 53, or 63.

[0067] In another aspect, provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan.

[0068] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan can be obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. Glucose can be obtained from cellulose, and xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan can be obtained from hemicellulose. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 35-75. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 42, 53 or 63. The DE of the sweetener composition can be 53. The viscosity at 120°F can be about 2800 (cP). Compared with corn syrup of the same DE, the sweetener composition has lower calories per gram. Xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan can be a source of soluble fiber. Xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan can be a source of prebiotics.

[0069] In another aspect, provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising 50.4 wt % dextrose, 2.1 wt % xylose, 4.2 wt % xylo-oligosaccharides and 43.3 wt % xylan.

[0070] In another aspect, a method of preparing a sweetener from lignocellulosic biomass is provided, the method comprising: obtaining glucose; providing purified hemicellulose; and mixing the glucose with the purified hemicellulose.

[0071] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Glucose may be dextrose obtained by cellulose hydrolysis. Purified hemicellulose may include a mixture of xylose, oligoxylose and xylan. Purified hemicellulose may be prepared by steaming lignocellulosic biomass. Purified hemicellulose may be prepared by enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Purified hemicellulose may be prepared by steaming and enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass. A mixture of glucose and xylose, oligoxylose and xylan may be mixed in a certain proportion to provide a sweetener with a desired dextrose equivalent (DE) value. The DE value range may be 35-75. The DE range may be 40-64. The DE may be 53, 42 or 63. Glucose and purified hemicellulose may be produced in the same processing equipment and / or from the same lignocellulosic material source.

[0072] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein in a food or beverage.

[0073] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the sweetener compositions provided herein in a medicine or supplement.

[0074] In another aspect, provided herein is a food additive comprising purified hemicellulose, wherein the hemicellulose can be purified by sequential treatment with activated carbon (to remove organic impurities) and subsequent two-stage ion exchange (cation / cation) for removal of inorganic impurities.

[0075] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Purified hemicellulose can be partially hydrolyzed to provide a mixture of xylose, oligoxylose and xylan. The amount of xylan can range from 20-95%, the amount of oligoxylose can range from 5-60%, and the range of xylose can range from 1-40%. Purified hemicellulose can also include other sugar polymers, for example, glucuronic acid xylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan and xyloglucan, and sugars derived therefrom. Food additives can include about 87% xylan, about 9% oligoxylose and about 4% xylose. Purified hemicellulose can be a soluble fiber source. Purified hemicellulose can be a prebiotic source.

[0076] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the food additives provided herein in a food or beverage.

[0077] In another aspect, provided herein is a use of any one or more of the food additives provided herein in a medicine or supplement.

[0078] Unless otherwise defined, the meaning of all technical and scientific terms used herein is the same as that generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to implement the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict, this specification (including definitions) shall prevail. In addition, materials, methods and embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0079] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. According to standard practice in patent law, the word "comprising" in a claim may be replaced with "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Figure 1 An exemplary diagram showing lignocellulosic biomass processed according to some embodiments is shown.

[0081] Figure 2 Shown are cherry pie filling (Comet) and a control cherry pie filling (Control) prepared with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments.

[0082] Figure 3 Shown are cherry pie (Comerme) and a control cherry pie (Control) prepared with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments.

[0083] Figure 4 Nutrition labels are shown for cherry pie filling (Comerme, Inc.) and a control cherry pie filling (Control) made with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments.

[0084] Figure 5 Shown are nutrition labels for yogurt (Comerme) and a control yogurt (Control) prepared with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments.

[0085] Figure 6 Shown are a cookie made with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments (Comet) and a control cookie (Control).

[0086] Figure 7 Shown are cookies (Comet) prepared with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments and a control cookie (Control).

[0087] Figure 8Nutritional labels are shown for cookies (Comerme) and control cookies (Control) made with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments.

[0088] Fig. 9 Shown are taffychews (Comerme) and control taffychews (Control) made with exemplary sweetener compositions according to some embodiments.

[0089] Fig.10 Nutritional labels are shown for toffee chews (Comerme and Comerme 63DE and 42DE) made with exemplary sweetener compositions according to some embodiments and a control toffee chew (Control).

[0090] Fig.11 Shown are a cereal bar (Comerme) made with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments and a control cereal bar (Control).

[0091] Fig.12 Nutritional labels are shown for a cereal bar (Comerme) made with an exemplary sweetener composition according to some embodiments and a control cereal bar (Control). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] As used herein, the term "lignocellulosic biomass" refers to the plant dry matter consisting of carbohydrate polymer cellulose, hemicellulose and aromatic polymer lignin. It can be obtained from naturally occurring plants (such as trees, bushes and grass), and can also be obtained from the waste biomass produced as various industry by-products (such as agriculture (corn stalks, bagasse, straw, etc.) and forestry (sawmill and paper mill discards)). The terms "cellulose biomass", "lignocellulose" and "biomass" can also be used as abbreviations for the term "lignocellulosic biomass" in this article.

[0093] As used herein, the term "carbohydrate component of lignocellulosic biomass" refers to cellulose and hemicellulose carbohydrate polymers derived from lignocellulosic biomass.

[0094] As used herein, the term "cellulose" refers to a polysaccharide polymer composed of linear D-glucose typically derived from plant material.

[0095] As used herein, the term "hemicellulose" refers to polysaccharide heteropolymers, for example, xylans (eg, glucuronoxylans, arabinoxylans, and xyloglucans) and glucomannans. Hemicelluloses, like cellulose, are also derived from plant materials.

[0096] It should be understood that arabinoxylan is a kind of hemicellulose. Generally, arabinoxylan has a xylose backbone (e.g., 1,4-connected xylose), which is covalently connected to one or more arabinose units (e.g., connected by 2,3-). It should be understood that arabinoxylan can also be connected to other sugars, such as glucose, galactose, and maltose. In some cases, arabinoxylan can also be further covalently connected to one or more polyphenols. In some embodiments, the polyphenol unit can include: ferulic acid, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, coumaric acid, syringic acid, sinapinic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillin, epigallocatechin gallate (Epigallocatechin gallate) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, polyphenols can be covalently attached to arabinoxylan and can be free polyphenols or can be a combination thereof. In some cases, the polyphenol unit can be a free unit. In some embodiments, polyphenols can be mainly attached to arabinoxylan.

[0097] As used herein, the term "purified hemicellulose" refers to hemicellulose purified by one or more chemical or physical purification methods (including one or more of hydrolysis, extraction, membrane separation, carbon or ion exchange, chromatographic separation and precipitation). The term "purified hemicellulose" does not mean that the hemicellulose must be absolutely pure, but is purer than the hemicellulose not purified by one or more chemical or physical purification methods. Hydrolysis can be chemical hydrolysis, such as by acid or steam, or enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis. Hydrolysis can be partial or complete. Extraction can be carried out using water or various other known solvents. Similarly, other separation and purification methods can be carried out under various conditions known in the art. Purification process can also be used to remove some or all of organic acids, inorganic substances, pretreatment inhibitors, lignin and degradation products from upstream processing.

[0098] As used herein, the term "xylooligosaccharide" or "xylooligosaccharide" or "XOS" refers to a polysaccharide having 2 to 10 xylose units.

[0099] As used herein, the term "xylan" refers to a polysaccharide having >10 xylose units. "Xylan" is understood to include: glucuronoxylan (GX), arabinoxylan (AX) and xyloglucan (GAX).

[0100] As used herein, the term "dextrose equivalent" or "DE" is a measure of the amount of sugar present in a sugar product relative to dextrose reduction, expressed as a percentage based on dry weight. DE can be measured by any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, DE can be measured using Lane-Eynon titration. In some embodiments, DE can be determined using osmotic pressure determination.

[0101] "Dietary supplements" may include pharmaceutical products, natural health products, nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, protein supplements, etc. In some cases, "dietary supplements" may be defined by a regulatory agency (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) under appropriate regulations (e.g., 21 U.S.C. §321).

[0102] As used herein, "food product" is a material for food or beverage for humans or animals, chewing gum, or a material for its ingredients (e.g., see 21 U.SC § 321). In some embodiments, a food product can be a food (e.g., solid food). For example, in some embodiments, a food product can be a pie filling, a cookie (e.g., chocolate chip cookies), a candy (e.g., toffee chews), a bar (e.g., a cereal bar or a granola bar), a cake, a bread, a soda cracker, a canned food (e.g., canned soup, canned fruit), or a dairy product (e.g., yogurt, ice cream). In some embodiments, a food product can be a beverage. For example, in some embodiments, a food product can be a juice (e.g., a juice cocktail), a soda, or an energy drink. In some embodiments, a food product can be a chewing gum.

[0103] Various references to percentages of composition ingredients appear throughout the application. Unless otherwise indicated, percentages are by weight.

[0104] Cellulose and hemicellulose are two main components found in plant materials, and there is also a third component, lignin. Although these substances are the natural sources of hexose (C6) and pentose (C5), they are usually unable to digest in the human intestinal tract. Dextrose (D-glucose) is a common form of easily digestible C6 sugar. In some cases, dextrose can be obtained by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose of plant origin. Hemicellulose can also be fully or partially hydrolyzed by, for example, chemical or enzymatic processing. For example, hemicellulose can be partially hydrolyzed into xylo-oligosaccharides, or fully hydrolyzed into xylose. In some cases, the hydrolysis conditions can be controlled to provide incomplete hydrolysis, producing a mixture of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan.

[0105] In some embodiments, sweetener composition can be prepared by mixing glucose with purified hemicellulose.In some embodiments, purified hemicellulose is partially hydrolyzed hemicellulose, and includes a mixture of xylose, oligoxylose and xylan.In some embodiments, glucose is derived from cellulose.In some embodiments, cellulose and hemicellulose can be obtained by lignocellulosic biomass, and in some embodiments, cellulose and hemicellulose can be derived from identical lignocellulosic biomass.Lignocellulosic biomass can include plant materials that are not generally considered to be suitable for direct nitrification of humans, for example, hardwood or softwood, plant stalks and plant stalks. The source of lignocellulosic biomass includes but is not limited to: stalk (for example, wheat straw), corn stalks, bagasse, hardwood, softwood, etc. Lignocellulosic biomass can be obtained as a by-product of other industries, for example, agriculture, forestry and energy crops.

[0106] The hemicellulose of purification used in the composition can be partially hydrolyzed, and the mixture of wood sugar, oligoxylose and xylan is provided in any suitable ratio.In some cases, based on the dry weight of the hemicellulose of purification, the scope of the amount of xylan can be 20-95%, the scope of the amount of oligoxylose can be 5-60%, and the scope of wood sugar can be 1-40%.In some cases, based on the dry weight of the hemicellulose of purification, the scope of the amount of xylan can be 50-95%, the scope of the amount of oligoxylose can be 5-30%, and the scope of the amount of wood sugar can be 1-25%.In some embodiments, the hemicellulose of purification can include other sugars and sugar polymers that are not wood sugar, oligoxylose and xylan that are lower than 10%.In other embodiments, the hemicellulose of purification can include other sugars and sugar polymers that are not wood sugar, oligoxylose and xylan that are lower than 5%, or lower than 2%, or lower than 1%. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose may be partially hydrolyzed hemicellulose derived from lignocellulosic biomass and comprises about 87% xylan, about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 4% xylose.

[0107] In some cases, the purified lignocellulose composition can be mixed with glucose (e.g., purified glucose, dextrose, purified dextrose or a combination thereof) in various ratios to produce compositions with varying DE. With respect to sweetness and viscosity, compositions with varying DE can have varying properties. In some cases, compositions with a DE range of 35 to 75, particularly DE of 40 to 65 can be prepared and used as described herein. In some cases, compositions with DE of 53, 42 and 63 can be prepared and used as described herein. Provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising a purified lignocellulose composition mixed with glucose (e.g., purified glucose, dextrose, purified dextrose or a combination thereof) in varying ratios, which can be prepared to approximate the DE and viscosity of commercially available syrups (e.g., corn syrup) comprising dextrose, glucose oligomers and starch. In some embodiments, sweetener compositions comprising a purified lignocellulosic composition mixed with glucose (e.g., purified glucose, dextrose, purified dextrose, or a combination thereof) in varying proportions can be prepared to approximate the sweetness and viscosity of a commercial syrup of dextrose and starch.

[0108] Sweetener compositions are also provided herein. In some embodiments, the sweetener compositions may include glucose and hemicellulose. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose may be purified. Hemicellulose may be purified by any suitable method. In some embodiments, hemicellulose may be purified by the methods disclosed herein. The degree of purification may be determined by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the degree of purification may be determined by determining the percentage (e.g., dry weight) of one or more impurities (e.g., polyphenols, ash, protein, or a combination thereof) remaining in the purified hemicellulose, and deducting the number from 100. As an example only, a hemicellulose containing 0.4% ash and no other impurities may be considered to be 99.6% pure. In some embodiments, the degree of purification may be determined by assessing the percentage (e.g., dry weight) of one or more desired components (e.g., xylan, such as arabinoxylan), and using the percentage as purity. As an example only, a hemicellulose containing 97% arabinoxylan may be considered to be 97% pure. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose can be about 80% to about 99.9% pure (e.g., about 85% to about 99.9%, about 90% to about 99.9%, about 95% to about 99.9%, about 98% to about 99.9%, about 99% to about 99.9%, about 80% to about 99%, about 80% to about 98%, about 80% to about 95%, about 80% to about 90%, about 80% to about 85%, about 85% to about 99%, about 90% to about 99%, about 90% to about 95%, about 95% to about 99%, about 92% to about 98%, or about 94% to about 96%). In some embodiments, the hemicellulose can be at least about 90% pure (e.g., at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% pure). In some embodiments, the glucose can be about 90% to about 99.9% pure (e.g., about 85% to about 99.9%, about 90% to about 99.9%, about 95% to about 99.9%, about 98% to about 99.9%, about 99% to about 99.9%, about 80% to about 99%, about 80% to about 98%, about 80% to about 95%, about 80% to about 90%, about 80% to about 85%, about 85% to about 99%, about 90% to about 99%, about 90% to about 95%, about 95% to about 99%, about 92% to about 98%, or about 94% to about 96%). In some embodiments, the glucose can be at least about 90% pure (e.g., at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% pure).

[0109] Sweetener compositions provided herein can have glucose and hemicellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose) in any suitable ratio. For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener compositions can include glucose from about 5% to about 95% by dry weight (e.g., from about 5% to about 90% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 80% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 75% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 70% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 60% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 50% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 40% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 30% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 25% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 20% by dry weight, from about 5% to about 10% by dry weight, from about 10% to about 95% by dry weight, from about 10% to about 90% by dry weight, from about 10% to about 80% by dry weight, from about 10% to about 75% by dry weight). %, about 10% to about 70% dry weight, about 10% to about 60% dry weight, about 10% to about 50% dry weight, about 10% to about 40% dry weight, about 10% to about 30% dry weight, about 10% to about 25% dry weight, about 10% to about 20% dry weight, about 20% to about 95% dry weight, about 20% to about 90% dry weight, about 20% to about 80% dry weight, about 20% to about 75% dry weight, about 20% to about 70% dry weight, about 20% to about 60% dry weight, about 20% to about 50% dry weight, about 20% to about 40% dry weight, about 20% to about 30% dry weight, about 20% to about 25% dry weight %, about 25% to about 95% dry weight, about 25% to about 90% dry weight, about 25% to about 80% dry weight, about 25% to about 75% dry weight, about 25% to about 70% dry weight, about 25% to about 60% dry weight, about 25% to about 50% dry weight, about 25% to about 40% dry weight, about 25% to about 30% dry weight, about 30% to about 95% dry weight, about 30% to about 90% dry weight, about 30% to about 80% dry weight, about 30% to about 75% dry weight, about 30% to about 70% dry weight, about 30% to about 60% dry weight, about 30% to about 50% dry weight, about 30% to about 40% dry weight %, about 40% to about 95% dry weight, about 40% to about 90% dry weight, about 40% to about 80% dry weight, about 40% to about 75% dry weight, about 40% to about 70% dry weight, about 40% to about 60% dry weight, about 40% to about 50% dry weight, about 45% to about 55% dry weight, about 48% to about 53% dry weight, about 50% to about 95% dry weight, about 50% to about 90% dry weight, about 50% to about 80% dry weight, about 50% to about 75% dry weight, about 50% to about 70% dry weight, about 50% to about 60% dry weight, about 60% to about 95% dry weight, about 60% to about 90% dry weight,% to about 80 dry weight%, about 60 dry weight% to about 75 dry weight%, about 60 dry weight% to about 70 dry weight%, about 70 dry weight% to about 95 dry weight%, about 70 dry weight% to about 90 dry weight%, about 70 dry weight% to about 80 dry weight%, about 70 dry weight% to about 75 dry weight%, about 75 dry weight% to about 95 dry weight%, about 75 dry weight% to about 90 dry weight%, about 75 dry weight% to about 80 dry weight%, about 80 dry weight% to about 95 dry weight%, about 80 dry weight% to about 90 dry weight, or about 90 dry weight% to about 95 dry weight% glucose). For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener composition can comprise about 5% to about 85% glucose by dry weight (e.g., about 5% to about 70% by dry weight, about 5% to about 50% by dry weight, about 5% to about 30% by dry weight, about 5% to about 10% by dry weight, about 10% to about 85% by dry weight, about 30% to about 85% by dry weight, about 50% to about 85% by dry weight, about 70% to about 85% by dry weight, about 30% to about 70% by dry weight, about 40% to about 60% by dry weight, or about 45% to about 55% by dry weight of glucose). For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener composition can comprise about 5% to about 95% cellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose) by dry weight (e.g., about 5% to about 95% by dry weight, about 5% to about 80% by dry weight, about 5% to about 75% by dry weight, about 5% to about 70% by dry weight, about 5% to about 60% by dry weight, about 5% to about 50% by dry weight, about 5% to about 40% by dry weight, about 5% to about 5 ... about 30% by dry weight, about 5% by dry weight to about 25% by dry weight, about 5% by dry weight to about 20% by dry weight, about 5% by dry weight to about 10% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 95% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 90% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 80% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 75% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 70% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 50% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about about 40% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 30% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 25% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight to about 20% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 95% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 90% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 80% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 75% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 70% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 50% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about %, about 25 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about 30 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %,about 25% to about 30% dry weight, about 30% to about 95% dry weight, about 30% to about 90% dry weight, about 30% to about 80% dry weight, about 30% to about 75% dry weight, about 30% to about 70% dry weight, about 30% to about 60% dry weight, about 30% to about 50% dry weight, about 30% to about 40% dry weight, about 40% to about 95% dry weight. %, about 40 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, about 45 dry weight % to about 55 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 0 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about 90% dry weight, about 70% dry weight to about 80% dry weight, about 70% dry weight to about 75% dry weight, about 75% dry weight to about 95% dry weight, about 75% dry weight to about 90% dry weight, about 75% dry weight to about 80% dry weight, about 80% dry weight to about 95% dry weight, about 80% dry weight to about 90% dry weight, or about 90% dry weight to about 95% dry weight cellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose)). For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener composition can include about 5% to about 85% cellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose) by dry weight (e.g., about 5% to about 70% by dry weight, about 5% to about 50% by dry weight, about 5% to about 30% by dry weight, about 5% to about 10% by dry weight, about 10% to about 85% by dry weight, about 30% to about 85% by dry weight, about 50% to about 85% by dry weight, about 70% to about 85% by dry weight, about 30% to about 70% by dry weight, about 40% to about 60% by dry weight, or about 45% to about 55% by dry weight of cellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose)). In some embodiments, the dry weight percentage of glucose and the dry weight percentage of hemicellulose (e.g., purified hemicellulose) in the sweetener composition provided herein are increased to about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100%. ,

[0110] Glucose can be provided in any suitable form or in a mixture of various forms. In some embodiments, glucose can be provided in the form of dextrose. In some embodiments, glucose can be provided in the form of a mixture of dextrose and other isomer monomers.

[0111] In some cases, the characteristics of sweetener compositions as described herein can be components that are not present in the sweetener compositions. In some cases, sweetener compositions as described herein can lack components present in other sweetener compositions. In some cases, the characteristics of sweetener compositions as described herein can be components present in amounts different from other sweetener compositions. In some cases, sweetener compositions as described herein can lack components that may be present in starting materials (e.g., lignocellulosic biomass) but may make sweetener ingredients (e.g., glucose or hemicellulose, such as purified hemicellulose) have undesirable odors, flavors or colors. In some cases, sweetener compositions as described herein can have components with reduced content, which may be present in starting materials (e.g., lignocellulosic biomass) but may make sweetener ingredients (e.g., glucose or hemicellulose, such as purified hemicellulose) have undesirable odors, flavors or colors. For example, the ash content of the sweetener composition can be less than 0.4 dry weight % (e.g., less than 0.3 dry weight %, 0.2 dry weight % or 0.1 dry weight %). For example, in some cases, corn syrup can include maltose, maltotriose, or a combination thereof.

[0112] In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein may not contain maltose, maltotriose or its combination. In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein may include content less than about 15 dry weight % (for example, less than about 14 dry weight %, 13 dry weight %, 12 dry weight %, 11 dry weight %, 10 dry weight %, 9 dry weight %, 8 dry weight %, 7 dry weight %, 6 dry weight %, 5 dry weight %, 4 dry weight %, 3 dry weight %, 2 dry weight % or 1 dry weight %) maltose. In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein may include content less than about 15 dry weight % (for example, less than about 14 dry weight %, 13 dry weight %, 12 dry weight %, 11 dry weight %, 10 dry weight %, 9 dry weight %, 8 dry weight %, 7 dry weight %, 6 dry weight %, 5 dry weight %, 4 dry weight %, 3 dry weight %, 2 dry weight % or 1 dry weight %) maltose.

[0113] In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can have ingredients that are mainly glucose (e.g., dextrose), xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate. Therefore, in some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can include sugars or sugar polymers that are not glucose (e.g., dextrose), xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan or its hydrolysate, and its amount is less than about 15% by dry weight (e.g., less than about 14% by dry weight, 13% by dry weight, 12% by dry weight, 11% by dry weight, 10% by dry weight, 9% by dry weight, 8% by dry weight, 7% by dry weight, 6% by dry weight, 5% by dry weight, 4% by dry weight, 3% by dry weight, 2% by dry weight, or 1% by dry weight).

[0114] In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can include sugar except glucose (for example, dextrose), xylose, xylo-oligosaccharide, xylan or its hydrolyzate.In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can include content less than about 15 dry weight % (for example, less than about 14 dry weight %, 13 dry weight %, 12 dry weight %, 11 dry weight %, 10 dry weight %, 9 dry weight %, 8 dry weight %, 7 dry weight %, 6 dry weight %, 5 dry weight %, 4 dry weight %, 3 dry weight %, 2 dry weight % or 1 dry weight %) glucomannan, mannose or its combination.In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can be free of glucomannan.In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein may not contain mannose.

[0115] Also provided herein is a purified hemicellulose composition (also referred to as "purified hemicellulose"). The purified hemicellulose composition can be any suitable component. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can include: xylose, oligoxylose and xylan, and their hydrolysates. The components of the purified hemicellulose composition can exist in any suitable amount.

[0116] For example, xylan can be present in any suitable amount in the purified hemicellulose composition. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can include about 20% to about 95% xylan by dry weight (e.g., about 20% to about 90% by dry weight, about 20% to about 80% by dry weight, about 20% to about 75% by dry weight, about 20% to about 70% by dry weight, about 20% to about 60% by dry weight, about 20% to about 50% by dry weight, about 20% to about 40% by dry weight, about 20% to about 30% by dry weight, about 20% to about 25% by dry weight, about 25% to about 95% by dry weight, about 25% to about 90% by dry weight, about 25% to about 80% by dry weight, about 25% to about 75% by dry weight, about 25% to about 70% by dry weight, about 20% to about 60% by dry weight, about 20% to about 50% by dry weight, about 20% to about 40% by dry weight, about 20% to about 30% by dry weight, about 20% to about 25% by dry weight, about 25% to about 95% by dry weight, about 25% to about 90% by dry weight, about 25% to about 80% by dry weight, about 25% to about 75% by dry weight, about 25% to about 70% by dry weight. %, about 25% to about 60% dry weight, about 25% to about 50% dry weight, about 25% to about 40% dry weight, about 25% to about 30% dry weight, about 30% to about 95% dry weight, about 30% to about 90% dry weight, about 30% to about 80% dry weight, about 30% to about 75% dry weight, about 30% to about 70% dry weight, about 30% to about 60% dry weight, about 30% to about 50% dry weight, about 30% to about 40% dry weight, about 40% to about 95% dry weight, about 40% to about 90% dry weight, about 40% to about 80% dry weight, about 40% to about 75% dry weight, about 40% to about 70% dry weight. 0 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, about 40 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 60 dry weight % to about 70 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about 90 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about 80 dry weight %, about 70 dry weight % to about %, about 75% to about 95% dry weight, about 75% to about 90% dry weight, about 75% to about 80% dry weight, about 80% to about 90% dry weight, about 82% to about 92% dry weight, about 85% to about 89% dry weight, about 87% to about 88% dry weight, about 90% to about 95% dry weight, about 80% dry weight, about 81% dry weight, about 82% dry weight, about 83% dry weight, about 84% dry weight, about 85% dry weight, about 86% dry weight, about 87% dry weight, about 88% dry weight, about 89% dry weight, about 90% dry weight, about 91% dry weight, about 92% dry weight, about 93% dry weight, about 94% dry weight, or about 95% xylan).

[0117] In some cases, the xylan can include arabinoxylan (AX), glucuronic acid xylan, xyloglucan, glucomannan, their hydrolyzates, or combinations thereof, each of which is present in the xylan in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, the xylan can be primarily AX. In some embodiments, the xylan can include about 70% to about 99% by dry weight (e.g., about 70% to about 95% by dry weight, about 70% to about 90% by dry weight, about 70% to about 85% by dry weight, about 70% to about 80% by dry weight, about 70% to about 75% by dry weight, about 75% to about 99% by dry weight, about 75% to about 95% by dry weight, about 75% to about 90% by dry weight, about 75% to about 85% by dry weight, about 75% to about 80% by dry weight, about 70% to about 75% by dry weight, about 75% to about 99% by dry weight, about 75% to about 95% by dry weight, about 75% to about 90% by dry weight, about 75% to about 85% by dry weight, about 75% to about In some embodiments, the xylan may comprise at least about 70% by dry weight (e.g., at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) of AX.

[0118] For example, oligoxylose can be present in the hemicellulose composition of purification in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification can have oligoxylose from about 5 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight % (for example, from about 5 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, from about 5 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, from about 5 dry weight % to about 30 dry weight %, from about 5 dry weight % to about 20 dry weight %, from about 5 dry weight % to about 15 dry weight %, from about 5 dry weight % to about 10 dry weight %, from about 8 dry weight % to about 10 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 30 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 20 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 15 dry weight %, from about 15 dry weight % to about 60 dry weight %, from about 10 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, from about 15 dry weight % to about %, about 40% by dry weight, about 15% by dry weight to about 30% by dry weight, about 15% by dry weight to about 20% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 50% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 40% by dry weight, about 20% by dry weight to about 30% by dry weight, about 30% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 30% by dry weight to about 50% by dry weight, about 30% by dry weight to about 40% by dry weight, about 40% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 40% by dry weight to about 50% by dry weight, about 50% by dry weight to about 60% by dry weight, about 5% by dry weight, about 6% by dry weight, about 7% by dry weight, about 8% by dry weight, about 9% by dry weight, about 10% by dry weight, about 11% by dry weight, about 12% by dry weight, about 13% by dry weight, about 14% by dry weight, or about 15% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides).

[0119] For example, xylose can be present in any suitable amount in the purified hemicellulose composition. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can have about 0% to about 40% xylose by dry weight (e.g., about 1% to about 30% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 25% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 15% by dry weight, about 1% to about 10% by dry weight, about 1% to about 5% by dry weight, about 4% to about 5% by dry weight, about 5% to about 40 ...25% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 15% by dry weight, about 1% to about 10% by dry weight, about 1% to about 5% by dry weight, about 1% to about 50% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight, about 1% to about 20% by dry weight about 5% to about 30% dry weight, about 5% to about 25% dry weight, about 5% to about 20% dry weight, about 5% to about 15% dry weight, about 5% to about 10% dry weight, about 10% to about 40% dry weight, about 10% to about 30% dry weight, about 10% to about 25% dry weight, about 10% to about 20% dry weight, about 10% to about 15% dry weight, about 15% to about 40% dry weight, about 15% to about 30 dry weight %, about 15 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 15 dry weight % to about 20 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about 30 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight % to about 30 dry weight %, about 30 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight %, about 0 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, about 0 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight % , about 0.1 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 10 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 0.5 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight %, about 0.5 dry weight %, about 1 dry weight %, about 2 dry weight %, about 3 dry weight %, about 4 dry weight %, about 5 dry weight %, about 6 dry weight %, about 7 dry weight %, about 8 dry weight %, about 9 dry weight %, or about 10 dry weight % of xylose). For example, in some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can have from about 0 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight % xylose (e.g., from about 0 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight %, from about 0 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight %, from about 0 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight %, from about 0 dry weight % to about 0.5 dry weight %, from about 0 dry weight % to about 0.1 dry weight %, from about 0.1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, from about 0.5 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, from about 1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %). %, about 2 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, about 4 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight %, about 0.1 dry weight % to about 0.5 dry weight %, about 0.5 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight %, about 0.5 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight %, or about 0.5 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight % of xylose).

[0120] In some cases, the characteristics of the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can be the composition that is not present in hemicellulose. In some cases, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can lack the composition present in other hemicellulose preparations. In some cases, the characteristics of the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can be the composition present by the amount different from other hemicellulose preparations. In some cases, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can lack the composition that may be present in the starting material (for example, lignocellulosic biomass) but may make lignocellulose (for example, the hemicellulose of purification) have undesirable smell, flavor or color. In some cases, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can have the composition of content reduction, and the composition may be present in the starting material (for example, lignocellulosic biomass) but may make lignocellulose (for example, the hemicellulose of purification) have undesirable smell, flavor or color. For example, the ash content of the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can be lower than 0.4 dry weight % (for example, lower than 0.3 dry weight %, 0.2 dry weight % or 0.1 dry weight %).

[0121] Corn syrup is a commonly used sweetener. The hemicellulose composition of purification as described herein can include ingredients different from some corn syrups. For example, in some cases, corn syrup can include maltose, maltotriose or its combination. Therefore, in some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as described herein can be free of maltose, maltotriose or its combination. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as described herein can include maltose less than about 15 dry weight % (for example, less than about 14 dry weight %, 13 dry weight %, 12 dry weight %, 11 dry weight %, 10 dry weight %, 9 dry weight %, 8 dry weight %, 7 dry weight %, 6 dry weight %, 5 dry weight %, 4 dry weight %, 3 dry weight %, 2 dry weight % or 1 dry weight %). In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition described herein may contain maltotriose in an amount less than about 15% by dry weight (e.g., less than about 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% by dry weight).

[0122] In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can have a composition that is primarily xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or a hydrolyzate thereof. Therefore, in some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can include sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or a hydrolyzate thereof in an amount less than about 15% by dry weight (e.g., less than about 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%) by dry weight.

[0123] In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as herein described can comprise the sugar except xylose, oligomeric xylo-sugar, xylan or its hydrolyzate.In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as herein described can comprise the glucomannan, mannose or its combination of content lower than about 15 dry weight % (for example, lower than about 14 dry weight %, 13 dry weight %, 12 dry weight %, 11 dry weight %, 10 dry weight %, 9 dry weight %, 8 dry weight %, 7 dry weight %, 6 dry weight %, 5 dry weight %, 4 dry weight %, 3 dry weight %, 2 dry weight % or 1 dry weight %).In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as herein described can contain no glucomannan.In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification as herein described can contain no mannose.

[0124] The hemicellulose material (e.g., xylan (e.g., arabinoxylan), xylo-oligosaccharide, xylose, or a combination thereof) of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can have any suitable molecular weight. The molecular weight can be determined by any suitable method. For example, the molecular weight (Mw) of the cellulosic material of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can be less than about 4000Da (e.g., less than about 3500Da or 3000Da). As another example, the cellulosic material of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein has a molecular weight (Mw) of about 1500 to about 4000 Da (e.g., about 1500 to about 3500 Da, about 1500 to about 3000 Da, about 1500 to about 2500 Da, about 1500 to about 2000 Da, about 2000 to about 4000 Da, about 2000 to about 3500 Da, about 2000 to about 3000 Da, about 2000 to about 2500 Da, about 2500 to about 4000 Da, about 2500 to about 3500 Da, about 2500 to about 3000 Da, about 3000 to about 4000 Da, about 3000 to about 3500 Da, or about 3500 to about 4000 Da).

[0125] The hemicellulose compositions of purification described herein can have any suitable color. Without being limited to the constraints of any particular theory, it is believed that polyphenols can contribute to the color of the hemicellulose compositions of purification becoming more brown; therefore, it is believed that the polyphenol content of the hemicellulose of light purification is lower than that of the hemicellulose of dark purification. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose compositions of purification provided herein can be milky white. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose compositions of purification described herein can be white.

[0126] The purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can have any suitable polyphenol content. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can have less than about 0.5% by dry weight (e.g., less than about 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% by dry weight) polyphenols.

[0127] The purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can have any suitable antioxidant level. The antioxidant level can be measured by any suitable method. For example, the micromole water-soluble vitamin E (trolox) equivalent / 100 grams (μmol TE / 100g) of the purified hemicellulose compositions can be determined. In some embodiments, the antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can be less than about 10000 (e.g., less than about 9500, 9000, 8500, or 8000) μmole TE / 100g. In some embodiments, the antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can be from about 0 to about 10,000 (e.g., from about 0 to about 8,000, from about 0 to about 6,000, from about 0 to about 4,000, from about 0 to about 2,000, from about 0 to about 1,000, from about 1,000 to about 10,000, from about 1,000 to about 10,000, from about 2,000 to about 10,000, from about 4,000 to about 10,000, from about 6,000 to about 10,000, from about 8,000 to about 10,000, from about 1,000 to about 9,000, from about 3,000 to about 7,000, or from about 7,000 to about 9,000) μmol TE / 100 g.

[0128] In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can comprise xylose, oligomeric xylose and xylan in any amount disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification can comprise the xylose of about 82% to about 92% by dry weight, the oligomeric xylose of about 8% to about 9% by dry weight and the xylose of about 4% to about 5% by dry weight. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can comprise the xylose of about 87% to about 88% by dry weight, the oligomeric xylose of about 8% to about 9% by dry weight and the xylose of about 4% to about 5% by dry weight. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification described herein can comprise the xylose of about 87.3% by dry weight, the oligomeric xylose of about 8.5% by dry weight and the xylose of about 4.2% by dry weight. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can comprise: about 85% to about 95% by dry weight (e.g., about 85% to about 93% by dry weight, about 85% to about 91% by dry weight, about 85% to about 89% by dry weight, about 85% to about 87% by dry weight, about 87% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 91% to about 95% by dry weight, about 93% to about 95 ...9% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry weight, about 89% to about 95% by dry % to about 93 dry weight %, about 86 dry weight % to about 88 dry weight %, about 88 dry weight % to about 92 dry weight %, or about 90 dry weight % to about 95 dry weight %) of xylan, about 5 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight % (e.g., about 5 dry weight % to about 20 dry weight %, about 5 dry weight % to about 15 dry weight %, about 5 dry weight % to about 10 dry weight %, about 5 dry weight % to about 8 dry weight %, about 10 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 15 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight %, about 20 dry weight % to about From about 25% by dry weight, from about 10% by dry weight to about 20% by dry weight, from about 6% by dry weight to about 12% by dry weight, or from about 8% by dry weight to about 10% by dry weight), and from about 0% by dry weight to about 5% by dry weight (e.g., from about 0% by dry weight to about 4% by dry weight, from about 0% by dry weight to about 2% by dry weight, from about 0% by dry weight to about 1% by dry weight, from about 0% by dry weight to about 0.5% by dry weight, from about 0% by dry weight to about 0.1% by dry weight, from about 0.1% by dry weight to about 5% by dry weight, from about 0.5% by dry weight to about 5% by dry weight In some embodiments, the hemicellulose compositions of the present invention can be xylose of about 95% to about 99% dry weight. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose compositions of the present invention can be xylose of about 0.1% to about 5% dry weight, about 0.1% to about 4% dry weight, about 0.1% to about 2% dry weight, about 0.1% to about 1% dry weight, about 0.1% to about 0.5% dry weight, about 0.5% to about 4% dry weight, about 0.5% to about 2% dry weight, or about 0.5% to about 1% dry weight). In some embodiments, the xylan can be an arabinoxylan of about 95% to about 99% dry weight. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose compositions of the present invention can be milky white.In some embodiments, the molecular weight (Mw) of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein can be less than 4000Da. In some embodiments, the polyphenol content of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein can be less than about 0.5% by dry weight. In some embodiments, the antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein can be less than about 10000 μmol TE / 100g. In some embodiments, the purity of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein can be at least 95%.

[0129] It should be understood that the amount of a component of the purified hemicellulose composition described herein (e.g., xylan, xylo-oligosaccharide, or xylose) in the sweetener composition described herein can be determined by multiplying the amount of hemicellulose in the sweetener composition (e.g., as a percentage of dry weight) by the amount of the component (e.g., xylan, xylo-oligosaccharide, or xylose) in the purified hemicellulose composition described herein.

[0130] Also provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising about 48% to 53% dextrose by dry weight, about 41% to about 45% xylan by dry weight, about 4% to about 5% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight, and about 2% to about 2.5% xylose by dry weight.

[0131] Also provided herein is a sweetener composition comprising about 50% by dry weight of dextrose; about 43% by dry weight of xylan; about 4% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and about 2% by dry weight of xylose.

[0132] The sweetener compositions described herein can have a dextrose equivalent (DE) of any suitable value. DE can be determined by any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, the DE of the sweetener compositions described herein can be from about 35 to about 75 (e.g., from about 35 to about 40, from about 35 to about 45, from about 35 to about 50, from about 35 to about 55, from about 35 to about 60, from about 35 to about 65, from about 35 to about 75, from about 40 to about 45, from about 40 to about 50, from about 40 to about 55, from about 40 to about 60, from about 40 to about 65, from about 40 to about 70, from about 40 to about 75, from about 45 to about 50, from about 45 to about 55, 70, about 65 to about 70, about 65 to about 75, about 42, about 53, or about 63). Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the sweetener compositions described herein having a DE within about 10% of a commercial sweetener can be substituted for commercial sweeteners in about equal volume (or within about 10%).

[0133] Sweetener compositions as herein described can have a glycemic index (GI) of any suitable value.GI can be determined by any suitable method.For example, in some embodiments, the GI of sweetener compositions as herein described can be from about 10 to about 80 (for example, from about 10 to about 60, from about 10 to about 50, from about 10 to about 40, from about 10 to about 30, from about 10 to about 20, from about 20 to about 80, from about 30 to about 80, from about 40 to about 80, from about 50 to about 80, from about 60 to about 80, from about 20 to about 70, from about 30 to about 60, from about 35 to about 50, from about 40 to about 50, or from about 40 to about 45). The glycemic index of glucose (for example, dextrose) is usually recorded as 100. The glycemic index of sucrose is usually recorded as 65. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that sweeteners with lower GI can contribute to the management of blood sugar and insulin levels, and / or can be used to control appetite and lose weight.

[0134] Sweetener compositions as herein described can have the caloric content of any suitable value.Caloric content can be determined by any suitable method.For example, in some embodiments, the caloric content of sweetener compositions as herein described can be the sweetener compositions of about 100 to about 225 calories (for example, about 100 to about 200, about 100 to about 175, about 100 to about 150, about 100 to about 125, about 125 to about 225, about 150 to about 225, about 175 to about 225, about 200 to about 225, about 125 to about 200, about 150 to about 200, about 175 to about 200, or about 180 to about 200) / 100g.

[0135] Sweetener compositions as described herein may include soluble fiber. In some embodiments, soluble fiber may be provided in the sweetener composition by hemicellulose. Sweetener compositions as described herein may include any suitable amount of soluble fiber. The soluble fiber content may be measured by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the sweetener compositions as described herein may provide about 4g to about 95g (e.g., about 4g to about 85g, about 4g to about 75g, about 4g to about 65g, about 4g to about 55g, about 4g to about 45g, about 4g to about 35g, about 4g to about 25g, about 4g to about 15g, about 15g to about 95g, about 25g to about 95g, about 35g to about 95g, about 45g to about 95g, about 55g to about 95g, about 65g to about 95g). In some embodiments, the soluble fiber content of sweetener compositions as herein described may be from about 5g to about 95g, from about 85g to about 95g, from about 10g to about 80g, from about 20g to about 70g, from about 30g to about 60g, from about 40g to about 50g, from about 30 to about 40g, from about 35g to about 45g, from about 45 to about 55g, from about 35g, from about 36g, from about 37g, from about 38g, from about 39g, from about 40g, from about 41g, from about 42g, from about 43g, from about 44g or about 45g). In some embodiments, the soluble fiber content of sweetener compositions as herein described may be from about 5g to about 80g, from about 20g to about 70g, from about 30g to about 60g, from about 40g to about 50g, from about 30 to about 40g, from about 35g to about 45g, from about 45 to about 55g, from about 35g, from about 36g, from about 37g, from about 38g, from about 39g, from about 40g, from about 41g, from about 42g, from about 43g, from about 44g or about 45g). In some embodiments, the soluble fiber content of sweetener compositions as herein described may be from about 100g to about 100g of sweetener compositions.

[0136] The sweetener compositions described herein may include prebiotics. In some embodiments, prebiotics may be provided in the sweetener compositions by hemicellulose. The sweetener compositions described herein may include any suitable amount of prebiotics. The prebiotic content may be measured by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the sweetener compositions described herein may provide about 4g to about 95g (e.g., about 4g to about 85g, about 4g to about 75g, about 4g to about 65g, about 4g to about 55g, about 4g to about 45g, about 4g to about 35g, about 4g to about 25g, about 4g to about 15g, about 4 to about 10g, about 4g to about 8g, about 15g to about 95g, about 25g to about 95g, In some embodiments, the prebiotic content may be about 35 g to about 95 g, about 45 g to about 95 g, about 55 g to about 95 g, about 65 g to about 95 g, about 75 g to about 95 g, about 85 g to about 95 g, about 10 g to about 80 g, about 20 g to about 70 g, about 30 g to about 60 g, about 40 g to about 50 g, about 30 to about 40 g, about 35 g to about 45 g, or about 45 to about 55 g) of prebiotics per 100 g of the sweetener composition. In some embodiments, the prebiotic content may be the same as the purified hemicellulose (e.g., arabinoxylan) content (e.g., as a percentage of dry weight).

[0137] Sweetener compositions as described herein can be in any suitable form.For example, in some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can be solid.In some embodiments, sweetener compositions as described herein can be syrup.Syrup can have any suitable properties.For example, in some embodiments, the viscosity of sweetener compositions as described herein can be about 2500 to about 7000cP (for example, about 2500 to about 6000cP, about 2500 to about 5000cP, about 2500 to about 4000cP, about 2500 to about 3000cP, about 3000 to about 7000cP, about 4000 to about 7000cP, about 5000 to about 7000cP, about 6000 to about 7000cP, about 2700 to about 3000cP, about 3000 to about 6000cP, about 3000 to about 5000cP or about 4000 to about 6000cP) at 120°C.

[0138] Also provided herein are products comprising any one or more purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein are sweetener compositions comprising any one or more purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein are food products comprising any one or more purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any one or more purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. Also provided herein are dietary supplements comprising any one or more purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. Products comprising any one or more vegetarian compositions provided herein may have advantages. Non-limiting examples of this advantage include: reduced calories, reduced glycemic index, providing soluble fiber, providing prebiotics and providing antioxidants. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that hemicellulose (e.g., arabinoxylan) is a low-calorie carbohydrate, and hemicellulose (e.g., arabinoxylan) is a source of soluble fiber, which can be used by components of the microbiome to promote health. It is also believed that in some cases, polyphenols and / or polyphenol units can be used as antioxidants.

[0139] Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein in food products. For example, also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein in sweetener compositions. Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein in pharmaceutical compositions. Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein in dietary supplements.

[0140] Also provided herein are products comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein are food products comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein. Also provided herein are dietary supplements comprising any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein.

[0141] Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein in food products. Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein in pharmaceutical compositions. Also provided herein are uses of any one or more of the sweetener compositions described herein in dietary supplements.

[0142] Also provided herein is a method for sweetening a composition using any one or more sweetener compositions described herein. For example, also provided herein is a method for sweetening a food product, the method comprising adding any one or more sweetener compositions described herein to a food product. Also provided herein is a method for sweetening a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising adding any one or more sweetener compositions described herein to a pharmaceutical composition. Also provided herein is a method for sweetening a dietary supplement, the method comprising adding any one or more sweetener compositions described herein to a dietary supplement.

[0143] The pharmaceutical composition can be any suitable pharmaceutical composition. Typically, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one active ingredient (e.g., one, two, three, four, five or more active ingredients, such as a drug). In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is an oral pharmaceutical preparation. Typically, the oral pharmaceutical preparation comprises a sweetener.

[0144] Also provided herein is a method for changing food preparations, for example, to reduce calorie content or reduce glycemic index. In some embodiments, the method may include: the sugar or syrup in the formula is partially or entirely replaced with any sweetener composition as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener composition as described herein can be replaced by the amount of about 50% to about 150% (for example, about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, about 150%) in the formula (for example, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of sugar or syrup in the formula).

[0145] Thus, also provided herein is a method comprising providing a recipe comprising an amount of sugar or syrup and preparing a food product according to the recipe, but replacing at least a portion of the amount of the sugar or syrup with a sweetener composition as described herein in an amount of about 50% to about 150% (e.g., about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the sugar or syrup portion. Also provided herein is a method for reducing the calorie content of a food product prepared from a formulation, the method comprising: providing a formulation including an amount of sugar or syrup and preparing a food product according to the formulation, but replacing at least a portion of the amount of the sugar or syrup with a sweetener composition as described herein in an amount of about 50% to about 150% (e.g., about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the sugar or syrup portion. Also provided herein is a method for reducing the glycemic index of a food product prepared from a formulation, the method comprising: providing a formulation including an amount of sugar or syrup and preparing the food product according to the formulation, but replacing at least a portion of the amount of the sugar or syrup with a sweetener as described herein in an amount from about 50% to about 150% (e.g., from about 50% to about 125%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 150%, from about 75% to about 125%, from about 75% to about 100%, from about 100% to about 150%, from about 100% to about 125%, from about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the sugar or syrup portion.

[0146] In some cases, replacing an alternative sweetener (e.g., a sweetener that is not a sweetener composition provided herein) with a sweetener composition provided herein can provide similar performance (e.g., sensory properties (e.g., taste, smell and / or mouthfeel)) or physical properties) while having a lower calorie content, a lower glycemic index, a higher dietary fiber content, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, substitution can include: use about 50% to about 150% (e.g., about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the sweetener composition provided herein for a given amount (e.g., by weight or volume) of an alternative sweetener. In some embodiments, the body modification can be an equal amount substitution (e.g., by dry weight or volume). For example, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a food product comprising a certain amount of any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein, wherein the sensory properties of the food product are comparable to food products containing a certain amount of an alternative sweetener composition other than the sweetener composition, wherein the amount of the sweetener composition in the food product is about 50% to about 150% (e.g., about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the amount of the alternative sweetener composition in a similar food product. In some embodiments, the organoleptic properties can be determined by trained human experts. For example, in some embodiments, provided herein is a food product comprising an amount of any one or more sweetener compositions provided herein, wherein the physical properties of the food product (e.g., tensile strength, cohesion, viscosity, appearance, temperature stability, storage temperature, pH stability and / or spreadability when baked) are comparable to those of a food product containing an amount of an alternative sweetener composition other than the sweetener composition, wherein the amount of the sweetener composition in the food product is about 50% to about 150% (e.g., about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125%, or about 150%) of the amount of the alternative sweetener composition in a similar food product.Physical property can be measured by any suitable method.In some embodiments, suitable physical property can be with similar food product in same property difference about ± 25% in (for example, about ± 20%, ± 15%, ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 2% or ± 1%).In some such embodiments, the dextrose equivalent (DE) of sweetener composition can be about 50% to about 150% of the DE of alternative sweetener composition (for example, about 50% to about 125%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 150%, about 75% to about 125%, about 75% to about 100%, about 100% to about 150%, about 100% to about 125%, about 125% to about 150%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, about 125% or about 150%). In some cleanings, the DE of the sweetener composition provided herein is about 30 to about 75 (e.g., about 40 to about 65, about 42, about 53, or about 63). In some embodiments, the caloric content of the food product can be no more than 95% (e.g., no more than 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, or 85%) of the caloric content of similar food products. In some embodiments, the dietary fiber content of the food product can be at least 1 gram / portion (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 grams / portion) more than the dietary fiber of similar food products. In some embodiments, the alternative sweetener composition is corn syrup.

[0147] In another aspect, compositions containing various ratios of glucose to purified hemicellulose can be prepared. In one embodiment, the composition contains less than about 95% glucose. In another embodiment, the composition contains less than about 94% glucose. In another embodiment, the composition contains less than about 90% glucose, or 5-90% glucose. In another embodiment, the composition contains less than about 75% glucose, or 30-75% glucose. In another embodiment, the composition contains less than about 60% glucose, or 30-60% glucose. In another embodiment, the composition contains about 30%, about 40%, about 50% or about 60% glucose.

[0148] In another aspect, the ratios of ingredients of the composition containing glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans can be selected not to impart a significant degree of sweetness, but to be used primarily as a food ingredient component to impart other characteristics, such as viscosity.

[0149] The glycemic index (GI) can be measured using methods known in the art, for example, as described in RL Magaleta et al., “In vitro method for predicting glycemic index of foods using simulated digestion and an artificial neural network”, Cereal Chemistry, Vol. 87, No. 4, 2010.

[0150] Also provided herein are methods of making hemicellulose compositions.Any of the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein can be made by the methods described herein.

[0151] In some cases, the methods described herein may include: extracting hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass, and purifying the extracted hemicellulose. Extracting hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass may be accomplished by any suitable method. Purifying the extracted hemicellulose may be accomplished using any suitable method.

[0152] In some embodiments, lignocellulosic biomass can be mixed with water, and lignocellulosic biomass can be activated under the conditions including the first temperature and the first pressure to form an activated cellulose stream (e.g., the first activation step). In some releases, the pre-activation step can be before the first activation step. The first activated cellulose stream can be washed to form a washed first activated cellulose stream and a first soluble extract. The first soluble extract can be separated from the washed first activated cellulose stream by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the first soluble extract can be separated from the washed first activated cellulose stream using filtration (e.g., vacuum filtration).

[0153] Exemplary methods are shown in Figure 1. The lignocellulosic biomass 101 can be fed to the reactor 103, wherein the lignocellulosic biomass 101 is subjected to a first activation step to produce a first activated cellulose stream 104. In the first activation step, the lignocellulosic biomass 101 can be treated at elevated temperature and pressure to produce a first activated cellulose stream 104, for example, including cellulose II and insoluble solids. The first activation step can be carried out in the presence of water. Water can be introduced into the reactor 103 in one or more of the following ways: present in the lignocellulosic biomass 101, present in the reactor 103 when the lignocellulosic biomass is introduced into the reactor 103, or introduced by the feed stream 102. The reactor 103 can be a batch reactor or a continuous process reactor. In the case of a batch reactor, the lignocellulosic biomass 101 can be fed into the reactor 103, which can be a stirred tank reactor and can be raised to operating conditions at a desired time. If the reactor 103 is a continuous flow reactor, it can then be a steam exposure reactor and can be maintained under desired operating conditions. The first activated cellulose stream 104 can be washed to extract soluble non-cellulose components, such as hemicellulose and some ash, extracts and lignin. The first activated cellulose stream 104 and wash water 106 can be introduced into a washing reactor 105 to produce a soluble extract 107 and a washed first activated cellulose stream 108. The washing reactor 105 can be any suitable reactor. Optionally, the washing reactor 105 can be operated in a countercurrent manner and can be a countercurrent belt filter. Other filtering or separation methods can be used, such as a filter press, a double-net press, a double-roll extruder, a rotary vacuum filter or a centrifuge.

[0154] Lignocellulosic biomass can be any suitable raw material. For example, lignocellulosic biomass can include one or more of the following: straw, corn stalks, bagasse, hardwood, softwood, energy crops, etc. In some cases, the original agricultural material provided can be processed to remove rocks, soil or other materials present in the original agricultural material, and reduce the size of the original agricultural or forest material fed to the process, such as by crushing, grinding, milling or otherwise processing. In some cases, the lignocellulosic biomass for producing the purified lignocellulosic composition described herein is wheat straw.

[0155] In some cases, the pre-activation step may include: treating lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., straw) with steam. The pre-activation step may include any suitable temperature, pressure, and duration. In some embodiments, the temperature of the pre-activation step may be about 110°C to about 150°C (e.g., about 110°C to about 140°C, about 110°C to about 130°C, about 120°C to about 150°C, about 120°C to about 140°C, or about 125°C to about 135°C). In some embodiments, the duration of the pre-activation step may be about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes (e.g., about 5 minutes to about 25 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, or about 13 minutes to about 17 minutes). In some embodiments, the pressure of the pre-activation step may be about 10psi to about 20psi (e.g., about 10 to about 15psi, about 15 to about 20psi, about 10psi, about 15psi, or about 20psi).

[0156] In some cases, the first activation step can be performed under conditions that increase the amount of cellulose II in the first activated cellulose stream relative to the amount of cellulose II in the feedstock.

[0157] The temperature of the first activation step can be any suitable temperature. In some cases, the temperature of the first activation step can be greater than 190°C (e.g., greater than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, or 240°C). In some embodiments, the temperature of the first activation step can be less than about 250°C (e.g., less than 240°C, 230°C, or 220°C). In some embodiments, the temperature of the first activation step can be from about 190°C to about 250°C (eg, from about 190°C to about 240°C, from about 190°C to about 230°C, from about 190°C to about 220°C, from about 190°C to about 210°C, from about 190°C to about 200°C, from about 200°C to about 250°C, from about 200°C to about 240°C, from about 200°C to about 230°C, from about 200°C to about 220°C, ℃ to about 200 ℃, about 210 ℃ to about 250 ℃, about 210 ℃ to about 240 ℃, about 210 ℃ to about 230 ℃, about 210 ℃ to about 220 ℃, about 220 ℃ to about 250 ℃, about 220 ℃ to about 240 ℃, about 220 ℃ to about 230 ℃, about 222 ℃ to about 230 ℃, about 230 ℃ to about 250 ℃, about 230 ℃ to about 240 ℃, or about 240 ℃ to about 250 ℃).

[0158] In the first activation step, the amount of moisture introduced can be any suitable amount. In some embodiments, based on lignocellulosic biomass plus moisture, the amount of moisture can be at least about 30% (for example, at least about 40%, or at least about 50%). In some embodiments, the amount of moisture can be less than about 90% (for example, less than 80%, 70%, or 60%). In some embodiments, the amount of moisture in the first activation step can be about 50%. In some embodiments, the amount of moisture in the first activation step can be about 10% to about 65% (for example, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 65%, about 30% to about 65%, about 40% to about 65%, about 50% to about 65%, about 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 60%, or about 35% to about 55%).

[0159] The moisture in the first activation step can be in the form of vapor or liquid water. It should be understood that the temperature and pressure of the first activation step can be selected so that liquid water is present in the first activation step. It should be understood that the temperature and pressure of the first activation step can be selected so that steam is present in the first activation step.

[0160] The pressure of the first activation step can be any suitable pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure can be at least about 200 psig (e.g., at least about 250, 300, or 350 psig). In some embodiments, the pressure can be less than about 500 psig (e.g., less than about 450 or 400 psig). Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that the pressure in the reactor corresponds to the temperature according to the saturated steam thermodynamic minimum. In some embodiments, the pressure can be increased to exceed this value or be greater than this value by adding a pressurized gas or adding superheat.

[0161] The duration of the first activation step can be any suitable duration.In some embodiments, the first activation step can be less than 30 minutes (for example, less than about 20,10 or 5 minutes).In some embodiments, the duration of the first activation step can be about 1 minute to about 30 minutes (for example, about 1 to about 25 minutes, about 1 to about 20 minutes, about 1 to about 15 minutes, about 1 to about 10 minutes, about 1 to about 5 minutes, about 5 to about 30 minutes, about 5 to about 25 minutes, about 5 to about 20 minutes, about 5 to about 15 minutes, about 5 to about 10 minutes, about 10 to about 30 minutes, about 10 to about 25 minutes, about 10 to about 20 minutes, about 10 to about 15 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 15 to about 25 minutes, about 15 to about 20 minutes, about 20 to about 30 minutes, about 20 to about 25 minutes, about 25 to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 25 minutes or about 30 minutes). It will be appreciated that the duration of the first activation step may vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the first activation step, for example, the temperature and pressure of the first activation step.

[0162] It should be understood that the temperature, pressure and duration of the treatment can be combined in any desired combination. Thus, for example, the first activation step can include subjecting the feedstock to a pressure of 200 to 500 psig and a temperature of 200° C. to 250° C. for 1 to 30 minutes, or to a pressure of 200 to 500 psig and a temperature of 190° C. to 215° C. for less than 4 minutes.

[0163] The first activated cellulose stream can have a suitable solid content. For example, the solid content of the first activated cellulose stream can be about 30% by weight to 50% by weight solids. In some cases, the solid can be mainly cellulose. In some cases, the solid can be lignin, hemicellulose and / or minor components such as ash, protein or extract.

[0164] The first activated cellulose stream may be washed to form a washed first activated cellulose stream and a first soluble extract. The first activated cellulose stream may be washed with water. The water may contain any suitable solute. In some embodiments, the temperature of the wash water may be from about 40°C to about 100°C (e.g., from about 40°C to about 95°C, from about 40°C to about 90°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 40°C to about 70°C, from about 40°C to about 60°C, from about 40°C to about 50°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 95°C, from about 50°C to about 90°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, from about 50°C to about 60°C, In some embodiments, the temperature of the wash water may be from about 25°C to about 95°C, from about 60°C to about 90°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 70°C, from about 70°C to about 100°C, from about 70°C to about 95°C, from about 70°C to about 90°C, from about 70°C to about 80°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 95°C, from about 80°C to about 90°C, from about 90°C to about 100°C, from about 90°C to about 95°C, or from about 95°C to about 100°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the wash water may be from about 25°C to about 95°C (e.g., from about 25°C to about 75°C, from about 25°C to about 50°C, from about 50°C to about 95°C, from about 75°C to about 95°C, from about 25°C to about 50°C, or from about 25°C to about 75°C).

[0165] In some cases, the first activated cellulose stream, the washed first activated cellulose stream, or a combination thereof may be subjected to other processing steps. In some embodiments, the first activated cellulose stream, the washed first activated cellulose stream, or a combination thereof may be subjected to a second activation step to produce a second activated cellulose stream.

[0166] In some cases, the second activation step can be performed under conditions that increase the amount of cellulose IV in the second activated cellulose stream relative to the amount of cellulose IV in the washed first activated cellulose stream.

[0167] The second activation step can be performed at any suitable temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature may be greater than about 60°C (e.g., greater than about 70°C). In some embodiments, the temperature may be less than about 180°C (e.g., less than about 170°C, 160°C, 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, 120°C, 110°C, 100°C, 90°C, or 80°C). In some embodiments, the second activation step may be performed at a temperature ranging from about 60°C to about 180°C (e.g., from about 60°C to about 160°C, from about 60°C to about 140°C, from about 60°C to about 120°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 80°C to about 180°C, from about 80°C to about 160°C, from about 80°C to about 140°C, from about 80°C to about 120°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 100°C to about 180°C, from about 100°C to about 160°C, from about 100°C to about 140°C, from about 100°C to about 120°C, from about 120°C to about 180°C, from about 120°C to about 160°C, from about 120°C to about 140°C, from about 140°C to about 180°C, from about 140°C to about 160°C, or from about 160°C to about 180°C).

[0168] The second activation step can be carried out at any suitable pressure. In some embodiments, the second activation step can be carried out at superatmospheric pressure. For example, the pressure can be about 0.1 to about 400 psig (e.g., about 0.1 to about 300 psig, about 0.1 to about 200 psig, about 0.1 to about 100 psig, about 0.1 to about 50 psig, about 0.1 to about 10 psig, about 0.1 to about 5 psig, about 0.1 to about 1 psig, about 1 to about 400 psig, about 1 to about 300 psig, about 1 to about 200 psig, about 1 to about 100 psig, about 1 to about 50 psig, about 1 to about 10 psig, about 1 to about 5 psig, about 5 to about 400 psig, about 5 to about 300 psig, about 5 to about 200 psig, about psig, about 100 to about 400 psig, about 10 to about 300 psig, about 10 to about 200 psig, about 10 to about 100 psig, about 10 to about 50 psig, about 50 to about 400 psig, about 50 to about 300 psig, about 50 to about 200 psig, about 50 to about 100 psig, about 10 to about 50 psig, about 50 to about 400 psig, about 50 to about 300 psig, about 50 to about 200 psig, about 50 to about 100 psig, about 100 to about 400 psig, about 100 to about 300 psig, about 100 to about 200 psig, about 200 to about 400 psig, about 200 to about 300 psig, or about 300 to about 400 psig).

[0169] The duration of the second activation step can be any suitable duration. For example, the duration of the second activation step can be less than 180 minutes (e.g., less than 120 minutes, 90 minutes, or 60 minutes). In some embodiments, the duration of the second activation step can be less than 15 minutes (e.g., less than 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes). In some embodiments, the duration of the second activation step can be from about 15 minutes to about 180 minutes (e.g., from about 15 to about 120 minutes, from about 15 to about 90 minutes, from about 15 to about 60 minutes, from about 15 to about 45 minutes, from about 15 to about 30 minutes, from about 30 to about 180 minutes, from about 30 to about 120 minutes, from about 30 to about 90 minutes, from about 30 to about 60 minutes, from about 30 to about 45 minutes, from about 45 minutes to about 180 minutes, from about 45 to about 120 minutes, from about 45 to about 90 minutes, from about 45 to about 60 minutes, from about 60 to about 180 minutes, from about 60 to about 120 minutes, from about 60 to about 90 minutes, from about 90 minutes to about 180 minutes, from about 90 to about 120 minutes, or from about 120 to about 180 minutes). It will be appreciated that the duration of the second activation step will vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the activation step, for example, temperature and pressure.

[0170] It will be appreciated that the temperature, pressure and duration of the second activation step may be combined in any desired combination. Thus, for example, the second activation step may include subjecting the first activated cellulose stream to a temperature of 60° C. to 240° C. and a pressure of 0 to 500 psig for 15 to 120 minutes, or to a temperature of 80° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of 0 to 300 psig for at least 60 minutes.

[0171] The second activation step may include any suitable conditions. In some embodiments, the conditions of the second activation step may include alkali treatment. The alkali may be provided in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the alkali may be provided in the form of one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and ammonia. In some embodiments, the alkali is sodium hydroxide. The alkali treatment may include any suitable alkali loading. For example, the alkali loading may be about 1% to about 10% (eg, about 1% to about 9%, about 1% to about 8%, about 1% to about 7%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 4%, about 1% to about 3%, about 1% to about 2%, about 2% to about 10%, about 2% to about 9%, about 2% to about 8%, about 2% to about 7%, about 2% to about 6%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 10%, about 3% to about 9%, about 3 ... Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the alkali swells the cellulose and further disrupts the intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the cellulose, thereby further modifying the crystal structure.

[0172] In some preferred embodiments, the second activation step may be performed in the presence of an oxidizing agent. In some preferred embodiments, the second activation step may be performed in the presence of an enzyme (eg, a laccase and / or a lignin modifying enzyme).

[0173] In some embodiments, the conditions of the second activation step may include an oxidant. Examples of oxidants suitable for the second activation step include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). The oxidant can be loaded in any suitable loading amount. In the following embodiments, the oxidant is loaded at about 0.0001% to about 2% (eg, about 0.0001% to about 1%, about 0.0001% to about 0.1%, about 0.0001% to about 0.01%, about 0.0001% to about 0.001%, about 0.0001% to about 0.001%, about 0.001% to about 2%, about 0.001% to about 1%, about 0.001% to about 0.1%, about 0.001% to about 0.01%, about 0.01% to about 2%, about 0.01% to about 1%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 1% to about 2%) of the dry weight of the solids in the second activation step (e.g., the first activated cellulose stream, the washed first activated cellulose stream, or a combination thereof).

[0174] The second activated cellulose stream may have a suitable solids content. In some embodiments, the second activated cellulose stream may have about 5% to 50% solids by weight, preferably about 20% to about 35% solids. In some embodiments, the solids may primarily include cellulose.

[0175] The second activated cellulose stream may be subjected to one or more washing steps after activation, for example, to remove alkali and dissolved lignin. The second activated cellulose stream may be washed to form a washed second activated cellulose stream. The second activated cellulose stream may be washed with water. The water may contain any suitable solute. In some embodiments, the temperature of the wash water may be from about 40°C to about 100°C (e.g., from about 40°C to about 95°C, from about 40°C to about 90°C, from about 40°C to about 80°C, from about 40°C to about 70°C, from about 40°C to about 60°C, from about 40°C to about 50°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 95°C, from about 50°C to about 90°C, from about 50°C to about 80°C, from about 50°C to about 70°C, from about 50°C to about 60°C, ℃ to about 100 ℃, about 60 ℃ to about 95 ℃, about 60 ℃ to about 90 ℃, about 60 ℃ to about 80 ℃, about 60 ℃ to about 70 ℃, about 70 ℃ to about 100 ℃, about 70 ℃ to about 95 ℃, about 70 ℃ to about 90 ℃, about 70 ℃ to about 80 ℃, about 80 ℃ to about 100 ℃, about 80 ℃ to about 95 ℃, about 80 ℃ to about 90 ℃, about 90 ℃ to about 100 ℃, about 90 ℃ to about 95 ℃, or about 95 ℃ to about 100 ℃).

[0176] In some cases, the second activated cellulose stream, the washed second activated cellulose stream, the first activated cellulose stream, the washed first activated cellulose stream, or a combination thereof can be further subjected to processing steps. In some embodiments, the first activated cellulose stream, the washed first activated cellulose stream, or a combination thereof can be subjected to treatment with one or more enzymes to produce a glucose-enriched sugar stream.

[0177] The enzyme may be any suitable enzyme. In some embodiments, the enzyme may be a cellulase. The treatment with the enzyme may occur at any suitable temperature. In some embodiments, the treatment with the enzyme may occur at a temperature of about 40°C to 55°C.

[0178] Typically, cellulases can be selected so that cellulose is decomposed into monomeric sugars. For example, cellulases can be selected so that 1,4-β-D glycosidic linkages are hydrolyzed into monosaccharides. Cellulases can include enzymes having at least one of cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase activity. Although cellulase preparations can be isolated from a variety of sources (e.g., natural cultures of bacteria, yeast, or fungi), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that enzymes produced by recombinant techniques that can be used as described herein can be used. Examples of commercially available enzymes suitable for use with the methods described herein include, but are not limited to: Novozymes Ctec 2 or 3, AB Enzymes Rohament.

[0179] Enzyme can be added for any suitable loading.The loading of adding enzyme can be 0.1 to 120mg, 0.2 to 60mg or 1 to 30mg enzyme protein / gram of glucan.In one embodiment, the loading of adding enzyme is 0.1 to 5mg enzyme protein / gram of glucan in every gram of activated cellulose.In one embodiment, enzyme is with the loading of about 2 to about 60 filter paper units (FPU) / g glucan, or optionally with the loading of about 2 to 30 or 1 to 15FPU / g glucan added to activated cellulose.Enzyme can be directly added to activated cellulose respectively, or first mixed with surfactant and / or dispersant, as described below.

[0180] The enzyme may be contacted with the activated cellulose for a suitable length of time (eg, 24 to 144 hours, 48 ​​to 144 hours, 48 ​​to 60 hours, or 24 to 72 hours) to convert the cellulose to monomeric sugars by enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0181] In some embodiments, based on the polysaccharide content of activated cellulose, at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the theoretical yield of glucose is converted into glucose to produce a sugar stream rich in glucose during enzymatic hydrolysis. In some embodiments, enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out for a predetermined length of time or until a predetermined glucose yield is obtained. After a certain quantitative time, the rate of glucose produced by cellulase hydrolysis may decrease because the cellulose substrate is exhausted or the presence of glucose inhibits the activity of cellulase.

[0182] Optionally, the activated cellulose may be contacted with the enzyme in the presence of a surfactant and / or a dispersant. In some embodiments, the dispersant is polyaspartic acid.

[0183] Surfactant can be any suitable surfactant.Surfactant can be a nonionic surfactant, optionally a polysorbate surfactant, such as Tween.Surfactant can also be a blend of surfactants.In some embodiments, the surfactant can be a blend of Tween 80, alkoxylated glycerides, and nonylphenol.In some embodiments, the surfactant is present in a loading of less than about 2% and / or greater than about 0.01%.In some embodiments, the surfactant can be present in a loading of 1% to 0.01%, 0.5% to 0.05% or about 0.1% to 0.2% of the weight of the cellulose content in activated cellulose.

[0184] The dispersant can be any suitable dispersant. In some embodiments, the dispersant can be an oligopeptide, optionally a non-enzymatic polypeptide with a molecular weight of 500 to 10,000 or 1000 to 5000. The oligopeptide can be polyaspartic acid. The molecular weight of the polyaspartic acid can be 500 to 10,000, 1000 to 5000, or 3500 to 4500. The polyaspartic acid can be present in a loading of less than about 2% of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose and / or greater than about 0.001% of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose. In some embodiments, the polyaspartic acid can be present in a loading of 1% to 0.001%, 0.25% to 0.025% or about 0.1% of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose.

[0185] Optionally, the ratio of surfactant to dispersant (eg, polyaspartic acid) in the enzymatic hydrolysis mixture is from 0.1:1 to 10:1, optionally from 0.5:1 to 2:1.

[0186] Optionally, the molar ratio of dispersant (eg, polyaspartic acid) to one or more cellulases is from 0.01:1 to 10:1.

[0187] Therefore, the enzymatic hydrolysis mixture comprising one or more cellulases, one or more surfactants and one or more dispersants can be used in any enzymatic hydrolysis process, or can be used in combination with any activation and enzymatic hydrolysis process described herein. The enzymatic hydrolysis mixture is particularly suitable for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose comprising cellulose II and cellulose IV as described herein.

[0188] In some cases, the first soluble extract (eg, including hemicellulose) can be subjected to other processing steps. In some embodiments, the first soluble extract can be subjected to one or more purification steps to form a purified hemicellulose composition.

[0189] Purification can include any suitable purification steps. In some embodiments, the purification steps can include one or more of the following in any suitable order: decolorization, treatment with carbon (e.g., activated carbon), ion exchange (IX), reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration. In some embodiments, the first soluble extract can be decolorized before any other purification steps.

[0190] Decolorization can include any suitable condition. In some embodiments, decolorization can include alkaline peroxide conditions. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that alkaline peroxide conditions are used to reduce the molecular weight of hemicellulose in the first soluble extract, and / or for releasing polyphenols and / or other colored compounds by hemicellulose. It should be noted that decolorization does not necessarily mean that hemicellulose is decolorized completely, but means that the color of hemicellulose (for example, hemicellulose becomes whiter usually) is usually weakened.

[0191] Decolorization can be performed at any suitable temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature can be greater than about 50°C (e.g., greater than about 60°C or 70°C). In some embodiments, the temperature can and may be less than about 100°C (e.g., less than about 90°C or 80°C). In some embodiments, bleaching can be carried out at a temperature ranging from about 50°C to about 250°C (e.g., from about 50°C to about 225°C, from about 50°C to about 200°C, from about 50°C to about 175°C, from about 50°C to about 150°C, from about 50°C to about 125°C, from about 50°C to about 100°C, from about 50°C to about 75°C, from about 75°C to about 250°C, from about 100°C to about 250°C, from about 125°C to about 250°C, from about 150°C to about 250°C, from about 175°C to about 250°C, from about 200°C to about 250°C, from about 225°C to about 250°C, from about 100°C to about 200°C, from about 50°C to about 90°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 55°C to about 85°C, from about 55°C to about 75°C, from about 55°C to about 65°C).

[0192] Decolorization can be carried out at any suitable pressure. In some embodiments, decolorization can be carried out at superatmospheric pressure. For example, the pressure can be about 0.1 to about 400 psig (e.g., about 0.1 to about 300 psig, about 0.1 to about 200 psig, about 0.1 to about 100 psig, about 0.1 to about 50 psig, about 0.1 to about 10 psig, about 0.1 to about 5 psig, about 0.1 to about 1 psig, about 1 to about 400 psig, about 1 to about 300 psig, about 1 to about 200 psig, about 1 to about 100 psig, about 1 to about 50 psig, about 1 to about 10 psig, about 1 to about 5 psig, about 5 to about 400 psig, about 5 to about 300 psig, about 5 to about 200 psig, about psig, about 100 to about 400 psig, about 10 to about 300 psig, about 10 to about 200 psig, about 10 to about 100 psig, about 10 to about 50 psig, about 50 to about 400 psig, about 50 to about 300 psig, about 50 to about 200 psig, about 50 to about 100 psig, about 10 to about 50 psig, about 50 to about 400 psig, about 50 to about 300 psig, about 50 to about 200 psig, about 50 to about 100 psig, about 100 to about 400 psig, about 100 to about 300 psig, about 100 to about 200 psig, about 200 to about 400 psig, about 200 to about 300 psig, or about 300 to about 400 psig).

[0193] The duration of decolorization can be any suitable duration.For example, the duration of decolorization can be less than about 5 hours (for example, less than about 4 hours or less than about 3 hours).In some embodiments, the duration of decolorization can be greater than 1 hour (for example, greater than 2 hours).In some embodiments, the duration of decolorization can be about 1 hour to about 5 hours (for example, about 1 hour to about 4 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 2 hours to about 5 hours, about 2 hours to about 4 hours, about 2 hours to about 3 hours, about 3 hours to about 5 hours, about 3 hours to about 4 hours, about 4 hours to about 5 hours, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours or about 5 hours).It should be understood that the duration of decolorization will vary depending on many factors, including the severity of decolorization step, for example, temperature and pressure.

[0194] It should be understood that the temperature, pressure and duration of decolorization can be combined in any desired combination. Thus, for example, decolorization can include subjecting the first soluble extract to a temperature of 60° C. to 80° C. and a pressure of 0 to 500 psig for 2 to 4 hours, or to a temperature of 70° C. to 90° C. and a pressure of 0 to 300 psig for at least 1 hour.

[0195] In some embodiments, decolorization can include alkali treatment. Alkali can be provided in any suitable form. In some embodiments, alkali can be provided in the form of one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and ammonia. In some embodiments, alkali is sodium hydroxide. Alkali treatment can be carried out at any suitable pH. In some embodiments, alkali treatment can be carried out at a pH of about 9.5 to about 11.5 (e.g., about 9.5 to about 11.0, about 9.5 to about 10.5, about 9.5 to about 10.0, about 10.0 to about 11.5, about 10.0 to about 11.0, about 10.0 to about 10.5, about 10.5 to about 11.5, about 10.5 to about 11.0, about 11.0 to about 11.5, about 9.5, about 10.0, about 10.5, about 11.0 or about 11.5).

[0196] In some embodiments, decolorization can include treatment with an oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, decolorization can include enzymes, such as laccases and / or lignin modifying enzymes.

[0197] In some embodiments, decolorization may include treatment with an oxidizing agent. Examples of oxidizing agents suitable for use in the decolorization step include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The oxidant can be loaded in any suitable loading amount. In some embodiments, the oxidant can be loaded in an amount of about 5 to about 40% (e.g., about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 30%, or about 30% to about 40%) of the dry weight of one or more components of the hemicellulose (e.g., xylan (e.g., arabinoxylan)).

[0198] Carbon treatment may comprise treating the first soluble extract (or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) with carbon (eg activated carbon). The carbon loading may be any suitable loading. For example, carbon (e.g., activated carbon) can be used in a loading amount of about 0.05% to about 0.5% (e.g., 0.05% to about 0.4%, about 0.05% to about 0.3%, about 0.05% to about 0.2%, about 0.05% to about 0.1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, about 0.1% to about 0.2%, about 0.2% to about 0.5%, about 0.2% to about 0.4%, about 0.2% to about 0.3%, about 0.3% to about 0.5%, about 0.3% to about 0.4%, about 0.4% to about 0.5%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%) of the dry weight of one or more components of hemicellulose (e.g., xylans (e.g., arabinoxylans)).

[0199] Ion exchange (e.g., ion exchange of the first soluble extract or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) can include passing the first soluble extract (or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) through an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin can be any suitable ion exchange resin, such as a cation exchange resin or an anion exchange resin. In some embodiments, a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin are used during purification of the first soluble extract (or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) (this can be referred to as secondary ion exchange).

[0200] Reverse osmosis (e.g., reverse osmosis of the first soluble extract or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) may include any suitable conditions. In some embodiments, a nanofiltration membrane (e.g., a filter having a pore size of about 1 to about 10 nm) may be used in the reverse osmosis. In some embodiments, an ultrafiltration membrane (e.g., a filter having a pore size of about 0.01 μm to about 0.1 μm) may be used in the reverse osmosis. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that reverse osmosis using a nanofilter can remove low molecular weight impurities, ions, and / or water, which can concentrate hemicellulose.

[0201] Nanofiltration (e.g., nanofiltration of the first soluble extract or the first soluble extract after one or more purification steps) can include any suitable conditions. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that nanofiltration can remove low molecular weight impurities, ions, and / or water, and can concentrate hemicellulose.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first soluble extract may be purified sequentially by decolorization, carbon treatment, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis using a nanofilter to form a purified hemicellulose composition.

[0203] In some cases, the lignocellulosic biomass used to produce glucose (e.g., dextrose) described herein can be the same type of lignocellulosic biomass as the lignocellulosic biomass used to produce the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein (e.g., both are corn stover, or both are wheat straw). In some cases, the lignocellulosic biomass used to produce glucose (e.g., dextrose) described herein can be the same type of lignocellulosic biomass as the lignocellulosic biomass used to produce the purified hemicellulose compositions described herein (e.g., the same batch of corn stover or the same batch of wheat straw).

[0204] Hemicellulose (e.g., crude hemicellulose) can be prepared by methods different from those specifically disclosed herein (e.g., prepared from lignocellulosic biomass using a first activation step disclosed herein and washing the first activated cellulose stream to form a first soluble extract as described herein). For example, crude hemicellulose can be obtained from a commercial supplier. In some cases, crude hemicellulose has an alkaline pH. In some embodiments, crude hemicellulose can have a hemicellulose fraction having a molecular weight (Mw) of at least about 20 kDa (e.g., at least about 30, 50, 75, or 100 kDa). In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the hemicellulose can be about 20 kDa to about 300 kDa (e.g., about 20 to about 250 kDa, about 20 to about 200 kDa, about 20 to about 150 kDa, about 20 to about 100 kDa, about 20 to about 50 kDa, about 50 to about 300 kDa, about 100 to about 300 kDa, about 150 to about 300 kDa, about 200 to about 200 kDa, about 250 to about 300 kDa, or about 100 to about 200 kDa).

[0205] Crude hemicellulose can be processed to reduce molecular weight (Mw), thereby forming the hemicellulose (areduced-mass hemicellulose) of quality reduction.In some embodiments, alkaline conditions can be used to reduce the molecular weight of crude hemicellulose.In some embodiments, alkaline conditions can include pH is about 9.5 to about 11.5 (for example, about 9.5 to about 11.0, about 9.5 to about 10.5, about 9.5 to about 10.0, about 10.0 to about 11.5, about 10.0 to about 11.0, about 10.0 to about 10.5, about 10.5 to about 11.5, about 10.5 to about 11.0, about 11.0 to about 11.5, about 9.5, about 10.0, about 10.5, about 11.0 or about 11.5).Be not limited to any particular theory, think that the reduction of molecular weight is relevant with pH, ​​duration, temperature and pressure of processing.In some embodiments, pressure can be atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the duration of the alkali treatment may be from about 30 minutes to about 8 hours (e.g., from about 30 minutes to about 6 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 4 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 2 hours, from about 30 minutes to about 1 hour, from about 1 hour to about 8 hours, from about 1 hour to about 6 hours, from about 1 hour to about 4 hours, from about 1 hour to about 2 hours, from about 2 hours to about 8 hours, from about 2 hours to about 6 hours, from about 2 hours to about 4 hours, from about 4 hours to about 8 hours, from about 4 hours to about 6 hours, or from about 6 hours to about 8 hours). In some embodiments, the temperature may be from about 60°C to about 150°C (e.g., from about 60°C to about 140°C, from about 60°C to about 120°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 60°C to about 80°C, from about 60°C to about 100°C, from about 80°C to about 150°C, from about 80°C to about 140°C, from about 80°C to about 120°C, from about 80°C to about 100°C, from about 100°C to about 150°C, from about 100°C to about 1 The base treatment may be carried out at a temperature of about 40°C, about 100°C to about 120°C, about 100°C to about 150°C, about 100°C to about 140°C, about 100°C to about 120°C, about 120°C to about 150°C, about 120°C to about 140°C, about 140°C to about 150°C, about 60°C, about 70°C, about 80°C, about 90°C, about 100°C, about 110°C, about 120°C, about 130°C, about 140°C, or about 150°C). Depending on the conditions, the base treatment may reduce the molecular weight to the desired molecular weight. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the alkali-treated hemicellulose can be about 4500 to about 6500 Da (e.g., about 4500 to about 6000 Da, about 4500 to about 5500 Da, about 4500 to about 5000 Da, about 5000 to about 6500 Da, about 5000 to about 6000 Da, about 5000 to about 5500 Da, about 5500 to about 6500, about 5500 to about 6000 Da, or about 6000 to about 6500 Da).

[0206] The hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight can be purified using any suitable purification step, to form a purified hemicellulose composition as described herein. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight can be purified using any purification step as described herein, to form a purified hemicellulose composition. In some embodiments, the hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight can be subjected to carbon (e.g., activated carbon) treatment, ion exchange (IX), reverse osmosis or nanofiltration in any order, to form a purified hemicellulose composition. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition made from the hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight can be used for sweetener compositions, e.g., any sweetener compositions as described herein.

[0207] In some embodiments, the hemicellulose that molecular weight reduces can be mixed with the hemicellulose of decolorization in any suitable ratio.For example, the hemicellulose that the molecular weight of about 25 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight % (for example, about 25 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % or about 75 dry weight %) reduces can be with about 25 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight % (for example, about 25 dry weight % to about 50 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % to about 75 dry weight %, about 25 dry weight %, about 50 dry weight % or about 75 dry weight %) decolorization hemicellulose.In some embodiments, this combination can be subjected to carbon (for example, activated carbon) processing, carry out ion exchange (IX), carry out reverse osmosis or nanofiltration in any order, to form the hemicellulose composition of purification.In some embodiments, the hemicellulose composition of purification made of the combination of the hemicellulose of molecular weight reduction and decolorization can be used for sweetener composition, for example, any sweetener composition as described herein.

[0208] The purified hemicellulose composition can be dried (e.g., partially or completely). The purified hemicellulose composition can be dried using any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose composition can be dried using spray drying, mat drying, or freeze drying.

[0209] Also provided herein is a method for preparing a sweetener composition. Any sweetener composition described herein can be prepared by the method described herein. The method for preparing a sweetener composition may include: mixing glucose (e.g., dextrose or a combination of glucose and dextrose) with a purified hemicellulose composition. The merger may include any suitable step. In some embodiments, mixing may include: mixing, blending, stirring, dissolving, emulsifying, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, dried glucose and dried purified hemicellulose compositions may be mixed together, and optionally, water may be added to form a syrup (e.g., with about 70% to about 80% dry matter). In some embodiments, the dried purified hemicellulose composition may be added to glucose syrup (e.g., by mixing, blending, dissolving, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, dried glucose may be added to a purified hemicellulose composition in the form of a syrup (e.g., by mixing, blending, dissolving, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, glucose syrup may be mixed with a purified hemicellulose composition in the form of a syrup (e.g., by mixing, blending, dissolving, or a combination thereof). The purified hemicellulose composition may be any purified hemicellulose composition described herein. Glucose and the hemicellulose composition of purification can be mixed with any ratio, for example, so as to produce any sweetener composition as described herein.For example, in some embodiments, the glucose of about 1 to about 20 (for example, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 5, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 10, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 15, about 15 to about 20, about 1, about 2, about 5, about 10, about 15 or about 20) weight portion can be mixed with the hemicellulose of the purification of about 1 weight portion.For example, in some embodiments, the hemicellulose of about 1 to about 20 (for example, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 5, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 10, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 15, about 15 to about 20, about 1, about 2, about 5, about 10, about 15 or about 20) weight portion can be mixed with the glucose of about 1 weight portion.

[0210] In one embodiment, a combination containing glucose and purified hemicellulose is prepared by the following method:

[0211] The lignocellulosic biomass is treated with steam to extract, hydrolyze and separate hemicellulose from the lignocellulosic biomass matrix (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20180119188(A1) or PCT Publication No. WO2016161515(A1) for exemplary treatments, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties);

[0212] Recovering hemicellulose by washing with water (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20180119188(A1) or PCT Publication No. WO2016161515(A1) for exemplary washing details);

[0213] Purification of hemicellulose by sequential treatment with activated carbon (to remove organic impurities) followed by two-stage ion exchange (cation / cation) to remove inorganic impurities;

[0214] The hemicellulose is optionally concentrated and / or dried.

[0215] Although in the above examples, hemicellulose is purified by sequentially treating with activated carbon followed by secondary ion exchange, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are alternative methods known in the art for purifying hemicellulose that can yield a product purified in a similar manner.

[0216] For example, the concentration of hemicellulose can be carried out by evaporation or reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis can also be used to pre-concentrate the hemicellulose and then evaporate it. Various drying methods are known in the art and can be used alone or in combination with various concentration methods. The preferred evaporation method for preserving taste and / or color is falling film evaporation under vacuum. The preferred drying method for preserving taste and / or color is freeze drying or spray drying.

[0217] Sweetener compositions comprising dextrose and hemicellulose as described herein can be used in food and beverage production. It can also be used as an additive in a pharmaceutical composition or supplement, especially those for oral administration. Supplements can include, but are not limited to: natural health products, fiber supplements, vitamins or mineral supplements, protein or amino acid supplements, etc. Sweetener compositions as described herein can be sold as a household sugar substitute, for example, in cooking or baking, or sold as a condiment.

[0218] The sweetener composition comprising dextrose and purified hemicellulose described herein can be used as a food product to provide a food ingredient composition with properties other than sweetness. For example, the ratio of dextrose and purified hemicellulose can be selected to provide increased viscosity or moisture retention properties, and very little sweet flavor or no sweet flavor can be imparted. In the other party, purified hemicellulose can be used alone as a food additive as a source of soluble fiber and / or prebiotics. In some embodiments, purified hemicellulose will be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed. Purified hemicellulose can include: xylose, oligoxylose and xylan. Purified hemicellulose can also include other sugar polymers. Other sugar polymers can also be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed into sugars of other ingredients or oligosaccharides of these sugars. In one embodiment, purified hemicellulose can include up to 10% other sugar polymers. In some embodiments of purified hydrolyzed hemicellulose, the amount of xylan can range from 20-95%, the amount of oligoxylose can range from 5-60%, and the range of xylose can range from 1-40%. In some embodiments, the amount of xylan can range from 50-95%, the amount of xylo-oligosaccharides can range from 5-30%, and the amount of xylose can range from 1-25%. In some embodiments, the purified hydrolyzed hemicellulose contains about 87% xylan, about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 4% xylose.

[0219] In another aspect, a composition comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose and partially or completely hydrolyzed hemicellulose is provided. The composition can be used as a sweetener or food additive, and can be used to impart sweetness or viscosity or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition includes dextrose, oligosaccharides of dextrose, and purified hemicellulose. In some embodiments, the purified hemicellulose includes: xylose, oligoxylose, and xylan. In another aspect, the composition of purified hemicellulose can also include other sugar polymers. Other sugar polymers can also be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed into sugars of other components or oligosaccharides of these sugars. In some embodiments, purified hemicellulose can include up to 10% of other sugar polymers. In some embodiments of purified hydrolyzed hemicellulose, the amount of xylan can range from 20-95%, the amount of oligoxylose can range from 5-60%, and the range of xylose can range from 1-40%. In some embodiments, the amount of xylan can range from 50-95%, the amount of oligoxylose can range from 5-30%, and the range of xylose can range from 1-25%. In some embodiments, the purified hydrolyzed hemicellulose comprises about 87% xylan, about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 4% xylose.

[0220] In another aspect, the compositions described herein can be used as taste modifiers. The compositions can be used to adjust the taste of other sweeteners, including high-potency sweeteners and bulk sweeteners, such as erythritol.

[0221] Exemplary Embodiments

[0222] Embodiment 1 is a sweetener composition comprising:

[0223] From about 5% to about 95% by dry weight glucose; and

[0224] From about 5% to about 95% by dry weight of purified hemicellulose.

[0225] Embodiment 2 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 1, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises: xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan.

[0226] Embodiment 3 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises: a hydrolysate of xylose, a hydrolysate of xylo-oligosaccharides, or a hydrolysate of xylan.

[0227] Embodiment 4 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 30% to about 75% by dry weight of glucose.

[0228] Embodiment 5 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 40% to about 60% by dry weight of glucose.

[0229] Embodiment 6 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 45% to about 55% by dry weight of glucose.

[0230] Embodiment 7 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 30% to about 75% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0231] Embodiment 8 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 40% to about 60% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0232] Embodiment 9 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 45% to about 55% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0233] Embodiment 10 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 20% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0234] Embodiment 11 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 30% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0235] Embodiment 12 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 50% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0236] Embodiment 13 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 80% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0237] Embodiment 14 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 87% xylan by dry weight.

[0238] Embodiment 15 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 2-14, wherein the xylan comprises about 70% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0239] Embodiment 16 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 2-14, wherein the xylan comprises about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0240] Embodiment 17 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 2-14, wherein the xylan comprises about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0241] Embodiment 18 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 2-14, wherein the xylan comprises about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0242] Embodiment 19 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 60% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0243] Embodiment 20 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 30% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0244] Embodiment 21 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 15% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides.

[0245] Embodiment 22 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0246] Embodiment 23 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 25 dry weight % xylose.

[0247] Embodiment 24 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 40 dry weight % xylose.

[0248] Embodiment 25 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 10 dry weight % xylose.

[0249] Embodiment 26 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 4% xylose by dry weight.

[0250] Embodiment 27 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0251] Embodiment 28 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 10% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0252] Embodiment 29 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 5% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0253] Embodiment 30 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 1% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0254] Embodiment 31 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 10% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0255] Embodiment 32 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 5% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0256] Embodiment 33 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 1% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0257] Embodiment 34 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-33, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0258] Embodiment 35 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-33, wherein the purified hemicellulose contains less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0259] Embodiment 36 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-33, wherein the purified hemicellulose contains less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0260] Embodiment 37 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 10% by dry weight of a sugar or sugar polymer that is not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or a hydrolysate thereof.

[0261] Embodiment 38 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 5% by dry weight of a sugar or sugar polymer that is not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or a hydrolysate thereof.

[0262] Embodiment 39 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 1% by dry weight of a sugar or sugar polymer that is not dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or a hydrolysate thereof.

[0263] Embodiment 40 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is about 35 to about 75.

[0264] Embodiment 41 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is about 40 to about 65.

[0265] Embodiment 42 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is 42, 53 or 63.

[0266] Embodiment 43 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is 42.

[0267] Embodiment 44 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is 53.

[0268] Embodiment 45 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-39, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition is 63.

[0269] Embodiment 46 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-45, wherein the glycemic index of the sweetener composition is about 35 to about 50.

[0270] Embodiment 47 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-45, wherein the glycemic index of the sweetener composition is about 40 to about 45.

[0271] Embodiment 48 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-45, wherein the glycemic index of the sweetener composition is 42.

[0272] Embodiment 49 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-48, wherein the sweetener composition provides about 175 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition to about 225 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0273] Embodiment 50 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-48, wherein the sweetener composition provides about 180 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition to about 200 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0274] Embodiment 51 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-48, wherein the sweetener composition provides about 190 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0275] Embodiment 52 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-51, wherein the sweetener composition comprises soluble fiber.

[0276] Embodiment 53 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-52, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 20 grams to about 60 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0277] Embodiment 54 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-52, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 35 grams to about 45 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0278] Embodiment 55 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-52, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 41 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0279] Embodiment 56 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the sweetener composition comprises a prebiotic.

[0280] Embodiment 57 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 2 grams to about 6 grams of prebiotics per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0281] Embodiment 58 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 3 grams to about 5 grams of prebiotics per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0282] Embodiment 59 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 4 grams of prebiotics per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0283] Embodiment 60 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-59, wherein the sweetener composition does not contain insoluble fiber.

[0284] Embodiment 61 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-60, wherein the glucose is provided at least in part in the form of dextrose.

[0285] Embodiment 62 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-61, wherein the sweetener composition is a solid.

[0286] Embodiment 63 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-61, wherein the sweetener composition is a syrup.

[0287] Embodiment 64 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 63, wherein the viscosity of the sweetener composition at a temperature of 120° C. is from about 2500 cp to about 3000 cp.

[0288] Embodiment 65 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 63, wherein the viscosity of the sweetener composition at a temperature of 120° C. is from about 2700 cp to about 2900 cp.

[0289] Embodiment 66 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 63, wherein the viscosity of the sweetener composition at a temperature of 120° C. is about 2800 cp.

[0290] Embodiment 67 is a sweetener composition comprising:

[0291] about 48% to about 53% dextrose by dry weight;

[0292] about 41% to about 45% xylan by dry weight;

[0293] From about 4% to about 5% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and

[0294] From about 2% to about 2.5% xylose by dry weight.

[0295] Embodiment 68 is a sweetener composition comprising:

[0296] about 50% dextrose by dry weight;

[0297] about 43% xylan by dry weight;

[0298] about 4% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and

[0299] About 2% xylose by dry weight.

[0300] Embodiment 69 is a food product comprising the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68.

[0301] Embodiment 70 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68.

[0302] Embodiment 71 is a dietary supplement comprising the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68.

[0303] Embodiment 72 is use of any one of the sweetener compositions of embodiments 1-68 in a food product.

[0304] Embodiment 73 is use of any one of the sweetener compositions of embodiments 1-68 in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0305] Embodiment 74 is use of any one of the sweetener compositions of embodiments 1-68 in a dietary supplement.

[0306] Embodiment 75 is a method of sweetening a food product, the method comprising: adding the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68 to the food product.

[0307] Embodiment 76 is a method for sweetening a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising: adding any sweetener composition of embodiments 1-68 to the pharmaceutical composition.

[0308] Embodiment 77 is a method for sweetening a dietary additive, the method comprising: adding any sweetener composition of embodiments 1-68 to the dietary additive.

[0309] Embodiment 78 is a method of reducing the calorie content of a food product prepared from a formulation, the method comprising:

[0310] Providing a recipe that includes an amount of sugar or syrup; and

[0311] The food product is prepared according to this recipe, but at least part of the amount of sugar or syrup is replaced with a sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68 in an amount of about 50% to about 150% of the amount of part of the sugar or syrup.

[0312] Embodiment 79 is a method of reducing the glycemic index of a food product prepared by a formula, the method comprising:

[0313] Providing a recipe that includes an amount of sugar or syrup; and

[0314] The food product is prepared according to this recipe, but at least part of the amount of sugar or syrup is replaced with a sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 1-68 in an amount of about 50% to about 150% of the amount of part of the sugar or syrup.

[0315] Embodiment 80 is the method of embodiment 78 or embodiment 79, wherein a portion of the sugar or syrup amount is replaced with the sweetener composition of any of embodiments 1-68 in an amount of about 80% to about 120% of the portion of the sugar or syrup amount.

[0316] Embodiment 81 is the method of embodiment 78 or embodiment 79, wherein the portion of the sugar or syrup amount is replaced with the sweetener composition of any of embodiments 1-68 in an amount of about 100% of the portion of the sugar or syrup amount.

[0317] Embodiment 82 is a purified hemicellulose composition comprising:

[0318] about 82% to about 92% xylan by dry weight;

[0319] From about 8% to about 9% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and

[0320] About 4% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.

[0321] Embodiment 83 is a purified hemicellulose composition comprising:

[0322] about 87% to about 88% xylan by dry weight;

[0323] From about 8% to about 9% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and

[0324] About 4% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.

[0325] Embodiment 84 is a purified hemicellulose composition comprising:

[0326] About 87.3% xylan by dry weight;

[0327] about 8.5% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides; and

[0328] About 4.2% xylose by dry weight.

[0329] Embodiment 85 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-84, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition is milky white.

[0330] Embodiment 86 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-85, wherein the molecular weight (Mw) of the purified hemicellulose composition is less than 4000 Da.

[0331] Embodiment 87 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-86, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition has a polyphenol content of less than about 0.5 dry weight percent.

[0332] Embodiment 88 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-87, wherein the antioxidant level of the purified hemicellulose composition is less than about 10,000 μmol TE / 100 g.

[0333] Embodiment 89 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-88, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition has a purity of at least 95%.

[0334] Embodiment 90 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-89, wherein the xylan comprises about 70% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0335] Embodiment 91 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-90, wherein the xylan comprises about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0336] Embodiment 92 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-90, wherein the xylan comprises about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0337] Embodiment 93 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-90, wherein the xylan comprises about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0338] Embodiment 94 is a food product comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93.

[0339] Embodiment 95 is a sweetener composition comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93.

[0340] Embodiment 96 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93.

[0341] Embodiment 97 is a dietary supplement comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93.

[0342] Embodiment 98 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93 in a food product.

[0343] Embodiment 99 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93 in a sweetener composition.

[0344] Embodiment 100 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93 in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0345] Embodiment 101 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 82-93 in a dietary supplement.

[0346] Embodiment 102 is a method for preparing purified hemicellulose, the method comprising:

[0347] providing lignocellulosic biomass;

[0348] mixing lignocellulosic biomass with water;

[0349] activating lignocellulosic biomass and water using conditions including a first temperature and a first pressure to form a first activated cellulose stream;

[0350] washing the first activated cellulose stream to form a washed first activated cellulose stream and a first soluble extract, wherein the first soluble extract comprises hemicellulose; and

[0351] The first soluble extract is purified to form purified hemicellulose.

[0352] Embodiment 103 is the method of embodiment 102, wherein the first temperature is from about 190°C to about 225°C.

[0353] Embodiment 104 is the method of embodiment 102 or embodiment 103, wherein the first pressure is from about 200 psig to about 500 psig.

[0354] Embodiment 105 is the method of any one of embodiments 102 to 104, wherein the duration of the activating step is from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes.

[0355] Embodiment 106 is the method of any one of embodiments 102 to 105, wherein washing comprises washing with water at a temperature of about 40°C to about 100°C.

[0356] Embodiment 107 is the method of any one of embodiments 102 to 106, wherein purifying comprises one or more of: decolorizing, treating with carbon, performing ion exchange (IX), performing reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, or a combination thereof.

[0357] Embodiment 108 is the method of embodiment 107, wherein the treatment with carbon is treatment with activated carbon.

[0358] Embodiment 109 is the method of embodiment 107, wherein performing IX comprises performing a secondary ion exchange.

[0359] Embodiment 110 is the method of embodiment 107, wherein performing reverse osmosis comprises using a nanofiltration membrane.

[0360] Embodiment 111 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-110, wherein the decolorization comprises: alkaline peroxide treatment.

[0361] Embodiment 112 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-110, wherein decolorizing comprises: comprising conditions of a pH of about 9.5 to about 11.5.

[0362] Embodiment 113 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-110, wherein decolorizing comprises: comprising conditions of a pH of about 10.0 to about 11.0.

[0363] Embodiment 114 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-111, wherein the decolorizing comprises: peroxide treatment.

[0364] Embodiment 115 is the method of embodiment 114, wherein the peroxide treatment comprises a peroxide loading of about 5% to about 40% based on the dry weight of the xylan component of the hemicellulose.

[0365] Embodiment 116 is the method of embodiment 114, wherein the peroxide treatment comprises a peroxide loading of about 5% to about 40% based on the dry weight of the arabinoxylan component of the hemicellulose.

[0366] Embodiment 117 is the method of any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the duration of decolorization is from about 1 hour to about 5 hours.

[0367] Embodiment 118 is the method of any one of embodiments 107 to 116, wherein the duration of decolorization is from about 2 hours to about 4 hours.

[0368] Embodiment 119 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-118, wherein the bleaching is performed at a temperature of about 50°C to about 100°C.

[0369] Embodiment 120 is the method of any one of embodiments 107-118, wherein the bleaching is performed at a temperature of about 60°C to about 80°C.

[0370] Embodiment 121 is the method of any one of embodiments 102-118, wherein the purification comprises, in sequence: decolorization, treatment with carbon, ion exchange (IX), and reverse osmosis to form purified hemicellulose.

[0371] Embodiment 122 is the method of any one of embodiments 102-121, further comprising: adding hemicellulose with reduced molecular weight to the decolorized hemicellulose.

[0372] Embodiment 123 is the method of any one of embodiments 102-122, further comprising drying the purified hemicellulose.

[0373] Embodiment 124 is a purified hemicellulose prepared by the method of any one of embodiments 102-123.

[0374] Embodiment 125 is a method of preparing a sweetener composition, the method comprising:

[0375] Provide glucose;

[0376] Providing purified hemicellulose; and

[0377] Glucose is mixed with purified hemicellulose to form a sweetener composition.

[0378] Embodiment 126 is the method of embodiment 124, wherein the glucose comprises glucose prepared from lignocellulosic biomass.

[0379] Embodiment 127 is the method of embodiments 125-126, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises purified hemicellulose prepared from lignocellulosic biomass.

[0380] Embodiment 128 is the method of embodiment 126 or embodiment 127, wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises hardwood, softwood, plant stems, plant straw, or a combination thereof.

[0381] Embodiment 129 is the method of embodiment 126 or embodiment 127, wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises wheat straw, wheat flour, wheat bran, corn stover, bagasse, hardwood, softwood, or a combination thereof.

[0382] Embodiment 130 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-129, wherein the glucose is prepared by a method comprising steam treating lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatically treating lignocellulosic biomass, or a combination thereof.

[0383] Embodiment 131 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-130, wherein the purified hemicellulose is prepared by a method comprising steam treating lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatically treating lignocellulosic biomass, or a combination thereof.

[0384] Embodiment 132 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-131, wherein the hemicellulose is prepared by the method of any one of embodiments 102-123.

[0385] Embodiment 133 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-132, wherein the purified hemicellulose is the purified hemicellulose of any one of embodiments 82-93.

[0386] Embodiment 134 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-132, wherein about 1 to 20 parts by dry weight of glucose is mixed with about 1 part by dry weight of purified hemicellulose.

[0387] Embodiment 135 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-133, wherein about 1 part glucose by dry weight is mixed with about 1 part purified hemicellulose by dry weight.

[0388] Embodiment 136 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-135, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises: xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, and xylan.

[0389] Embodiment 137 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-135, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises a hydrolysate of xylose, a hydrolysate of xylo-oligosaccharides, or a hydrolysate of xylan.

[0390] Embodiment 138 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-137, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 30% to about 75% glucose by dry weight.

[0391] Embodiment 139 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-137, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 40% to about 60% glucose by dry weight.

[0392] Embodiment 140 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-137, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 45% to about 55% glucose by dry weight.

[0393] Embodiment 141 is the method of any of embodiments 125-140, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 30% to about 75% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0394] Embodiment 142 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-140, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 40% to about 60% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0395] Embodiment 143 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-140, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 45% to about 55% by dry weight of the purified hemicellulose.

[0396] Embodiment 144 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-143, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 20% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0397] Embodiment 145 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-143, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 30% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0398] Embodiment 146 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-143, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 50% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0399] Embodiment 147 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-143, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 80% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0400] Embodiment 148 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-143, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 87% xylan by dry weight.

[0401] Embodiment 149 is the method of any one of embodiments 135-148, wherein the xylan comprises about 70% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0402] Embodiment 150 is the method of any one of embodiments 135-148, wherein the xylan comprises about 80% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0403] Embodiment 151 is the method of any one of embodiments 135-148, wherein the xylan comprises about 90% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0404] Embodiment 152 is the method of any one of embodiments 135-148, wherein the xylan comprises about 95% to about 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight.

[0405] Embodiment 153 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-152, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 60% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0406] Embodiment 154 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-152, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 30% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0407] Embodiment 155 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-152, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 5% to about 15% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0408] Embodiment 156 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-152, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0409] Embodiment 157 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-156, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1% to about 25% xylose by dry weight.

[0410] Embodiment 158 ​​is the method of any one of embodiments 125-156, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1% to about 40% xylose by dry weight.

[0411] Embodiment 159 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-156, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 0.1% to about 10% xylose by dry weight.

[0412] Embodiment 160 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-156, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises about 4% xylose by dry weight.

[0413] Embodiment 161 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-160, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0414] Embodiment 162 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-161, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 10% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0415] Embodiment 163 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-161, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 5% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0416] Embodiment 164 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-161, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 1% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0417] Embodiment 165 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-164, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 10% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0418] Embodiment 166 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-164, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 5% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0419] Embodiment 167 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-164, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 1% by dry weight of glucomannan, maltose, or a combination thereof.

[0420] Embodiment 168 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-167, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0421] Embodiment 169 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-167, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylans, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0422] Embodiment 170 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-167, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers that are not xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0423] Embodiment 171 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-170, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 10% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers other than xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0424] Embodiment 172 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-170, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 5% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers other than xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0425] Embodiment 173 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-170, wherein the sweetener composition comprises less than 1% by dry weight of sugars or sugar polymers other than xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, xylan, or hydrolysates thereof.

[0426] Embodiment 174 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of about 35 to about 75.

[0427] Embodiment 175 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of about 40 to about 65.

[0428] Embodiment 176 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of 42, 53, or 63.

[0429] Embodiment 177 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of 42.

[0430] Embodiment 178 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of 53.

[0431] Embodiment 179 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-173, wherein the sweetener composition has a DE of 63.

[0432] Embodiment 180 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-179, wherein the sweetener composition has a glycemic index of about 35 to about 50.

[0433] Embodiment 181 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-179, wherein the sweetener composition has a glycemic index of about 40 to about 45.

[0434] Embodiment 182 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-179, wherein the sweetener composition has a glycemic index of 42.

[0435] Embodiment 183 is the method of any of embodiments 125-182, wherein the sweetener composition provides about 175 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition to about 225 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0436] Embodiment 184 is the method of any of embodiments 125-182, wherein the sweetener composition provides from about 180 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition to about 200 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0437] Embodiment 185 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-182, wherein the sweetener composition provides about 190 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0438] Embodiment 186 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-185, wherein the sweetener composition comprises soluble fiber.

[0439] Embodiment 187 is the method of any of embodiments 125-186, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 20 grams to about 60 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0440] Embodiment 188 is the method of any of embodiments 125-186, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 35 grams to about 45 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0441] Embodiment 189 is the method of any of embodiments 125-186, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 41 grams of soluble fiber per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0442] Embodiment 190 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-189, wherein the sweetener composition comprises a prebiotic.

[0443] Embodiment 191 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-189, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 2 grams to about 6 grams of prebiotic per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0444] Embodiment 192 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-189, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 3 grams to about 5 grams of prebiotic per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0445] Embodiment 193 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-189, wherein the sweetener composition comprises about 4 grams of prebiotics per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

[0446] Embodiment 194 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-193, wherein the sweetener composition is free of insoluble fiber.

[0447] Embodiment 195 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-194, wherein the glucose is provided at least in part in the form of dextrose.

[0448] Embodiment 196 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-195, wherein the sweetener composition is a solid.

[0449] Embodiment 197 is the method of any one of embodiments 125-196, wherein the sweetener composition is a syrup.

[0450] Embodiment 198 is the method of embodiment 197, wherein the sweetener composition has a viscosity of about 2500 cp to about 3000 cp at a temperature of 120°C.

[0451] Embodiment 199 is the method of embodiment 197, wherein the sweetener composition has a viscosity of about 2700 cp to about 2900 cp at a temperature of 120°C.

[0452] Embodiment 200 is the method of embodiment 197, wherein the sweetener composition has a viscosity of about 2800 cp at a temperature of 120°C.

[0453] Embodiment 201 is a sweetener composition prepared by the method of any one of embodiments 125-200.

[0454] Embodiment 202 is a food product comprising a sweetener composition prepared by the method of any one of embodiments 125-200.

[0455] Embodiment 203 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a sweetener composition prepared by any of the methods of embodiments 125-200.

[0456] Embodiment 204 is a dietary supplement comprising a sweetener composition prepared by the method of any one of embodiments 125-200.

[0457] Embodiment 205 is use of the sweetener composition prepared by any one of the methods of embodiments 125-200 in a food product.

[0458] Embodiment 206 is use of a sweetener composition prepared by any one of the methods of embodiments 125-200 in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0459] Embodiment 207 is use of the sweetener composition prepared by any one of the methods of embodiments 125-200 in dietary supplements.

[0460] Embodiment 208 is a food product comprising:

[0461] A certain amount of the sweetener composition according to any one of claims 1-68,

[0462] The sensory properties of the food product are comparable to those of a similar food product comprising an amount of an alternative sweetener composition other than the sweetener composition, wherein the amount of the sweetener composition in the food product is about 50% to about 150% of the amount of the alternative sweetener composition in the similar food product.

[0463] Embodiment 209 is the method of claim 208, wherein the dextrose equivalence (DE) of the sweetener composition is about 50% to about 150% of the DE of the alternative sweetener composition.

[0464] Embodiment 201 is the food product of any of claims 208-209, wherein the calorie content of the food product is no more than about 95% of the calorie content of a similar food product.

[0465] Embodiment 211 is the food product of any of claims 208-209, wherein the calorie content of the food product is no more than about 92% of the calorie content of a similar food product.

[0466] Embodiment 212 is the food product of any one of claims 208-211, wherein a serving of the food product provides at least one gram more dietary fiber than a serving of a similar food product.

[0467] Embodiment 213 is the food product of any one of claims 208-211, wherein a serving of the food product provides at least two grams more dietary fiber than a serving of a similar food product.

[0468] Embodiment 214 is the food product of any one of claims 208-213, wherein the sweetener composition of any one of claims 1-68 has a DE of about 30 to about 75.

[0469] Embodiment 215 is the food product of any one of claims 208-213, wherein the DE of the sweetener composition of any one of claims 1-68 is 42, 53 or 63.

[0470] Embodiment 216 is a sweetener composition comprising:

[0471] Glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans.

[0472] Embodiment 217 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 216, wherein the glucose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans are obtained from lignocellulosic biomass.

[0473] Embodiment 218 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 216 or embodiment 217, wherein the glucose is obtained from cellulose and the xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans are obtained from hemicellulose.

[0474] Embodiment 219 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-218, wherein the DE is 35-75.

[0475] Embodiment 220 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-219, wherein DE is 42, 53 or 63.

[0476] Embodiment 221 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-220, wherein the DE is 53.

[0477] Embodiment 222 is the sweetener composition of embodiment 216, wherein the viscosity at 120°C is about 2800 (cP).

[0478] Embodiment 223 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-222, wherein the sweetener composition has fewer calories per gram than corn syrup of the same DE.

[0479] Embodiment 224 is a sweetener composition comprising 50.4 wt % dextrose, 2.1 wt % xylose, 4.2 wt % xylo-oligosaccharides and 43.3 wt % xylan.

[0480] Embodiment 225 is a method of preparing a sweetener from lignocellulosic biomass, the method comprising:

[0481] Obtain glucose;

[0482] obtaining purified hemicellulose; and

[0483] The glucose is allowed to mix with the purified hemicellulose.

[0484] Embodiment 226 is the method of embodiment 225, wherein the glucose is dextrose obtained from the hydrolysis of cellulose.

[0485] Embodiment 227 is the method of embodiment 225, wherein the purified hemicellulose comprises a mixture of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, and xylans.

[0486] Embodiment 228 is the method of embodiment 225 or 227, wherein the purified hemicellulose is produced by steam treatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

[0487] Embodiment 229 is the method of embodiment 225 or 227, wherein the purified hemicellulose is prepared by enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

[0488] Embodiment 230 is the method of embodiment 225 or 227, wherein the purified hemicellulose is produced by steam treatment and enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

[0489] Embodiment 231 is the method of any one of embodiments 225-230, wherein glucose is mixed with a mixture of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides, and xylans in a ratio to provide a sweetener having a desired dextrose equivalent (DE) value.

[0490] Embodiment 232 is the method of embodiment 231, wherein the DE value ranges from 35-75.

[0491] Embodiment 233 is the method of embodiment 232, wherein the DE ranges from 40-64.

[0492] Embodiment 234 is the method of embodiment 233, wherein DE is 53, 42, or 63.

[0493] Embodiment 235 is the method of any one of embodiments 25-234, wherein the glucose and purified hemicellulose are produced in the same processing equipment and / or from the same source of lignocellulosic material.

[0494] Embodiment 236 is use of any one of the sweeteners of embodiments 216-224 in food or beverage.

[0495] Embodiment 237 is use of any one of the sweeteners of embodiments 216-224 in food or beverage.

[0496] Embodiment 238 is a food additive comprising purified hemicellulose, wherein the hemicellulose is purified by sequential treatment with activated carbon (to remove organic impurities) followed by two-stage ion exchange (cation / cation) to remove inorganic impurities.

[0497] Embodiment 239 is the food additive of embodiment 238, wherein the purified hemicellulose is partially hydrolyzed to provide a mixture of xylans, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose.

[0498] Embodiment 240 is the food additive of embodiment 238, wherein the amount of xylan can range from 20-95%, the amount of xylo-oligosaccharide can range from 5-60%, and the amount of xylose can range from 1-40%.

[0499] Embodiment 240 is the food additive of embodiment 239 or 240, wherein the purified hemicellulose further comprises other sugar polymers, such as glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan and xyloglucan, and sugars derived therefrom.

[0500] Embodiment 242 is the food additive of embodiment 239, comprising about 87% xylan, about 9% xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 4% xylose.

[0501] Embodiment 243 is the food additive of any one of embodiments 238-241, wherein the purified hemicellulose is the source of soluble fiber.

[0502] Embodiment 244 is the food additive of any one of embodiments 238-241, wherein the purified hemicellulose is a source of prebiotics.

[0503] Embodiment 245 is the use of the food additive according to any one of embodiments 238-244 in food or beverage.

[0504] Embodiment 246 is the use of the food additive according to any one of embodiments 238-244 in medicine or supplement.

[0505] Embodiment 247 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-224, wherein xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans are the source of soluble fiber.

[0506] Embodiment 248 is the sweetener composition of any one of embodiments 216-224, wherein xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylans are a source of prebiotics.

[0507] Embodiment 248 is a purified hemicellulose composition comprising about 85 to about 95 dry weight % xylan, about 5 to about 25 dry weight % xylo-oligosaccharides, and about 0 to about 5 dry weight % xylose.

[0508] Embodiment 250 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 85% to about 93% xylan by dry weight.

[0509] Embodiment 251 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 85% to about 91% xylan by dry weight.

[0510] Embodiment 252 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 85% to about 89% xylan by dry weight.

[0511] Embodiment 253 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 85% to about 87% xylan by dry weight.

[0512] Embodiment 254 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 87% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0513] Embodiment 255 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 89% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0514] Embodiment 256 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 91% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0515] Embodiment 257 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 93% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0516] Embodiment 258 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 87% to about 93% xylan by dry weight.

[0517] Embodiment 259 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 86% to about 88% xylan by dry weight.

[0518] Embodiment 260 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 88% to about 92% xylan by dry weight.

[0519] Embodiment 261 is the purified hemicellulose composition of embodiment 249, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 90% to about 95% xylan by dry weight.

[0520] Embodiment 262 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 5% to about 20% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0521] Embodiment 263 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 5% to about 15% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0522] Embodiment 264 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 5% to about 10% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0523] Embodiment 265 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 5% to about 8% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0524] Embodiment 266 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 10% to about 25% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0525] Embodiment 267 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 15% to about 25% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0526] Embodiment 268 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 20% to about 25% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0527] Embodiment 269 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 10% to about 20% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0528] Embodiment 270 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 6% to about 12% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0529] Embodiment 271 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-261, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 8% to about 10% xylo-oligosaccharides by dry weight.

[0530] Embodiment 272 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight % xylose.

[0531] Embodiment 273 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight % xylose.

[0532] Embodiment 274 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight % xylose.

[0533] Embodiment 275 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0 dry weight % to about 0.5 dry weight % xylose.

[0534] Embodiment 276 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0 dry weight % to about 0.1 dry weight % xylose.

[0535] Embodiment 277 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight % xylose.

[0536] Embodiment 278 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.5% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.

[0537] Embodiment 279 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight % xylose.

[0538] Embodiment 280 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 2% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.

[0539] Embodiment 281 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 4% to about 5% xylose by dry weight.

[0540] Embodiment 282 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 5 dry weight % xylose.

[0541] Embodiment 283 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight % xylose.

[0542] Embodiment 284 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight % xylose.

[0543] Embodiment 285 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight % xylose.

[0544] Embodiment 286 is the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.1 dry weight % to about 0.5 dry weight % xylose.

[0545] Embodiment 287 is the purified hemicellulose of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.5 dry weight % to about 4 dry weight % xylose.

[0546] Embodiment 288 is the purified hemicellulose of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.5 dry weight % to about 2 dry weight % xylose.

[0547] Embodiment 289 is the purified hemicellulose of any one of embodiments 249-271, wherein the purified hemicellulose composition comprises about 0.5 dry weight % to about 1 dry weight % xylose.

[0548] Embodiment 290 is a sweetener composition comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289.

[0549] Embodiment 291 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289.

[0550] Embodiment 292 is a dietary supplement comprising the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289.

[0551] Embodiment 293 is the use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289 in a food product.

[0552] Embodiment 294 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289 in a sweetener composition.

[0553] Embodiment 295 is use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289 in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0554] Embodiment 296 is the use of the purified hemicellulose composition of any one of embodiments 249-289 in a dietary supplement.

[0555] Example

[0556] Example 1

[0557] A lignocellulosic composition was prepared comprising partially hydrolyzed hemicellulose mixed with dextrose. The composition comprised dextrose, xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan in the proportions shown in Table 1.

[0558] Table 1 compares the chemical composition of a sweetener derived from a lignocellulosic biomass "lignocellulosic syrup" with a standard corn syrup sweetener. Lignocellulosic syrup is prepared from glucose derived from cellulose and a partially hydrolyzed hemicellulose composition. The cellulose and hemicellulose are derived from the same lignocellulosic biomass source. The lignocellulosic syrup composition contains 50.4% dextrose, 43.3% xylan, 4.2% xylo-oligosaccharides, and 2.1% xylose, while corn syrup contains maltose and maltotriose, but no xylose or xylo-oligosaccharides. In addition, the higher sugars found in corn syrup are C6 polysaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 2::4, compared to the C5 polysaccharides, xylans found in lignocellulosic syrup.

[0559] Table 1

[0560]

[0561] DP4+ = degree of polymerization 2::4

[0562] Example 2

[0563] Table 2 compares the chemical and physical properties of lignocellulosic sugars containing 50.4% dextrose and 53DE corn syrup. As shown in Table 2, the viscosity of the lignocellulosic syrup described in Table 1 is 2800 (cP) at 120°F, which is comparable to the 1800 viscosity observed for corn syrup. The viscosity of the composition was measured using standard procedure ASTM method D7042.

[0564] Table 2

[0565]

[0566]

[0567] Although both sweeteners have similar viscosities, lignocellulosic syrup is much lower in calories than corn syrup. Lignocellulosic syrup also has more soluble fiber and a lower glycemic index. Lignocellulosic syrup is also a source of prebiotics, while corn syrup is not.

[0568] Low-calorie sweeteners that provide the same degree of sweetness and viscosity can be used to reduce the calorie count of the food product they are incorporated into. This feature is very advantageous in producing foods and beverages for use in a reduced-calorie diet, which is advantageous when trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain.

[0569] Example 3

[0570] It was further found that the total carbon emissions of glucose produced from lignocellulose were lower than those of glucose produced from starch. In particular, the emissions from dextrose derived from corn stover were quantified relative to corn kernel-based dextrose and are presented in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, corn stover-derived dextrose resulted in lower emission intensity than corn kernel-based dextrose. The GHG emission reduction was quantified as 0.61 ton CO2-e / ton dextrose.

[0571] Table 3: Emissions of straw-based dextrose relative to corn-based dextrose

[0572]

[0573]

[0574] (Emission reduction = corn kernel emissions - corn stover emissions; positive value = net reduction in emissions.)

[0575] The emission reductions per ton of hemicellulose and lignin have been calculated and compared with the emissions generated by sugarcane molasses production. The results are shown in Table 4. It can be seen that the emission intensity generated by hemicellulose and lignin is similar to that of sugarcane molasses. The emission intensity of hemicellulose and lignin has been quantified as 0.17 ton and 0.04 ton core / ton material higher than that of sugarcane molasses.

[0576] Table 4: Hemicellulose and lignin relative to sugarcane molasses

[0577]

[0578] Emissions intensity is calculated based on a combination of factors, including expected one-time setup and decommissioning emissions as well as ongoing upstream, on-site and downstream emissions.

[0579] Example 4

[0580] The straw is treated with steam at a given temperature and time (activation step; see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20180119188(A1)) to render the crude / unpurified hemicellulose water-soluble.

[0581] The material was extracted with water and the liquid unpurified hemicellulose was removed by vacuum filtration.

[0582] Unpurified hemicellulose is then treated with alkaline peroxide conditions and elevated temperatures. pH is about 9.5 to about 11.5 (e.g., about 10.5). Based on dry AX content, a peroxide loading of 5-40% (e.g., 10-20%) (weight / weight) is used. The temperature is 60°C to 80°C (e.g., about 60°C) for about 2 hours to about 4 hours (e.g., about 2 hours). Generally, the higher the temperature, the less time is used. Typically, temperatures higher than 100°C are not used because they often include more complex and expensive pressurized systems. This treatment is used to remove polyphenols and other colored compounds associated with lignin and degradation products from the AX molecule. In this step, the molecular weight of AX decreases, so the reaction can be optimized for a given color removal and molecular weight. Molecular weight can affect physical properties (e.g., viscosity, water / oil binding power) and prebiotic properties (e.g., some intestinal bacteria digest certain molecular weight AX in different ways). Molecular weight and degree of decolorization (e.g., degree of polyphenols remaining on the AX molecule) can affect downstream purification; membrane separation is the preferred method, but other methods such as carbon or ion exchange (IX) (e.g., adsorption separation) can be used if the molecular weight of AX is similar to that of the colored compounds being removed. When carbon or IX is used, polyphenols still attached to AX will adsorb to the carbon and IX, thereby reducing the recovery (yield) of AX.

[0583] The alkaline peroxide treated hemicellulose is then purified to remove impurities from the AX as follows (the order of these steps can be changed):

[0584] a. Activated carbon – can remove colored compounds and degradation products as well as proteins

[0585] b.IX——Can remove pigments, degradation products, salts

[0586] c. Nanofiltration and / or reverse osmosis - can remove low molecular weight impurities and water (e.g., to concentrate the product before evaporation to syrup or drying)

[0587] The final product is AX with a purity greater than 95%, little or no polyphenols or color, and can be evaporated into a concentrated syrup, or dried into a powder. Some properties of the prepared AX are shown in Table 5.

[0588] Table 5

[0589]

[0590] Example 6

[0591] An improved process has been developed to produce sweetener syrup from agricultural byproducts such as corn stover and wheat straw. The syrup has properties similar to conventional corn syrup, but with reduced calories and increased fiber content. The performance of 63DE syrup was evaluated in target applications relative to standard commercial ingredients.

[0592] 63DE corn syrup is commonly used in baking and pastry applications to provide sweetness, texture and binding. The performance of Comet 63DE syrup was evaluated relative to commercial 63DE corn syrup in pie fillings, toffee chews, soft cookies and cereal bars.

[0593] result:

[0594] 1. Komei 63DE syrup shows good functionality in pie fillings, toffee chews, and cereal bars.

[0595] 2. Comet's syrup caused a significant decrease in spreadability in the soft chocolate chip cookies.

[0596] 3. Modest (10%) calorie reductions were observed in Comeau pie fillings (89 g per serving) and cereal bars, but not in chewy candies (40 g per serving) or cookies (30 g per serving).

[0597] 4. Moderate sugar reduction was also observed in Comeau pie fillings and toffee chews.

[0598] 5. Increased fiber content (1-3g per serving) was observed in all Comet's apps tested.

[0599] 6. Replacing all conventional corn syrup and sugar used in applications (e.g., in toffee chews and cereal bars) with Comet's syrups and solids has the potential to result in additional calorie, carbohydrate and sugar reductions, and increased fiber.

[0600] Materials and methods:

[0601] Cherry Pie Filling. The cherry pie filling recipe is shown in Table 6.

[0602] Table 6

[0603]

[0604] Recipe for cherry pie filling:

[0605] 1. Thoroughly mix starch and 30% water. Set aside.

[0606] 2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, citric acid, 20% of the cherries and the remaining 70% of the water. Bring to a slow boil.

[0607] 3. Add starch slurry and continue heating to 190°F while stirring.

[0608] 4. Add remaining cherries and red food coloring. Stir until cherries and coloring are fully incorporated.

[0609] Soft chocolate chip cookies. The recipe for soft chocolate chip cookies is shown in Table 7.

[0610] Table 7

[0611]

[0612] plan:

[0613] 1. Cream shortening and sugar in a KitchenAid mixer using speed 1 for 30 seconds and speed 4 for 1 minute. Add eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and water, then mix again on speed 1 for 30 seconds and speed 4 for 1 minute.

[0614] 2. Stir in flour, soda, and salt. Mix slowly until dough forms, scraping bowl as needed.

[0615] 3. Mix in chocolate chips on low speed for 15 seconds, or until evenly dispersed throughout the dough.

[0616] 4. Place 25-27g dough balls on a pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 11 minutes. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before removing from pan and placing on a wire rack to cool completely.

[0617] Chewing candy. The toffee chewing candy formula is shown in Table 8.

[0618]

[0619] plan

[0620] 1. Combine water, sugar, syrup, coconut oil and lecithin in a pot.

[0621] 2. Heat to 252°F while continuing to stir.

[0622] 3. Transfer mixture to a heated (150°F) KitchenAid mixing bowl.

[0623] 4. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix on speed 4 for 2 minutes.

[0624] 5. Add flavor and color. Mix at speed 4 for 13 minutes.

[0625] 6. Pour the mixture onto a cold marble slab to cool.

[0626] 7. Cut into pieces and wrap.

[0627] Cereal bars. Cereal bar recipes are shown in Tables 9 and 10.

[0628]

[0629]

[0630] plan

[0631] 1. Weigh chocolate chips in a small cup and place in the refrigerator.

[0632] 2. Weigh oatmeal and rice crispies into a bowl. Set aside.

[0633] 3. Weigh the sugar and syrup into a saucepan.

[0634] 4. Cook the syrup over medium-high heat to reach the target solids content (by weight loss).

[0635] 5. Add salt, oil, lecithin and vanilla to the cooked syrup and stir well.

[0636] 6. Weigh the syrup into the oat and rice mixture. Mix thoroughly.

[0637] 7. Add the frozen chocolate chips and mix.

[0638] 8. Press into greased pan. Cool, cut and package into bars.

[0639] Nutrition Label

[0640] Nutritional labels were generated using Genesis software and the ingredient database. The nutritional profile for Kohler 63DE was adjusted to 60% solids and used for analysis.

[0641] result

[0642] Cherry Pie Filling

[0643] In this study, Comet's 63DE syrup was evaluated in a cherry pie filling application at the same syrup solids level as a commercial 63DE corn syrup control. The control syrup had 82.5% solids and the Comet's 63DE syrup sample had 60% solids, so some water was added to the control formulation to equalize the solids. The appearance and texture of the Comet's 63DE pie filling were good and comparable to the control during filling preparation and in the finished baked pie application ( Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0644] The nutrition label was calculated for 1 / 3 cup (89 grams) of each filling. The analysis showed that Comey's pie filling had 10% fewer calories (100 versus 110), slightly less sugar (21 grams versus 24 grams) and 3 grams more fiber per serving ( Figure 4 ).

[0645] Fruit-On-The-Bottom Yogurt

[0646] A paper exercise was conducted to estimate the appearance of a simple strawberry-covered yogurt formulated with sugar and Kohler 63DE syrup. First, a yogurt recipe matching the serving size and nutritional profile of Dannon's strawberry-covered yogurt was created using Genesis Nutritional Analysis Software (Table 11).

[0647] Then, assuming that Comet's 63DE is 70% as sweet as sugar, similar to regular 63DE corn syrup, Comet's 63DE syrup (78% dry solids) replaces sugar and water with equal sweetness.

[0648] Table 11

[0649]

[0650] By making a Komei substitute, calories were reduced by 8% (120 vs. 130 kcal), sugars were reduced by 18% (18g vs. 22g), and fiber was increased to 5g per serving. Total carbohydrates increased slightly from 25g to 26g per serving. The nutrition label shows Figure 5 For comparison.

[0651] Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

[0652] Corn syrup is used in cookie formulations to provide a soft yet chewy texture. In this study, Comeau syrup was compared to 63DE corn syrup at equal solids and water content. No differences in dough appearance or handling were observed.

[0653] In the baked cookies, the Komei syrup spread less than the control syrup. The average diameter of the Komei cookies (n=11) was 2.2 inches, while the average diameter of the control cookies was 2.6 inches (Table 12), and this difference was visually obvious ( Figure 6 and 7 ). Comet's cookies had a more piled appearance and cakey texture. The decrease in spreadability observed in Comet's cookies may be attributed to the fiber in Comet's syrup. Recipe modifications may be made to improve the spreadability of Comet's cookies. There were no differences in browning or baking time between treatments.

[0654] Table 12

[0655]

[0656] The nutrition labels of two cookie recipes were calculated ( Figure 8 There were no differences in the calories or sugar content of the cookies, but the Comet cookies did have 2 grams of fiber, compared to 1 gram in the control cookies.

[0657] Toffee chewing candy

[0658] 63DE corn syrup is used for sweetness, texture, and to prevent sweetness in confectionery chew applications. In this study, Comet's syrup was substituted for an equal amount of 63DE corn syrup solids in a blend of 63DE and 42DE to create a chewy candy prototype. The Comet's syrup blend performed well in this application and was comparable in appearance and texture to the 63DE corn syrup control ( Fig. 9 ).

[0659] No calorie differences were observed per 40-gram serving, but the Komei chews had slightly less sugar (27 grams versus 28 grams) and 2 grams of fiber ( Fig.10 ).

[0660] Since a significant amount of the sugar and calories in this toffee chew recipe comes from regular 42DE corn syrup, a paper exercise was conducted to evaluate the impact of replacing Comet's 42DE syrup with this chew recipe. This exercise indicated that a potential reduction in calories (130 vs. 160), total carbohydrates (32 vs. 34), and sugars (26 vs. 28) could be achieved using a combination of Comet's 63DE and Comet's 42DE syrups. Fig.10 ).

[0661] Cereal bars

[0662] Corn syrup is commonly used in cereal bars, granola bars, protein bars, etc. for sweetness, binding and texture. 63DE, 42DE syrups and combinations thereof may be used, depending on the specific bar formulation and desired properties. In this study, Comell 63DE syrup was evaluated at the same solids content in a cereal bar application relative to conventional 63DE corn syrup.

[0663] Since the solids content of Komei 63DE syrup is lower than the commercial control syrup, it needs to be cooked longer to drive out more water and achieve a solids content comparable to the control cementing syrup (87%). Komei cementing syrup looks milky white, tastes sweet, and holds the bar particles together well. The initial performance of Komei 63DE syrup in this application appears comparable to the control ( Fig.11 ).

[0664] Comparison of nutrition labels showed that bars made with Komei 63DE had lower calories (150 vs. 160) and higher fiber (4 g vs. 2 g). No differences were observed in total carbohydrates and sugars ( Fig.12 ).

[0665] Example 7

[0666] The straw is treated with steam at about 110°C to about 150°C (e.g., about 130°C), about 10psi to about 20psi (e.g., about 15psi) for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes (e.g., about 15 minutes) in the activation step. The ratio of steam to straw is about 0.1 to about 1.0 (e.g., about 0.1 to about 0.8, about 0.1 to about 0.5, about 0.1 to about 0.3, about 0.3 to about 1, about 0.5 to about 1, about 0.8 to about 1, about 0.3 to about 0.5, about 0.3 to about 0.8, or about 0.5 to about 0.8). The straw is then treated with steam at about 200°C to about 240°C (e.g., about 222°C), about 300psi to about 350psi (e.g., about 305psi to about 335psi) for about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes (e.g., about 10 minutes). The ratio of steam to straw is about 0.1 to about 2.0 (e.g., about 0.1 to about 1.5, about 0.1 to about 1.0, about 0.1 to about 0.5, about 0.5 to about 2.0, about 1.0 to about 2.0, about 1.5 to about 2.0, about 0.5 to about 1.5, about 0.5 to about 1.0, or about 1.0 to about 1.5).

[0667] The material is extracted with water at a temperature of about 25°C to about 95°C (e.g., about 25°C to about 75°C, about 25°C to about 50°C, about 50°C to about 95°C, about 75°C to about 95°C, about 25°C to about 50°C, or about 25°C to about 75°C), and the liquid, unpurified hemicellulose is removed by vacuum filtration.

[0668] Example 8

[0669] Unpurified hemicellulose (e.g., unpurified hemicellulose of Example 7) is treated (also referred to as decolorization) with alkaline peroxide conditions and elevated temperatures. The pH is about 9.5 to about 11.5 (e.g., about 10.5). Based on dry AX content, a peroxide loading of 5-40% (e.g., 10-20%) (weight / weight) is used. In some cases, the temperature is 60°C to 80°C (e.g., about 60°C) for about 2 hours to about 4 hours (e.g., about 2 hours). Generally, the higher the temperature, the less time is used. Typically, temperatures above 100°C are not used because they often include more complex and expensive pressurized systems for removing polyols and other colored compounds associated with AX molecule degradation products and wood color.

[0670] The alkaline peroxide treated hemicellulose is then purified to remove impurities from the AX as follows (the order of these steps can be changed):

[0671] a. Activated carbon – can remove colored compounds and degradation products as well as proteins

[0672] b.IX——Can remove pigments, degradation products, salts

[0673] c. Nanofiltration and / or reverse osmosis - can remove low molecular weight impurities and water (e.g., to concentrate the product before evaporation to syrup or drying)

[0674] In some cases, steps ac are performed in the following order: a, b, c. In some cases, IX includes a secondary ion exchange. The final product is AX with a purity greater than 95%, little or no polyphenols or color, and can be evaporated to a concentrated syrup, or dried to a powder. Some properties of the prepared AX are shown in Table 13.

[0675] Table 13

[0676]

[0677] Example 9

[0678] Crude hemicellulose preparations can be obtained from commercial suppliers. In the presence or absence of an oxidant and an additive that can improve the performance of the oxidant and an elevated temperature, a crude hemicellulose preparation (which can have attached polyphenols and higher molecular weights, such as higher than about 20kDa (e.g., about 30 to about 300kDa), and can have an alkaline pH (e.g., about 9 to about 14)) is treated under alkaline conditions. In some cases, the temperature is 60°C to 200°C (e.g., about 90°C), for about 30 minutes to about 8 hours (e.g., about 2 to 4 hours). Generally, the higher the temperature, the less time is used. Typically, a temperature higher than 100°C is not used because it often includes a more complicated and expensive pressurized system. The molecular weight (Mw) of the resulting hemicellulose is from about 1500Da to about 4000Da.

[0679] Example 10

[0680] The hemicellulose prepared in Example 8 is mixed with hemicellulose that has been subjected to decolorization but not otherwise purified (e.g., the decolorized hemicellulose of Example 8). The mixed hemicellulose is treated with activated carbon, purified with ion exchange, and purified with reverse osmosis with nanofiltration, for example, as in Example 8.

[0681] Embodiment 11

[0682] The hemicellulose prepared in Example 8 is decolorized, treated with activated carbon, purified by ion exchange, and purified by reverse osmosis with nanofiltration, for example, as in Example 8.

[0683] Other Implementations

[0684] One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document, including the claims hereof.

[0685] Although the above description includes references to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any embodiments provided herein are included only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limited in any manner. The scope of the appended claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments listed in the above description, but should be given in the broadest interpretation consistent with the entirety of this specification. The disclosures of all prior art cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A sweetener composition comprising: 40% to 60% by dry weight of glucose; and 40% to 60% by dry weight of purified hemicellulose; in, The purified hemicellulose comprises: 82% to 88% by dry weight of xylan, wherein the xylan comprises 70% to 99% by dry weight of arabinoxylan; 8% to 9% by dry weight of xylooligosaccharides, wherein the xylooligosaccharides are polysaccharides having 2 to 10 xylose units; 4 to 5 dry weight % xylose; Wherein, the glycemic index of the sweetener composition is 35 to 50, and the sweetener composition is syrup.

2. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The xylan comprises 90 to 99 dry weight % arabinoxylan.

3. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The DE of the sweetener composition is 35-75.

4. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The sweetener composition has a DE of 42, 53 or 63.

5. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The sweetener composition has a glycemic index of 40 to 45.

6. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The sweetener composition provides 175 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition to 225 calories per 100 grams of the sweetener composition.

7. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The glucose is provided at least in part in the form of dextrose.

8. The sweetener composition according to claim 1, in, The sweetener composition has a viscosity of 2700 cp to 2900 cp at a temperature of 120°C.

9. A purified hemicellulose composition comprising: 82% to 88% xylan by dry weight, in, The xylan comprises 70% to 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight; 8 to 9% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides, wherein the xylo-oligosaccharides are polysaccharides having 2 to 10 xylose units; and 4 to 5 dry weight % xylose.

10. A purified hemicellulose composition comprising: 87% to 88% xylan by dry weight, in, The xylan comprises 70% to 99% arabinoxylan by dry weight; 8 to 9% by dry weight of xylo-oligosaccharides, wherein the xylo-oligosaccharides are polysaccharides having 2 to 10 xylose units; and 4 to 5 dry weight % xylose.

11. The purified hemicellulose composition according to any one of claims 9 to 10, in, The molecular weight (Mw) of the purified hemicellulose composition is less than 4000 Da.

12. The purified hemicellulose composition according to any one of claims 9 to 10, in, The xylan comprises 90 to 99 dry weight % arabinoxylan.

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