Reducing compositions and methods for preventing microbial contamination and inhibiting oxidation processes

Abstract

Methods for preventing microbial contamination in food products or food compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are preservation compositions prepared using reducing gases that are useful for extending the shelf life and / or preventing bacterial contamination of food products and food compositions. Also disclosed are food products and food compositions prepared using the disclosed preservation compositions. Methods for preparing the preservation compositions and food products are also described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 316,649, filed March 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use for preventing and / or inhibiting bacterial growth and suppressing oxidative processes in food products.

[0003] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions for use as preservatives in food products.

[0004] The present invention is also directed to compositions and methods for preserving food products, and for extending the shelf life of food products.

[0005] The present invention is also directed to compositions and methods for modifying the high oxidation potential present in most foods due to the presence of preservatives added to prevent spoilage. These preservatives make the treated foods very acidic, very oxidizing, and have a positive oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) (measured in millivolts). The present invention changes these conditions to alkaline, antioxidant (i.e., reducing), and with a negative ORP, making the treated foods better for animal and human health.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to compositions for use in animal food products, such as pet or livestock food products, as well as methods of using them.

[0007] In addition, the inventors have discovered that the compositions and methods described herein impart antimicrobial activity to food products and are useful in preventing bacterial growth and thereby preventing oxidation / spoliation of the food product and contamination of surfaces, containers, and / or other food products that may come into contact with spoiled or contaminated food products.

[0008] For example, in the case of pet food, contamination may occur during the manufacturing process, storage, or preparation. Freezing and drying processes (e.g., freeze-drying) may reduce, but not eliminate, bacterial contamination in raw pet food. Thus, there is a need for quality control in the manufacturing process, and pet owners must be careful to implement additional personal hygiene practices to reduce the health risks associated with handling raw pet food, in addition to the health risks posed to pets consuming raw pet food. Even in the case of non-raw pet food, contamination may be introduced during the manufacturing and / or preparation process.

[0009] Thus, there is a continuing need for new food-safe preservatives and additives that prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms (eg, bacteria). Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a preserved food composition, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas and / or a highly reduced negative ORP material ("HNORP") (including but not limited to, modified metasilicate) into an aqueous solution to produce a preserved composition, where injecting comprises mixing under turbulent flow conditions; and (ii) mixing the preservation composition with a food composition to produce the preserved food composition, where the reducing gas and / or metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

[0011] The present disclosure further provides a method for preparing a preserved food composition, the method comprising injecting a reducing gas and HNORP into a food composition to produce a preserved food composition, wherein injecting comprises mixing under turbulent flow conditions, and the reducing gas and / or metasilicate react with an aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

[0012] The disclosure further provides a preserved food composition prepared by a method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas and HNORP into an aqueous solution to produce a preservation composition, where injecting comprises mixing under turbulent flow conditions; and (ii) mixing the preservation composition with a food composition to produce the preserved food composition, where the reducing gas and / or metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

[0013] The disclosure further provides a preserved food composition prepared by a method comprising injecting a reducing gas and HNORP into a food composition to produce a preserved food composition, where injecting comprises mixing under turbulent conditions, and the reducing gas and / or metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

[0014] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Additional aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings are detailed descriptions of methods for preparing the compositions described herein useful for preserving or extending the shelf life of food products, such as pet food products, and methods for preserving food products comprising combining the preservation compositions described herein with the food product, all of which represent examples of the invention disclosed herein.

[0016] The detailed descriptions set forth below are intended as illustrations of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced.

[0017] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description.

[0018] The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology, however, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details.

[0019] It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, in which various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations, and its several details can be modified in various other respects without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Although the present invention can be practiced using methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, suitable methods and materials are described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and / or other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that any of the publications, patent applications, patents, and / or other references mentioned and incorporated herein conflict with this disclosure, this disclosure, including definitions, is authoritative. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0021] "Hydrogas™" is an electrolytic process for producing non-toxic, non-corrosive, stable, reducing gases that can be injected into liquids, including water and aqueous solutions, including liquids for ingestion by any animal or administration (e.g., intravenously) to any animal, or for the cultivation of any plant (e.g., plants used to prepare food products, such as animal food products), and including any liquid used to prepare food products for mammalian consumption by animals. The electrolytic process lowers the liquid redox potential, freeing up dissolved free electrons, as well as hydroxides (OH - ) and increase the free H2 content.

[0022] Exemplary methods disclosed herein are based on the combination of a highly reducing, negatively charged gas, such as "Hydrogas™", and a highly reducing, highly alkaline liquid (e.g., highly reducing, negative ORP or "HRNORP") or powder, such as modified sodium metasilicate (RLS). The RLS according to the present invention can be formed with any highly alkaline, non-corrosive, food grade, or food safe liquid (e.g., any HRNORP liquid). The highly reducing gas can also be any highly reducing, negatively charged gas, including, but not limited to, gases such as HHO, BROWNS gas, Tylar gas, Knell gas, and the like.

[0023] In one aspect of the invention, the liquid injected through Hydrogas™ is used as a preservative composition or to prepare a preservative and antioxidant composition, which may be incorporated into or otherwise used to prepare a food product or composition.

[0024] Additional ingredients or components may also be utilized in exemplary embodiments of the compositions and methods of the present invention in combination with the products and compositions described herein, including, but not limited to, flavors and palatability enhancers (i.e., palatants), sweeteners (sweeteners), meat-based food ingredients, plant-based food ingredients, or other food-safe or food-grade ingredients or components.

[0025] The amounts, concentrations, and ratios disclosed herein are merely exemplary, and one of ordinary skill in the art may use other amounts, concentrations, or ratios in light of the following disclosure.

[0026] The processes, protocols, and other methods described herein are disclosed for exemplary and illustrative purposes only, and the processes, protocols, and methods may be modified in other exemplary uses of the present methods.

[0027] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, an element means one element or more than one element.

[0028] When used herein with respect to a value, the term "about" refers to a similar value in relation to the referenced value. In general, a person skilled in the art familiar with the situation will understand the reasonable degree of variation encompassed by "about" in such a context. For example, in some embodiments, the term "about" can encompass values ​​within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of the referenced value. Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification and drawings, as well as the claims.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties (e.g., molecular weight, reaction conditions, and the like) used in the specification and the related claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0030] When a numerical range of a degree or measurement with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range within that range is also intended to be specifically disclosed. For example, all ranges of values ​​(such as "from a to b," or "from about a to about b," or "from about a to b," "approximately a to b," and any similar formulas in which "a" and "b" represent numerical values ​​of a degree or measurement) should be understood to represent all numbers and ranges encompassed within the broader range of values.

[0031] Unless specifically stated otherwise, all numerical ranges defined herein include the endpoints and all values ​​therebetween, for example, "at a concentration from a to b" means "at least at a concentration of a and at most at a concentration of b."

[0032] As used herein, the terms "subject" and "recipient" refer to human and non-human animals, including veterinary subjects. The term "non-human animals" includes all vertebrates, e.g., mammals and non-mammals, such as non-human primates, mice, rabbits, sheep, dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, amphibians, and reptiles. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is a human.

[0033] The term "administration" as used herein refers to administering a composition to a subject / recipient or system, for example, consuming a food product or composition by a subject or recipient.

[0034] In certain embodiments, administration is accomplished by feeding the food product or composition to the subject or recipient.

[0035] In certain other exemplary embodiments, the food product or composition may optionally include one or more therapeutically effective amounts of therapeutically active agents, such as pharmaceuticals, e.g., pharmaceutical or veterinary drugs, vitamins, probiotics, and the like.

[0036] As used herein, the term "agent" refers to a substance, entity or complex, combination, mixture or system, or phenomenon (eg, heat, electric current or electric field, magnetic force or magnetic field, etc.).

[0037] As used herein, "related to" refers to a relationship between two events, entities, and / or phenomena. As the term is used herein, two events, entities, and / or phenomena are "related to" each other when the presence, level, and / or form of one correlates with the presence, level, and / or form of the other.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "composition" as used herein may be used to refer to a separate physical entity that includes one or more specified components. Generally, unless otherwise specified, the composition may be in any form, such as a gas, gel, liquid, solid, etc. In certain embodiments, the composition is a food composition or food product, such as a pet food.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "food-safe" or "food-acceptable" or "food grade" as applied to any other additive or excipient used to formulate a composition of the invention or a composition disclosed herein means that the composition, additive, or other excipient is safe for ingestion by a subject.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal, hi certain other embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0041] In yet other embodiments, the subject is a companion animal (i.e., a pet), including, but not limited to, a dog, cat, bird (e.g., a parrot, cockatoo, or other bird), fish, rodent (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, etc.), horse, pig, cow, sheep, goat, or other mammal.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the subject is an animal raised for human consumption (i.e., livestock), including, but not limited to, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, bison, poultry (e.g., poultry and waterfowl, such as chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, etc.).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the subject is an amphibian, such as a frog or salamander, or a reptile, such as a snake or lizard (eg, an iguana).

[0044] In one aspect, a food-safe composition or ingredient (additive or excipient) is compatible with other ingredients contained in a food composition and is not harmful to the recipient thereof. Similarly, as used herein, the terms "food-safe" or "food-acceptable" or "food grade" mean that a composition or ingredient disclosed herein for use in a composition of the invention is compatible with other ingredients of a food composition or formulation and is not harmful to the recipient.

[0045] Some examples of additional materials that may be included include sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; celluloses, and derivatives thereof, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository wax; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols such as propylene glycol; polyols such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffers such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; pH buffers; polyesters; polycarbonates and / or polyanhydrides; and other non-toxic compatible substances used in pharmaceutical formulations.

[0046] As used herein, "preventing" (and grammatical variations thereof) in relation to the occurrence of a disease, disorder, and / or condition refers to reducing the risk of developing a disease, disorder, and / or condition and / or delaying the onset of one or more characteristics or symptoms of a disease, disorder, or condition. Prevention may be considered complete if the onset of the disease, disorder, or condition has been delayed for a predefined period of time.

[0047] An individual who is "susceptible to" a disease, disorder, or condition is at risk of developing the disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, an individual who is susceptible to a disease, disorder, or condition does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, an individual who is susceptible to a disease, disorder, or condition has not been diagnosed with the disease, disorder, and / or condition. In some embodiments, an individual who is susceptible to a disease, disorder, or condition is an individual who has been exposed to conditions associated with the development of the disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, the risk of developing a disease, disorder, and / or condition is a population-based risk (e.g., family members of an individual suffering from the disease, disorder, or condition).

[0048] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount that produces a desired effect for which it is administered. In some embodiments, the term refers to an amount that is sufficient to treat a disease, disorder, and / or condition when administered to a population suffering from or susceptible to the disease, disorder, and / or condition according to a therapeutic dosing regimen. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount is an amount that reduces the incidence and / or severity of one or more symptoms of the disease, disorder, and / or condition and / or delays the onset of one or more symptoms. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "therapeutically effective amount" does not actually require successful treatment in a particular individual. Rather, a therapeutically effective amount may be an amount that, when administered to a patient in need of such treatment, results in a particular desired pharmacological response in a significant number of subjects. In some embodiments, reference to a therapeutically effective amount may be a reference to an amount measured in one or more specific tissues (e.g., tissues affected by a disease, disorder, or condition) or bodily fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, serum, sweat, tears, urine, etc.). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a particular agent or therapy may be formulated and / or administered in a single dose, hi some embodiments, a therapeutically effective agent may be formulated and / or administered in multiple doses, e.g., as part of a dosing regimen.

[0049] In certain embodiments, food-safe or food-grade compositions containing the inventive compositions or additives described herein may be used as part of a feeding schedule or regimen.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the feeding regimen may be a method of treating a condition or disease comprising administering to a subject or recipient a therapeutically effective amount or dose of an active ingredient in combination with a food product described herein.

[0051] As used herein, the term "treating" or "treatment" (and grammatical variations thereof) refers to the administration of a therapy administered with the purpose of partially or completely alleviating, ameliorating, relieving, inhibiting, delaying the onset, and / or reducing the incidence of one or more symptoms, characteristics, and / or causes of a particular disease, disorder, and / or condition, or achieving any such result. In some embodiments, such treatment may be treatment of a subject who does not exhibit signs of the associated disease, disorder, and / or condition, and / or a subject who exhibits only early signs of the disease, disorder, and / or condition. Alternatively or additionally, such treatment may be treatment of a subject who exhibits one or more established signs of the associated disease, disorder, and / or condition. In some embodiments, the treatment may be treatment of a subject who has been diagnosed as suffering from the associated disease, disorder, and / or condition. In some embodiments, the treatment may be treatment of a subject who is known to have one or more susceptibility factors that statistically correlate with an increased risk of developing the associated disease, disorder, and / or condition. In various examples, the treatment is treatment of cancer. Tumor: As used herein, the term "tumor" refers to the abnormal growth of cells or tissue. In some embodiments, a tumor can comprise pre-cancerous (e.g., benign), malignant, pre-metastatic, metastatic, and / or non-metastatic cells. In some embodiments, a tumor is associated with or is a symptomatic manifestation of cancer. In some embodiments, a tumor can be a disperse tumor or a liquid tumor. In some embodiments, a tumor can be a solid tumor.

[0052] As used herein, "Hydrogas™" refers to reducing gases prepared according to the electrolysis processes described in this disclosure.

[0053] As used herein, "reconstitution" refers to a process for converting a liquid into a reconstituted liquid. As used herein, "reconstituted liquid" or "reconstituted liquid" refers to a reconstituted liquid. The reconstituted liquid is used to prepare a preservation composition described herein, which is then incorporated into or otherwise used to prepare a food composition or food product having improved antimicrobial (e.g., antibacterial) properties.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "infuse" or "infusion" or "infusing" or any variation thereof encompass any other suitable method of mixing a reducing gas or silicate with a liquid, such as injecting, administering, or applying. In some embodiments, a process is provided for preparing a stable, non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing liquid by injecting gas produced by the electrolytic process described herein into a "feed liquid" that is treated using the described process. The feed liquid can be any suitable liquid that can stably incorporate the injected reducing gas. Examples of suitable feed liquids include, but are not limited to, organic solvents, non-polar oils, mineral oils, essential oils, colloidal suspensions, colloidal solutions, leachates from landfills, polychlorinated byphenols (PCBs), and aqueous compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the feed liquid for injection is water used to prepare cell culture media. Water sources include, for example, distilled water, deionized water, tap water, potable water, potable, non-potable water, agricultural water, irrigation water, salt water, brackish water, hydraulic fracturing water, water with dissolved aqueous heavy metals, industrial water, recycled water, fresh water, natural source water, or reverse osmosis water. Potable water is understood to be water that is safe for human or animal consumption, and non-potable water is not safe for human or animal consumption but can be used for other purposes. Fresh water is understood to be water from a natural source that is not salt water. Salt water can be from a natural source such as the sea or ocean, and also includes man-made salt water. Industrial water is water used in industrial applications such as washing manufacturing processes, containers, machines, etc. Industrial water can be tap water, well water, etc., which are usually non-potable water.

[0055] As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to an amount of less than about 1%, preferably less than about 0.1%, of a reference material.

[0056] In one aspect, the invention involves reconstituting a liquid, such as water or an aqueous solution, into a reducing liquid that is then used to prepare a therapeutically effective composition. The liquid reconstitution is carried out using a non-toxic, stable reducing gas to reduce the amount of undesirable oxidants (e.g., ROS) present in the liquid.

[0057] The process for preparing the reducing gas may include preparing an activator (the activator includes water, potassium hydrate, magnesium sulfate, sodium oxidanide, and an alkali metal silicate), introducing the activator into a reaction chamber of a reactor (the reactor is configured to generate an electrolytic reaction), adding water to the reaction chamber to provide a water-activator mixture, and applying a direct current to the water-activator mixture to generate the reducing gas. It is generally desirable to reduce the pressure in the reaction chamber to increase the rate of production of the reducing gas. In a preferred embodiment, the reduction pressure in the reaction chamber is maintained at about 0.5 bar. The reactor chamber typically includes a wet electrolytic cell to drive the electrolytic reduction process described herein. Further information can be found in WO2019 / 232387, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference for the subject matter and purposes referenced herein.

[0058] The activator can be prepared using any suitable equipment for carrying out chemical reactions involving activator reagents. Typically, the activator is prepared by combining the activator components in balanced stoichiometric amounts from the redox equation. In some embodiments, the activator comprises potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and an alkali metal silicate in a predetermined stoichiometric ratio. The activator can comprise about 40% to about 59% by weight potassium hydroxide, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight magnesium sulfate, about 40% to about 59% by weight sodium hydroxide, and about 0.1% to about 5% by weight alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can comprise about 45% to about 55% by weight potassium hydroxide, about 0.2% to about 3% by weight magnesium sulfate, about 45% to about 55% by weight sodium hydroxide, and about 0.2% to about 3% by weight alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can include about 47% to about 53% by weight potassium hydroxide, about 0.2% to about 1.5% by weight magnesium sulfate, about 47% to about 53% by weight sodium hydroxide, and about 0.2% to about 1.5% by weight alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can include about 48% to about 51% by weight potassium hydroxide, about 0.3% to about 0.8% by weight magnesium sulfate, about 48% to about 51% by weight sodium hydroxide, and about 0.3% to about 0.8% by weight alkali metal silicate. Potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, and sodium hydroxide are commercially available. In other embodiments, the activator is a liquid solution containing potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and alkali metal silicate in any of the stoichiometric amounts described herein. The liquid solution can have an activator concentration of about 0.1 to about 20 g / l, about 0.1 to about 15 g / l, about 0.1 to about 10 g / l, about 0.1 to about 5 g / l, about 0.5 to about 4 g / l, about 0.5 to about 3 g / l, about 1 to about 3 g / l, or about 1.5 to about 2.5 g / l.

[0059] The activator can be prepared by any suitable method. For example, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkaline cationic silicate, and magnesium sulfate can be weighed out in any weight ratio described herein and then combined to form a single activator mixture. This activator mixture can then be dissolved in water at a predetermined concentration as described herein above. Alternatively, a certain amount of water can be prepared, and potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkaline cationic silicate, and magnesium sulfate can be added to the certain amount of water in sequence, simultaneously, or in combined pairs. In some embodiments, magnesium sulfate and alkaline cationic silicate are first mixed into the certain amount of water, followed by potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide being mixed into the certain amount of water. The preparation of the activator can be performed outside the reactor and then added. Alternatively, the activator can be prepared in the reaction chamber of the reactor. Preferably, the alkaline cationic silicate is a metasilicate, such as an alkaline sodium silicate complex (SSC) or modified liquid silica (RLS). Metasilicates can be used to prepare activators and can be added to the feed liquid in larger quantities, optionally with or without reducing gas. These complexes are described, for example, in US 2011 / 0059189A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis produced a putative empirical formula for the compound or complex, which is Na8.2Si4.4H9.70i7.6. This formula suggests that alkaline sodium silicate complex (SSC) is not a single compound, but a mixture of two different compounds in equilibrium with each other. Specifically, SSC is a trimeric sodium silicate (Na2Si03)3, NaNa 4 Na 4 : [ka] and sodium silicate pentahydrate (Na2SiO3)5H2O. [ka]

[0060] Sodium silicate pentahydrate (Na2SiO3) 5H2O typically exists in equilibrium as two structural forms, one form containing one ionized water molecule and the other form containing three ionized water molecules. To produce SSC, silicon metal (any grade) is charged to a reactor. Sodium hydroxide is added along with water. An exothermic reaction occurs. The reaction is allowed to proceed for 4-6 hours, after which the product is collected in a cooling tank. The product is cooled and the resulting liquid product is packaged.

[0061] Silicon-based alkaline composition (empirical formula: Na8.2Si4.4H 9.7 0i7.6) is 1.24-1.26kg / m 3 In the range of, for example, 1.25±0.1kg / m 3 The composition may have a specific density of 13.8 to 14.0, e.g., 13.9±0.1. The composition may also have a pH in the range of 13.8 to 14.0, e.g., 13.9±0.1. In some embodiments, the SSC may be dried via any suitable method prior to use in any process described herein. Suitable drying methods include, but are not limited to, gentle heating, storage in a desiccator, and vacuum drying.

[0062] The physicochemical properties and potential therapeutic applications of SSC have been previously investigated. In one study, SSC was found to exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and drug-resistant bacteria, as described, for example, in Vatten et al., Res. J. Microbiol. 2012 Mar 1;7(3):191-8. Sodium silicate is also generally recognized as safe for human consumption by the U.S. FDA in accordance with 21 C.FR §182.90. US2014 / 0087003A1 describes a method of inhibiting the toxic effects of venom and treating venom bites and stings using an alkaline sodium silicate composition. US2006 / 0275505A1 describes a composition for increasing alkalinity in the body, containing water, an alkaline source, and in particular an alkaline silicate solution. US2011 / 0059189A1 describes modified sodium silicate compositions, as well as modified sodium silicate compositions (Na 8.2 S 4.4 H 9.7 0i 7.6 ) for the treatment of cancer and viral infections, and also in Townsend et al., Int. J. Appl. Res. Nat. Prod. 2010;3:19-28 (AVAH silicates were also effective in inhibiting several key physiological events important for survival and virulence development in viruses and microbial pathogens). However, the SSCs referred to in these publications do not include reducing gases, the combination of which, along with other beneficial uses of this technology, is the subject of this specification.

[0063] The electrolysis process is generally carried out in a reactor. In an exemplary process, the activator is either prepared within the reaction chamber of the reactor or prepared externally and then added to the reaction chamber. Additional water can be combined with the activator in the reaction chamber in any suitable amount, including up to the fill capacity of the reaction chamber.

[0064] The reactor can be any suitable device for carrying out an electrolysis reaction. In some embodiments, the reactor comprises a wet electrolytic cell. In an electrolytic cell, the current is passed from an electronic conductor through a chemical substrate, such as an ionic solution, contained in one or more cells (i.e., reaction chambers), and back to a second electronic conductor. A circuit is closed to the outside of the cell (external circuit) through the various electronic conductors. This typically includes a power source and a current measuring device. The junctions between the electronic and ionic conductors are called electrodes, i.e., the cathode and the anode. In an electrolysis reaction, a direct current is passed through a solution contained in the reaction chamber, and a chemical reaction occurs at the electrodes. In a standard electrolysis of pure water (i.e., no activator is present), a reduction half-reaction occurs at the cathode, where electrons from the cathode are transferred to hydrogen cations to form H2 gas, as illustrated by the following chemical equation: 2H+(aq)+2eH2(g) At the anode, an oxidation half-reaction occurs, where electrons are transferred from water molecules to the anode to form O2 gas, as illustrated by the chemical equation: 2H2O(l)O2(g)+4H + (aq)+4e _ These half-reactions can be balanced by the addition of base.

[0065] A direct current (DC) power source is coupled to the reactor and provides the energy required to drive the electrolysis process. The current is carried by electrons in an external circuit. Metal, graphite, and semiconductor material electrodes are widely used. The selection of suitable electrodes depends on the chemical reactivity between the electrodes and the electrolyte and the manufacturing cost. The DC power source is connected to two electrodes, or two plates (typically made from some inert metal such as platinum, stainless steel 360, or iridium), that are placed in the water. In some embodiments, the DC delivered to the electrolytic cell is in the range of about 20V to about 30V, for example, about 24.65V±0.12V. The current input can also be via a 110V (60Hz) or 220V, 50Hz or 60Hz circuit.

[0066] The reactor can be configured to carry out the electrolysis reaction under reduced pressure or in vacuum. Vacuum electrolysis reactors are known in the art and suitable equipment will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The electrolysis reaction can be carried out at standard temperature and pressure (STP). In some embodiments, the reaction is first carried out at STP, and then the pressure can be reduced in the reaction chamber once the production of reducing gas begins in the reactor chamber. For example, the reduced pressure can be from about 0.3 bar to about 0.9 bar. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure is 0.5±0.05 bar. By carrying out the reaction under reduced pressure, the rate of production of reducing gas can be increased by up to 2.2 times over reactions carried out at standard atmospheric pressure.

[0067] In some embodiments, the liquid can be an aqueous solution with a moderate to high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). BOD is defined as the amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic organisms to decompose organic material present in a given water sample, and is most commonly expressed as milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample during a 5-day incubation at 20° C. In some embodiments, the aqueous solution has a 5-day BOD ranging from about 2 mg / F to about 600 mg / F.

[0068] Injection can be performed by any suitable method. For example, the gas can be injected into the liquid by bubbling the reducing gas into the liquid. Bubbling can be performed simultaneously with the electrolytic production of the reducing gas by connecting the reactor to a vessel having liquid therein and flowing the reducing gas into the liquid as the reducing gas is produced. Alternatively, injection can be performed by bubbling the reducing gas stored, such as in a pressurized gas tank, into a vessel having liquid therein.

[0069] The injection process can be enhanced by adding the reducing gas to the liquid under turbulent flow conditions. In fluid mechanics, turbulence or turbulent flow is any pattern of fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow rate. Turbulence is caused by excess kinetic energy in a portion of the fluid flow that overcomes the damping effect of the fluid's viscosity. Generally speaking, in turbulent flow, unstable vortices of many sizes that interact with each other appear. Turbulent flow conditions can be created by a variety of well-known methods, including, but not limited to, vortexing, shaking, vibration, mixing, suspension, and cavitation. Turbulence and cavitation improve the dissolution rate of the reducing gas into the liquid by up to 100 times, depending on the application and the flow capacity of the recirculation pump, which is typically measured in volume units (e.g., gallons, liters) per minute. In some embodiments, the turbulent flow conditions are created by cavitation, which is performed using a propeller, impeller, or suitable device. In one example, a recirculation pump containing an impeller is used, with a speed of up to 3600 revolutions per minute (RPM), preferably 750 to 900 RPM. Venturi technology is also used when turbulence is created in a pipe with positive flow pressure of the liquid.

[0070] In producing a stable reduced liquid, the reducing gas is injected into the liquid until a threshold negative ORP is achieved and observed for a sufficient amount of time (stabilization time or retention time) to reliably measure the ORP value using a commercially available calibrated ORP meter equipped with a waterproof electrode, preferably one capable of measuring pH. Those skilled in the art will understand the routine practices associated with measuring reduction potential, including standard oxidation-reduction potentials. This stabilization time varies depending on the amount of liquid produced per unit time. In some embodiments, the stabilization time is at least about 2 minutes. In other embodiments, the stabilization time is at least about 10 minutes. More commonly, the stabilization time varies from a few seconds to 28 hours, depending on several factors, including the degree of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the presence or absence of colloidal particles, oils, solvents, and / or other dissolved solutions. Reduced pressure and turbulent flow improve efficiency and therefore reduce retention times by up to 100 times. Appropriate methods for determining the appropriate stabilization time for a liquid sample of interest are within the technical know-how of those skilled in the art. Inducing reduced pressure and turbulent flow also often allows for the creation of a "residual effect". For example, by applying an appropriate stabilization time, the injected liquid maintains residual reduction and disinfection effects (i.e., displacing oxidants such as chlorine, ozone, UV, H2O2, etc.). In some embodiments, the threshold ORP after stabilization is below -150mV.

[0071] A complex reducing solution can also be prepared, comprising a non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent and an infused reducing solution as described herein. The non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent can be any compound that is readily miscible with the infused reducing solution. Suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, natural antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin c), glutathione, melatonin, and water-soluble tocopherol (vitamin E). In some embodiments, the non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent is an alkaline cationic silicate as described herein. The complex reducing solution can be produced by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent is added to the infused reducing solution in a predetermined amount. In other embodiments, the reducing agent and the reducing gas are infused simultaneously into the liquid. This simultaneous infusion can be performed under turbulent flow conditions, for example, using a recirculating pump at a speed of at least about 800±35 RPM.

[0072] The addition can be done by quantitatively transferring a single aliquot to the injected reducing solution. Alternatively, the addition can be done by continuously transferring the reducing agent from a storage vessel at any desired flow rate over a specific period of time. The flow rate and time depend on the reducing agent and the desired stoichiometric ratio of reducing agent to injected reducing solution in the composite reducing solution. In another embodiment, the reducing agent is added in an intermittent dropwise manner with multiple aliquots.

[0073] In some embodiments of the process for producing an aqueous reduced liquid, the aforementioned reducing gas injection step is carried out by injecting 75-120 liters of reducing gas per minute for every 60 gallons per minute of the liquid being reconstituted, prior to or simultaneously with the alkaline cationic silicate in the range of 0.5-12 milligrams per liter. In other embodiments, the amount of alkaline cationic silicate required in the process step is the amount described herein above, and the alkaline cationic silicate is comprised of the salt lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, ammonium silicate, or combinations thereof.

[0074] In one embodiment, the process of preparing the reducing liquid includes injecting a reducing gas (e.g., a reducing gas produced by the electrolysis process described herein) into a volume of liquid under turbulent conditions. Inducing turbulence and cavitation in this process increases the efficiency of reconstructing the water in the tank by up to 1000 times. This allows for the use of 10,000 lkw of power per hour for every 10,000 (ten thousand) gallons of water to be reconstructed. Without implementing a cavitation / turbulence system, the rate of dissolution of the gas with the liquid is practically inefficient. However, the upper limit of turbulent conditions in this process is less than 3600 RPM, as excessive turbulence would result in potential cavitation of the water pump impeller, making it undesirable for practical purposes.

[0075] In some embodiments, the reconstitution process includes the following steps: Reduced water gas ("Cl") and reduced liquid metasilicate ("C2") are injected just before the feed liquid enters any conventional reservoir or vessel. The feed liquid to be treated may pass through (i) a closed pressurized pipe, or (ii) an open water tank, channel, or open pipe under atmospheric conditions or under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

[0076] When the feed liquid to be treated passes through a closed pressurized pipe, the following steps are further carried out: (i) Cl and C2 are injected into the pipe, Cl is injected via a Venturi device or another method that creates a negative pressure in the pipe, and (ii) C2 is injected proportionally via a conventional dosing pump, gravity dosing method, or any other method used to dose liquid chemicals. The negative pressure improves the production of the liquid. Depending on the electrolytic cell, the improvement in gas production can be up to 250%. Various tests carried out indicate that approximately 9325 liters of Cl gas are required to reconstitute 5000 gallons of water to be treated in about 10 hours under NPT conditions. This value corresponds to 932.5 liters of Cl per hour without using the cavitation enhancement method. The flow of reducing gas (Cl) is then measured as a flow in liters per hour (FLPH) using a formula that varies depending on the feed liquid and other parameters, and is further described herein for each feed liquid and the corresponding use. Once the closed pressurized system has stabilized, the ORP value is measured in millivolts (mv). ORP varies depending on the composition of the feed liquid. The minimum contact time of Cl with the feed liquid required in the pipe is typically between 3 seconds and 30 minutes. The ORP charge is measured after at least 3 seconds of the minimum contact time of Cl with the feed liquid and should be negative. The formula for calculating FLPH is independent of the liquid pressure in the pressurized pipe. The volume (in milliliters) of liquid metasilicate (C2) required to reconstitute the feed liquid (C2) is determined using the formula described below, which varies based on the composition of the feed liquid and its desired application.

[0077] If the liquid to be treated passes through atmospheric pressure (open tanks, channels, or open pipes) or under ambient temperature or pressure conditions, the following procedure applies to the mixing of Cl and C2: (i) Cl is mixed with the feed liquid under turbulent conditions or via cavitation induced by using a floating mode, a recirculation pump creating a vacuum, and / or a Venturi device; (ii) C2 is mixed with the feed liquid via an existing conventional dosing pump, a gravitation dosifier, or similar methods that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The FLPH of Cl is then measured in liters per hour using a specific formula that varies based on the composition of the feed liquid and the process conditions, as described in more detail below in this specification, which vary based on the composition of the feed liquid, the process conditions, and the desired use of the feed liquid. The volume (in milliliters) of liquid metasilicate required to reconstitute water (C2) is determined using the formula described below, which also varies based on the composition of the feed liquid, the process conditions, and the desired use of the feed liquid. The minimum contact of C2 in the feed liquid reservoir or vessel is typically 15-30 minutes to achieve a negative ORP. If the residual negative ORP value (mv) is less than -200mV, the contact time is extended until the ORP is more negative than -200mV.

[0078] One aspect and specific application of the reconstitution process is to prepare potable or "ready to drink" (RTD) water or other beverages for human and non-human (animal) consumption. The reconstitution process described herein above can be applied to any water-based product suitable for human and non-human consumption, including but not limited to drinking water, carbonated beverages, juices, colored beverages, organic beverages, tea, coffee, energy beverages, CBD beverages with cannabinoid oils, and any other beverages with added organic and / or inorganic chemical ingredients. Here, the reconstituted drinking water is (1) substantially free of alkaline chemicals such as sodium or potassium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate, and (2) substantially free of oxidizing agents such as calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, gaseous chlorine, bromine, iodine, ozone, or ultraviolet light. An additional advantage of the reconstitution or reconstitution process is that the original color, taste, and odor of the reconstituted drinking water are preserved. Substantially free refers to an amount of oxidizing agents less than about 1%, preferably less than about 0.1%, for the indicated substance.

[0079] Under normal storage and handling conditions, hydration (surface tension) and alkalinity (pH) remain stable for at least 12 months after the reconstitution process. Stability studies were performed by adding 1.0 mg / liter of SSC to (i) a 55 gallon drum made of human grade BPA plastic (zero UV transmission), (ii) a 1 L metal bottle, (iii) a 1 L glass bottle, and (iv) a 1 L plastic bottle. Reducing gas was injected into each container for a contact time of 30 minutes. After stabilization, the pH was measured to be approximately 10. The drums and bottles were then sealed and stored outdoors under ambient conditions in Florida, USA, for two years. After two years, the pH of the water bottles was still approximately 10 and there was no microbial growth.

[0080] Because reduced water is effectively neutralized through the reduction process, it is substantially free of oxidizing agents, particularly oxidizing agents such as calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, gaseous chlorine, bromine, iodine, ozone, and / or ultraviolet light, thus improving the stability of the liquid water. The water thus reconstituted can then be used to prepare the cell culture medium of the present invention.

[0081] In some embodiments, the reconstitution liquid is reconstitution water or an aqueous reconstitution solution.

[0082] In some embodiments, the resulting reconstituted solution has a pH of about 7, or 7-14, or 7-13, or 7-12, or 7-11, or 7-10, or 7-9, or 7-8, or 8-14, or 8-13, or 8-12, or 8-11, or 8-10, or 8-9, or 9-14, or 9-13, or 9-12, or 9-11, or 9-10, or 10-14, or 10-13, or 10-12, or 10-11, or 11-14, or 11-13, or 11-12, or 12-14, or 12-13, or 13-14.

[0083] In other embodiments, the resulting reconstituted solution has a pH of at least about 7.0.

[0084] In certain other embodiments, the resulting reconstituted solution has a pH of at least about 9.5.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the resulting reconstituted solution has a pH of at least about 13.0.

[0086] Furthermore, after undergoing the reconstitution process, the resulting solution is non-corrosive and non-toxic to mammals (e.g., humans and animals such as pets) upon contact or ingestion, despite an alkaline pH of greater than 9.5 measured as an equivalent oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of greater than (-300mv), including a highly alkaline pH of greater than 13.0 with ORP values ​​of greater than (-550mv).

[0087] The addition / injection of liquid metasilicate is not chemically induced, nor is it produced by alkaline chemicals (sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, etc.).

[0088] In one aspect, the reconstitution described herein reduces the ORP value of the liquid.

[0089] In some embodiments, reconstitution converts the ORP from a positive value to a negative value. Reducing the ORP charge to a negative value is desirable because it reduces oxidative stress on the system, which is known in the art to be detrimental to certain systems.

[0090] In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention have an ORP value of -50 mV or less, or -100 mV or less, or -200 mV or less, or -300 mV or less, or -400 mV or less, or from about -50 mV to about -800 mV, or from about -400 mV to about -600 mV, preferably from about -300 mV to about -500 mV, more preferably from about -200 mV to about -400 mV. In some embodiments, the compositions have an ORP value of -800 mV or more negative.

[0091] Additionally, compared to a non-reconstituted form of the same liquid, the reconstituted form of the liquid will exhibit additional properties such as, for example, a pH greater than 7, reduced surface tension, improved hydration, improved bioassimilation, improved solubility of organic or inorganic compounds with the liquid, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, preparation of food products using the reconstituted liquid will impart antimicrobial (e.g., antibacterial) properties to the food product, thereby improving shelf life and stability and reducing or preventing bacterial growth and contamination.

[0092] The inventors have discovered that the electrolytic process described herein releases free charge via water-based reducing gas and liquid metasilicate and its reducing, highly alkaline, non-corrosive, and non-toxic properties.

[0093] The antimicrobial (e.g., antiseptic) and bactericidal properties inherent to the reduced reconstituted water or aqueous solution enhance the storage and shelf life of compositions prepared therewith, making the reconstituted water or aqueous solution particularly suitable for use as a preservative composition or for preparing a preservative composition that imparts antimicrobial properties or activity to food products. The compositions (e.g., preservative compositions) prepared by the electrolytic process described herein are useful for preparing formulations intended to be consumed as food by mammals, such as pets or humans, or by poultry, fish, reptiles, or other animal species. In certain embodiments, the composition is a pet food containing a preservative composition prepared according to the methods described herein.

[0094] In one aspect, the food products described herein can be dry pet foods, wet pet foods (e.g., canned pet foods), treats, probiotic supplements, vitamins, or other compositions or preparations intended for oral consumption by a mammal.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the food product or composition is prepared by a process that includes mixing a preserved composition (eg, a reconstituted liquid composition) with other ingredients to form a pet food composition.

[0096] In other embodiments, a food product or composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing an already prepared food product or composition with a preserved composition (eg, a reconstituted liquid composition).

[0097] In certain embodiments, the preservative antioxidant composition is added by mixing with the food product or composition (i.e. before it is bottled, canned, or stored in any other container such as a plastic bag, sealed plastic or metal container, etc.). The proportion by volume of the preservative and antioxidant composition depends on the amount of organic matter at the time of packaging and its chemical and biochemical properties (e.g. acidity (pH), COD (chemical oxygen demand in mg / lt)), BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand after 5 days, measured in mg / lt), ORP (oxidation reduction potential measured in mv), nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, sulfur, humidity rate, oxidation stability, etc.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise a preservative composition in an amount of at least 0.0005% by weight of the food product.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise a preservative composition in an amount of at least 0.005% by weight of the food product.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise the preservative composition in an amount of about 0.0005% to about 5% by weight of the food product.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise the preservative composition in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the food product.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise the preservative composition in an amount of about 0.002% to about 0.75% by weight of the food product.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the food products or compositions described herein comprise the preservative composition in an amount of about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight of the food product.

[0104] In one embodiment, one or more ingredients of a pet food composition can be combined with a preservative composition described herein and then blended, pureed, compressed into dry pellets or tablets, or otherwise mixed or combined to form a stable pet food product.

[0105] In another aspect, a liquid food product or beverage intended for consumption by a pet (e.g., a mammal) is provided. In one embodiment, the reconstituted liquid is provided to the pet for consumption. In another embodiment, the reconstituted liquid is mixed with one or more other liquids to prepare a liquid food product or beverage for consumption by the pet.

[0106] In another aspect, additive compositions are provided by the present disclosure. The additive compositions described herein can be prepared using the electrolytic process (Hydrogas™) described herein. The additives can be liquid, solid, or semi-liquid (e.g., gel). The additives can be prepared via the methods described herein, for example, by preparing an aqueous reconstituted liquid. The additives can include one or more flavorants, paratants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, or other food-grade or food-safe ingredients or components.

[0107] In one aspect, the additives described herein may be mixed with the food product during preparation (i.e., manufacturing) of the food product. Alternatively, the additives may be added to the food product or composition after manufacturing (e.g., by the pet owner prior to feeding to the pet). EXAMPLES

[0108] Example 1: Pet food preservative composition This example describes a test to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the compositions described herein in preserving pet food compositions. In the following examples, various formulations of the preservation compositions were prepared at different concentrations.

[0109] In each case, the active compounds and active silica were prepared by Hydrogussing a wet dog food sample (i.e., injecting the sample with Hydrogus as described herein) and then adding modified sodium metasilicate (RLS) at the specified concentrations (i.e., 0.002% to 0.10%) as described below.

[0110] Four commercially available canned (i.e., wet) dog foods were used in the following experiment. For each dog food, four cans were used (three test and one control): The dog foods used were: (1) Purina® Dog Chow® High Protein in gravy, (2) Blue Buffalo® Wilderness High Protein Food for Dogs (chicken & salmon), (3) Pedigree® Chopped Ground Dinner (chicken), and (4) Cesar® Wet Dog Food Loaf & Topper in Sauce.

[0111] In all cases, the control samples exhibited a pH value of about 4.5 and the treated samples exhibited a pH value above 8.0. The dogs accepted the treated samples preferentially over the untreated (control) samples. The treated food cans were left open for five days. The control cans oxidized after about eight hours, whereas the treated cans had not oxidized after five days and were consumed normally by the test dogs.

[0112] In particular, the pet food compositions were evaluated for stability and the presence of specific microorganisms, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Escherichia (E. coli), and total coliforms. The microbiological evaluation was performed according to protocols USP61 and USP62. A detailed description of how these tests were performed can be found, for example, on the official USP.ORG website: (www.usp.org / sites / default / files / usp / document / harmonization / gen-method / q05a_pf_ira_34_6_2008.pdf).

[0113] No clumping or discoloration was observed in any of the preservation compositions prepared according to the following examples.

[0114] Additionally, there were no unpleasant or foul odors present in any of the example preservative compositions.

[0115] The example preservation compositions were analyzed for uniformity using transmission electron microscopy and wavelength matrix analysis. Each of the example preservation compositions exhibited uniformity as desired. Additionally, stability testing demonstrated that the preserved compositions of the following examples exhibited both microbial and chemical stability during a 14-day Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test (AET) as well as during an accelerated stability evaluation at 40°C.

[0116] [A] Experiment A: Four (4) pet food preservative compositions were evaluated after fourteen (14) days. The four compositions had the following concentrations of active compound (based on the weight of the pet food composition): Composition 1.1:0.01% active substance Composition 1.2: 0.0075% active substance Composition 1.3: 0.005% active substance Composition 1.4:0.002% active substance

[0117] The composition was observed to be beige in color (e.g., light brown, off-white, tan) and soft in texture. No discoloration or clumping was observed, and no unpleasant or foul odor was detected.

[0118] Four compositions were evaluated for the presence of microbiological contamination with the contaminants listed above. Four compositions were measured for <1000 colony forming units per gram (CFU / g) of yeast or mold. Additionally, all four compositions were measured for total plate counts of <1000 CFU / g.

[0119] In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, and Escherichia were absent in all four compositions.

[0120] Staphylococcus aureus was absent from composition 1.1 but was present in compositions 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.

[0121] Total coliforms were present in compositions 1.3 and 1.4.

[0122] Transmission electron microscopy and wavelength analysis confirmed the homogeneity (ie, matrix homogeneity).

[0123] [B] Experiment B In this example, four (4) pet food preservative compositions were evaluated after fourteen (14) days. The four compositions had the following concentrations of active compound (based on the weight of the pet food composition): Composition 2.1: 0.01% active substance Composition 2.2: 0.02% active substance Composition 2.3: 0.03% active substance Composition 2.4: 0.10% active substance

[0124] The composition was observed to be beige in color (e.g., light brown, off-white, tan) and soft in texture. No discoloration or clumping was observed, and no unpleasant or foul odor was detected.

[0125] Four compositions were evaluated for the presence of microbiological contamination with the contaminants listed above. Four compositions were measured for <1000 colony forming units per gram (CFU / g) of yeast or mold. Additionally, all four compositions were measured for total plate counts of <1000 CFU / g.

[0126] In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus, and total coliforms were absent in all four compositions.

[0127] Transmission electron microscopy and wavelength analysis confirmed the homogeneity (ie, matrix homogeneity).

[0128] [C]Experiment C: In this example, four (4) pet food preservative compositions were evaluated after fourteen (14) days. The four compositions had the following concentrations of active compound (based on the weight of the pet food composition): Composition 3.1: 0.01% active silica Composition 3.2: 0.02% active silica Composition 3.3: 0.03% active silica Composition 3.4: 0.10% silica

[0129] The composition was observed to be beige in color (e.g., light brown, off-white, tan) and soft in texture. No discoloration or clumping was observed, and no unpleasant or foul odor was detected.

[0130] Four compositions were evaluated for the presence of microbiological contamination with the contaminants listed above. Four compositions were measured for <1000 colony forming units per gram (CFU / g) of yeast or mold. Additionally, all four compositions were measured for total plate counts of <1000 CFU / g.

[0131] In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus, and total coliforms were absent in all four compositions.

[0132] Transmission electron microscopy and wavelength analysis confirmed the homogeneity (ie, matrix homogeneity).

[0133] [D]Experiment D: In this example, four (4) pet food preservative compositions were evaluated after fourteen (14) days. The four compositions had the following concentrations of active compound (based on the weight of the pet food composition): Composition 4.1: 0.01% active silica Composition 4.2: 0.0075% active silica Composition 4.3: 0.005% active silica Composition 4.4: 0.002% silica

[0134] The composition was observed to be beige in color (e.g., light brown, off-white, tan) and soft in texture. No discoloration or clumping was observed, and no unpleasant or foul odor was detected.

[0135] Four compositions were evaluated for the presence of microbiological contamination with the contaminants listed above. Four compositions were measured for <1000 colony forming units per gram (CFU / g) of yeast or mold. Additionally, all four compositions were measured for total plate counts of <1000 CFU / g.

[0136] In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia, and Escherichia were absent in all four compositions.

[0137] Staphylococcus aureus was absent from compositions 4.1 and 4.2, but was present in compositions 4.3 and 4.4.

[0138] Total coliforms were absent in compositions 4.1 and 4.2, but were present in compositions 4.3 and 4.4.

[0139] Transmission electron microscopy and wavelength analysis confirmed the homogeneity (ie, matrix homogeneity).

[0140] References 1.Guideline for Industry,Q2B Validation of Analytical Procedures: Methodology,International Committee for Harmonization,1996. 2.Reviewer Guidance, Validation of Chromatographic Methods, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), 1994.

Claims

1. 1. A method for preparing a preservative and antioxidant food composition, said method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into an aqueous solution to produce a preservation composition, said injecting comprising mixing under turbulent flow conditions; (ii) mixing the preservative composition with a food composition to form a preserved food composition; The method, wherein the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

2. 1. A method for preparing a preservative and antioxidant food composition, said method comprising: injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into a food composition to produce a preserved food composition, said injecting comprising mixing under turbulent flow conditions; The method, wherein the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is about -100 mV or less.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reduced solution having an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value of about -500 mV or less.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mixing is carried out under turbulent flow conditions at a flow rate of the reducing gas of 100 to 500 liters per hour for at least 5 minutes.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mixing is carried out under turbulent flow conditions at a flow rate of the reducing gas of 25 to 75 liters per hour for at least 5 minutes.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said preservative composition is present in said preserved food composition in an amount of at least 0.0005% by weight of said preserved food composition.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said preservative composition is present in said preserved food composition in an amount of at least 0.005% by weight of said preserved food composition.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the preservative composition is present in the preserved food composition in an amount of from about 0.0005% to about 5% by weight of the food product.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the preservative composition is present in the preserved food composition in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the preserved food composition.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the preservative composition is present in the preserved food composition in an amount of from about 0.002% to about 0.75% by weight of the preserved food composition.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the preservative composition is present in the preserved food composition in an amount of from about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight of the preserved food composition.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the preservation composition comprises a modified silica.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the silica is a modified liquid sodium metasilicate having a negative ORP of about -250mv to about -400mv and a pH of about 12.7 to 13.

7.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the metasilicate is a sodium silicate complex having a pH of 13.

7.

15. A preserved food composition prepared by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. 16. The preserved food composition of claim 15 which is a pet food.

17. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the reducing solution has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value of about -500 mV or less.

18. 15. The food composition of claim 14, wherein the food composition is free of Escherichia coli after a 14 day antimicrobial effectiveness test.

19. 15. The food composition of claim 14, wherein the food composition is free of Salmonella after a 14 day antimicrobial effectiveness test.

20. 15. The food composition of claim 14, wherein the food composition is free of Pseudomonas aeruginosa after a 14 day antimicrobial effectiveness test.

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