Composition and manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a composition that contains bacterial powder and fatty oil, and in which caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed, a production method and use thereof.SOLUTION: A composition contains bacterial powder, fatty oil, at least one kind selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant, a method for producing the composition, and use of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant as an anti caking agent for bacterial powder in the composition containing fatty oil.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition, a method for producing the same, and use thereof. The present application claims priority based on Provisional Patent Application No. 62916346 filed in the United States on October 17, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Bacteria have been reported to exert beneficial effects on human health, including ameliorating effects on constipation and diarrhea, ameliorating effects on lactose intolerance, infection protection and allergy suppression effects by improving immune function, preventive effects on arteriosclerosis, and antitumor effects. Therefore, in recent years, products called oil drops, which are prepared by suspending bacterial powder in fatty oil, have been marketed. In oil drops, it is desirable that the bacterial powder be uniformly dispersed in the fatty oil. However, the bacterial powder may precipitate and solidify at the bottom of the container, and eventually form a deposit (caking) that makes redispersion of the bacterial powder difficult.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a supplement composition comprising one or more species or one or more strains of probiotic bacteria, an oil, and anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate. It is described that the survival rate of the probiotic bacteria is maintained in this supplement composition, and the supplement composition is a suspension using oil as a dispersion medium. However, in the supplement composition described in Patent Document 1, it is unclear whether caking of probiotic bacteria is suppressed.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the inventors' investigation, as shown in the reference example described later, when only the carrier contained in the bacterial powder was dispersed in a fatty oil which is the dispersion medium, caking of the carrier did not occur. From these results, the inventors concluded that the caking of the bacterial powder in oil drops is caused by the bacterial cells themselves contained in the bacterial powder.

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a composition comprising bacterial powder and fatty oil, wherein caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed, a method for producing the composition, and a method for using the composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors of this invention, after diligently conducting research to solve the aforementioned problems, have come to understand that the aforementioned problems can be solved by the following configuration, and have completed the present invention.

[0008] [1] A composition comprising bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant. [2] The composition according to [1], which is a suspension. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the bacterial powder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of live lactic acid bacteria, dead lactic acid bacteria, live Bifidobacterium bacteria, and dead Bifidobacterium bacteria. [4] The composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fine powder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and tricalcium phosphate. [5] The composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the surfactant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7. [6] The composition according to [5], wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of metal stearate salts, and the nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of less than 7 comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7 and glycerin fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7. [7] The composition according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising 0.5 to 10% by mass of the bacterial powder based on the total mass of the composition. [8] The composition according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising an additive. [9] A method for producing the composition according to any one of [1] to [8], comprising mixing bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant in any order, or mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant into a suspension containing bacterial powder and fatty oil.

[10] Use as an anticaking agent for bacterial powder in a composition containing a fatty oil, selected from the group consisting of fine powders and surfactants. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a composition, a method for producing, and a use of the composition, which contains bacterial powder and fatty oil, and in which the caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed. The composition of the present invention suppresses caking of the bacterial powder and facilitates dispersion of the bacterial powder in the fatty oil used as a dispersion medium. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Caking refers to the process in which bacterial powder precipitates and solidifies in a suspension containing bacterial powder, forming a precipitate that is difficult to redisperse. In other words, caking is defined as the formation of a precipitate that precipitates and solidifies, and is difficult to redisperse. If the precipitate and solidify, but redispersion is possible, it is not considered caking. Numerical ranges represented using "~" include both the upper and lower limits of that range.

[0011] [Composition] The composition of the present invention comprises bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant. The bacterial powder, fatty oil, fine powder, and surfactant are described in detail below.

[0012] <Bacteria end> Cell powder is a general term for dried bacterial cells. Methods for drying the bacterial cells include, for example, freeze-drying or spray-drying, but are not limited to these. Freeze-drying is a method of drying materials at low temperatures of approximately -20°C to -160°C, typically under reduced pressure of 1 to 60 Pa, using freeze-drying equipment or liquid nitrogen. Spray drying is a method of drying a liquid by atomizing it into droplets using an atomizing device and then spraying these droplets into a relatively high-temperature heated airflow to evaporate the water. The bacterial powder may contain only bacterial cells, or it may contain bacterial cells and components other than bacterial cells. Examples of components other than bacterial cells include freeze-protecting agents, freeze-drying protective agents, spray-drying protective agents, and carriers. The bacterial powder may be dispersed in a dilution agent, excipient, or carrier that has a proven track record of use as a pharmaceutical or food ingredient. Examples of the dilution agent, excipient, or carrier include starch, starch hydrolysate, or dextrin. Examples of the starch include corn starch, potato starch, or tapioca starch.

[0013] The bacterial powder preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of live lactic acid bacteria, dead lactic acid bacteria, live Bifidobacterium bacteria, and dead Bifidobacterium bacteria.

[0014] 《Lactic acid bacteria》 Lactic acid bacteria are a general term for bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes within the bacterial domain that produce lactic acid through metabolism. As for lactic acid bacteria, those belonging to the order Lactobacillales of the class Bacillus are preferred among bacteria that produce lactic acid through metabolism and belong to the phylum Firmicutes, and more preferably those belonging to the families Aerococci, Carnobacteriales, Enterococci, Streptococci, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, or Streptococci.

[0015] Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae include bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, L. acidophilus, L. helveticus, L. paracasei, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and L. plantarum.

[0016] Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Enterococcaceae include bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, such as Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium.

[0017] Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Streptococcaceae include bacteria of the genus Lactococcus, such as Lactococcus lactis, L. lactis subsp. cremoris, and bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, such as Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0018] Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Leuconostocaceae include bacteria of the genus Leuconostoc, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, L. mesenteroides subsp. cremoris.

[0019] As lactic acid bacteria, at least one species selected from the group consisting of the bacterial species described above is preferred. Alternatively, bacterial strains whose genus or epithet is unidentified, or newly identified bacterial strains, may be used as lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria can be used in either live or dead form. The lactic acid bacteria can also be used frozen, freeze-dried, or spray-dried. Furthermore, the lactic acid bacteria may be used as bacterial cells only, or as bacterial cells containing other components (e.g., freeze-protecting agents, freeze-drying protective agents, spray-drying protective agents, etc.). They may also be dispersed in a dilution agent. Suitable dilution agents include starches such as corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch, starch hydrolysates, dextrin, and maltodextrin.

[0020] (Lactobacillus gasseri) Lactobacillus gasseri is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus gasseri is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Lactobacillus gasseri include NITE BP-01669, ATCC 33323, DSM 20243, JCM 1131, SBT 2055, and OLL 2716. NITE BP-01669 is particularly preferred among the Lactobacillus gasseri. Lactobacillus gasseri may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0021] (Lactobacillus acidophilus) Lactobacillus acidophilus is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Lactobacillus acidophilus include NITE BP-01695, ATCC 4356, DSM 20079, JCM 1132, and YIT 0168 and YIT 0154. NITE BP-01695 is particularly preferred as the Lactobacillus acidophilus strain. Lactobacillus acidophilus may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0022] (Lactobacillus helveticus) Lactobacillus helveticus is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus helveticus is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Lactobacillus helveticus include NITE BP-01671, ATCC 15009, DSM 20075, JCM 1120, and SBT 2171. NITE BP-01671 is particularly preferred among the Lactobacillus helveticus strains. Lactobacillus helveticus may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0023] (Lactobacillus paracasei) Lactobacillus paracasei is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus paracasei is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Lactobacillus paracasei include NITE BP-01633, ATCC 25302, DSM 5622, JCM 8130, ATCC 25599, DSM 20258, and JCM 1171. NITE BP-01633 is particularly preferred among the Lactobacillus paracasei strains. Lactobacillus paracasei may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0024] (Method for culturing lactic acid bacteria) Lactic acid bacteria cells can be easily obtained by culturing lactic acid bacteria. The culturing method is not particularly limited as long as it allows the lactic acid bacteria to grow. For example, the method normally used for culturing lactic acid bacteria can be used as is, or modified as appropriate. The culturing temperature is preferably 25 to 50°C, and more preferably 35 to 42°C. Culturing is preferably carried out under anaerobic conditions. For example, cultivation can be carried out while a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide is passed through. Alternatively, cultivation may be carried out under microaerophilic conditions such as liquid static culture. Culturing may be carried out, for example, until the lactic acid bacteria have grown to the desired extent. The culture medium used for culturing is not particularly limited as long as it allows lactic acid bacteria to grow. For example, the culture medium commonly used for culturing lactic acid bacteria can be used as is or modified as appropriate. That is, as a carbon source, sugars such as galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, starch, starch hydrolysates, and molasses can be used depending on their assimilation properties. Cultivation can also be done in a medium containing milk proteins such as casein, whey, or their decomposition products. As a nitrogen source, ammonium salts or nitrates such as ammonia, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium nitrate can be used. In addition, inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride, and ferrous sulfate can be used. Organic components such as peptone, soybean flour, defatted soybean meal, meat extract, and yeast extract may also be used. Furthermore, as a pre-prepared culture medium, for example, MRS medium (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium) can be used.

[0025] Bifidobacterium bacteria The genus Bifidobacterium is the name of a group of bacteria belonging to the order Bifidobacteriales in the class Actinobacteria, phylum Actinobacteria, within the domain Bacteria.

[0026] Examples of bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium include Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. suis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Examples include Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium angulatum, Bifidobacterium dentium, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and Bifidobacterium thermophilum. As the Bifidobacterium bacterium, it is preferable to use at least one species selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. suis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. It is more preferable to use at least one species selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used individually or in combination of two or more species. When using Bifidobacterium bacteria in combination, a preferred combination is one or more subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum with Bifidobacterium breve.

[0027] For bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, bacterial strains with unidentified epithets or newly identified bacterial strains may be used. Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used in either live or dead form. Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used frozen, freeze-dried, or spray-dried. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium bacteria may be used as bacterial cells only, or as bacterial cells containing other components (e.g., cryoprotectants, freeze-drying protectants, spray-drying protectants, etc.). They may also be dispersed in a dilution agent. Suitable dilution agents include starches such as corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch, starch hydrolysates, dextrin, and maltodextrin.

[0028] (Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis) Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, whether alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis include NITE BP-02623, ATCC 15697, ATCC 15702, DSM 20088, and JCM 1222. NITE BP-02623 is particularly preferred as Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0029] (Bifidobacterium breve) Bifidobacterium breve is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium breve is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, whether alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Bifidobacterium breve include NITE BP-02622, FERM BP-11175, ATCC 15700, ATCC 15698, DSM 20213, DSM 24706, DSM 13692, DSM 24732, DSM 24736, DSM16604, JCM 1192, NCC 2705, NCC 490, YIT 4010, YIT 4064, SBT 2928, UCC 2003, BBG-001, C50, R0070, and BG7. NITE BP-02622 is particularly preferred as Bifidobacterium breve. Bifidobacterium breve may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0030] (Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum) Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, whether alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum include, for example, NITE BP-02621, ATCC 15707, ATCC 25962, DSM 20219, and JCM 1217. NITE BP-02621 is particularly preferred as Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0031] (Bifidobacterium longum subspecies, Switzerland) Bifidobacterium longum subspecies Swiss is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies Swiss is not particularly limited as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies Swiss include, for example, ATCC 27533, ATCC 27532, DSM 20211, and JCM 1269. ATCC 27533 is particularly preferred as Bifidobacterium longum subspecies Swiss. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies Swiss may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0032] (Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis) Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis is not particularly restricted as long as it exerts a beneficial effect on the host, whether alone or in combination with other active ingredients. Examples of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis include, for example, DSM 15954 and FERM P-21998. DSM 15954 is particularly preferred as Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis. Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis may be used individually or in combination of two or more strains.

[0033] In addition, instead of using the strain identified by the example strain number, you may use a strain that is substantially identical to a strain preserved in a culture collection under the same strain number. For example, for Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum, you may use DSM 20219 or JCM 1217 instead of ATCC 15707. As an indicator of whether or not the strains are substantially identical, for example, the identity of the 16S rRNA gene sequence can be used. When the strains are substantially identical, the identity of the 16S rRNA gene sequence is preferably 99.86% or higher, more preferably 99.93% or higher, and even more preferably 100%. When the strains are substantially identical, it is particularly preferable that the identity of the 16S rRNA gene sequence is 100% and that the microbiological properties such as assimilation are also identical.

[0034] Furthermore, instead of the strain identified by the example strain number, a derivative strain of that strain may be used. Examples of derivative strains include strains artificially bred from the preserved strain and strains that arose naturally from the preserved strain. Breeding methods include modification by genetic engineering techniques and modification by mutagenesis. Examples of mutagenesis include irradiation with X-rays, irradiation with ultraviolet light, or treatment with mutagens such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), or methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Examples of strains that arose naturally from the preserved strain include mutant strains that arose naturally when the preserved strain was used. A derivative strain may be constructed by modifying one strain, or by modifying two or more strains.

[0035] As for the Bifidobacterium species, commercially available products may be used, or products may be manufactured and obtained as appropriate. Examples of commercially available products include Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum NITE BP-02621, Bifidobacterium breve NITE BP-02622, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis NITE BP-02623, and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 (DSM 15954).

[0036] (Culturing method for Bifidobacterium bacteria) Bacterial cells of the genus Bifidobacterium can be easily obtained by culturing Bifidobacterium. The culturing method is not particularly limited as long as it allows Bifidobacterium to grow. For example, the method normally used for culturing Bifidobacterium can be used as is, or modified as appropriate. The culturing temperature is preferably 25 to 50°C, and more preferably 35 to 42°C. Culturing is preferably carried out under anaerobic conditions. For example, culturing can be carried out while a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide is passed through. Alternatively, culturing may be carried out under microaerophilic conditions such as liquid static culture. Culturing may be carried out, for example, until the Bifidobacterium has grown to the desired extent. The culture medium used for cultivation is not particularly limited as long as it allows Bifidobacterium bacteria to grow. For example, the culture medium commonly used for culturing Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used as is or modified as appropriate. Specifically, as a carbon source, sugars such as galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, starch, starch hydrolysates, and molasses can be used depending on their assimilation properties. Cultivation can also be done in a medium containing milk proteins such as casein, whey, or their decomposition products. As a nitrogen source, ammonium salts or nitrates such as ammonia, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium nitrate can be used. In addition, inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride, and ferrous sulfate can be used. Organic components such as peptone, soy flour, defatted soybean meal, meat extract, and yeast extract may also be used. Furthermore, as a pre-prepared culture medium, for example, MRS medium (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium) can be used.

[0037] Acronym for Culture Collection The acronym for Culture Collection is as follows: NITE:NITE Patent Microorganisms Depositary(NPMD), National Institute of Technology and Evaluation FERM:NITE Patent Microorganisms Depositary(NPMD), National Institute of Technology and Evaluation ATCC:American Type Culture Collection DSM:Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH(DSMZ) JCM:Japan Collection of Microorganisms,Riken BRC NCC:Nestlé SA YIT: Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. SBT:MEGMILK Snow Brand Co.,Ltd. OLL: Meiji Co., Ltd. R: LALLEMAND Inc.

[0038] Probiotics The bacterial powder can be either live or dead, but if it contains live bacteria, it is expected to function as a "probiotic." The term "probiotics" was proposed as an alternative to "antibiotics," and its etymology comes from "probiosis," meaning symbiosis. The currently widely accepted definition of probiotics is "live microorganisms that have a positive effect on the host's health by improving the balance of the gut flora."

[0039] 《Content of bacterial powder》 The bacterial powder content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the composition. When the bacterial powder content is 0.5% by mass or more relative to the total mass of the composition, the composition of the present invention can better exhibit the advantageous effects of containing bacterial powder. When the bacterial powder content is 10% by mass or less of the total mass of the composition, the balance between the advantageous effects of containing bacterial powder and the cost of the composition of the present invention becomes better.

[0040] <Fatty oil> In the present invention, the fatty oil is preferably an oil that is liquid in at least a portion of the temperature range of 0 to 40°C during the distribution process of the composition of the present invention, and more preferably an oil that is liquid throughout the entire temperature range of 0 to 40°C.

[0041] Edible oil is preferred as the fatty oil. Edible oils include, for example, hazelnut oil, olive oil, primrose oil, pumpkin oil, rice bran oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, coconut oil (including palm oil, saw palm oil, etc.), palm oil, palm kernel oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), linseed oil, perilla oil, rice germ oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia nut oil, mongongo oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, walnut oil, gourd oil, and buffalo pumpkin oil. Examples include pumpkin seed oil, watermelon seed oil, acai berry extract, blackcurrant oil, borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, amaranth oil, apricot kernel oil, apple oil, argan oil, artichoke oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, moringa oil, cap chestnut oil, carob oil, coriander oil, dika oil, ramie oil, grapeseed oil, hemp oil, kapok seed oil, larle manzia oil, marula oil, meadowfoam oil, mustard oil, okra oil (hibiscus oil), papaya oil, poppy oil, prune oil, quinoa oil, niger seed oil, camellia oil (camellia oil), thistle oil, tomato oil, krill oil (shrimp oil), and borage oil.

[0042] As the fatty oil, at least one selected from the group consisting of olive oil, rice bran oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is preferred, at least one selected from the group consisting of corn oil, sunflower oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is more preferred, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is particularly preferred.

[0043] Fatty oil is preferably present in an amount of 90% by mass or more, more preferably 92% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0044] <Fine powder and surfactant> In the composition of the present invention, the fine powder and the surfactant act as anti-caking agents. An anti-caking agent is a substance that has the effect of preventing or eliminating caking.

[0045] 《Fine powder》 The fine powder is a fine-sized powder of organic or inorganic matter, with fine-sized powder of organic matter being preferred.

[0046] Examples of finely sized organic powders include microcrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose is a high-purity cellulose obtained by hydrolyzing and purifying pulp with acid. The average particle size of the microcrystalline cellulose particles is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 5 to 100 μm, with a D50 of 1. The average particle size (D50) of fine particles is the 50% volume particle size calculated from the volume distribution obtained by laser diffraction and scattering.

[0047] Examples of fine-sized inorganic powders include tricalcium phosphate and fine-grained silicon dioxide. Tricalcium phosphate is a salt of phosphoric acid and calcium, represented by the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. Tricalcium phosphate has three polymorphs, but in the composition of the present invention, the low-temperature polymorph β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is observed. Fine-grained silicon dioxide is fine silica particles. Tricalcium phosphate is particularly preferred as the fine-sized inorganic powder. The average particle size of tricalcium phosphate particles is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 1 to 50 μm, for D50.

[0048] It is preferable that the fine powder contains at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and tricalcium phosphate. In the composition of the present invention, the fine powder and the surfactant are suitable for use as anti-caking agents for bacterial powder.

[0049] Surfactants The surfactant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7.

[0050] (Anionic surfactant) Examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acid-type anionic surfactants, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate sodium, sulfonic acid-type anionic surfactants, sulfate-ester-type anionic surfactants, and phosphate-ester-type anionic surfactants. As the anionic surfactant, at least one selected from the group consisting of salts of fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms is preferred, at least one selected from the group consisting of metal stearate salts is more preferred, an alkaline earth metal salt of stearate is even more preferred, and calcium stearate or magnesium stearate is particularly preferred. Anionic surfactants can be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0051] (Nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7) As nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7, fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7 are preferred, at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters and glycerin fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7 is more preferred, and at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7 is even more preferred. Nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7 can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0052] Content of fine powder and surfactant The content of the fine powder and surfactant in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.5 to 2% by mass, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0053] <Additives> The composition of the present invention may further contain additives in addition to the components described above. Examples of additives include antioxidants, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring and odor-correcting agents, and diluents. Vitamin E is preferred as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and readily dissolves in the fatty oils in the composition.

[0054] <Uses of the composition> The composition of the present invention may be, for example, a supplement composition, a beverage composition, a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a feed composition, but it is preferably used as a supplement composition. When using the composition of the present invention as a supplement composition, the composition of the present invention may be ingested as is, or it may be added to a supplement, beverage, food, pharmaceutical, or animal feed before ingestion. When adding the composition of the present invention to a supplement, beverage, food, pharmaceutical, or animal feed, it is preferable to use the composition by adding a few drops to the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, or animal feed.

[0055] [Manufacturing method] The composition of the present invention can be produced by mixing bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant in any order. The composition of the present invention can also be produced by mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powders and surfactants with a suspension containing bacterial powder and fatty oil. The method of mixing is not particularly limited. For example, the bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant can be mixed by stirring. If the composition contains additives, the mixing order is not particularly limited. They may be included in a suspension containing bacterial powder and fatty oil, or they may be added when mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powders and surfactants.

[0056] [use] The fine powders and surfactants described above are suitable for use as anti-caking agents. [Examples]

[0057] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described later. The present invention can be modified in various ways without changing its essence.

[0058] [Preparation of bacterial powder] <Bacteria end 1> Bifidobacterium infantis (NITE BP-02623) was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, bacterial cells (wet cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-drying oven (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and tapioca starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain Bifidobacterium bacterial powder.

[0059] <Bacteria end 2> Bifidobacterium breve (NITE BP-02622) was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, the bacterial cells (wet cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 120 hours using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and tapioca starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain powder of Bifidobacterium bacteria.

[0060] <Bacteria end 3> Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (NITE BP-02621) was inoculated into a culture medium containing proteins, amino acids, and sugar sources, and incubated at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. The bacterial cells (moist cells) were then collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-drying oven (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.). After freeze-drying, the bacterial mass was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain Bifidobacterium bacterial powder.

[0061] <Bacteria end 4> Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (NITE BP-02621) was inoculated into a culture medium containing proteins, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After culturing, the bacterial cells (wet cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-drying oven (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and potato starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain Bifidobacterium bacterial powder.

[0062] <Bacteria end 5> Lactobacillus gasseri (NITE BP-01669) was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, the bacterial cells (moist cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder.

[0063] <Bacteria end 6> Lactobacillus acidophilus (NITE BP-01695) was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, the bacterial cells (moist cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder.

[0064] <Bacteria end 7> Lactobacillus paracasei (NITE BP-01633) was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, the bacterial cells (moist cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-drying oven (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial mass after freeze-drying was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and maltodextrin were doubled in a ratio of 1:3 (w / w) to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder.

[0065] <Bacteria end 8> Lactobacillus helveticus NITE BP-01671 was inoculated into a culture medium containing protein, amino acids, and sugar sources, and cultured at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. After that, the bacterial cells (moist cells) were collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. The concentrated bacterial solution and starch hydrolysate were mixed in a ratio of 1:4 (solid content ratio, w / w), and then spray-dried with a spray dryer to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder.

[0066] <Bacteria end 9> Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (NITE BP-02623) was inoculated into a culture medium containing proteins, amino acids, and sugar sources, and incubated at 32-41°C for 5-24 hours. The bacterial cells (moist cells) were then collected from the culture medium by centrifugation. Freeze-drying was performed for 18-96 hours using a freeze-drying oven (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Co., Ltd.), and the resulting bacterial mass was physically crushed to obtain freeze-dried powder.

[0067] [Method for evaluating variance] Ten mL of the prepared composition was placed in a glass test tube and sealed with a rubber stopper. The test tube containing the composition was left to stand in an incubator set to 5°C for 30 days. After standing, the composition was mixed by inverting it 20 times at a rate of about once per second, and then the bottom of the test tube was observed. The variance was evaluated on a 5-point scale from A to E according to the following criteria. A... No bacterial powder or carrier remained on the bottom surface. B…Compared to A, a larger amount of bacterial powder or carrier remained on the bottom surface. Compared to B, C showed a greater amount of bacterial powder or carrier remaining on the bottom surface. Compared to C, a larger amount of bacterial powder or carrier remained on the bottom surface in D... E...Suspension was difficult.

[0068] [Reference example] 2.5% by mass of tapioca starch (Reference Example 1) or maltodextrin (Reference Example 2) and 97.5% by mass of MCT oil (S9013) were mixed to prepare 100% by mass of the composition. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] In Reference Examples 1 and 2, which did not contain bacterial powder, the dispersibility of the carrier was excellent. This suggests that the caking of bacterial powder in oil drops is due to the bacterial cells themselves contained in the powder.

[0071] [Examples and Comparative Examples] <Examples A1 to A22> Example A1 is a comparative example, and Examples A2 to A22 are examples of actual cases. The bacterial powder, fine powder or surfactant, and fatty oil were mixed in the proportions (unit: mass%) shown in Table 2 or Table 3, and a uniform dispersion was prepared using a magnetic stirrer. Of the surfactants, B-100D was added to the fatty oil, dissolved in a 90°C bath, returned to room temperature, and then the bacterial powder was added and mixed uniformly. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0072] [Table 2]

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] Examples A2 to A22, which contained fine powder or surfactant, showed superior dispersion of the bacterial powder compared to Example A1, which did not contain these ingredients. Examples A8 to A10, which contained an anionic surfactant (calcium stearate), all received a dispersibility rating of B, indicating better dispersibility of the bacterial powder compared to Example A1. Examples A11 to A16, which contained nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7 (B-100D, S-170), showed better dispersion of bacterial powder compared to Examples A17 to A22, which contained nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of 7 or higher (S-770, S-1570).

[0075] <Examples B1 to B9> Example B1 is a comparative example, and Examples B2 to B9 are examples of actual cases. The bacterial powder, fine powder or surfactant, and fatty oil were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 4 (unit: mass%) and a magnetic stirrer was used to create a homogeneous dispersion. Of the surfactants, L-195 and POS-135 were added to the fatty oil, dissolved in a 90°C bath, returned to room temperature, and then the bacterial powder was added and mixed uniformly. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 4.

[0076] [Table 4]

[0077] Examples B2 to B9, which contained fine powder or surfactant, showed superior dispersion of the bacterial powder compared to Example B1, which did not contain these ingredients. Examples B2, which contained tricalcium phosphate as a fine powder; B3, which contained magnesium stearate as an anionic surfactant; B7, which contained B-370F (HLB value = 3) as a nonionic surfactant; and B9, which contained POS-135 (HLB value = 1) as a nonionic surfactant, all received an A rating for dispersibility, indicating particularly excellent dispersibility of the bacterial powder.

[0078] <Examples C1 to C11> Example C1 is a comparative example, and Examples C2 to C11 are examples of actual cases. The bacterial powder, fine powder or surfactant, and fatty oil were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 5 (unit: mass%) and a magnetic stirrer was used to create a homogeneous dispersion. Of the surfactants, B-100D was added to the fatty oil, dissolved in a 90°C bath, returned to room temperature, and then the bacterial powder was added and mixed uniformly. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 5.

[0079] [Table 5]

[0080] Examples C2 to C11, which contained fine powder or surfactant, showed superior dispersion of the bacterial powder compared to Example C1, which did not contain these ingredients. Examples C5, which contained tricalcium phosphate as a fine powder, C8, which contained B-100D (HLB value = 3) as a nonionic surfactant, and C11, which contained B-370F (HLB value = 3) as a nonionic surfactant, all received an A rating for dispersibility, indicating particularly excellent dispersibility of the bacterial powder.

[0081] <Examples D1 to D12> Examples D1, D3, D5, D7, D9, and D11 are comparative examples, while examples D2, D4, D6, D8, D10, and D12 are examples. The bacterial powder, fine powder or surfactant, and fatty oil were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 6 (unit: mass%), and a uniform dispersion was prepared using a magnetic stirrer. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 6.

[0082] [Table 6]

[0083] Examples D2, D4, D6, D8, D10, and D12, which contained calcium stearate, received a dispersibility rating of A or B, indicating good dispersibility of the bacterial powder. No significant difference was observed in the dispersibility when calcium stearate was added between the examples using freeze-dried bacterial powder (Examples D2, D4, D6, D8, D10) and the example using spray-dried bacterial powder (Example D12).

[0084] <Example E1, Example E2> Example E1 is a comparative example, and Example E2 is an example. The bacterial powder, fine powder or surfactant, and fatty oil were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 7 (unit: mass%), and a uniform dispersion was prepared using a magnetic stirrer. The dispersibility of the prepared compositions was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 7.

[0085] [Table 7]

[0086] Example E2, which contained calcium stearate, received a dispersibility rating of B, indicating good dispersibility of the bacterial powder. Even when using bacterial powder without the added dilution agent, the addition of calcium stearate improved its dispersibility.

[0087] <Example F1, Example F2> Example F1 is a comparative example, and Example F2 is an example of a specific case. A commercially available supplement composition (Baby Probiotic Bifidus M1, manufactured by Snow Brand Beanstalk Co., Ltd.) was used as is (e.g., F1), or with 1.0% by mass of calcium stearate added (e.g., F2) to prepare the evaluation compositions. The above supplement composition is made from Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12: DSM 15954, sunflower oil, antioxidant (vitamin E), and citric acid. The dispersibility of the prepared evaluation compositions was assessed according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table 8.

[0088] [Table 8]

[0089] Even with commercially available supplement compositions, the addition of calcium stearate improved their dispersibility.

[0090] The meanings of the terms in Tables 2 to 7 are as follows: (fungal powder) Bacterial powder 1...Bacterial powder 1 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 2...Bacterial powder 2 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 3...Bacterial powder 3 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 4...Bacterial powder 4 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 5... 5 bacterial powders prepared as described above. Bacterial powder 6...Bacterial powder 6 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 7...Bacterial powder 7 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 8...Bacterial powder 8 prepared as described above Bacterial powder 9...Bacterial powder 9 prepared as described above.

[0091] (fatty oil) S9013 Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT oil S9013, manufactured by Taiyo Yushi Co., Ltd.)

[0092] (fine powder) Microcrystalline cellulose... Ceolus FD-F20 (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) Tricalcium phosphate…Tricalcium phosphate (manufactured by Taihei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Fine-grained silicon dioxide... Silopage 720 (manufactured by Fuji Silicia Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0093] (Surfactants) Calcium stearate…Calcium stearate (manufactured by Taihei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Magnesium stearate…Magnesium stearate (manufactured by San-Ei Gen F.F.I. Co., Ltd.) B-100D...Glycerin fatty acid ester (Ryoto Polyglyceride B-100D, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 3) S-170... Sucrose fatty acid ester (S-170 sugar ester, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Co., Ltd.; HLB value 1) P-170... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester P-170, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 1) O-170... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester O-170, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 1) L-195... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Lyoto sugar ester L-195, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 1) B-370F... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester B-370F, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 3) ER-190... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester ER-190, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods; HLB value 1) POS-135... Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester POS-135, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Corporation; HLB value 1) S-770... Sucrose fatty acid ester (S-770 sugar ester, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Co., Ltd.; HLB value 7) S-1570 Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto sugar ester S-1670, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Co., Ltd.; HLB value 16)

[0094] [Explanation of Results] In the examples, the effect of suppressing the precipitation and solidification of bacterial powder, as well as caking, was observed. Products containing surfactants tended to show superior effects. Furthermore, when comparing compositions containing bacterial powder with compositions containing only a carrier, it was observed that compositions containing bacterial powder tended to remain at the bottom in greater quantities. Therefore, there is a high need to eliminate precipitation, solidification, and caking in compositions containing bacterial powder. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] The composition of the present invention can be used as a supplement composition by being ingested as is or by being added to food.

Claims

1. A composition comprising bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant, The fine powder is tricalcium phosphate, The surfactant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than 7. The aforementioned fatty oil is present in an amount of 90% by mass or more of the total mass of the composition. A composition comprising the aforementioned bacterial powder in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by mass relative to the total mass of the composition.

2. The composition according to claim 1, which is a suspension.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bacterial powder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of live lactic acid bacteria, dead lactic acid bacteria, live Bifidobacterium bacteria, and dead Bifidobacterium bacteria.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of metal stearate salts, and the nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of less than 7 comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7 and glycerin fatty acid esters with an HLB value of less than 7.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an additive.

6. A method for producing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising mixing bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant in any order, or mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of fine powder and surfactant into a suspension containing bacterial powder and fatty oil.

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