Solid phytase compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to solid enzyme, in particular phytase, compositions stabilized with a lactic acid source such as Corn Steep Liquor (CSL), and methods of producing the same. Preferred compositions additionally comprise starch and disaccharides such as lactose or trehalose.

1 . A solid phytase composition comprising: 
 (a) an enzyme having phytase activity, and    (b) a lactic acid source,    wherein the phytase activity of the composition is above 20 units/g.    
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the lactic acid source comprises at least 10% lactic acid.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , which comprises lactic acid in an amount of 0.01-10%.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the lactic acid source is Corn Steep Liquor (CSL).  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , the chromatogram of which, when analyzed by HPLC according to Example 8 herein, reveals the presence of one or more of peaks 1-10.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 4 , comprising CSL in an amount of 0.01-15%.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a starch source.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a disaccharide.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a carrier material.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a filler material.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising one or more vitamins, one or more minerals or a mixture of both.  
     
     
         12 . A process for preparing a solid phytase composition which comprises drying a lactic acid source together with an enzyme having phytase activity, wherein the phytase activity of the solid composition is above 20 units/g.  
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 12 , wherein the lactic acid source is Corn Steep Liquor (CSL).  
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 12 , wherein the solid phytase composition is a phytase granulate composition, and which process comprises: 
 (a) spraying the enzyme having phytase activity onto a carrier;    (b) spraying the lactic acid source onto the carrier;    (c) mixing; and    (d) drying.    
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 12 , wherein the drying is a spray-drying.  
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 12 , further comprising the addition of one or more starch sources.  
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 12 , further comprising the addition of one or more disaccharides.  
     
     
         18 . A solid composition having a phytase activity above 20 units/g and being obtainable by the process of  claim 12 .  
     
     
         19 . A solid phytase composition consisting essentially of: 
 (a) an enzyme having a phytase activity of above 20 FYT/g of the composition, and    (b) a lactic acid source in an amount of 0.01-15% by weight to provide lactic acid in an amount sufficient to stabilize the enzyme.    
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein the lactic acid is present in an amount of 0.01-10%.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 19 , having a chromatogram determined by HPLC, which has one or more of peaks 1-10.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 19 , further consisting essentially of a starch material.  
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 19 , further consisting essentially of a disaccharide.  
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 19 , further consisting essentially of a carrier material.  
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 19 , further consisting essentially of a filler material.  
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 19 , further consisting essentially of one or more vitamins, one or more minerals or a mixture of both.  
     
     
         27 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 19 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 25 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         28 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 27 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 50 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         29 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 28 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 100 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         30 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 29 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 250 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         31 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 30 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 500 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         32 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 31 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 750 FYT/g of the composition.  
     
     
         33 . The solid phytase composition of  claim 32 , wherein the enzyme has a phytase activity of at least 1000 FYT/9 of the composition.