Method for drying biomaterials

Abstract

The present invention provides a means to concentrate, dry and formulate biomaterials such as polysaccharides, gums and related biopolymers, and microorganisms such as cells, spores, and the like from dilute solutions using spent germ and other oil bearing residues. In addition, the spent germ can serve as a carrier for such biomaterials. The sorbed materials are useful in animal feeds.

1 - 57 . (canceled)  
   
   
       58 . An animal feed comprising a composite product prepared by: 
 Providing an aqueous medium containing a microorganism and a sorbent, said sorbent comprising a spent oil-bearing residue;    sorbing at least a portion of said aqueous solution to thereby form a composite; and    drying said composite to a moisture content of less than 20%.    
   
   
       59 . An animal feed according to  claim 58 , said sorbent comprising spent grain germ.  
   
   
       60 . An animal feed according to  59 , said microorganism being selected from the group consisting of  Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, Propionibacterium, Bifidobacterium , and  Saccharomyces.    
   
   
       61 . An animal feed according to  claim 60 , wherein said microorganism comprises a  Lactobacillus  species.  
   
   
       62 . An animal feed according to  claim 58 , wherein said composite contains at least 10 2  CFU/g reconstitutable microorganisms upon drying.  
   
   
       63 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein said composite contains at least 10 3  CFU/g reconstitutable microorganisms upon drying.  
   
   
       64 . An animal feed according to  claim 58 , said aqueous solution including a film-forming material.  
   
   
       65 . An animal feed according to  claim 58 , said dried composite being coated with a film.