Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix based on a cereal suspension with encapsulated probiotics, manufacture process and corresponding utilization

Abstract

The present invention is about a pre-fermented symbiotic matrix based on a cereal suspension, preferably oat, containing encapsulated probiotics and prebiotics, the manufacturing process and the corresponding utilization. The present invention's object is the development of a cereal symbiotic matrix, preferably from oat, pre-fermented with encapsulated probiotics and free and/or encapsulated prebiotics, with the aim of complementing the actual functional food market and solving problems inherent to the reduced shelf-life period of such foods due to loss of probiotic viability to values below the minimum limits needed in order to promote biological activity. Furthermore, the present invention's object is to improve the fermentative process conditions at different levels, namely fermentation time reduction in order to reduce energy consumption during the process and the risk of contamination reduction as well as promote long term microbial stability maintenance. The pre-fermented symbiotic matrix is designed, in particular, for those cases where intolerance and/or allergy to dairy products occur, yet it is further applicable to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and preferably food industries, including pet food.

1 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix comprising a suspension of cereals with encapsulated microorganisms including at least one of the following compounds:
 free and/or encapsulated prebiotics;   free microorganisms;   other food ingredients.   
   
   
       2 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 1 , wherein the cereals include flakes, flour or bran. 
   
   
       3 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 2 , wherein the cereals include oats. 
   
   
       4 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 2 , wherein the cereals are combined with one or more other cereals and/or legumes usually applied in food industry. 
   
   
       5 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 3 , wherein the cereals include oats combined with cereals and/or legumes, including barley and soy. 
   
   
       6 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 1 , wherein a prebiotic source includes β-glucan soluble fibres in biologically active quantities. 
   
   
       7 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 6  wherein β-glucan soluble fibres are extracted from cereals and/or legumes. 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 7 , having a minimum of 0.75% (w/w) of β-glucan soluble fibres. 
   
   
       10 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 6 , further comprising other prebiotic compounds including inulin, fructooligossacharides (FOS) and chitosans. 
   
   
       11 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 1 , including integration of other food ingredients, that apart from the prebiotic function can still allow for other functions, such as, organoleptic functions such as sweeteners, flavours and/or fruit pulp and texture such as enzymes. 
   
   
       12 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 1 , including extra antioxidant sources, fatty acids such as omega 3, omega 6 and its derivatives, vitamins and minerals beyond the already existent in cereals and/or legumes, in a free or encapsulated form. 
   
   
       13 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 1 , wherein the microorganisms includes “GRAS”, probiotic and non-probiotic and wherein an encapsulate includes at least one of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and hydrocolloids. 
   
   
       14 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 13 , including inoculated microorganisms in a quantity not inferior to 10 8 -10 10  CFU/g, ensuring that the final product, when consumed, contains between 10 6 -10 8  CFU/g. 
   
   
       15 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 1 , wherein the matrix is in a fresh, lypophilised and/or frozen form. 
   
   
       16 . A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, according to  claim 15 , wherein the fresh matrix includes a gel or extruded form. 
   
   
       17 . A process of obtaining a pre-fermented prebiotic matrix according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 a pre-fermentation including placing a cereal suspension in a reactor with immobilized microbial cells in macrocapsules, coated by proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and hydrocolloids;   a separation wherein the microorganisms are separated from the matrix;   an encapsulation, including drying, atomization, emulsion or coacervation; and   incorporating food ingredients.   
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . (canceled) 
   
   
       24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . The pre-fermented matrix according to  claim 12 , wherein the microorganisms include the  Bifidobacterium  and  Lactobacillus  genera.