Lactase Formulations

Abstract

A particulate composition comprising a plurality of particles comprising lactase and a protective material are provided. The particles have a size that is not perceptible or is minimally perceptible on the human tongue. The particulate composition can be made by a method that comprises the steps of providing a lactase, providing a protective material, and forming a particulate composition comprising a plurality of particles comprising the lactase and the protective material in a size that is not perceptible or barely perceptible on the human tongue. The particulate composition can be used by applying the lactase composition to a food article or by using the lactase composition in the course of consuming the food article.

1 .- 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A method of using a solid lactase composition in particulate form to treat lactose intolerance upon ingestion of a food article comprising lactose, the lactase composition consisting of a plurality of particles, wherein the particles consist of a lactase in solid form and a protective material configured such that the protective material stabilizes the lactase in the food article from the lactose prior to ingestion and wherein the protective material dissolves in acidic or basic environment to release the lactase with the food article upon consumption of the food article such that the lactase and the particles are in the presence of the food article during release of the lactase from the particles for the lactase to hydrolyze the lactose from the food article, the method comprising applying the lactase composition in particulate form to the food article or using the lactase composition in the course of consuming the food article, wherein the particles have a size that is not perceptible or barely perceptible on the human tongue such that upon consuming the food article the composition in particulate form is not perceptible or is barely perceptible on the human tongue. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles have a size of about 400 microns or below. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles have a size of about 200 microns or below. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles have a size of about 100 microns or below. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles have a size of about 50 microns or below. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles are microcapsules encapsulating lactase. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the particles consisting of lactase in solid form and a protective material are in the form of the protective material being a coating around the lactase. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the protective material is a matrix material, and wherein the lactase is dispersed in the particles. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase has a concentration from about 5 wt % to about 95 wt % by total weight of the formulation. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the protective material is selected from the group consisting of amylose acetate phthalates, styrene-maleic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, fatty acids, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), glycerol triacetate (triacetin), Marcoat, gum acacia, glycerin, fatty acid esters, glycerol esters, polyglycerol esters, paraffin waxes, carnauba wax, formalized gelatin, shellac wax, hydrogenated vegetable waxes, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the food article is a dairy product. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the food article is selected from milk, coffee, chocolate, cereals, smoothies, pizza, and ice cream. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase composition is configured to release lactase into the food once the food has passed the taste buds. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase composition releases lactase in acidic environment. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase composition releases lactase in basic environment. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase composition comprises a solid formulation. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the lactase composition comprises a liquid formulation. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the liquid lactase formulation further comprises one or more suspending agents. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the liquid lactase formulation comprises a suspension or dispersion of the lactase composition particles. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the composition is formed from an aqueous solution of the protective material and lactase in solid form.