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

Abstract

A pre-fermented symbiotic matrix based on a cereal suspension (e.g., oat) containing encapsulated probiotics and prebiotics is pre-fermented with encapsulated probiotics and free and/or encapsulated prebiotics.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . Process for obtaining a pre-fermented symbiotic matrix comprising the following steps:
 addition of macroencapsulate probiotics/non-probiotics to a suspension of cereals, to generate a pre-fermented prebiotic suspension;   separation of the macroencapsulated probiotics/non-probiotics from the pre-fermented prebiotic suspension;   incorporation in the obtained pre-fermented prebiotic suspension of at least one other component selected from:
 i. free or encapsulated prebiotics, 
 ii. free or microencapsulated probiotics non-probiotics, 
 iii. other food ingredients, free or encapsulated. 
   
     
     
         19 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein the cereals are selected from flakes, flour or bran. 
     
     
         20 . Process according to  claim 19 , wherein the cereals include oat. 
     
     
         21 . Process according to  claim 19 , wherein the cereals are combined with at least one of:
 one or more other cereals usually applied in food industry;   one or more legumes, preferably selected from barley or soy.   
     
     
         22 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein the probiotics/non-probiotics are generally recognized as safe. 
     
     
         23 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein the probiotics/non-probiotics are selected from the  Bifidobacterium  and  Lactobacillus  genera. 
     
     
         24 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein probiotics/non-probiotics' inoculation is performed in a quantity not inferior to 10 4 -10 10  CFU/g. 
     
     
         25 . process according to  claim 18 , wherein encapsulation is performed by a method selected from drying, atomization, emulsion or coacervation. 
     
     
         26 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein the encapsulation is performed with capsules composed of a coating material selected from proteins, polysaccharides, lipids or hydrocolloids. 
     
     
         27 . Process according to  claim 18 , wherein the pre-fermentation comprises placing a cereal suspension in a reactor with macroencapsulated probiotics/non-probiotics. 
     
     
         28 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix obtained by the process described in  claim 18  comprising:
 a) a pre-fermented prebiotic suspension; 
 b) at least one other component selected from a group comprising:
 i. free or encapsulated prebiotics; 
 free or microencapsulated probiotics/non-probiotics; and 
 iii. other food ingredients, free or encapsulated. 
 
 
     
     
         29 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the cereals are selected from flakes, flour or bran. 
     
     
         30 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 29 , wherein the cereals include oat. 
     
     
         31 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the cereals are combined with at least one of:
 one or more other cereals usually applied in food industry;   one or more legumes, preferably selected from barley or soy.   
     
     
         32 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to claim.  28 , wherein the prebiotics comprise β-glucan soluble fiber, in biologically active quantities, preferably extracted from cereals or legumes. 
     
     
         33 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 32 , comprising a minimum of 0.75% (w/w) β-glucan soluble fiber. 
     
     
         34 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , further comprising at least one prebiotic compound selected from inulin, fructooligossacharides or chitosans. 
     
     
         35 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the probiotics/non-probiotics are generally recognized as safe. 
     
     
         36 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the probiotics/non-probictics are selected from the  Bifidobacterium  and  Lactobacillus  genera. 
     
     
         37 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 26 , wherein probiotics/non-probiotics' inoculation is performed in a quantity not inferior to 10 8 -10 10  CFU/g, ensuring that the pre-fermented symbiotic matrix, when consumed, contains between 10 6 -10 8  CFU/g. 
     
     
         38 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the food ingredients provide at least one organoleptic function. 
     
     
         39 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein the food ingredients comprise at least one of: antioxidants; fatty acids, preferably omega-3, omega-6 and their derivatives; vitamins and minerals beyond those already existent in the pre-fermented cereal or legume; sweeteners; flavors; fruit pulp and enzymes. 
     
     
         40 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according to  claim 28 , wherein said matrix is in fresh, lyophilized or frozen forms. 
     
     
         41 . Pre-fermented symbiotic matrix according  claim 40 , wherein fresh form is a gelled or extruded form. 
     
     
         42 . Food product comprising the pre-fermented symbiotic matrix claimed in  claim 28 . 
     
     
         43 . Pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition comprising the pre-fermented symbiotic matrix claimed in  claims 28 . 
     
     
         44 . Veterinary composition or supplement comprising the pre-fermented symbiotic matrix claimed in  claim 28 .