Edible web comprising microorganisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to edible webs comprising microorganisms, such as probiotics. In particular, the present invention relates to an edible web having microorganisms, such as bacteria, probiotic bacteria, bacteriophages or viruses printed thereon, e.g. by the use of inkjet printing. In addition the invention relates to methods of producing such edible webs, to various products comprising the edible webs as well as to use of the edible webs comprising microorganisms.

The invention is claimed as follows: 
     
         1 . A method for dosing one or more microorganisms, the method comprising:
 providing an edible web comprising at least one microorganism.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the edible web comprises two or more different microorganisms. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the edible web comprises an edible material selected from the group consisting of edible paper, edible foil, edible sheet, edible film, edible adhesive and combination combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the edible paper is selected from the group consisting of sugar paper, starch paper, corn-starch paper, rice paper, soybean paper, gold paper, silver paper, fiber based paper, fiber based foil, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one microorganism is selected from the group consisting of  Lactobacillus rhamnosous, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus , and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one microorganism is selected from the group consisting of  Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum , and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the edible web is provided on a substrate selected from the group consisting of a food accessory and a pacifier. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the food accessory is selected from the group consisting of straws, spoons, forks, glasses, mouthpieces of flasks, nipples of baby bottles, and containers.