Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel micro-organism, Penicillium funiculosum, to a new enzymes mixture obtained from it, and nucleic acid sequences encoding such enzymes.

Abstract: Rural biomass and other cellulosic materials are converted to a protein-enriched animal feed supplement or to single-cell protein by a series of bio-reactions. A first stage bio-reaction is a solid substrate bio-reaction. Enzymes, such as cellulase, produced by the first-stage bio-reaction are added to a second-stage bio-reaction. Raw second-stage bio-reaction feedstock is pretreated to hydrolyze hemicellulose and/or to partially digest starch in the feedstock. In the second-stage bio-reaction, the feedstock is substantially digested and single-cell protein is harvested in an aerobic bio-reaction, while ethanol is produced in an anaerobic reaction. Alternatively, raw biomass or other cellulosic materials can be treated with organic acid (e.g. maleic acid) combined with dry steam to produce a nutritional product that can be directly used as an animal feed supplement.

Abstract: A process for obtaining improved structure build-up of baked products includes the steps of incorporating a sufficient amount of exopolysaccharides into a dough to show a rise in viscosity with time and thereafter maintaining the achieved viscosity. New dextrans and new micro-organisms producing them can be used in the process. Thus, the dough and baked products containing these dextrans are produced.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shelf life enhancing composition for baking mixes which contain flour with particular application to batter mixes is provided as well as a microbiological species (Lactobacillus plantarum/pentosus) used in the method. The method comprises forming a starting mixture including flour and water and inoculating same with a culture of the LPP strain micro-organisms; allowing the mixture to ferment in order to produce anti-microbial substances including lactic acid, a peptide and possibly other presently unidentified anti-microbial substances; and terminating the fermentation process and destroying all living cells prior to the pH of the mix decreasing to 3.3 to yield a shelf life enhancing composition. Baking mixes embodying the shelf life enhancing composition are also described.

Abstract: A flour useful for the production of baked goods containing transglutaminase and wheat flour yields dough with properties for automated processing and baked goods with larger volume. The wheat flour represents 1 to 50 wt.-% of the flour with the remainder being one or more non-wheat flours. A method for the production of baked goods containing both wheat and non-wheat flours utilizing a transglutaminase enzyme.

Abstract: Healthy foods having both antitumor activity and activation effect for cell regeneration ability, comprising mycelia of mushrooms and one or plurality of fermented crop products, preferably, at a blending ratio of 30 to 50% by weight of mycelia and from 65 to 45% by weight of one or a plurality of fermented crop products in one embodiment, mycelia of mushrooms one or plurality of fermented crop products and calcium added thereto, preferably, at a blending ratio of 30 to 50% by weight of mycelia, from 65 to 45% by weight of fermented crop products and from 0.5 to 3% by weight of calcium in another embodiment, the fermented crop products being preferably prepared by fermenting and ripening vegetables, fruits and rood crops, and one or plurality of lytic enzymes being possibly added to the healthy foods.

Abstract: A microwave cookable or reheatable foodstuff coating includes an aqueous mixture including the following ingredients: starch, flour, a gelling agent, an enzyme additive, and further ingredients; wherein the enzyme additive comprises one or more amylases optionally together with one or more further enzymes, buffers and stabilizers.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of a modified masa foodstuff, the process comprising the steps of (i) preparing a masa by nixtamalisation of corn (ii) contacting a reducing agent or an enzyme with (a) the masa, and/or (b) the corn prior to nixtamalisation; such that a protein native to the corn is modified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a dough, comprising incorporating into the dough a composition comprising an effective amount of one or more lactonohydrolases which improve one or more properties of the dough or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing a baked product. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising an effective amount of one or more lactonohydrolases for improving one or more properties of a dough and/or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention further relates to doughs or baked products and to pre-mixes for a dough.

Abstract: The process for the enzymatic processing of the third phase of dough separation containing both B-starch and the soluble flour components is effected by adding, after the usual mechanical separation of A starch and gluten, amylases and hemicellulases to the third phase of dough separation, immediately heating at temperatures of from 55 to 75° C., preferably 60 to 70° C., and immediately concentrating by evaporation following saccharification and pentosane partial hydrolysis. The thus obtained product can be advantageously employed as a partial or complete substitute of dairy raw materials or vegetable carbohydrates in animal feeds, food products and ices.

Abstract: A process for producing noodles, which includes using (1) a transglutaminase and (2) a carbonate and/or a reducing agent, and optionally, a protein partial hydrolyzate, in addition to starting materials such as cereal flour as the main starting material, whereby noodles of which the texture is improved by imparting a good balance between firmness and glutinousness to ordinary noodles of which functions such as convenience, restorability, shelf stability and the like are required, are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods of producing food compositions by the use of an enzymatic digestion of the component parts of whole portions of cereal grains, and grain materials, to impart advantageous qualities to the resulting flour and dough related products produced therefrom. The present invention specifically relates to the fields of making flour and dough, used for totillas, corn chips, totilla chips, snacks, half-products and related products from the component parts and whole portions of cereal grains, and related materials.

Abstract: Corn masa dough texture and tortilla flexibility are improved by adding to the nixtamalized corn flour, an enzyme blend comprising commercial hemicellulase and/or cellulase. The enzyme preparation has a positive effect on dough texture and improvement in tortilla elasticity and ductility during commercial storage. The combination of the enzyme blend and the method for dough and tortilla preparation can enhance conventional additives to delay corn tortilla hardening during storage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bread improving composition containing cellobiohydrolase and its use in bread making.

Abstract: A fish, krill or fish by-product hydrolysate is added to canola meal or like cereal. Phytase enzymes are added to the liquid material with the pH and temperature of the mixture being held at optimum for the phytase enzymes. The mixture is stirred for a predetermined time period to incubate the mixture under the desired pH and temperature conditions. Thereafter, the mixture is acid stabilised for storage and may further be dried or co-dried with other feed ingredients. The phytic acid in the canola meal is transformed and releases the previously bound phosphorous. The quantity of phytic acid in the canola meal is reduced significantly thereby reducing the antinutritional factors in the cereal. The benefits include a reduction of the phosphate necessary to be added as a supplement to the diet and an increase in protein absorption by the fish or animal. Further, less phytate bound phosphorous is added to the environment. Other enzymes and cereals having similar utility are contemplated.

Abstract: A method of improving the rheological properties of a flour dough and the quality of bread, alimentary paste products, noodles and cakes produced therefrom, wherein a combination of (a) a glycerol oxidase which does not require a co-factor to oxidize glycerol, and (b) a lipase, is added to the dough to produce a synergistic effect upon said rheological properties; and dough improving compositions containing such components.

Abstract: Bakery products such as bread obtained by adding the functions of fructo-oligosaccharide so as not to impair tastes and eating feeling. By eating such bakery products, the functions of fructo-oligosaccharide reveal. A bakery product such as croissant and panettone containing fructo-oligosaccharide is obtained by fermenting a mixture of fructo-oligosaccharide and flour as a major ingredient with a madre containing Saccharomyces exiguus, Lactobacillus sanfrancisco and Lactobacillus comoensis, and baking the dough thus obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing elastic and glutinous noodles is provided that includes adding transglutaminase and either gliadin or glutenin to cereal. The noodles keep their original elasticity and glutinosity for a long period of time, even after having been boiled and acid-processed or retorted. A composition and a dough mixture that include transglutaminase and gliadin or glutenin are also described.

Abstract: A process for obtaining improved structure build-up of baked products includes the steps of incorporating a sufficient amount of exopolysaccharides into a dough to show a rise in viscosity with time and thereafter maintaining the achieved viscosity. New dextrans and new micro-organisms producing them can be used in the process. Thus, the dough and baked products containing these dextrans are produced.

Abstract: A method of improving the rheological properties of a flour dough and the quality of the finished product made from such a dough, comprising adding an effective amount of an oxidoreductase capable of oxidizing maltose, in particular a hexose oxidase, e.g. isolated from an algal species such as Iridophycus flaccidum, Chondrus crispus or Euthora cristata and a dough improving composition comprising the oxidoreductase.

Abstract: A flour useful for the production of baked goods containing transglutaminase and wheat flour yields dough with properties for automated processing and baked goods with larger volume. The wheat flour represents 1 to 50 wt.-% of the flour with the remainder being one or more non-wheat flours. A method for the production of baked goods containing both wheat and non-wheat flours utilizing a transglutaminase enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel baked goods having incorporated therein a delivery vehicle that provides protection to an alpha-amylase enzyme from thermal denaturation and continuously releases the alpha-amylase enzyme during, and following the baking process. Essentially, dry, food-grade alpha-amylase particles are mixed with a food grade lipid in a quantity sufficient to envelop the alpha-amylase particles thereby forming a loaded delivery vehicle or enveloped alpha-amylase. The enveloped alpha-amylase is subsequently added to a dough comprising flour, water, and other dough forming ingredients near the end of the mix cycle. Once the enveloped alpha-amylase is incorporated, the dough continues through the normal production process for that particular baked product. The food grade lipid enveloping the alpha-amylase provides thermal protection to the enzyme. No other production or packaging modifications need be made.

Abstract: A food containing a protein treated with at least one transglutaminase and at least one oxidoreductase. The presence of the treated protein enhances the quality of the food.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for culturing mushroom mycelia using grains, a culture product, and use of the culture product. Edible or medicinal mushroom mycelia are inoculated and cultured in solid media made of grains. Induction of the cultured mushroom mycelia to undergo autolysis produces autolysates rich in antitumorigenic and other medicinally useful materials. The squeezing of the autolysates produces a liquid filtrate, leaving a paste. The filtrate is concentrated for use in foods or medicines. The paste is processed into a nutrient-rich gruel or other foods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a dough or a baked product from the dough which process involves incorporating into the dough an anti-staling amylase and a phospholipase. The bread made by the combined use of an anti-staling amylase and a phospholipase has improved softness, both when eaten on the same day and when stored for several days after baking. There is no significant change in the taste or smell of the baked product.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention relates to mutating starch genes in polyploid cereal grains. Specifically, this invention concerns mutant wheat plants, mutant wheat grain and the starch therefrom.

Abstract: A method of improving the rheological properties of a flour dough and the quality of the finished product made from such a dough, including adding an effective amount of an oxido-reductase capable of oxidizing maltose, in particular a hexose oxidase, e.g. isolated from an algal species such as Iridophycus flaccidum, Chondrus crispus or Euthora cristata and a dough improving composition containing the oxidore-ductase.

Abstract: A dough composition containing not less than 15 units of a raw starch decomposing enzyme per kilogram of a raw material to be baked, which may further contain glucose oxidase and/or hemicellulase. The characteristics of the dough composition are improved to provide baked products which have improved softness and are slow in getting hard.

Abstract: The production of an activitystable and low dust enzyme granulate for use in food technology applications or for working into recipes for food technology application for example, in the production of baked goods and farinaceous products, in starch processing, or in brewing, is described. The activitystable and lowdust enzyme granulates obtained according to the production methods and their use in food technology are also described. In another, special aspect of the invention, the use of especially selected flours are very generally described as an auxiliary (for example, as a carrier or filler) for the production of enzyme granulates for various application purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns dough as well as a process for the preparation of dry bakery products, particularly crackers, comprising the addition to the dough of a bakery ingredient prepared by fermentation of cereal germs with lactic acid producing bacteria. The fermentation is preferably carried out with Lactobacilli, such as Lactobacillus plantarum. During the fermentation yeast and/or enzymes such as proteases and carbohydrases may be added to the fermentation mixture. After the fermentation the mixture is preferably concentrated or converted into a dry product which can be easily shipped stored and handled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing sourdough comprising at least an acid sensitive compound and other sourdough ingredients, said process comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a dough, including incorporating into the dough a composition containing an effective amount of one or more dehydrogenases which improve one or more properties of the dough or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing a baked product. The present invention also relates to compositions containing an effective amount of one or more dehydrogenases for improving one or more properties of a dough and/or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention further relates to doughs or baked products and to pre-mixes for a dough.

Abstract: A dough- or bread-improving composition comprising laccase as well as the use of the composition in the preparation of dough and baked products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of baked goods from cereal products with use of enzymes, with the aim of preventing the baked goods from going stale. To this effect, a Thermoactinomyces vulgaris alpha amylase is added, which makes possible targeted partial hydrolysis of the starch, and in the process prevents its retrogradation to a large extent, and is simultaneously deactivated by the baking process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bread improver composition containing lipase, hemicellulase and amylase, preferably in combination with shortening. The enzyme preparation of the invention has an advantageous effect on the crumb softness of the final bakery product. The combination of the enzyme preparation of the invention and shortening can replace emulsifiers like SSL and monoglycerides which are used as a crumb softener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a flavor base which then can be used to form savory flavor or flavor enhancer products. The method involves enzymatically hydrolyzing cereal grain cereal protein, in particular defatted wheat germ, to produce the flavor base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a dough, including incorporating into the dough an effective amount of one or more pectate lyases which improve one or more properties of the dough or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing a baked product. The present invention also relates to compositions including an effective amount of one or more pectate lyases for improving one or more properties of a dough and/or a baked product obtained from the dough. The present invention further relates to doughs or baked products and to pre-mixes for a dough.

Abstract: The invention relates to specific bacterium and proteins with xylanase activity derived from the bacteria, in particular to xylanases which are free of any significant cellulase activity and which are active at high temperature and at neutral to alkaline pH. Xylanases having these characteristics are particularly useful in the bleaching of wood pulps, such as kraft pulps. The preferred bacterium designated B230 was isolated from white-rotted kerri wood in Western Australia; a sample of which has been deposited under the provision of the Budapest Treaty in the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories under the accession number N94/41262. This preferred bacterium is a gram positive, obligatively aerobic, rod-shaped with a centrally-located spore and has the taxomonic characteristics of Bacillus subtilis (by VITEK method).

Abstract: A quality improver for producing bread, comprising at least one component (i) selected from malt, rice fermentation product, and wheat fermentation product and (ii) biotin. Preferably it further contains mevalonolactone and/or mevalonic acid or a lactic acid fermentation product of soy bean. A seed dough is obtained by kneading cereal powder, yeast, and the quality improver for producing bread and subjecting the mixture to primary fermentation. The bread has a sufficient volume, a good shape, a soft feeling upon eating, a good flavor (fragrance and taste), excellent storage stability and contains vitamins, proteins and minerals abundantly. The seed dough containing the quality improver can be circulated.

Abstract: An acidic fruit or vegetable beverage having improved nutritional value. The beverage includes the addition of natural fiber, glucans and a flavoring agent to the beverage. The glucans are substantially derived from a natural grain, such as oats. The flavoring agent includes vanilla flavoring. The vanilla flavoring may be natural vanilla and/or artificial vanilla. The pH of said beverage is typically 3.7-7. The glucans are present in the beverages in amounts up to 5 gram per liter and the glucans contain a substantial amount of water soluble &bgr;-glucans. The beverage is typically a ready-to-drink beverage.

Abstract: A culture medium which is completely free of chemical additives and which can be used for the individual culture of yeast and of lactic acid bacteria or for the coculture of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria is prepared. The preparation of the medium is carried out by a process comprising making in a bioreactor a first medium using a dilute aqueous mixture containing a yeast autolysate and whole-meal or wheat germ, starch and gluten. Alpha-amylase enzymes and amyloglucosidase are added thereto for hydrolyzing the starch into a sugar. Furthermore proteolytic enzymes of food quality are also added for hydrolyzing gluten into aromatic peptides and free amino acids for microbial growth. The first medium is further sterilized and table salt may be added, however, no other chemical additives are ever added to the first medium.

Abstract: Methods of reducing cystine containing animal and plant proteins, and improving dough and baked goods' characteristics is provided which includes the steps of mixing dough ingredients with a thiol redox protein to form a dough and baking the dough to form a baked good. The method of the present invention preferably uses reduced thioredoxin with wheat flour which imparts a stronger dough and higher loaf volumes. Methods for reducing snake, bee and scorpion toxin proteins with a thiol redox (SH) agent and thereby inactivating the protein or detoxifying the protein in an individual are also provided. Protease inhibitors, including the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors of soybean, were also reduced by the NADP/thioredoxin system (NADPH, thioredoxin, and NADP-thioredoxin reductase). When reduced by thioredoxin, the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk soybean trypsin inhibitors lose their ability to inhibit trypsin.

Abstract: Methods of reducing cystine containing animal and plant proteins, and improving dough and baked goods' characteristics is provided which includes the steps of mixing dough ingredients with a thiol redox protein to form a dough and baking the dough to form a baked good. The method of the present invention preferably uses reduced thioredoxin with wheat flour which imparts a stronger dough and higher loaf volumes. Methods for reducing snake, bee and scorpion toxin proteins with a thiol redox (SH) agent and thereby inactivating the protein or detoxifying the protein in an individual are also provided. Protease inhibitors, including the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors of soybean, were also reduced by the NADP/thioredoxin system (NADPH, thioredoxin, and NADP-thioredoxin reductase) from either E. coli or wheat germ. When reduced by thioredoxin, the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk soybean trypsin inhibitors lose their ability to inhibit trypsin.

Abstract: A highly digestible, good preference, relatively high-quality fermented formula feed which is obtainable by mixing a soybean feed material and a wheat splinter capable of decomposing phytin in an amount of not less than that of the soybean feed material, d.s.b., and subjecting the mixture to a lactic acid fermentation under humid conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckwheat starch syrup prepared by liquefying, saccharisfying, and proteolyzing starch from buckwheat flour, a method for preparing the buckwheat starch syrup, and various foods containing the same. The buckwheat starch syrup of the present invention contains various amino acids and minerals, as well as rutin which is effective in preventing arteriosclerosis, and hence it is healthy and excellent in nutritive balance. Thus, the buckwheat starch syrup of the present invention can be suitably used in various foods.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nutritionally valuable products from cereals by means of an enzymatic degradation of the starch present in the cereals is provided. Gelatinization and degradation of the starch to soluble dextrines and their continued degradation to more simple oligosaccharides is carried out in a single step. Additionally, a plant for carrying out the process is provided.

Abstract: Bread products are prepared by treating a starch material in water with a carbohydrase so that the carbohydrase liquefies the starch material and so that starch of the starch material is gelatinized, combining the product of the treatment with water, a starch material, a vegetable oil and lecithin so that an emulsion is obtained, heating the emulsion to gelatinize starch material and to stabilize the emulsion, drying the emulsion to obtain a powder and combining the powder with wheat flour, sugar, raising agent and water ingredients to obtain a dough, and thereafter, the dough may be stored at a temperature of from -40.degree. C. to +10.degree. C., or the dough may be baked and the baked product also may be stored at a temperature of from -40.degree. C. to +10.degree. C.

Abstract: A rice bran extract formed from a rice bran with a naturally occurring lipase enzyme causing rancidity that has been inactivated with an antilipase enzyme has unique functionality as a processing aid with workable doughs. The rice bran extract improves the machinability of the dough and/or provides positive function effects on texture, bulk density, etc. of the final product.

Abstract: A dough- or bread-improving composition containing a pyranose oxidase as well as the use of the composition in the preparation of dough and baked products.

Abstract: Soil microorganisms are obtained that produce a hemicellulase which is particularly useful in increasing the available energy content of hemicellulosic foodstuffs. These microorganisms can be cultured per se or can be used as sources of genetic information with which to engineer other microorganisms to produce the enzyme. Thus, commercially useful quantities of native or recombinant hemicellulase can be produced with cultures consisting essentially of microorganisms that produce the enzyme. The hemicellulase can then be employed in a feed composition containing complex carbohydrates which the enzyme degrades, enhancing the nutritional value of the composition.