Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the production of equilibrium reactions are described. In some embodiments, a method comprises removing enzymes from a reaction mixture once equilibrium is achieved, selectively re-adding enzymes and reactants for driving the product-forming reaction to product, and optionally recycling stabilized intermediates, by-products and/or co-products back into the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a method comprises purifying the desired product from a reaction mixture and selectively recycling one or more components of the reaction mixture, such as original reactants, intermediates, co-products or by-products back into the reaction mixture as desired to improve titer. Systems for implementing the methods are also provided. In some embodiments the methods and systems are implemented for increasing the production of monatin and monatin derivatives, produced in multi-step equilibrium pathways.

Abstract: A dietary fiber material obtained by using enzymes to digest cereal grains. The enzymes substantially hydrolyze any starch occurring in the cereal grain into small molecules but only partially hydrolyze &bgr;-glucan molecules. The dietary fiber material can have excellent physicochemical, physiological, and sensory properties such ass low molecular weight, a particular molecular weight distribution, and a particular polydispersity, in addition to having excellent food ingredient properties. As a food ingredient, the material can have high &bgr;-glucan content which provides nutrient to the body. Because the dietary fiber material can have neutral mouthfeel, it can be used to enhance the nutritional content of ice cream, yogurt, baked goods, bars, beverages, or certain other foods—without affecting the taste or other sensory attributes of the food. As a further benefit, the dietary fiber material can be used to provide certain therapeutic benefits, such as anticholesterol activity.