Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using meso-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutane for the maintenance and/or improvement of biological cell function and activity, and for the prevention of improper cell functioning or cell death, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo over time and/or during exposure to stress. Meso-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutane can be used to promote cell survival and as a cell protection agent, to increase cell viability, and to improve conversion of progenitor or stem cells to mature cells, whether in vitro, in vivo, ex-vivo, or transplanted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing sodium 2-keto-L-gulonate from sorbitol and recovering 2-keto-L-gulonic acid in high recovery yields, by controlled cation exchange treatment of the micro-organism free fermentation broth and/or adjusting PII of said purified fermentation broth, followed by direct crystallisation of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid monohydrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing sodium 2-keto-L-gulonate from sorbitol and recovering 2-keto-L-gulonic acid in high recovery yields, by controlled cation exchange treatment of the micro-organism free fermentation broth and/or adjusting Ph of said purified fermentation broth, followed by direct crystallization of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid monohydrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallisation from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallisation of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention anti-cariogenic activity of erythritol. The invention further discloses the use of erythritol in food preparations as an at least partial replacer of sugar or other cariogenic sweetening agent. Erythritol is used in combination with normally employed sweetening agents and the favourable characteristics of the erythritol are preserved while the amount of erythritol used is much less than what would be needed to replace the sugar completely.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composition suitable for use as an excipient for tabletting comprising the following steps is disclosed;a) mixing of erythritol and sorbitol in a dry form,b) heating up to a temperature where the mixed products are melted,c) cooling the product,d) milling the cooled product to obtain a composition having a desired particle size.Additionally tablets obtained after direct compression of an erythritol/sorbitol mixture are disclosed.