Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding live or dead microorganisms and/or bioactive materials in a protective dry formulation matrix, wherein the formulation includes the bioactive microorganism or material, a formulation stabilizer agent, and a protective agent. The formulation is prepared by dispersing all the solid components in a solution, with or without a vacuum, and cooling the solution to a temperature above its freezing temperature. The methods include a primary drying step of the formulation at a desired temperature and time period, and an accelerated secondary drying step under maximum vacuum and elevated temperature, to achieve a final desirable water activity of the dry material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding live or dead microorganisms and/or bioactive materials in a protective dry formulation matrix, wherein the formation includes the bioactive microorganism or material, a formulation stabilizer agent, and a protective agent. The formulation agent is prepared by dispersing all the solid components in a solution, with or without a vacuum, and cooling the solution to a temperature above its freezing temperature. The methods include a primary drying step of the formulation at a desired temperature and time period, and an accelerated secondary drying step under maximum vacuum and elevated temperature, to achieve a final desirable water activity of the dry material.

Abstract: A dry stable probiotic composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable probiotic microorganisms, one or more hydrolyzed proteins, one or more disaccharides, one or more oligosaccharides, and one or more polysaccharides, but not trehalose. The composition has viability of at least 1×1010 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after one month at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable probiotic composition.

Abstract: A dry stable probiotic composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable probiotic microorganisms, one or more hydrolyzed proteins, one or more disaccharides, one or more oligosaccharides, and one or more polysaccharides, but not trehalose. The composition has viability of at least 1×1010 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after 3 months at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable probiotic composition.

Abstract: A dry stable composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable microorganisms, at least 50% by weight of one or more hydrolyzed proteins and less than 10% by weight of one or more sugars selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides and combinations thereof, each weight percentage based on the total weight of the dry composition. Preferably, the composition comprises no monosaccharide or disaccharide. The composition may further comprise one or more oligosaccharides, one or more polysaccharides, one or more carboxylic acid salts, or a combination thereof. The composition may have viability of at least 1×1010 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after 84 days at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to particles suitable for oral administration of a composition to an animal. The particles comprise a substantially indigestible polymer matrix. In one embodiment, the matrix contains the composition and a lipid that is dissoluble in the animal. In another embodiment, the matrix is mixed with the composition and contained in a dissoluble coating. The lipid and coating can be ones which are preferentially dissoluble in one compartment of an animal than in another. For example, the particles can be made to preferentially release the composition in the intestines, rather than the stomach, of a mammal, a fish, or a crustacean. Examples of compounds which can be administered in such compositions include vitamins, fatty acids, oils, carotenoids, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, live or dormant probiotic bacteria, hormones, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding live or dead microrganisms and/or bioactive materials in a protective dry formulation matrix, wherein the formation includes the bioactive microorganism or material, a formulation stabilizer agent, and a protective agent. The formulation agent is prepared by dispersing all the solid components in a solution, with or without a vacuum, and cooling the solution to a temperature above its freezing temperature. The methods include a primary drying step of the formulation at a desired temperature and time period, and an accelerated secondary drying step under maximum vacuum and elevated temperature, to achieve a final desirable water activity of the dry material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and a method for manufacturing semi-dry or dry particles containing a mucoadhesive polymer and a bioactive agent such as, but not limited to, an Immunogenic Substance (e.g., a vaccine), that allows the oral or nasal administration and delivery of the bioactive agent essentially unaltered to mucosal surfaces in the animal, including an aquatic animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for delivering an active agent to an animal, comprising an active agent, a first coating, a second coating and a third coating. The active agent is coated with the first coating, the first coating is coated with the second coating, and the second coating is coated with the third coating. The active agent is in contact with the first coating, not the second or third coating. The first coating separates the active agent from the second coating while the second coating separates the first and third coatings. The first, second and third coatings are different from each other. Also provided are methods for making and using the compositions.

Abstract: A dry stable composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable microorganisms, at least 50% by weight of one or more hydrolyzed proteins and less than 10% by weight of one or more sugars selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides and combinations thereof, each weight percentage based on the total weight of the dry composition. Preferably, the composition comprises no monosaccharide or disaccharide. The composition may further comprise one or more oligosaccharides, one or more polysaccharides, one or more carboxylic acid salts, or a combination thereof. The composition may have viability of at least 1×1010 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after 84 days at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable composition.

Abstract: A composition comprising hydrophobic droplets coated by a shell and dispersed in a matrix and a consumable product comprising the composition are provided. The hydrophobic droplets comprise a hydrophobic compound, the shell comprises an irreversibly denatured protein, and the matrix comprises a protein, a starch, and a polysaccharide. Also provided are methods for preparing the composition and the consumable product.

Abstract: A dry stable probiotic composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable probiotic microorganisms, one or more hydrolyzed proteins, one or more disaccharides, one or more oligosaccharides, and one or more polysaccharides, but not trehalose. The composition has viability of at least 1×1010 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after 3 months at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable probiotic composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for delivering an active agent to an animal, comprising an active agent, a first coating, a second coating and a third coating. The active agent is coated with the first coating, the first coating is coated with the second coating, and the second coating is coated with the third coating. The active agent is in contact with the first coating, not the second or third coating. The first coating separates the active agent from the second coating while the second coating separates the first and third coatings. The first, second and third coatings are different from each other. Also provided are methods for making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and a method for manufacturing semi-dry or dry particles containing a mucoadhesive polymer and a bioactive agent such as, but not limited to, an Immunogenic Substance (e.g., a vaccine), that allows the oral or nasal administration and delivery of the bioactive agent essentially unaltered to mucosal surfaces in the animal, including an aquatic animal.

Abstract: A composition comprising hydrophobic droplets coated by a shell and dispersed in a matrix and a consumable product comprising the composition are provided. The hydrophobic droplets comprise a hydrophobic compound, the shell comprises an irreversibly denatured protein, and the matrix comprises a protein, a starch, and a polysaccharide. Also provided are methods for preparing the composition and the consumable product.

Abstract: The invention provides microbeads containing oil-associated biologically active compounds and methods for their manufacture and use. The microbeads consist of a soluble complex of non-digestible polymer and emulsifier with oil-associated biologically active compounds embedded in a matrix of digestible polymer. The disclosed microbead complex protects the biologically active compounds, such as vitamins, fish oil and carotenoids, from oxidation, taste and odor degradation. The disclosed microbeads also provide protection from the stomach digestive distraction, and allows for the delivery of the biologically active compounds in the intestine.