US4810646A
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Glucan compositions and process for preparation thereof
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1984-11-28
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Granted: 1989-03-07
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Expires: 2004-11-28
Abstract
Abstract Three dimensional glucan matrix compositions are prepared by separating growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast from its growth medium, subjecting the yeast with cell walls intact to aqueous hydroxide and treating the insoluble glucan with acetic acid to alter the β(1-6) linkages. The glucans have viscosity characteristics dependent upon the strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae utilized and are useful as stabilizer or thickeners.
Inventors
- 👤 Spiros Jamas
- 👤 ChoKyun Rha
- 👤 Anthony J. Sinskey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:16
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K3/00; C08; C08B; C08B37/00; C08B37/0006; C08B37/0024; C12; C12P; C12P19/00; C12P19/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A process for preparing aqueous hydroxide insoluble whole glucan particles having substantially the three-dimensional structure of glucans, in vivo, comprising culturing a Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain in a culture medium, harvesting whole yeast cells from said culture medium, contacting said whole yeast cells with an aqueous hydroxide solution at a pH of from about 4.0 to about 12.5 or a normality of from about 0.75 to about 1.5 and a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 100° C. for a sufficient time to extract protein from said whole yeast cells to form aqueous insoluble whole glucan particles containing less than 1%, by weight, protein, said glucan particles substantially retaining the in vivo glucan three-dimensional structure and consisting essentially of glucans having β(1-6) and β(1-3) linkages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A process for preparing aqueous hydroxide insoluble whole glucan particles having substantially the three-dimensional structure of glucans, in vivo, comprising culturing a Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain in a culture medium, harvesting whole yeast cells from said culture medium, contacting said whole yeast cells with an aqueous hydroxide solution at a pH of from about 4.0 to about 12.5 or a normality of from about 0.75 to about 1.5 and a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 100° C. for a sufficient time to extract protein from said whole yeast cells to form aqueous insoluble whole glucan particles containing less than 1%, by weight, protein, said glucan particles substantially retaining the in vivo glucan three-dimensional structure and consisting essentially of glucans having β(1-6) and β(1-3) linkages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
9 words
Glucan particles produced by the method of claim 1.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process of claim 1 wherein said Saccharomyces Cerevisiae whole yeast cells are harvested while they are in the log phase of growth.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
9 words
Glucan particles produced by the method of claim 3.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process of claim 3 wherein said Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain comprises Saccharomyces Cerevisiae A364A.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
9 words
Glucan particles produced by the method of claim 5.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
Glucan particles of claim 6 having a particle size of from about 2 to about 4 microns and sufficient to provide an aqueous suspension containing about 5.5 grams of said glucan particles per deciliter with a viscosity of about 1000 centipoise.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process for claim 3 wherein said Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain comprises Saccharomyces Cerevisiae 374.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
9 words
Glucan particles produced by the method of claim 8.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
Glucan particles of claim 9 having a particle size of from about 2.5 to about 6.3 microns and sufficient to provide an aqueous suspension containing about 3.5 grams of said glucan per deciliter with a viscosity of about 2630 centipoise.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method of claim 3 wherein said Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain comprises Saccharomyces Cerevisiae 377.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
9 words
glucan particles produced by the method of claim 11.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
Glucan particles of claim 12 having a particle size of from about 2.5 to about 5.0 microns and sufficient to provide an aqueous suspension containing about 3.5 grams of said glucan per deciliter with a viscosity of about 1636 centipoise.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-03-06 | 1992-09-05 | 1993-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-06 | 1996-09-05 | 1997-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-06 | 2000-09-05 | 2001-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |