	US 12,071,613 B2
	Spore-containing probiotic compositions and methods
Benjamin George, East Troy, WI (US); Howard Cash, Mentor, OH (US); Joseph M. Bradley, Solon, OH (US); Nusair Imam, Monona, WI (US); Stephen G. Cobbe, Madison, WI (US); and Eileen O'Shea, Shaker Heights, OH (US)
Assigned to Kerry Group Services International Limited, County Kerry (IE)
Filed by Kerry Group Services International Limited, Tralee (IE)
Filed on May 12, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/197,001.
Application 18/197,001 is a division of application No. 16/856,540, filed on Apr. 23, 2020, granted, now 11,674,119.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/837,589, filed on Apr. 23, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0279340 A1, Sep. 7, 2023
Int. Cl. A01N 63/00 (2020.01); A23L 2/52 (2006.01); A23L 33/135 (2016.01); C12N 1/20 (2006.01); C12R 1/07 (2006.01)

CPC C12N 1/20 (2013.01) [A23L 2/52 (2013.01); A23L 33/135 (2016.08); C12N 1/205 (2021.05); A23V 2002/00 (2013.01); C12R 2001/07 (2021.05)]

15 Claims

1. A method for preparing a shelf stable spore-containing probiotic alimentary additive, comprising:

providing a liquid slurry comprising spores from at least one spore-forming probiotic bacterial strain, a saccharide, and a humectant; and

pasteurizing the liquid slurry to yield the alimentary additive, wherein,

the alimentary additive comprises a water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.7;

the alimentary additive comprises a pH from about 2.0 to 9.5;

a plurality of the spores remain in an un-germinated state and remain uniformly suspended for at least two months after the pasteurizing to yield a shelf stable spore-containing probiotic alimentary additive.