Patent Description:
Bacteria reportedly have advantageous effects on human health, such as constipation and diarrhea alleviating effects, lactose intolerance alleviating effects, improvement in immune function leading to protection against infection and allergy suppressing effects, arteriosclerosis preventing effects, and antitumor actions. Therefore, in recent years, products obtained by suspending a bacterial powder in a fatty oil, which are called "oil drops", have been sold.

In oil drops, it is desirable that a bacterial powder is uniformly dispersed in a fatty oil. However, in some cases, the bacterial powder precipitates and deposits on the bottom of the container, and eventually forms a deposit, making it difficult to redisperse the bacterial powder. This deposition phenomenon is called caking.

Patent Literature <NUM> describes a supplement composition containing at least one species or at least one strain of probiotic bacteria, an oil, and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate. It is described that the survivability of probiotic bacteria is maintained in this supplement composition. This supplement composition is a suspension containing an oil as a dispersing medium.

However, it is unknown whether caking of the probiotic bacteria is suppressed in the supplement composition described in the Patent Literature <NUM>.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a composition comprising a bifidobacterium powder, a fatty oil which is tomato seed oil and a microscopic powder which is silica. The composition does not cake.

According to studies by the present inventors, as shown in the reference examples described below, in the case where a carrier contained in a bacterial powder was dispersed alone in a fatty oil (dispersing medium), caking of the carrier did not occur. From this study result, the present inventors have considered that caking of a bacterial powder in oil drops is caused by bacterial cells themselves contained in the bacterial powder.

An object of the invention is to provide a composition which contains a bacterial powder and a fatty oil and in which caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed, a method for producing the same, and use.

The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems. As a result, they have found that the above problems can be solved by the following configurations and thus accomplished the invention.

According to some aspects of the invention, a composition which contains a bacterial powder and a fatty oil and in which caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed, a method for producing the same, and use can be provided.

In the composition according to an aspect the invention, caking of the bacterial powder is suppressed, and the bacterial powder is easy to disperse in the fatty oil that is a dispersing medium.

Caking means that in a suspension containing a bacterial powder, the bacterial powder precipitates and deposits to form a deposit that is difficult to redisperse. That is, caking means that precipitation and deposition occur, and also a deposit that is difficult to redisperse is formed. Even when precipitation and deposition occur, if redispersion is possible, it cannot be called caking.

A numerical range expressed using "to" includes the upper and lower limits of the numerical range.

The composition of the invention includes a bacterial powder, a fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant.

Hereinafter, the bacterial powder, the fatty oil, the microscopic powder, and the surfactant will be described in detail.

"Bacterial powder" is a general term for dried bacterial cells.

The method for drying bacterial cells may be, but is not limited to, freeze-drying or spraydrying, for example.

Freeze-drying is a method in which drying is performed at a low temperature of about -<NUM> to -<NUM> using a freeze-dryer, liquid nitrogen, or the like usually at a reduced pressure of about <NUM> to <NUM> Pa.

Spray-drying is a method in which a liquid is formed into droplets using an atomizer, and the droplets are sprayed into a heated gas stream having a relatively high temperature to evaporate moisture, thereby performing drying.

The bacterial powder may contain only bacterial cells, or may also contain bacterial cells and components other than bacterial cells. Examples of the components other bacterial cells usable include cryoprotectants, freeze-drying protectants, spray-drying protectants, and carriers.

The bacterial powder may also be in the state of being dispersed in a triturate, an excipient, or a carrier that has been used as a material for pharmaceuticals or a material for foods and beverages. As the triturate, the excipient, or the carrier, for example, starches, starch decomposition products, and dextrin can be mentioned. Examples of the starches include corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch.

The bacterial powder preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of live cells of lactic acid bacteria, killed cells of lactic acid bacteria, live cells of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, and killed cells of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium.

"Lactic acid bacteria" is a general term for bacteria that belong to the phylum Firmicutes in the domain Bacteria and produce lactic acid during metabolism.

As lactic acid bacteria, among bacteria that belong to the phylum Firmicutes and produce lactic acid during metabolism, those belonging to the class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales, are preferable, and those belonging to Aerococcaceae, Camobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Leuconostocaceae, and Streptococcaceae are more preferable.

Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillaceae include bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, L. acidophilus, L. helveticus, L. paracasei, L. rhamunosus, L. delbrueckii, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and L.

Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Enterococcaceae include bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, such as Enterococcus faecalis and E.

Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Streptococcaceae include bacteria of the genus Lactococcus, such as Lactococcus lactis and L. lactis subsp. cremoris, and bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, such as Streptococcus thermophilus.

Examples of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Leuconostocaceae include bacteria of the genus Leuconostoc, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides and L. mesenteroides subsp.

As the lactic acid bacteria, at least one selected from the group consisting of the above bacterial species is preferable. In addition, as the lactic acid bacteria, it is also possible to use bacterial strains of an identified genus or epithet or newly discovered bacteria strains.

Lactic acid bacteria can be used in the form of live cells or killed cells. The mode of the lactic acid bacteria used may also be frozen, freeze-dried, or spray-dried. Further, the lactic acid bacteria may contain only bacterial cells of lactic acid bacteria, or may also contain, in addition to bacterial cells of lactic acid bacteria, components other than bacterial cells (e.g., cryoprotectants, freeze-drying protectants, spray drying protectants, etc.). In addition, the lactic acid bacteria may also be in the state of being dispersed in a triturate. The triturate used may be a starch such as corn starch, potato starch, or tapioca starch, a starch decomposed product, dextrin, maltodextrin, or the like.

Lactobacillus gasseri is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus gasseri is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Lactobacillus gasseri include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, JCM <NUM>, SBT <NUM>, and OLL <NUM>. As Lactobacillus gasseri, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Lactobacillus gasseri may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Lactobacillus acidophilus include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, JCM <NUM>, YIT <NUM>, and YIT <NUM>. As Lactobacillus acidophilus, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Lactobacillus helveticus is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus helveticus is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Lactobacillus helveticus include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, JCM <NUM>, and SBT <NUM>. As Lactobacillus helveticus, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Lactobacillus helveticus may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Lactobacillus paracasei is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Lactobacillus paracasei is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Lactobacillus paracasei include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, JCM <NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, and JCM <NUM>. As Lactobacillus paracasei, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Lactobacillus paracasei may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Bacterial cells of lactic acid bacteria can be easily acquired by culturing lactic acid bacteria. The culturing method is not particularly limited as long as lactic acid bacteria can grow. As the culturing method, for example, a method commonly used for culturing lactic acid bacteria can be used directly or after suitable modification. The culture temperature is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The culture is preferably performed under anaerobic conditions. For example, the culture can be performed while passing a non-oxidizing gas, such as carbon dioxide. In addition, culture under microaerophilic conditions, such as liquid stationary culture, is also possible. The culture may be performed, for example, until lactic acid bacteria grow to the desired degree.

The medium used for culture is not particularly limited as long as lactic acid bacteria can grow. As the medium, for example, a medium commonly used for culturing lactic acid bacteria can be used directly or after suitable modification. That is, as carbon sources, for example, saccharides such as galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, starches, starch hydrolysates, and blackstrap molasses can be used according to the utilization. In addition, culture in a medium containing a milk protein such as casein or whey, or a decomposition product thereof, is also possible. As nitrogen sources, for example, ammonia, as well as ammonium salts and nitrate salts, such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium nitrate, can be used. In addition, as inorganic salts, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride, ferrous sulfate, and the like can be used. In addition, organic components such as peptone, soybean flour, defatted soybean cake, meat extracts, and yeast extracts may also be used. In addition, as a prepared medium, an MRS medium (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium) can be used, for example.

Bifidobacterium is the genus name for a group of bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria, class Actinobacteria, order Bifidobacteriales, in the domain Bacteria.

Examples of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium include B. longum subsp. infantis, B. longum subsp. longum subsp. animalis subsp. animalis subsp. animalis, B. bifidum, B. adolescentis, B. angulatum, B. dentium, B. pseudocatenulatum, B. pseudolongum, and B. thermophilum.

As the bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of B. longum subsp. infantis, B. longum subsp. longum subsp. animalis subsp. lactis, and B. bifidum, and it is more preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of B. longum subsp. infantis, B. longum subsp. longum, and B. animalis subsp.

A single species of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium may be used alone, or it is also possible to use a combination of two or more species.

As a combination in the case of using two or more species of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium together, a combination of at least one subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum with Bifidobacterium breve is preferable.

As the bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, it is also possible to use bacterial strains of an identified epithet or newly discovered bacteria strains.

Bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can be used in the form of live cells or killed cells. The mode of the bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium used may also be frozen, freeze-dried, or spray-dried. Further, the bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium may contain only bacterial cells of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, or may also contain, in addition to bacterial cells of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium, components other than bacterial cells (e.g., cryoprotectants, freeze-drying protectants, spray-drying protectants, etc.). In addition, the bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium may also be in the state of being dispersed in a triturate. The triturate used may be a starch such as corn starch, potato starch, or tapioca starch, a starch decomposed product, dextrin, maltodextrin, or the like.

Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, and JCM <NUM>. As Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Bifidobacterium breve is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium breve is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Bifidobacterium breve include NITE BP-<NUM>, FERM BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, JCM <NUM>, NCC <NUM>, NCC490, YIT <NUM>, YIT <NUM>, SBT <NUM>, UCC <NUM>, BBG-<NUM>, C <NUM>, R <NUM>, and BG <NUM>. As Bifidobacterium breve, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Bifidobacterium breve may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum include NITE BP-<NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, and JCM <NUM>. As Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum, NITE BP-<NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Bifidobacterium longum subspecies suis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies suis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies suis include ATCC <NUM>, ATCC <NUM>, DSM <NUM>, and JCM <NUM>. As Bifidobacterium longum subspecies suis, ATCC <NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies suis may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host. Specifically, Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis is not particularly limited as long as beneficial effects are exerted on the host by the bacteria alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Specific examples of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis include DSM <NUM> and FERM P-<NUM>. As Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis, DSM <NUM> is particularly preferable. A single strain of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis may be used alone, and it is also possible to use a combination of two or more strains.

Incidentally, in place of the strains identified by the strain numbers mentioned as examples, strains that are substantially the same as the strains stored in a culture collection under such strain numbers may also be used. For example, in the case of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum, ATCC <NUM> may be replaced with DSM <NUM> or JCM <NUM>. As an indicator of whether strains are substantially the same, the <NUM> rRNA gene base sequence identity can be used, for example. When strains are substantially the same, the <NUM> rRNA gene base sequence identity is preferably <NUM>% or more, more preferably <NUM>% or more, and still more preferably <NUM>%. When strains are substantially the same, it is particularly preferable that they have <NUM>% <NUM> rRNA gene base sequence identity, and also are the same in terms of microbiological properties such as utilization performance.

In addition, in place of the strains identified by the strain numbers mentioned as examples, derivatives of the strains may also be used. Examples of derivatives include strains artificially bred from stocks and strains spontaneously generated from stocks. Examples of breeding methods include modification by genetic engineering and modification by mutation treatment. The mutation treatment may be, for example, X-ray irradiation, UV irradiation, or treatment with a mutation agent such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), or methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Examples of strains spontaneously generated from stocks include mutants spontaneously generated upon use of the stocks. The derivative may be constructed by the modification of one strain or may also be constructed by the modification of two or more strains.

The bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium used may be a commercially available product or may also be suitably produced and acquired. Examples of commercially available products include Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum NITE BP-<NUM>, Bifidobacterium breve NITE BP-<NUM>, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis NITE BP-<NUM>, and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-<NUM> (DSM <NUM>).

Bacterial cells of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can be easily acquired by culturing bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium. The culturing method is not particularly limited as long as bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can grow. As the culturing method, for example, a method commonly used for culturing bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can be used directly or after suitable modification. The culture temperature is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The culture is preferably performed under anaerobic conditions. For example, the culture can be performed while passing a non-oxidizing gas, such as carbon dioxide. In addition, culture under microaerophilic conditions, such as liquid stationary culture, is also possible. The culture may be performed, for example, until bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium grow to the desired degree.

The medium used for culture is not particularly limited as long as bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can grow. As the medium, for example, a medium commonly used for culturing bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium can be used directly or after suitable modification. That is, as carbon sources, for example, saccharides such as galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, starches, starch hydrolysates, and blackstrap molasses can be used according to the utilization. In addition, culture in a medium containing a milk protein such as casein or whey, or a decomposition product thereof, is also possible. As nitrogen sources, for example, ammonia, as well as ammonium salts and nitrate salts, such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium nitrate, can be used. In addition, as inorganic salts, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride, ferrous sulfate, and the like can be used. In addition, organic components such as peptone, soybean flour, defatted soybean cake, meat extracts, and yeast extracts may also be used. In addition, as a prepared medium, an MRS medium (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium) can be used, for example.

The acronyms of culture collections are as follows.

The bacterial powder may be live cells or killed cells. In the case where the bacterial powder is live cells, such a bacterial powder can be expected to function as a probiotic.

Incidentally, "probiotics" is a term proposed as opposed to "antibiotics", and is derived from the term "probiosis", which means to live together. The definition of probiotics currently accepted widely is "living microorganisms that improve the balance of intestinal flora and thereby beneficially affect the host's health".

The content of the bacterial powder in the composition of the invention is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, based on the total mass of the composition.

When the content of the bacterial powder is <NUM> mass% or more based on the total mass of the composition, the advantageous effect of the presence of the bacterial powder in the composition of the invention can be more exerted.

When the content of the bacterial powder is <NUM> mass% or less based on the total mass of the composition, the advantageous effect of the presence of the bacterial powder in the composition of the invention and the cost are more balanced.

As the fatty oil in the invention, an oil that is liquid in the course of distributing the composition of the invention, for example, in at least a part of a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, is preferable, and an oil that is liquid within the entire range of <NUM> to <NUM> is more preferable.

As the fatty oil, an edible oil is preferable.

Examples of edible oils include hazelnut oil, olive oil, primula oil, pumpkin oil, rice bran oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, coconut oil (including cohune oil, saw palmetto oil, etc.), palm oil, palm kernel oil, medium chain triglyceride (MCT), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), linseed oil, perilla oil, rice germ oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia nut oil, mongongo oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, walnut oil, bottle gourd oil, buffalo gourd oil, pumpkin seed oil, watermelon seed oil, acai berry extract, blackcurrant seed oil, borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, amaranth oil,
apricot oil, apple seed oil, argan oil, artichoke oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, moringa oil, cape chestnut oil, carob oil, coriander oil, dika oil, false flax oil, grape seed oil, hemp oil, kapok seed oil, lallemantia oil, marula oil, meadowfoam seed oil, mustard oil, okra oil (hibiscus oil), papaya oil, poppy seed oil, prune kernel oil, quinoa oil, niger seed oil, tea seed oil (camellia seed oil), thistle oil, tomato seed oil, krill oil, and borage oil.

It is preferable that the fatty oil is at least one selected from the group consisting of olive oil, rice bran oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and medium chain triglyceride (MCT), more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of medium chain triglyceride (MCT), corn oil, and sunflower oil, and particularly preferably medium chain triglyceride (MCT).

The fatty oil is contained in an amount of <NUM> mass% or more, more preferably <NUM> mass% or more, and still more preferably <NUM> mass% or more, based on the total mass of the composition.

In the composition of the invention, a microscopic powder and a surfactant act as anti-caking agents.

An anti-caking agent acts to prevent or dissolve caking.

The microscopic powder is a microscopic-size powder of an organic substance or an inorganic substance, and is preferably a microscopic-size powder of an organic substance.

As a microscopic-size powder of an organic substance, for example, microcrystalline cellulose can be mentioned. Microcrystalline cellulose is high-purity cellulose obtained by hydrolyzing and purifying pulp with an acid.

The average particle size of microcrystalline cellulose particles is, as D50, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

The average particle size (D50) of microscopic particles is a <NUM>% volume particle size calculated from the volume distribution determined by a laser diffraction/scattering method.

As a microscopic-size powder of an inorganic substance, for example, tricalcium phosphate and fine silicon dioxide can be mentioned. Tricalcium phosphate is a salt of phosphoric acid and calcium represented by chemical formula Ca<NUM>(PO<NUM>)<NUM>. Tricalcium phosphate has three types of polymorphs. In the composition of the invention, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), which is a low-temperature polymorph, is observed. Fine silicon dioxide is microscopic particles of silica. As a microscopic-size powder of the invention tricalcium phosphate or microcrystalline cellulose is used.

The average particle size of tricalcium phosphate particles is, as D50, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the invention, the microscopic powder contains at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and tricalcium phosphate.

In the composition of the invention, a microscopic powder and a surfactant are suitable for use as anti-caking agents.

The surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of less than <NUM>.

Examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acid anionic surfactants, sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, sulfonic acid anionic surfactants, sulfate anionic surfactants, and phosphate anionic surfactants.

The anionic surfactant is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of salts of C<NUM>-<NUM> fatty acids, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of metal stearates, still more preferably an alkaline earth metal salt of stearic acid, and particularly preferably calcium stearate or magnesium stearate.

A single kind of anionic surfactant may be used alone, or it is also possible to use a combination of two or more kinds.

The nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of less than <NUM> is preferably a fatty acid ester having an HLB value of less than <NUM>, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters having an HLB value of less than <NUM> and glycerin fatty acid esters having an HLB value of less than <NUM>, and still more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters having an HLB value of less than <NUM>.

A single kind of nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of less than <NUM> may be used alone, or it is also possible to use a combination of two or more kinds.

The contents of the microscopic powder and the surfactant in the composition of the invention are preferably such that
the total content of the microscopic powder and the surfactant is <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, and still more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, based on the total mass of the composition.

The composition of the invention may further contain additives in addition to the components described above.

Examples of additives include antioxidants, excipients, binders, disintegrators, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring agent, and diluents.

As an antioxidant, vitamin E is preferable. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and easy to dissolve in the fatty oil in the composition.

The composition of the invention may be a supplement composition, a beverage composition, a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or an animal feed composition, for example, but is preferably used as a supplement composition.

In the case where the composition of the invention is used as a supplement composition, the composition of the invention may be directly ingested. Alternatively, the composition of the invention may also be added to a supplement, a beverage, a food, a pharmaceutical, or an animal feed and ingested.

In the case where the composition of the invention is added to a supplement, a beverage, a food, a pharmaceutical, or an animal feed, it is preferable that some drops of the composition of the invention are added to a beverage, a food, a pharmaceutical, or an animal feed, and thus utilized.

The composition of the invention can be produced by mixing a bacterial powder, a fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant in an arbitrary order.

The composition of the invention can also be produced by mixing a suspension containing a bacterial powder and a fatty oil with at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant.

The mixing method is not particularly limited. For example, the bacterial powder, fatty oil, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant can be mixed by stirring.

In the case where the composition contains additives, the order of mixing them is not particularly limited. The additives may be contained in a suspension containing a bacterial powder and a fatty oil, and it is also possible to add the additives at the time of mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant.

The microscopic powder and surfactant described above are used as anti-caking agents.

Hereinafter, the invention will be described in further detail with reference to examples. However, the invention is not limited to the following examples. Unless the gist of the invention is changed, various modifications are possible.

Bifidobacterium infantis NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and tapioca starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a Bifidobacterium bacteria bacterial powder.

Bifidobacterium breve NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and tapioca starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a Bifidobacterium bacteria bacterial powder.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a Bifidobacterium bacteria bacterial powder.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and potato starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a Bifidobacterium bacteria bacterial powder.

Lactobacillus gasseri NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a lactic acid bacterial powder.

Lactobacillus acidophilus NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and corn starch were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a lactic acid bacterial powder.

Lactobacillus paracasei NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial cell mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder. The obtained freeze-dried powder and maltodextrin were triturated in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (w/w), thereby giving a lactic acid bacterial powder.

Lactobacillus helveticus NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. A concentrated bacterial solution and a starch decomposed product were mixed in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> (on a solids basis, w/w) and then spray-dried using a spray dryer, thereby giving a lactic acid bacterial powder.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis NITE BP-<NUM> was inoculated into a medium containing a protein, an amino acid, and a sugar source, cultured at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged to harvest bacterial cells (wet bacterial cells) from the culture solution. Using a freeze-dryer (manufactured by Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co. ), freeze-drying was performed for <NUM> to <NUM> hours, and the freeze-dried bacterial mass was physically ground to give a freeze-dried powder.

<NUM> of the prepared composition was placed in a test tube made of glass, followed by sealing with a rubber plug. The test tube containing the composition was allowed to stand in an incubator set at <NUM> for <NUM> days. The composition after standing was mixed by inversion <NUM> times at a speed of approximately once per second, and then the bottom surface of the test tube was observed.

According to the following criteria, dispersibility was evaluated on a five-grade scale from A to E.

<NUM> mass% of tapioca starch (Reference Example <NUM>) or maltodextrin (Reference Example <NUM>) was mixed with <NUM> mass% of an MCT oil (S9013) to prepare <NUM> mass% of a composition.

Using the prepared compositions, dispersibility was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above.

In Reference Example <NUM> and Reference Example <NUM> where no bacterial powder was blended, the dispersibility of the carrier was excellent. This suggested that caking of a bacterial powder in oil drops was caused by bacterial cells themselves contained in the bacterial powder.

Example A1 and Examples A5 to A7 are comparative examples.

In the ratio shown in Table <NUM> or Table <NUM> (unit: mass%), a bacterial powder, a microscopic powder or a surfactant, and a fatty oil were mixed and formed into a homogeneous dispersion liquid using a magnetic stirrer. Of the surfactants, B-100D was added to a fatty oil, dissolved in a hot bath at <NUM>, and returned to room temperature, and then a bacterial powder was added and uniformly mixed.

Using the prepared compositions, dispersibility was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above. The evaluation results are shown in Table <NUM> and Table <NUM>.

In Example A2 to Example A22 where a microscopic powder or a surfactant was blended, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent as compared with Example A1 where none of them was blended.

In Example A8 to Example A10 where an anionic surfactant (Ca stearate) was blended, the dispersibility ratings were all B, that is, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent as compared with Example A1.

In Example A11 to Example A16 where a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of less than <NUM> (B-100D, S-<NUM>) was blended, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent as compared with Example A17 to Example A22 where a nonionic surfactant having a HLB value of <NUM> or more (S-<NUM>, S-<NUM>) was blended.

Example B1 is a comparative example, and Example B2 to Example B9 are inventive.

In the ratio shown in Table <NUM> (unit: mass%), a bacterial powder, a microscopic powder or a surfactant, and a fatty oil were mixed and formed into a homogeneous dispersion liquid using a magnetic stirrer. Of the surfactants, L-<NUM> and POS-<NUM> were added to a fatty oil, dissolved in a hot bath at <NUM>, and returned to room temperature, and then a bacterial powder was added and uniformly mixed.

In Example B2 to Example B9 where a microscopic powder or a surfactant was blended, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent as compared with Example B1 where none of them was blended.

In Example B2 where tri-Ca phosphate was blended as a microscopic powder, Example B3 where Mg stearate was blended as an anionic surfactant, Example B7 where B-370F (HLB value: <NUM>) was blended as a nonionic surfactant, and Example B9 where POS-<NUM> (HLB value: <NUM>) was blended as a nonionic surfactant, the dispersibility ratings were A, that is, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was particularly excellent.

Example C1 is a comparative example, and Example C2 to Example C11 are inventive.

In the ratio shown in Table <NUM> (unit: mass%), a bacterial powder, a microscopic powder or a surfactant, and a fatty oil were mixed and formed into a homogeneous dispersion liquid using a magnetic stirrer. Of the surfactants, B-100D was added to a fatty oil, dissolved in a hot bath at <NUM>, and returned to room temperature, and then a bacterial powder was added and uniformly mixed.

In Example C2 to Example C11 where a microscopic powder or a surfactant was blended, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent as compared with Example C1 where none of them was blended.

In Example C5 where tri-Ca phosphate was blended as a microscopic powder, Example C8 where B-100D (HLB value: <NUM>) was blended as a nonionic surfactant, and Example C11 where B-370F (HLB value: <NUM>) was blended as a nonionic surfactant, the dispersibility ratings were A, that is, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was particularly excellent.

Example D1, Example D3, Example D5, Example D7, Example D9, and Example D11 are comparative examples, and Example D2, Example D4, Example D6, Example D8, Example D10, and Example D12 are inventive.

In the ratio shown in Table <NUM> (unit: mass%), a bacterial powder, a microscopic powder or a surfactant, and a fatty oil were mixed and formed into a homogeneous dispersion liquid using a magnetic stirrer.

In Example D2, Example D4, Example D6, Example D8, Example D10, and Example D12 where Ca stearate was blended, the dispersibility ratings were A or B, that is, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent.

Between the examples using a freeze-dried bacterial powder (Example D2, Example D4, Example D6, Example D8, and Example D10) and the example using a spray-dried bacterial powder (Example D12), no significant difference was observed in dispersibility upon the addition of Ca stearate.

Example E1 is a comparative example, and Example E2 is inventive.

In Example E2 where Ca stearate was blended, the dispersibility rating was B, that is, the dispersibility of the bacterial powder was excellent.

Even in the case of using a bacterial powder with no triturate mixed, the addition of Ca stearate resulted in improved dispersibility.

Example F1 is a comparative example, and Example F2 is inventive.

A commercially available supplement composition (Babies' Pro Bio Bifidus M1, sold by Bean Stalk Snow Co. ) was, directly (Example F1) or after adding <NUM> mass% of Ca stearate (Example F2), used to prepare a composition for evaluation.

The above supplement composition is a composition made from a bifidobacteria bacterial powder (Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-<NUM>: DSM <NUM>), sunflower oil, an antioxidant (vitamin E), and citric acid.

Using the prepared compositions for evaluation, dispersibility was evaluated according to the evaluation method described above.

Even in the case of a commercially supplement composition, the addition of Ca stearate resulted in improved dispersibility.

The terms in Table <NUM> to Table <NUM> have the following meanings.

S9013: Medium chain triglyceride (MCT Oil S9013, manufactured by Taiyo Yushi Corp.

In the Examples, effectiveness in suppressing the precipitation, deposition, and caking of a bacterial powder was observed.

There was a tendency that those blended with a surfactant showed excellent effects.

Incidentally, from comparison between compositions blended with a bacterial powder and compositions blended only with a carrier, it was confirmed that the compositions blended with a bacterial powder tended to more remain on the bottom surface. Therefore, a composition containing a bacterial powder has a high need for dissolving precipitation/deposition and caking.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising:
a bacterial powder;
a fatty oil; and
at least one selected from the group consisting of a microscopic powder and a surfactant, wherein the microscopic powder contains at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and tricalcium phosphate,
wherein the fatty oil is contained in an amount of <NUM> mass% or more, based on the total mass of the composition,
and wherein the surfactant contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of less than <NUM>.