Production of isomalto-oligosaccharides with tailored technological and nutritional functionalities

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Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) are used as alternative low-calorie sweeteners in food products. Because of different methods of production and downstream purification, commercial IMO differ substantially with regards to their composition, and thus in digestibility, caloric content and utilisation by intestinal microbiota. The IMO preparation produced by BioNeutra contains isomaltose and higher a(1?6)-linked isomalto-oligosaccharides as well as panose-series oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 4 - 6. IMO are partially indigestible and the undigested portion is fermented in the colon. However, current knowledge does not allow to quantify the digestible portion of isomalto-oligosaccharides and hence their caloric value; moreover, the dietary fibre content of current IMO preparations as determined by official methods is relatively low, which negatively impacts marketing claims with respect to their nutritional functionality. It is therefore the aim of this project to develop novel methods for IMO production to decrease the digestibility, and to increase the fibre content. Novel oligosaccharides will be evaluated with respect to their digestibility and with respect to their use in food applications. The project aims to meet the following specific objectives: (i) To produce IMO with increased degree of polymerization and branching, and reduced digestibility. (ii) To characterize novel IMO with instrumental and enzymatic methods. (iii) To evaluate the digestibility of IMO in animal models. The long term aim is to establish a platform for flexible production of isomalto-oligosaccharides with tailored technological and nutritional functionalities BioNeutra Inc. will benefit by establishment of improved methods for production of IMO. Moreover, scientific support for functional claims for IMO is critical for BioNeutra's efforts to enhance market access in North America and in Europe. The project will support long term manufacturing employment in Canada.