Stable microbial composition and drying process
The present invention relates to a microbial composition having fermentation solids embedded in a matrix forming an evaporated suspension, characterized by the features of having: a non-hygroscopic matrix and fermentation solids at a ratio of at least 1:1 by weight; wherein the matrix has a moisture-regulating binder and a detackifier at a ratio of between 1:5 and 5:1 by weight and, optionally, not more than 75% by weight protective stabilizer; wherein the evaporated suspension has a water content of at least 1% and at most 30% water by weight when stored at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 20° C. The present invention also relates to granules and methods for preparing a composition having fermentation solids embedded in a matrix to form an evaporated suspension.
1 . A microbial composition for stabilizing microorganisms for extended storage under ambient conditions without refrigeration, humidity or special packaging, said composition comprising fermentation solids embedded in a matrix forming an evaporated suspension, characterized by the features of having: a non-hygroscopic matrix and fermentation solids at a ratio of at least 1:1 by weight; wherein the matrix comprises a moisture-regulating binder and a detackifier at a ratio of between 1:5 and 5:1 by weight and, optionally, not more than 75% by weight protective stabilizer; wherein the evaporated suspension has a water content of at least 1% and at most 30% water by weight when stored at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 20° C., and wherein the fermentation solids are distributed within the matrix.
2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the binder, detackifier, and optional protective stabilizer each have less than 10% water uptake at 50%, and optionally 75%, relative humidity.
3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the matrix and fermentation solids are at a ratio of at least 6:1 on a weight basis.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , having a water activity of at least 0.35 at 20° C.
5 . The composition of claim 1 , further having greater than 1% water by weight when stored at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 20° C.
6 . The composition of claim 1 , lacking the protective stabilizer.
7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the binder is polyvinyl alcohol.
8 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the detackifier is talc.
9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the protective stabilizer is trehalose or sorbitol.
10 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the fermentation solids comprise microbial structures of bacteria and/or fungi.
11 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the fermentation solids comprise microbial structures of an entomopathogenic fungus.
12 . A particle or granule comprising the composition of claim 1 .
13 . The particle or granule of claim 12 , having a unitary structure.
14 . The particle or granule of claim 12 , having a compound structure.
15 . A seed treatment, foliar treatment, in-furrow treatment, animal feed supplement, human probiotic, or personal care product comprising the composition of claim 1 .
16 . A method for preparing a composition comprising fermentation solids embedded in a matrix to form an evaporated suspension, comprising:
(a) combining fermentation solids with a non-hygroscopic matrix at a ratio of 1:1 or higher on a weight basis to form a suspension containing fermentation solids having a water content of a least 50% by weight; and
(b) partially drying the suspension containing fermentation solids at a temperature between 0° C. and 50° C. until the resulting evaporated suspension reaches a water activity not lower than 0.35 under ambient conditions.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the matrix comprises a moisture-regulating binder and a detackifier at a ratio of between 1:5 and 5:1 on a weight basis and not more than 75% protective stabilizer in the matrix.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the protective stabilizer, binder, and detackifier each have less than 10% water uptake at 50% relative humidity.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the protective stabilizer, binder, and detackifier each have less than 10% water uptake at 75% relative humidity.
20 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the evaporated suspension has greater than 1%, greater than 3%, and even greater than 5%, and up to 30% water by weight.
21 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the fermentation solids are distributed within the matrix.
22 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the fermentation solids are contacted with the matrix without an intermediate drying step.
23 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising the step of making a granule comprising the evaporated suspension.
24 . The method of claim 23 , wherein the granule has a unitary structure.
25 . The method of claim 23 , wherein the granule has a compound structure.
26 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the evaporated suspension is characterized by the features of having: a non-hygroscopic matrix and fermentation solids at a ratio of at least 1:1 by weight; wherein the matrix comprises a moisture-regulating binder and a detackifier at a ratio of between 1:5 and 5:1 by weight and, optionally, not more than 75% by weight protective stabilizer; wherein the evaporated suspension has a water content of at least 1% and at most 30% water by weight when stored at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 20° C.
27 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the matrix and fermentation solids are at a ratio of at least 10:1 on a weight basis.
28 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the matrix and fermentation solids are at a ratio of at least 20:1 on a weight basis.
29 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the matrix and fermentation solids are at a ratio of at least 50:1 on a weight basis.
30 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the matrix and fermentation solids are at a ratio of at least 100:1 or more on a weight basis.