What You Need to Know
Microbial fermentation of polysaccharides such as oat bran or chicory root inulin by lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria generates exopolysaccharides or increases the degree of polymerization, enhancing prebiotic efficacy. Enzymatic transglycosylation of sucrose by levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis produces fructooligosaccharides (FOS) with defined DP. The processes rely on precise control of temperature, pH, and time to maximize yield and preserve functional properties.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Microbial fermentation of polysaccharides to produce exopolysaccharides or oligosaccharides; enzymatic transglycosylation of sucrose to produce fructooligosaccharides