Process for Producing Saccharide Oligomers

Abstract

A process for preparing saccharide oligomers uses an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight. The feed composition is heated to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and is contacted with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds, such as enzyme or acid, for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers. A product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.

1 - 37 . (canceled) 
   
   
       38 . A carbohydrate composition, comprising a major amount on a dry solids basis of linear and non-linear saccharide oligomers, wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers is greater than the concentration of linear saccharide oligomers. 
   
   
       39 . The composition of  claim 38 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers in the composition is at least twice as high as the concentration of linear saccharide oligomers. 
   
   
       40 . The composition of  claim 38 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers having a degree of polymerization of at least three is at least about 20% by weight on a dry solids basis. 
   
   
       41 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers having a degree of polymerization of at least three is at least about 25% by weight on a dry solids basis. 
   
   
       42 . The composition of  claim 41 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers having a degree of polymerization of at least three is at least about 30% by weight on a dry solids basis. 
   
   
       43 . The composition of  claim 42 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers having a degree of polymerization of at least three is at least about 50% by weight on a dry solids basis. 
   
   
       44 . The composition of  claim 38 , wherein the concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers is at least about 90% by weight on a dry solids basis, and the concentration of isomaltose is at least about 70% by weight on a dry solids basis. 
   
   
       45 - 48 . (canceled)