Controlled activation of the reuterin-production machinery of lactobacillus reuteri

Abstract

Methods for the control led activation of the reuterin-production machinery of Lactobacillus reuteri by adding glycerol and other substances during the manufacture of cell-cultures and keeping the produced reuterin in the bacterial cell during preservation and storage. In particular this invention relates to the manufacture of large amounts of L. reuteri that are loaded with reuterin, and the use of such loaded bacteria for applications such as prevention and treatment of diseases, for food applications and the like.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A product comprising freeze-dried  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells containing microcompartments loaded with reuterin, wherein the product is produced by a method for the controlled activation of the reuterin-production machinery of  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells, the method comprising:
 culturing  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells;   adding glycerol to the  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells during the culture, so that the  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells form microcompartments and produce reuterin therein,   wherein the microcompartments enable the reuterin to be retained inside the  Lactobacillus reuteri  cells during the preservation and storage of the  Lactobacillus reuteri  in an amount greater than in cells lacking microcompartments.