U.S. patent application number 17/156723 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for method and apparatus for vitamin d enhancement in mushrooms.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oakshire Holdings, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Oakshire Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to William F. CHALUPA, Gary M. SCHROEDER.
Application Number | 20210142851 17/156723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005355855 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210142851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHALUPA; William F. ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
Method and Apparatus for Vitamin D Enhancement in Mushrooms
Abstract
An apparatus and method for increasing Vitamin D content in
mushrooms is disclosed. A mushroom slurry of comminuted or
pulverized mushrooms or mushroom parts and liquid, such as water,
is passed under a UV light source. The slurry may be conveyed to
the UV light source by a vibrating conveyor. After UV light
exposure, the treated slurry may be dried and ground into a powder,
or the treated slurry may be filtered and the insoluble portion may
be dried and ground into a powder. The irradiated mushroom powder
has a mass fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 2500 IU/gram of
powder, and more preferably at least 20,000 IU/gram of powder.
Irradiated mushroom powder may be incorporated into consumable food
product for humans or animals, and/or may be incorporated into
topical preparations for cosmetic use.
Inventors: |
CHALUPA; William F.; (Landen
berg, PA) ; SCHROEDER; Gary M.; (Landenberg,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oakshire Holdings, Inc. |
Kennett Square |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Oakshire Holdings, Inc.
Kennett Square
PA
|
Family ID: |
1000005355855 |
Appl. No.: |
17/156723 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16115922 |
Aug 29, 2018 |
10930342 |
|
|
17156723 |
|
|
|
|
15075764 |
Mar 21, 2016 |
|
|
|
16115922 |
|
|
|
|
13628194 |
Sep 27, 2012 |
9326540 |
|
|
15075764 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 45/146 20130101;
G11C 13/004 20130101; H01L 45/08 20130101; H01L 45/085 20130101;
G11C 2213/56 20130101; H01L 45/1233 20130101; G11C 11/5685
20130101; G11C 13/0002 20130101; G11C 13/0004 20130101; A23L 5/30
20160801; G11C 2213/74 20130101; H01L 45/147 20130101; G11C 13/0026
20130101; A23L 33/155 20160801; G11C 2213/32 20130101; G11C 2213/71
20130101; G11C 13/0007 20130101; H01L 45/145 20130101; H01L 27/24
20130101; G11C 2213/72 20130101; G11C 2213/76 20130101; H01L
27/2463 20130101; G11C 2013/0045 20130101; G11C 2013/0073 20130101;
G11C 2213/31 20130101; A23N 15/06 20130101; H01L 27/2481 20130101;
G11C 13/003 20130101; G11C 13/0028 20130101; A23L 31/00
20160801 |
International
Class: |
G11C 13/00 20060101
G11C013/00; A23N 15/06 20060101 A23N015/06; A23L 33/155 20060101
A23L033/155; A23L 5/30 20060101 A23L005/30; A23L 31/00 20060101
A23L031/00; G11C 11/56 20060101 G11C011/56; H01L 27/24 20060101
H01L027/24; H01L 45/00 20060101 H01L045/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for increasing vitamin D content of mushrooms,
comprising: a lamp configured to emit ultraviolet light, said lamp
capable of emitting light with wavelengths in the range of about
200 to about 800 nanometers; a homogenizer configured to pulverize
or comminute mushrooms into particles having an average particle
size in the range of about 200 microns or smaller to form a
mushroom slurry of mushroom particles having an average particle
sizes of about 200 microns or smaller suspended in liquid; a
vibrating conveyor configured to convey and vibrate the mushroom
slurry of mushroom particles suspended in liquid for exposure to
light emitted by the lamp; a filter or other means to separate the
irradiated mushroom slurry into a soluble fraction and an insoluble
fraction; and a grinder configured to grind the insoluble fraction
into a powder having powder particle size that passes through a 70
mesh screen.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a light chamber
housing the lamp; and means for controlling temperature within the
light chamber.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibrating conveyor is
selected from the group consisting of: vibrating conveyor belt,
shaker table, vibrating pan and vibrating chute.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a recycle line to
redirect mushroom slurry onto the conveyor for another exposure to
ultraviolet light emitted from the lamp.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter or other means to
separate the irradiated slurry into a soluble fraction and an
insoluble fraction is selected from the group consisting of: filter
paper, filter bag, filter press, and centrifuge.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lamp is selected from the
group consisting of: electric glow discharge lamps, medium pressure
mercury vapor lamps, low pressure mercury vapor lamps, microwave
powered fusion ultraviolet lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and
low pressure amalgam lamps.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lamp emits pulses of light
with wavelengths in the range of about 200 to about 800
nanometers.
8. A method for increasing vitamin D content of mushrooms,
comprising: pulverizing fresh mushrooms and/or fresh mushroom
pieces to create a mushroom slurry of mushroom particles having a
size in the range of about 500 microns or smaller that are
suspended in a liquid, wherein the ratio of liquid to mushroom
particles in the slurry is at least 3:1 (by weight); and
irradiating the mushroom slurry with ultraviolet light with
wavelengths in the range of about 200 to about 800 nanometers.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein irradiating is with a source of
ultraviolet light and the source of ultraviolet light is selected
from the group consisting of: electric glow discharge lamps, medium
pressure mercury vapor lamps, low pressure mercury vapor lamps,
microwave powered fusion ultraviolet lamps, light emitting diodes
(LEDs), and low pressure amalgam lamps.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: conveying the
mushroom slurry past the source of ultraviolet light with a
conveyor selected from the group consisting of: vibrating conveyor,
shaker table, vibrating pan and vibrating chute.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: re-conveying the
mushroom slurry past the source of ultraviolet light.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: separating the
mushroom slurry into soluble and insoluble fractions.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: drying the
insoluble fraction; and grinding the insoluble fraction to form a
mushroom powder.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said mushroom powder has a mass
fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 40,000 IU/gram of mushroom
powder.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the mushroom powder has a
moisture content of less than about 30% moisture by weight.
16. The method of claim 8, wherein the mushroom particles are made
from one or more fresh mushrooms selected from the group consisting
of: white button mushrooms, brown portobello mushrooms, shiitake
mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, agaricus bisporus, and mixtures
thereof.
17. A consumable food product comprising mushroom powder made by
the method of claim 13, said powder having a vitamin D2 content of
at least 40,000 IU/gram of powder.
18. A consumable food product comprising mushroom powder made by
the method of claim 13, said powder having a vitamin D2 content of
at least 20,000 IU/gram of powder and an average particle size in
the range of about 210 microns and smaller.
19. A consumable food product comprising mushroom powder having a
vitamin D2 content of at least 40,000 IU/gram.
20. The consumable food product of claim 19, wherein said mushroom
powder has an average particle size in the range of about 210
microns and smaller.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/115,922, filed Aug. 29, 2018, now pending,
which was a divisional application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 121
claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/075,764,
filed Mar. 21, 2016, now abandoned, which was a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/628,194, filed Sep. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,540, the
contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
increasing Vitamin D content in a mushroom slurry comprising a
fluid, such as water, and fresh mushrooms, or mushroom parts, spawn
and/or mycelia. The slurry is exposed to a broad spectrum of light
for a specified period of time, using an electric glow discharge
lamp. The slurry then is filtered to remove excess water and
undesirable soluble materials. The remaining filter cake is dried
and ground into a powder. The resulting mushroom powder has high
levels of Vitamin D2, and is all natural, vegetarian, and can be
used as an ingredient to fortify foods or as a dietary
supplement.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0003] The two major forms of Vitamin D are Vitamin D2 and D3.
Vitamin D2 is not produced by the human body and is only derived
from fungi and plant sources. Vitamin D3 is produced in human skin
through exposure to sunlight. The benefits of Vitamin D are
numerous, and deficiency of the vitamin in humans can lead to
several diseases. Because human exposure to sunlight for prolonged
periods is impractical, in order to receive the benefits and
overcome potential deficiencies of Vitamin D, there is a need for a
method and an apparatus to increase Vitamin D2 in mushrooms and in
dried mushroom powder to create a foodsource for this important
vitamin.
[0004] Commercially grown mushrooms contain very low levels of
Vitamin D2, typically less than 20 International Units (IU) per 85
gram standard fresh serving. 40 IU of Vitamin D2 equals 1
microgram. Mushrooms, however, naturally contain ergosterol, a
biological precursor to Vitamin D2. Research shows that ergosterol
in several species of mushrooms converts to Vitamin D2 when exposed
to UV light. White button mushrooms, brown portobello mushrooms,
shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms are some types of
mushrooms known to show a Vitamin D2 response when exposed to UV
light. With sufficient duration and exposure, the level of Vitamin
D2 in these and other mushroom species can reach or exceed 400
IU/85 g of fresh mushrooms, equating to 100% of the current
recommended Daily Value for Vitamin D in the United States.
[0005] To increase Vitamin D level in mushrooms, certain methods in
the background art require mushroom exposure to UV light for
extended periods to achieve a significant increase in the level of
Vitamin D. In one method, exposure times from 1 hour to 24 hours
were required. In other methods, 20 minutes to 60 minutes of
exposure time were required. See Jasinghe, V. J., Perera, C. O.,
"Distribution of ergosterol in different tissues of mushrooms and
its effect on the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2 by UV
irradiation," Food Chem. (2005), 92, pp. 541-46; Jasinghe, V. J.,
Perera, C. O., "UV irradiation: The generator of Vitamin D2 in
edible mushrooms," Food Chem. (2006), 95, pp. 638-43; and Jasinghe,
V. J. "Conversion of ergosterol in edible mushrooms to Vitamin D2
by UV radiation," Thesis submitted to the Department of Chemistry,
National University of Singapore (2005).
[0006] The prior work to increase Vitamin D content in mushrooms
relates to treating fresh mushrooms with UV light. Photolytic
treatment of dried mushroom powder to produce high levels of
Vitamin D2 has also been taught. Alternative methods for treating
commercially viable quantities of mushrooms for short treatment
times to produce foods or food additives with high Vitamin D2
content continue to be sought.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for
increasing Vitamin D content of mushrooms by treating a mushroom
slurry formed of mushroom particles suspended in a liquid.
Preferably, the mushroom slurry comprises mushroom particles
suspended in a liquid, such as water, in a ratio of at least 3:1
(by weight) water to mushroom particles.
[0008] The mushroom slurry having mushroom particles of particle
sizes of about 200 microns or less is irradiated with one or more
pulses of ultraviolet light with wavelengths in the range of about
200 to about 800 nanometers emitted by an electric glow discharge
lamp, such as a xenon lamp. Alternative sources of ultraviolet
light may be used, including medium pressure mercury vapor lamps,
low pressure mercury vapor lamps, microwave powered fusion
ultraviolet lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and low pressure
amalgam lamps. Preferably, the mushroom particle sizes in the
mushroom slurry are about 100 microns or less before the slurry is
irradiated. Ideally, the mushroom slurry is vibrated as it is
irradiated.
[0009] After irradiating, the mushroom slurry may be dried and the
remaining solids ground to form a powder. More preferably, after
irradiating, the mushroom slurry is filtered to remove excess
liquid. The remaining filter cake is dried and ground into a
powder. The resulting irradiated mushroom powder has a Vitamin D2
level of at least 2500 IU/gram, preferably at least 7500 IU/gram,
and most preferably at least 20000 IU/gram. This irradiated
mushroom powder may be used as a condiment to be sprinkled on or
into foods, or may be incorporated into a consumable food product,
including food for human consumption as well as animal feed. The
irradiated mushroom powder alternatively may be incorporated into
topical preparations for cosmetic use.
[0010] The mushroom powder may be made from one or more mushrooms
of various types, including but not limited to, white button
mushrooms, brown portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, maitake
mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, agaricus bisporus, and mixtures
thereof.
[0011] The mushroom slurry is prepared by combining fresh mushrooms
or mushroom pieces or particles with a liquid, such as water, and
then passing the mixture through a high shear mixer or a pressure
reactor, such as a homogenizer, or both a high shear mixer and a
pressure reactor. The pressure reactor is preferred as it is able
to rupture or destroy individual cell walls of the mushroom tissue
thus releasing the contents of the cells into the slurry liquid.
The pressure reactor uses a combination of pressure drop to explode
the cell walls as the mushroom slurry is passed through a chamber,
followed by contacting the slurry with a window or wall within the
chamber to further ensure cell destruction. This greater
comminution or pulverizing of the mushroom tissues in the slurry
allows for greater efficiency of converting ergosterol to Vitamin
D2 using a pulsed light.
[0012] If pulsed ultraviolet light is used, the source of pulsed
light preferably is an electric glow discharge lamp capable of
emitting pulses of light with wavelengths in the range of about 200
to about 800 nanometers, such as a xenon lamp. Preferably, the
electric glow discharge lamp is enclosed in a light chamber that is
provided with means for controlling temperature therein, such as a
blower and exhaust. A conveyor may convey the mushroom slurry for
exposure to one or more pulses of light by the lamp. Preferably,
the conveyor is a type that shakes or vibrates the mushroom slurry
as it is conveyed for exposure to radiation. Examples are vibrating
conveyors, shaker tables, vibrating pans and vibrating chutes. The
UV light-treated slurry may be collected and recirculated one or
more times for further exposure to UV light pulses.
[0013] A batch type system also can be used in which a vessel is
equipped with a UV or pulsed light that is submerged in the
mushroom slurry or is fixed to the sides of the vessel. The slurry
is then mixed or agitated for a fixed period of time to convert the
ergosterol to Vitamin D.
[0014] After the slurry has been exposed to the UV light source for
one or more passes, it may be dried to remove the liquid. The dried
solids may then be ground into powder. More preferably, after the
slurry has been exposed to the UV light source, the slurry is
filtered to separate the insoluble fraction from the soluble
fraction. The soluble materials do not contain high levels of
Vitamin D and may be discarded. Vitamin D is water insoluble and by
removing the water soluble portions of the slurry the remaining
insoluble portion now contains extremely high levels of Vitamin D.
The insoluble portion, or filter cake is then dried and ground into
a powder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view of an apparatus
for treating a mushroom slurry with UV radiation;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevational view of an
alternative apparatus for treating a mushroom slurry with UV
radiation;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a representative plot of relative irradiance
versus wavelength of light that is generated by a xenon pulsed UV
light emitting electric glow discharge lamp; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of one method for increasing
the Vitamin D content of mushrooms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] As a first step, fresh mushrooms are cultivated using
traditional methods. After harvesting, any part of the mushroom can
be used including stems, caps, stumps, waste material from the
slicing process, or culls otherwise unfit for sale to the fresh
market.
[0020] The growing medium used to produce the mushrooms can also be
considered a raw material source for production of animal feed type
products. The seed or source material used to grow mushrooms
commonly referred to as spawn can also be used.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 4, the whole mushrooms or mushroom
pieces are shredded into pieces as an optional first step 102.
Next, the mushroom pieces are combined with a suitable liquid or
fluid, such as water or water mixed with ethanol or water mixed
with propylene glycol, using a high shear mixer to produce a slurry
(step 104 in FIG. 3). Suitable high shear mixers include models
BX60 and DX60 from Silverson Mixer of Massachusetts. The mushroom
slurry also may be formed using a Waring blender or a colloid type
mill.
[0022] Preferably, the slurry is then passed through a pressure
reactor or homogenizer capable of producing a pressure drop to
explode individual cells contained within the mushroom tissue (step
106 in FIG. 4). While not wishing to be bound by any one theory, it
is believed that the cells of the mushroom tissue release their
contents, including ergosterol, into the slurry fluid or liquid in
such pressure reactor or homogenizer. The high shear mixer may be
sufficient to homogenize or emulsify the mushrooms into a flowable
slurry. In such a case, the slurry may by-pass the pressure reactor
(step 105) in FIG. 4.
[0023] Alternatively, or additionally, one or more enzymes may be
added to the slurry to break apart or destroy the mushroom cells to
disperse cell components into the slurry. Representative enzymes
for this purpose include cellulase and chitinase.
[0024] The mushroom slurry preferably has a composition of liquid
and mushroom particles in a ratio of at least 3:1 (by weight)
liquid to mushroom particles, more preferably at least 4:1 (by
weight) liquid to mushroom particles.
[0025] Next, the resulting slurry is passed under a source of UV
light, such as pulsed UV light. Various sources of UV light may be
used, including but not limited to, electric glow discharge lamps,
medium pressure mercury vapor lamps, low pressure mercury vapor
lamps, microwave powered fusion ultraviolet lamps, light emitting
diodes (LEDs), and low pressure amalgam lamps. Preferably, the
slurry is conveyed by means of a vibrating conveyor (step 108 in
FIG. 4). Alternatives to the vibrating conveyor include a shaker
table, a vibrating pan and a vibrating chute.
[0026] If a pulsed UV light source is used, the pulsed UV light
emits up to three (3) pulses of light per second, and is powerful
enough to convert a very high percentage of ergosterol present in
the slurry to vitamin D. Longer exposure times to the pulsed light
appear to produce higher ergosterol conversion to vitamin D.
Optionally, the slurry may be recirculated and passed under the
source of UV light, such as a pulsed UV light source, more than one
time for more than one exposure (step 110 in FIG. 4).
[0027] We have found that particle size can impact the level of
Vitamin D that can be achieved in the mushroom slurry. What we
discovered is that whatever the UV light source used, the UV
exposure only converts ergosterol to vitamin D to a narrow optical
depth. Slurries that contain mushroom solids or powders with an
average particle size of about 50-75 microns provide optimal
results for efficient conversion of ergosterol to Vitamin D2.
[0028] Vitamin D is considered a fat soluble vitamin. It is
therefore contained in the insoluble portion of the mushroom
slurry. After exposure to UV light, the slurry is filtered to
separate the soluble and insoluble fractions (step 112 in FIG. 3).
The soluble fraction contains primarily dissolved polysaccharides,
such as sugars. The insoluble fraction contains primarily chitin,
which comprises the cell walls of the mushroom tissue, some
proteins, and very high levels of vitamin D. The insoluble
fraction, or filter cake, is retained, and the soluble fraction is
discarded. Suitable filtering means include standard laboratory
grade filter paper, a filter bag with a desired micron size, a
filter press and/or a centrifuge.
[0029] The filter cake is then dried to produce a shelf stable low
moisture product having a moisture content of less than about 30%
moisture by weight (step 114 in FIG. 3). This shelf stable low
moisture product (mushroom powder) typically has about 8-15%
moisture by weight. The filter cake may be dried in a number of
ways, including but not limited to a batch type process using air
convection, or a fluid bed type dryer, as well as a combination
type apparatus that performs drying and grinding
simultaneously.
[0030] The dried mushroom slurry filter cake then is ground using
standard grinding methods to produce a powder with a particle size
specific to its intended application (step 116 in FIG. 3). For
example, if the intended application is to use the powder at low
usage levels to fortify a processed food with Vitamin D, a small
particle may be desired. If the intended application of the powder
is for use as a condiment or seasoning, a larger particle might be
preferred.
[0031] The mushroom powder particles preferably will pass through a
10 mesh screen (about 2 mm), more preferably pass through a 20 mesh
screen (about 850 microns) and more preferably will pass through a
30 mesh screen (about 600 microns) and most preferably will pass
through a 70 mesh screen (about 210 microns.) A 100 mesh product
(about 150 microns) is preferred for food processing
applications.
[0032] Early trials using cheesecloth as the filter media did not
produce a significant difference in Vitamin D levels when comparing
the soluble and insoluble fractions. Subsequent testing using
Whatman laboratory grade filter paper did produce a significant
difference in the soluble and insoluble fractions. Ultimately, many
different types of filtration methods can be used. The filter
method used preferably can filter out particles down to about 1
micron in the insoluble fraction. Any particles smaller than 1
micron pass through the filter and are discarded with the soluble
fraction. Besides significantly increasing the Vitamin D content in
the insoluble fraction, filtration of the slurry also helps to
achieve additional advantages. By removing the majority of the
water from the insoluble fraction, drying times are significantly
reduced allowing for a large savings in energy. Filtration also
removes a large portion of the soluble sugars, such as mono and
disaccharides in addition to polysaccharides, a large portion of
which are in the form of mannitol. These materials are very
hygroscopic. By removing them from the finished dried powder, a
free flowing powder is obtained that is less susceptible to high
moisture conditions, thus making a more stable powder product with
an increased shelf life.
[0033] Many different mushroom species can be processed in a slurry
to convert ergesterol to Vitamin D. Our results suggest that all
mushroom species we have evaluated can be used, specifically
including, but not limited to, white button, agaricus bisporus,
shiitake, oyster, maitake, and mixtures thereof.
[0034] Referring next to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for increasing
Vitamin D content in mushroom slurry is shown schematically.
Mushrooms and mushroom pieces are shredded, comminuted or
pulverized in a mixer 40. A liquid or fluid, such as water, is
mixed with the shredded mushrooms to form a mushroom slurry. The
mushroom slurry is introduced to a homogenizer or pressure reactor
42 to further pulverize or separate the mushroom pieces into
smaller particles or components within the mushroom slurry. The
homogenized mushroom slurry is introduced into a hopper 12 that is
mounted on a base 16. The hopper 12 terminates in a funnel or exit
portion that pours the mushroom slurry 20 onto a vibratory conveyor
or oscillating chute 18. The conveyor conveys the mushroom slurry
20 into a light chamber 30 that houses an electric glow discharge
lamp, such as a xenon pulsed lamp (not shown in FIG. 1).
[0035] To control temperature within the light chamber 30, air may
be blown into the light chamber 30 using a blower 34. Connected to
the blower 34 is an intake hose 36 used to force air into the light
chamber 36. The forced air is then removed from the light chamber
30 using an outlet hose 38. We found that it is beneficial, and in
some embodiments, necessary, to use the blower 34 because the lamp
can generate so much heat that, without the forced air ventilation
and cooling, components of the lamp and illumination assembly can
melt or otherwise become inoperative. The forced air ventilation
also helps control the temperature of the mushroom slurry so that
it does not burn or cook.
[0036] The conveyor conveys the mushroom slurry through the light
chamber 30 while the lamp directs UV light radiation onto the
mushroom slurry. The conveyor oscillates or vibrates or shakes to
distribute the mushroom slurry on the conveyor, and to direct the
radiation onto a significant portion of the surface area of the
slurry. In this embodiment, the conveyor vibrates at a rate between
1 Hz and 50 Hz, and is adjusted so that the slurry passes through
the illumination chamber in 6 seconds. Since the lamp pulses 3
times per second, the slurry receives 18 pulses while traversing
through the illumination chamber. If it is desired to expose the
mushroom slurry to more than 18 pulses, the slurry can be collected
and recirculated or passed two or more times through the
illumination chamber. Alternatively, two or more illumination
chambers can be used so the slurry passes, in series, through the
two or more illumination chambers.
[0037] The irradiated mushroom slurry 20 is then deposited into a
container 22 as desired.
[0038] A more intense UV light-emitting source was found to
increase processing speed. Intense bursts of light can be emitted
from pulsed lamps made with xenon gas. These pulses of light from
xenon lamps occur in less than 2 milliseconds and create a broad
spectrum of UV light. One type of xenon pulse lamp that has been
used is Model RC-747-16 manufactured by Xenon Corporation. This
xenon pulse lamp, delivers at least 505 joules total light energy
per pulse. FIG. 3 illustrates the spectrum for the Model RC-747-16
xenon pulse lamp. This type of high intensity lamp emits pulses of
UV radiation with an intensity of at least 1.26 J/cm.sup.2 at 1''
from the window face of the lamp.
[0039] Preferably, the UV radiation emitted by the UV
light-emitting source has wavelengths in the range of about 200 to
about 800 nanometers. Without intending to be limiting as to
mechanism, we believe that it is UV-B radiation which is most
effective in the photoisomerization of ergesterol to Vitamin
D2.
[0040] Referring next to FIG. 2, an alternative apparatus 10A for
increasing Vitamin D content in mushroom slurry is shown
schematically. In FIG. 2, like structures have the same reference
numerals as the apparatus 10 in FIG. 1 and operate in like fashion.
Different from the apparatus 10 in FIG. 1, in FIG. 2, the apparatus
10A omits the pressure reactor. Instead, a mixer 50 forms a slurry
by mixing a liquid or fluid and mushrooms. A suitable high shear
mixer is a Silverson high shear mixer with changeable mix-heads 52,
including a general purpose disintegrating attachment, or a square
hole high shear attachment or an emulser head and screen. The
different mix-heads may be attached at various stages of mixing to
form a flowable slurry or emulsion.
[0041] Another variation as shown in FIG. 2, the container 22
includes a propeller mixer 62 to keep mixing the slurry after it
exits the light chamber 30. The treated slurry may be pumped using
a positive displacement pump 64, such as a peristaltic pump, for
recirculating the treated slurry to the light chamber for another
pass under the UV-light source.
[0042] The FDA has ruled on the safety of food exposed to xenon
lamp pulsed light exposure. [0043] Food and Drug Administration
Issues Approval for Pulsed UV Light in the Production, Processing
and Handling of Food [0044] Code 21CFR179.41, issued by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human
Services, approves the use of Pulsed UV light in the production,
processing and handling of food. [0045] Title 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
(Page 438) Chapter I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Part 179--IRRADIATION IN THE PRODUCTION,
PROCESSING AND HANDLING OF FOOD Subpart B--Radiation and Radiation
Sources Sec. 179.41 Pulsed light for the treatment of food Pulsed
light may be safely used for the treatment of foods under the
following conditions: [0046] (a) The radiation sources consist of
xenon flashlamps designed to emit broadband radiation consisting of
wavelengths covering the range of 200 to 1,000 nanometers (nm), and
operated so that the pulse duration is no longer than 2
milliseconds (ms); [0047] (b) The treatment is used for surface
microorganism control; [0048] (c) Foods treated with pulsed light
shall receive the minimum treatment reasonably required to
accomplish the intended technical effect; and [0049] (d) The total
cumulative treatment shall not exceed 12.0 joules/square centimeter
(J/cm\2\.)
[0050] The FDA guideline uses pulsed light for surface
microorganism control. Mushrooms that are exposed to xenon lamp
radiation for 2 milliseconds are within the FDA guideline for food
safety. Surprisingly, this short duration exposure can be
sufficient to achieve significant enhancement of Vitamin D in
mushrooms.
[0051] As the mushroom slurry traverses the UV light exposure area
so as to expose most or all of the individual particles to UV
light, significantly higher levels of Vitamin D are achieved. After
further processing through filtration, drying and grinding the
resulting powder has a very high level of Vitamin D. The powder can
now economically be used as an all natural, vegetarian source of
Vitamin D2 in processed food products at very low usage levels
without dramatically affecting the flavor, appearance, or cost of
the finished product. The powder also may have use in animal feed.
The powder also may be incorporated into preparations for topical
application to the skin, scalp or hair.
[0052] In summary, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein
permit continuous and economic production of mushroom powder with
extremely high levels of vitamin D2 on a commercial scale.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0053] Whole mushrooms of the species agaricus bisporus are
combined with an equal weight of water and mixed or homogenized
into a puree using a Waring blender. The resulting mushroom slurry
has suspended mushroom particles with an average particle size of
150-200 microns. The mushroom slurry then is circulated under a
pulsed UV light model RC-747-16 manufactured by Xenon Corporation.
The mushroom slurry is dried and ground into a powder. The
resulting mushroom powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D2
contains at least 10,000 IU/gram of powder.
Example 2
[0054] Mushroom slurry is produced as in Example 1 and then passed
through a pressure reactor model DR-HP-3 with a 0.03'' orifice
operating at 3000 psi manufactured by IKA Corporation. The pressure
reactor destroys or ruptures the individual cell walls of the
mushroom tissue allowing for more ergosterol to react with the
pulsed UV light. The pressure reactor produces a slurry with
suspended mushroom particles having an average particle size of
50-100 microns. The mushroom slurry then is circulated under the
pulsed UV light as in Example 1. The mushroom slurry is dried and
ground into a powder. The resulting mushroom powder has a mass
fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 20,000 IU/gram of powder.
Example 3
[0055] Mushroom slurry is produced as in Example 2. After
circulating the mushroom slurry under the pulsed UV light, it is
filtered to separate the soluble and insoluble fractions. The
soluble fraction contains mostly dissolved polysaccharides does not
contain significant level of Vitamin D2 and is discarded. The
insoluble fraction, or filter cake, is retained, dried and ground
into a powder. The resulting mushroom powder has a mass fraction of
Vitamin D2 of at least 40,000 IU/gram of powder.
Example 4
[0056] Mushroom stumps and root material are combined with an equal
weight of water and mixed or homogenized into a slurry using a
Waring blender. The mushroom slurry is passed through a pressure
reactor model DR-HP-3 manufactured by IKA Corporation. The pressure
reactor has a 3-stage chamber with the following combination:
0.03'' orifice with a 1/2 window, followed by a 0.05'' orifice with
no window, followed by a 0.055'' orifice with full windows. The
3-stage chamber allows for greater cell wall destruction. The
slurry then is circulated under the pulsed UV light, filtered and
dried. The resulting powder produced from the stumps and root
material has a mass fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 15,000
IU/gram of powder.
Example 5
[0057] Whole mushrooms are combined with an equal weight of water
and mixed or homogenized into a slurry using a Silverson DX60
mixer. A standard general purpose disintegrating head is used at
first. Then, a square hole high shear mix head is used. Finally, an
emulser head and screen is used with the mixer. The resulting
mushroom slurry comprises particles with particle sizes of from 50
to 100 .mu.m. The slurry then is circulated under the pulsed UV
light, filtered and dried. The resulting mushroom powder has a mass
fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 40,000 IU/gram of powder.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sample Description: Vitamin D IU/gram
Example 1 11,826 Example 2 19,758 Example 3 (unseparated) 14,674
Example 3 (solid portion) 53,661 Example 3 (liquid portion) 79
Example 4 16,456 Example 5 40,000
Example 6
[0058] Whole mushroom pieces of the species agaricus bisporus are
combined with an equal weight of water and mixed or homogenized
into a slurry or puree using a Silverson model DX60 high shear
mixer. The resulting slurry has suspended mushroom particles with
an average particle size of 50 to 500 microns. The mushroom slurry
is then continuously circulated on a conveyor under a medium
pressure mercury vapor UV light source from Heraeus (Model M110-UV)
for 5 hours, making more than 5 passes. The mushroom slurry is
filtered and the filter cake is dried and ground into a powder. The
resulting mushroom powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D of at
least 40,000 IU/gram of powder.
Example 7
[0059] Whole mushroom pieces of the species agaricus bisporus are
combined with an equal weight of water and mixed or homogenized
into a slurry or puree using a Silverson model DX60 high shear
mixer. The resulting slurry has suspended mushroom particles with
an average particle size of 50 to 500 microns. The mushroom slurry
is then continuously circulated on a conveyor under a microwave
powered Fusion UV lamp from Heraeus (Model F300S) for 5 hours,
making more than 5 passes. The mushroom slurry is filtered and the
filter cake is dried and ground into a powder. The resulting
mushroom powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D of at least 20,000
IU/gram of powder.
Example 8
[0060] Whole mushroom pieces of the species agaricus bisporus are
combined with water in a ratio of 1:4, mushrooms:water, and mixed
or homogenized into a slurry or puree using a Silverson model DX60
high shear mixer. The resulting slurry has suspended mushroom
particles with an average particle size of 50 to 500 microns. The
mushroom slurry is then passed one time only on a conveyor for 30
seconds under a medium pressure mercury vapor light UV from Heraeus
(Model M110-UV). The mushroom slurry is filtered and the filter
cake is dried and ground into a powder. The resulting mushroom
powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D of at least 65,000 IU/gram
of powder.
[0061] The invention has been illustrated by detailed description
and examples of particular embodiments. Various changes in form and
detail may be made to the illustrative embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Therefore, the invention must be measured by the claims and not by
the description of the examples or the particular embodiments.
* * * * *