Cellobiose is a disaccharide derived from the condensation of two glucose molecules linked with a β-1,4 bond; it is produced by the degradation of cellulose and is commonly found in nature. The cellobiose found in natural foods – honey, pine needles and maize stems – has a faint sweetness, but it does not break down easily in the body, making it difficult to digest. Previously cellobiose could only be obtained as a test reagent; however, we have succeeded in harnessing enzyme-based technologies to develop the world's first cellobiose manufacturing process on an industrial scale. Consequently, cellobiose and its derivatives are expected to find a wide range of applications in foodstuffs, in functional foods, and in animal feed, and as chemical raw materials.

NPC Cello-Oligo® and Sun Cellobio® are two new products with cellobiose content in excess of 90%.

Cellobiose structural formula

This disaccharide molecule is derived from the condensation of two glucose molecules linked with a β (1->4) bond. Its molar mass is 342.

1. Safe sugar derived from cellulose

It is manufactured by enzymatic hydrolysis of plant-based cellulose (high-purity wood cellulose).

2. High crystallinity, low hygroscopicity

Solubility in water (20°C) is 14%, approximately 1/5 that of sucrose. Compared to other oligosaccharides, hygroscopicity is almost zero.

3. Limited digestibility, low tooth caries

As a low-calorie substance that is not readily broken down in the body, this sugar is also unlikely to cause dental caries.

4. Production of butyric acid

Encourages the production of short-chain fatty acids (especially butyric acid) in the large intestine.

5. Reduced sweetness

It has 30% of the sweetness of sucrose.

For use in animal feed

NPC Cello-Oligo®

In the search for ways to avoid using antibiotics in animal feed, many natural substances have been tested with a view to enhancing the healthy growth of livestock. This has led to the observation that cello-oligosaccharides derived from the degradation of cellulose by enzymes have a high potential for improving livestock raising. This has led to the development of a product called NPC Cello-Oligo®.

This new product has demonstrated benefits such as weight gain that are not observed with conventional oligosaccharides.

Functional research data

Weaning pigs	Increased weight, fewer diarrhea days, improved feed efficiency
Calves	Increased weight, improved fiber digestion, fewer diarrhea days, improved feed efficiency
Chickens	Increased weight

Recommended quantities
Chickens, pigs	0.3 – 0.6% of feed
Calves	3 – 5g per day per head, dissolved in milk substitute, raw milk or water given to the calves

Note: please inquire for detailed information.

Labeling

Labeling when used as an ingredient: Enzymatic hydrolyzate of cellulose

For use in food

Sun Cellobio®

Sun Cellobio® is a product intended for use in food; compared to NPC Cello-Oligo® it has improved cellobiose purity and greater transparency when dissolved. It can be used in a wide variety of foodstuffs and functional foods.

Functional research data*

1. Regulating the function of the intestines

·Relief of chronic ulcerative colitis (animal model)
·Relief of constipation

2. Improved lipid metabolism (fattening pigs)

* For detailed information contact NPC.

Labeling

Labeling when used as an ingredient: Cello-oligosaccharides

Margin of Safety

Acute toxicity testing

Route of administration	Animal	Gender	Results
Oral	Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats	Male and female	LD50: more than 6g/kg (no death)

Mutagenicity testing

Reverse mutation effects	Negative

Other information

1. Sun Cellobio® has passed safety tests required for the ingredients of cosmetics (primary skin irritation test, sensitizing test, eye irritation test, human patch test).

2. Sun Cellobio® is an oligosaccharide that is difficult to digest. If a large quantity is ingested at once, it may cause loose bowels temporarily. The maximum amount that can be ingested without causing diarrhea is 0.360g per kilogram of body weight.

Note: These cello-oligosaccharide products were developed jointly with Kyoto University's Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and Japan Chemical Engineering & Machinery Co., Ltd.