Described herein is a high-throughput method of synthesizing biofunctional microparticles. In aspects, the method comprises casting biofunctional microparticle precursors onto a microporous template to form microparticles, wherein the template comprises a removable film; and removing the film to liberate the microparticles. Also described herein is a sprayable microgel and related methods.

The present disclosure relates to a novel bacteriophage having specific antibacterial activity against Cronobacter sakazakii and a method for preparing an encapsulated bacteriophage powder. The novel bacteriophage of the present disclosure exhibits high specificity for Cronobacter sakazakii, excellent lytic activity, rapid and sustained antimicrobial activity, and superior stability with respect to temperature and pH. In addition, according to the present disclosure, by encapsulating the bacteriophage using collagen peptide, the survivability of the bacteriophage can be improved. The encapsulated bacteriophage thus prepared remains stably viable even after being converted into powder form, maintains excellent antimicrobial activity, and offers enhanced convenience in distribution and use, thereby demonstrating high industrial applicability.

The present invention provides a dried fermentate that comprises, per kg of dry, matter: 4.7-8.1 mol of propionate; 1.2-3.0 mol of calcium cation; 2.4-7.8 mol of alkali metal cation selected from sodium, potassium and combinations thereof; and 1-50 grams glucose equivalent of hydrolysed glucan; calcium cation and propionate being present in the dried fermentate in a molar ratio of 0.2 to 0.6. Methods of producing the dried fermentate are also provided.

The present invention provides a fermentation-produced propionate powder comprising 25-60 wt. % propionic acid equivalent, 3-16 wt. % acetic acid equivalent, 2-12 wt % succinic acid equivalent, 0.1-0.8 mol Ca.sup.2+ per mol of propionate, 0-1.0 mol Na.sup.+ per mol of propionate, and 0-1.0 mol K.sup.+ per mol of propionate. Methods of preparing a food or cosmetic product containing the fermentation-produced propionate powder are also provided.