METHODS FOR STERILIZING AQUEOUS POLYSACCHARIDE SOLUTION AND STERILIZED AQUEOUS POLYSACCHARIDE SOLUTION

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for sterilizing and packaging aqueous polysaccharide solution.SOLUTION: The invention provides sterile packaging means comprising sterile aqueous polysaccharide solution that comprises at least one partially water-soluble polysaccharide, water, 3-hydroxypropionic acid in an amount of at least 0.5 mass% based on an amount of the aqueous polysaccharide solution, and a buffer system. Specifically, provided is a method comprising the steps of: a) dissolving at least one polysaccharide in water; b) adding a β-lactone in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% into the aqueous polysaccharide solution produced in a); and c) storing a mixture for at least 24 hours at a temperature of 4°C to 40°C, where the aqueous solution contains a buffer system whose buffering capacity is sufficient to buffer the 3-hydroxypropanoic acid generated by hydrolysis of the β-lactone such that a pH value of the sterilized aqueous polysaccharide solution is equal to that of the unsterilized polysaccharide solution that is pH7.0-8.0. The β-lactone may be a β-propiolactone represented by the following formula.SELECTED DRAWING: None