Development of a novel probiotic delivery system based on microencapsulation with protectants

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Food Science

Background:

• Probiotic health benefits are limited by gastrointestinal (GI) tract bio-barriers.
• Sub-100 μm microcapsules have shown limited effectiveness for viable probiotic delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the survival of probiotics delivered via sub-100 μm microcapsules.
• To investigate the protective effects of sucrose and lecithin on probiotics in simulated GI conditions.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of four probiotic strains in chitosan-alginate microcapsules (sub-100 μm).
• Addition of sucrose and lecithin to the microcapsule wall material.
• Assessment of probiotic survival in simulated gastric acid and bile salt conditions.

Main Results:

• Sucrose enhanced probiotic survival in gastric acid by energizing F1F0-ATPases.
• Lecithin vesicles reduced viability loss under elevated bile salt concentrations.
• Three of four probiotic strains showed significant survival (>8 hours) in reinforced microcapsules, with a less than 1-log drop in viable count.

Conclusions:

• Sub-100 μm microcapsules are viable delivery vehicles for probiotics when fortified with appropriate protectants.
• Sucrose and lecithin significantly improve probiotic viability against GI tract stresses.
• Enhanced microcapsules offer a promising strategy for effective probiotic oral delivery.