Encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria in colloidosomes
Polly H R Keen1, Nigel K H Slater, Alexander F Routh
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, BP Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 2, 2012
Summary
Polymeric colloidosomes successfully encapsulated viable lactic acid bacteria, protecting them in simulated stomach conditions. Encapsulation slowed bacterial metabolism but enhanced survival, demonstrating potential for probiotic delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Probiotic bacteria require protective delivery systems to survive gastrointestinal conditions.
- Colloidosomes offer a tunable platform for encapsulating biological materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polymeric colloidosomes for encapsulating viable lactic acid bacteria.
- To assess the impact of encapsulation on bacterial viability, metabolism, and survival in simulated gastric environments.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) latex particles.
- Emulsification of bacterial suspension in sunflower oil to form droplets.
- Aggregation of latex particles via ethanol and salt addition to form colloidosome shells.
- Microscopic examination (optical, confocal, scanning electron) of colloidosomes.
- Viability assessment using fluorescent probes and metabolic activity assays.
- Testing survival in simulated stomach conditions.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed polymeric colloidosomes encapsulating Lactobacillus crispatus.
- Encapsulated bacteria showed reduced glucose metabolism and acid production compared to free bacteria.
- Colloidosomes significantly enhanced bacterial viability under simulated stomach conditions.
- Microscopy confirmed bacterial presence within the colloidosome structure.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric colloidosomes provide effective encapsulation and protection for viable lactic acid bacteria.
- Encapsulation presents a transport barrier affecting bacterial metabolism but enhances survival against harsh conditions.
- This technology shows promise for developing improved probiotic delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Lysosomes
Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed spherical sacs derived from the Golgi apparatus. The most important function of the lysosome is degrading macromolecules and biological polymers that are released during membrane trafficking events such as the secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The degradation is carried out by several hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen. These acid hydrolases are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling,...
01:27Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molds are instrumental in fermenting plant-based foods to enhance preservation and ensure year-round availability. These microbial processes convert plant carbohydrates into organic acids and other metabolites that inhibit spoilage organisms and contribute to the sensory qualities of the final product.In sauerkraut production, cabbage goes through a microbial succession that starts with cocci such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These microbes begin fermentation by...
01:29Microbes in Food Production
Microbial fermentation is central to food biotechnology, enhancing flavor, texture, preservation, and stability. Fermentative microorganisms metabolize carbohydrates into organic acids, alcohols, and other metabolites that inhibit spoilage organisms and improve digestibility while contributing distinctive sensory qualities.In baking, amylases naturally present in flour hydrolyze starch into monosaccharides such as glucose, which Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments anaerobically. Through...
01:19Formation of Lipopolysaccharides
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are crucial components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serving both structural and functional roles. It contributes to membrane stability and protects bacteria from host immune responses. LPS is composed of three major regions—lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen. The biosynthesis and assembly of LPS involve a highly coordinated set of enzymatic reactions and transport mechanisms. Additionally, LPS is recognized as an endotoxin, triggering...
01:25Production of Organic Acids
Lactic acid, an important organic acid extensively applied in food, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable polymer industries, is primarily produced via microbial fermentation. This method is favored over chemical synthesis due to its environmental sustainability and capacity for enantiomerically pure product formation. Among various microbial processes, the fermentation of starch-based substrates stands out due to the abundance and renewability of raw materials like corn and potatoes.Hydrolysis of...
01:22Lysosomal Hydrolases
Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...