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Development of probiotic-loaded microcapsules for local delivery: Physical properties, cell release and growth
Janja Mirtič1, Tomaž Rijavec2, Špela Zupančič1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Abstract:
The delivery of probiotics to different sites of action within the human body might help to prevent and treat several diseases. Here, we describe a microcapsule-based system for delivery of probiotic bacteria, as vegetative cells or spores, which promotes their prolonged survival and efficient revival, and successful colonisation of the target surface. This system is proposed for local delivery into periodontal pockets. Encapsulation of the probiotic bacteria was based on alginate crosslinking with calcium ions. This was performed by prilling the polymer dispersion supplemented with the probiotic using membrane vibration technology, followed by chitosan coating by polyelectrolyte complexation. The microcapsules were 120-150 μm in diameter, and were dried by lyophilisation. The chitosan coating increased the specific surface area and improved the bioadhesion potential, with no negative impact on viability and growth kinetics of the probiotic bacteria. Chitosan represents a barrier, which promotes sustained release of the probiotic bacteria. Vegetative bacteria were encapsulated at 2 × 108 CFU/g dry microcapsules, which represented ~5% of the prepared microcapsules, with stable viability for at least 2 months. Encapsulation of bacterial spores was greater, at 2 × 1010 CFU/g dry microcapsules, achieving 100% of microcapsules with incorporated revivable spores.
Insights
This study presents a novel microcapsule system for delivering probiotics, enhancing their survival and colonization in the body. The technology ensures effective delivery for treating diseases, particularly in periodontal pockets.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Probiotics offer therapeutic potential for various diseases.
- Effective delivery systems are crucial for probiotic efficacy.
- Targeted delivery to specific sites, like periodontal pockets, requires advanced methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a microcapsule-based system for probiotic delivery.
- To enhance probiotic survival, revival, and colonization.
- To enable local delivery of probiotics into periodontal pockets.
Main Methods:
- Alginate microcapsules were formed using membrane vibration technology and calcium crosslinking.
- Chitosan coating was applied via polyelectrolyte complexation.
- Microcapsules were lyophilized and characterized for size, surface area, bioadhesion, and probiotic viability.
Main Results:
- Microcapsules ranged from 120-150 μm in diameter with enhanced surface area and bioadhesion due to chitosan coating.
- Encapsulation yielded high viability for vegetative probiotics (2x10^8 CFU/g) and revivable spores (2x10^10 CFU/g).
- Chitosan coating facilitated sustained release and maintained probiotic viability for at least two months.
Conclusions:
- The developed microcapsule system effectively delivers probiotics, ensuring prolonged survival and colonization.
- Chitosan-coated alginate microcapsules are suitable for targeted delivery, such as in periodontal pockets.
- This technology holds promise for preventing and treating diseases through enhanced probiotic therapy.
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