A novel route for double-layered encapsulation of probiotics with improved viability under adverse conditions

To improve the survivability of probiotics under the harsh conditions, a novel double-layered vehicle, which was developed by a one-step coaxial electrospinning procedure, was here used to encapsulate the probiotics. The morphology characterization analysis revealed that the electrospun fiber had a beaded morphology and core-shell structure. Probiotic cells were successfully encapsulated in the fibers (10⁷ CFU/mg) and exhibited an oriented distribution along the fiber. Additionally, the encapsulation of core-shell fiber mat enhanced the tolerance of probiotic cells to simulated gastrointestinal conditions and no significant loss of viability was found (p > 0.05). Besides that, the encapsulated cells exhibited better thermal stability under heat moisture treatment, lower loss of viability (0.32 log CFU/mL) was occurred when compared with the free cells or encapsulated cells in uniaxial fiber mat. In conclusion, this double-layered vehicle presents a great potential in probiotic encapsulation and improving their resistant ability to the harsh conditions.