Progress in microencapsulation of probiotics: A review

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Probiotic viability is significantly reduced during food storage and gastrointestinal transit, limiting potential health benefits.
• Effective delivery of probiotics to the colon is crucial for their colonization and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging microencapsulation strategies for probiotics.
• To highlight mechanisms of stress-tolerance conferred by encapsulation.
• To discuss in vitro and in vivo models for evaluating probiotic delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on microencapsulation techniques for probiotics.
• Analysis of embedding and coating systems using food-grade materials (biopolymers, lipids).
• Examination of coencapsulation strategies with nutrients or protective agents.
• Review of in vitro and in vivo models for assessing delivery system efficiency.

Main Results:

• Microencapsulation enhances probiotic resistance to storage and gastrointestinal conditions.
• Encapsulation protects probiotics and increases their mucoadhesive properties for better colon colonization.
• Various food-grade materials and coencapsulation strategies are employed to improve probiotic viability.

Conclusions:

• Encapsulation technologies are essential for maintaining probiotic viability throughout storage and transit.
• Effective delivery systems are key to maximizing probiotic colonization in the colon and realizing health benefits.
• Appropriate in vitro and in vivo models are critical for validating the efficacy of probiotic delivery systems.