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Published on: April 7, 2023
Evaluation of Microencapsulated Synbiotic Preparations Containing Lactobionic Acid
Kamila Goderska1, Patryk Kozłowski2
1Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Department of Fermentation and Biosynthesis, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624, Poznan, Poland. kamila.goderska@up.poznan.pl.
Lactobionic acid demonstrated prebiotic properties by stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Microencapsulation protected these probiotics during in vitro digestion, confirming their survival and biomass production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Probiotics require protection to survive the gastrointestinal tract.
- Lactobionic acid's potential prebiotic effects are under investigation.
- Microencapsulation is a promising technique for delivering live microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prebiotic properties of lactobionic acid.
- To assess the efficacy of alginate microcapsules in protecting probiotic bacteria.
- To determine the survival and biomass production of encapsulated probiotics in a simulated gastrointestinal environment.
Main Methods:
- Microencapsulation of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactococcus lactis ATCC1, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20456, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20082) using 4% starch.
- Exposure of microcapsules to an in vitro human gastrointestinal model simulating digestive tract conditions.
- Analysis of microcapsule dissolution at pH 7.4 and pH 8 over 24 hours.
- Assessment of bacterial growth and biomass production in the presence of lactobionic acid.
Main Results:
- Alginate microcapsules effectively protected probiotic bacteria from simulated digestive conditions.
- Microencapsulated probiotics survived the in vitro digestion process and retained their ability to produce biomass.
- Microcapsule dissolution occurred at pH 7.4 and was complete by pH 8 within 24 hours.
- Lactobionic acid significantly stimulated the growth of both probiotic and potentially probiotic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Lactobionic acid exhibits significant prebiotic properties.
- Alginate microencapsulation is an effective method for enhancing probiotic survival in the gut.
- The study confirms the viability and beneficial effects of probiotics delivered via microcapsules.
