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Probiotic Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 Nanofiber Encapsulation Using Nozzle-Free Electrospinning
Marjana Simonič1, Špela Slapničar2, Janja Trček3
1Laboratory of Water Physics and Membrane Processes, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, 20000, Maribor, Slovenia.
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|March 15, 2023
Summary
Nozzle-free electrospinning successfully embeds probiotics like Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 into nanofibrous materials. This technology shows promise for short-term probiotic delivery systems, particularly in feminine hygiene products.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Probiotics offer health benefits but require effective delivery systems for survival.
- Encapsulation techniques are crucial for enhancing probiotic viability.
- Nozzle-free electrospinning presents a novel method for probiotic encapsulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To embed Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 into nanofibrous mats using nozzle-free electrospinning.
- To investigate the influence of prebiotics (inulin) and probiotic form (lyophilized vs. fresh) on electrospinning and release.
- To evaluate the potential of these nanofibrous materials for short-term probiotic delivery.
Main Methods:
- Nozzle-free electrospinning of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) with Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 and inulin.
- Characterization of polymer solutions (conductivity, viscosity, pH, surface tension).
- Analysis of nanofibrous materials using SEM, ATR-FTIR, and XPS.
- In vitro release studies of probiotics in PBS buffer.
Main Results:
- Successful formation of probiotic-laden nanofibrous mats via nozzle-free electrospinning.
- Inulin addition appeared to hinder nanofiber formation and affect conductivity.
- ATR-FTIR confirmed the successful entrapment of Lactobacillus paragasseri K7.
- Higher probiotic release (44%) observed from freeze-dried probiotic with inulin compared to fresh probiotic (21%) within 2 hours.
Conclusions:
- Nozzle-free electrospinning is a viable technique for creating probiotic-loaded nanofibrous materials.
- The form of the probiotic (lyophilized vs. fresh) and the presence of inulin influence release kinetics.
- This technology holds potential for developing short-term probiotic delivery systems for applications like feminine hygiene products.
