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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Bacterial Cellulose Spheres that Encapsulate Solid Materials
Published on: February 26, 2021
Alginate-coated pomelo pith cellulose matrix for probiotic encapsulation and controlled release
Yejun Zhong1, Wenrong Huang2, Yawen Zheng3
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science, Nanchang University, 235 East Nanjing Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China; School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
Researchers developed a novel probiotic delivery system using modified pomelo pith, enhancing bacterial survival and controlling release in the gastrointestinal tract for improved gut health. This sustainable carrier ensures probiotic viability during storage and delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Probiotic viability and controlled gastrointestinal release are critical for efficacy.
- Agricultural byproducts offer sustainable sources for novel carrier development.
- Cellulosic matrices show potential for encapsulating and protecting sensitive microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel carrier from cellulosic pomelo pith for probiotic encapsulation.
- To enhance probiotic viability and control release in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To evaluate the impact of ethanol and alkali modifications on carrier properties and probiotic delivery.
Main Methods:
- Cellulosic pomelo pith matrix was modified using ethanol and alkali treatments.
- Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum was encapsulated within the modified matrix.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze matrix structure and pore size.
- Probiotic survival rates through simulated gastric conditions were assessed.
- In vitro release kinetics and stability during refrigerated storage were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The modified pomelo pith matrix exhibited a honeycomb structure with high probiotic loading capacity (up to 9 log CFU/g).
- Ethanol and alkali treatments increased pore size and swelling, enhancing probiotic survival rates through simulated stomach conditions (91.08% and 91.24%, respectively).
- Modified carriers demonstrated sustained linear release profiles, prolonging release time.
- Encapsulated probiotics maintained viability above 7 log CFU/g after 8 weeks of refrigerated storage.
Conclusions:
- Structurally intact, sustainably-sourced cellulosic pomelo pith is a viable material for probiotic encapsulation.
- Ethanol and alkali modifications effectively improve probiotic survival and enable controlled gastrointestinal release.
- This novel carrier system holds significant potential for enhancing the efficacy of probiotic delivery.
