Development and Functional Evaluation of a Pharmabiotic Food Supplement Containing Microencapsulated...

Oral microbiome dysbiosis is associated with biofilm-related diseases, including dental caries and periodontal infections. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a pharmabiotic oral spray containing microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, sodium hyaluronate, and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract to support oral microbial homeostasis. L. pentosus was microencapsulated by freeze-drying using maltodextrin and gum arabic as wall materials. The microencapsulation process resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 94.74% ± 1.12% and a post-encapsulation viability of 8.17 ± 0.05 log CFU/mL. Four oral spray formulations (F1-F4) were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, physicochemical, microbiological, and stability properties. All formulations exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive oral pathogens, particularly Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus, while no inhibitory activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida species. Antibiofilm analysis demonstrated substantial inhibition, ranging from 56.17% ± 0.91% to 70.99% ± 1.32% against S. mutans and from 72.42% ± 0.56% to 87.03% ± 1.76% against S. aureus. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC) confirmed moderate and consistent antioxidant activity across all formulations. During 3 months of storage, probiotic viability remained above 10⁸ CFU/mL in most formulations. Viability losses under refrigerated conditions were limited to approximately 0.38-0.50 log CFU/mL, while formulation F2 retained 8.42 ± 0.14 log CFU/mL under accelerated conditions. Among the tested formulations, F1 exhibited the most favorable overall physicochemical characteristics and stability profile. These findings demonstrate that the developed oral spray represents a promising pharmabiotic delivery system combining probiotic viability, antibiofilm activity, and antioxidant potential for supporting oral health and microbial balance.