Encapsulation to Maintain CFU Count of Probiotics
Probiotic encapsulation faces significant physicochemical challenges during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Unprotected probiotic cells experience viability losses exceeding 3-log CFU/g when exposed to gastric acid (pH 1.5-3.5) for just 2 hours, while thermal processing at 75°C can reduce populations by 5-log CFU/g within minutes. Even during refrigerated storage, free cells typically lose 1-2 log CFU/g viability over a 30-day period.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing encapsulation matrices that shield probiotics from environmental stressors while enabling precise release at intestinal targets without compromising functional properties or commercial feasibility.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including methacrylic acid-alginic acid copolymer shells, nanoporous starch with tunable pore sizes, denatured protein-coated microparticles, and calcium carbonate systems that convert to hydroxyapatite in response to bile. These and other approaches demonstrate how targeted matrix selection and processing techniques can dramatically improve probiotic survival across the entire product lifecycle, from manufacturing to intestinal delivery.
1. Microcapsules with Methacrylic Acid-Alginic Acid Copolymer Shell Encapsulating Probiotics
University of Bari Aldo Moro, 2025
Microcapsules containing probiotic strains that can withstand the stresses of food preparation and storage, including high temperatures, pH variations, and digestive enzymes. The microcapsules incorporate a polymer shell that protects the probiotic microorganisms while maintaining their viability. The polymer shell is comprised of a copolymer of methacrylic acid and alginic acid, with a prebiotic component. This formulation enables the probiotics to colonize the intestinal environment without compromising their activity, making it ideal for food products that require probiotic preservation during processing.
2. Method for Preparing Porous Starch with Nanoscale Pores via Ultrasonic Gelatinization, Ethanol Precipitation, and Convective Drying
UNIV ZHEJIANG, 2024
A method for preparing porous starch (PS) with controlled pore size and morphology for encapsulating probiotics. The method involves combining ultrasonic gelatinization, ethanol precipitation, and convective drying to form PS with nanoscale pores. The PS is then used to encapsulate probiotics through adsorption, with the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio controlling pore size. The encapsulated probiotics exhibit improved retention rates under various environmental conditions.
3. Ultrasonically Gelatinized Porous Starch with Tunable Pore Size via Linear-Branch Ratio Adjustment
ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 2024
Preparing porous starch with controllable pore size for encapsulating probiotics. The method involves ultrasonic gelatinization of a composite starch with a specific linear-branch ratio, alcohol precipitation, air drying, and convection drying to form porous starch with pore sizes from 1 to 1000 nm. The pore size can be tuned by adjusting the linear-branch starch ratio. The porous starch with nanoscale pores is used to encapsulate probiotics. The micro-gelatinization environment improves retention of the probiotics inside the starch shell.
4. The development of microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria and its application on yoghurt powder products
Vega Yoesepa Pamela, Fitria Riany Eris, Septariawulan Kusumasari - Rynnye Lyan Resources, 2024
The probiotics were susceptible to damage in commercial starters due to improper environmental conditions. In this study, the encapsulation technique was applied to improve probiotics survival using alginate, inulin (commercial and beneng taro-source), skim milk and their combination; which is prepared by the extrusion method. The survival of encapsulated probiotics in adverse environmental conditions was investigated by exposing them to low pH and heat stress. The encapsulation yield and diameter of the encapsulated probiotics were also measured before their application to yoghurt powder. Both heat stress and pH 2 resulted in the decrease of the number of viable free cells and viable encapsulated cells by about 5 log cycles and 3 log cycles, respectively. The encapsulation yield was >98% in all treatments and the diameter of probiotics was increased significantly around >2.5 mm by the encapsulation method. The viability of the encapsulated probiotic cell was decreased 1 log cycle after applying in powdered yoghurt while without encapsulation the cell count was much lower. Thus... Read More
5. Heat-Treated Beverage with Encapsulated Probiotics in Denatured Protein-Coated Microparticles
ANABIO TECH LTD, 2024
Shelf-stable, heat-treated beverage containing encapsulated probiotics that can be stored at ambient temperatures for extended periods without spoilage. The beverage contains microparticles with live probiotics encapsulated within. The microparticles are made by coating a core of sub-microparticles containing the probiotics with denatured protein using a fluidized bed process. This prevents leakage and degradation of the probiotics during heat treatment and storage. The encapsulated probiotics survive UHT processing and maintain viability for 24 months at room temperature.
6. Effect of Encapsulation of <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> in Alginate–Tapioca Flour Microspheres Coated with Different Biopolymers on the Viability of Probiotic Bacteria
Anna Łętocha, Alicja Michalczyk, Małgorzata Miastkowska - American Chemical Society (ACS), 2024
To realize the health benefits of probiotic bacteria, they must withstand processing and storage conditions and remain viable after use. The encapsulation of these probiotics in the form of microspheres containing tapioca flour as a prebiotic and vehicle component in their structure or shell affords symbiotic effects that improve the survival of probiotics under unfavorable conditions. Microencapsulation is one such method that has proven to be effective in protecting probiotics from adverse conditions while maintaining their viability and functionality. The aim of the work was to obtain high-quality microspheres that can act as carriers of
7. Encapsulation Matrices
Jennifer Burgain, Joël Scher, Claire Gaïani - Wiley, 2024
The selection of the encapsulation matrix is a preliminary stage that requires a rigorous methodological approach. Microencapsulation is the technique of choice for preserving the vitality of probiotic bacteria. Nowadays, the use of prebiotics, starch, gelatin and milk proteins as encapsulation matrices offers greater functionality. These components not only protect bacteria during food processing and storage, as well as gastrointestinal conditions, but also have their own health benefits. Knowledge of the adhesion phenomena between bacteria and the materials used for encapsulation is fundamental to understanding the structuring of matter. A better understanding of encapsulation mechanisms (process and formulation) and bacteriamatrix interactions will enable us to optimize the protection of probiotic bacteria in order to preserve their vitality and vectorize them to their site of action, where they will be able to exert their beneficial effect.
8. Capsule with Enteric-Coated Multi-Nutrient Microspheres in Hydrogel Matrix and Laser-Punched Shell
SHANDONG RIENTECH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
A diet-reducing capsule containing multi-nutrient microspheres for weight loss and nutritional supplementation. The capsule comprises microspheres encapsulating probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, which are protected from gastric acid and bile salts by an enteric coating. The microspheres are attached to a hydrogel matrix that provides a stable environment for nutrient release. The capsule shell is modified with laser-punched holes to accelerate gastric juice dissolution and timed nutrient release. The capsule promotes satiety, supports gut health, and provides essential nutrients for weight management.
9. Microcapsules with Living Microorganism Core and Solvent-Dissolvable Wall for Mechanical Release
TAGRA BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD, 2024
Microcapsules encapsulating living microorganisms, such as probiotics, for use in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications. The microcapsules comprise an inner core of microorganisms surrounded by a wall-forming material that is dissolvable in a partially water-miscible organic solvent. The microcapsules are prepared by a solvent-removal method that maintains the viability of the encapsulated microorganisms. The microcapsules can be ruptured by mechanical action, such as rubbing or pressing, to release the microorganisms.
10. Spray Drying Method for Clostridium butyricum Microcapsules with Proprietary Encapsulation Matrix
BEIJING CHALLENGE BIO-TECHNOLOGY LIMITED CO, 2024
A method for preparing Clostridium butyricum microcapsules that enhances their viability and stability during processing. The microcapsules are prepared through a novel spray drying process that incorporates a proprietary encapsulation matrix, enabling the preservation of the live bacterial cells during the drying and encapsulation steps. The encapsulation matrix protects the bacteria from environmental stressors, ensuring optimal microbial survival and product stability. This approach addresses the conventional limitations of spray drying on live bacterial preparations, enabling the production of microcapsules that can be safely and effectively applied as probiotics.
11. The Yeast-Based Probiotic Encapsulation Scenario: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wemerson de Castro Oliveira, Leandro Paes de Brito, Edson Antônio Gonçalves de Souza - MDPI AG, 2024
One of the biggest challenges in the food industry is the incorporation of probiotics into food products while maintaining their properties, both in the processing phases and in the gastrointestinal tract. The production of this type of functional food, which has been used to prevent and/or help in the treatment of some diseases, needs improvements at the technological and economic levels. This review provides a comprehensive view of the main techniques used to encapsulate probiotic yeasts and analyzes the main variables involved in the industrial process. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out, considering the most current technical recommendations for this type of study, as well as the standardized criteria for the eligibility of articles. From a total of 1269 initial articles, only 14 complete articles, published in high-impact journals over the years 2013 to 2019 and focused on in vitro assays with probiotic yeasts, were considered in the analysis performed. In general, microencapsulation was efficient in maintaining yeast survival after gastrointestinal tests, vi... Read More
12. Microencapsulation System with Oil and Solidifying Lipid Layers for Sensitive Material Protection
MELLO APS, 2024
Microencapsulating sensitive materials like probiotics to safely and efficiently deliver them to target locations like the gut. The encapsulation involves a core material like probiotics surrounded by an oil layer and then a solidifying lipid layer. The core is suspended in oil, then contact with molten lipid to form a solid shell. This provides a stable, tolerant microcapsule for delivering sensitive materials like probiotics through harsh conditions like stomach acid and moisture. The capsules have high viability and retention of the core material after storage and distribution.
13. Encapsulation of Probiotics within Double/Multiple Layer Beads/Carriers: A Concise Review
Sofia Agriopoulou, Slim Smaoui, Moufida Chaari - MDPI AG, 2024
An increased demand for natural products nowadays most specifically probiotics (PROs) is evident since it comes in conjunction with beneficial health effects for consumers. In this regard, it is well known that encapsulation could positively affect the PROs' viability throughout food manufacturing and long-term storage. This paper aims to analyze and review various double/multilayer strategies for encapsulation of PROs. Double-layer encapsulation of PROs by electrohydrodynamic atomization or electrospraying technology has been reported along with layer-by-layer assembly and water-in-oil-in-water (W
14. The encapsulation strategy to improve the survival of probiotics for food application: From rough multicellular to single-cell surface engineering and microbial mediation
Yongkai Yuan, Yin Ming, Qixiao Zhai - Informa UK Limited, 2024
The application of probiotics is limited by the loss of survival due to food processing, storage, and gastrointestinal tract. Encapsulation is a key technology for overcoming these challenges. The review focuses on the latest progress in probiotic encapsulation since 2020, especially precision engineering on microbial surfaces and microbial-mediated role. Currently, the encapsulation materials include polysaccharides and proteins, followed by lipids, which is a traditional mainstream trend, while novel plant extracts and polyphenols are on the rise. Other natural materials and processing by-products are also involved. The encapsulation types are divided into rough multicellular encapsulation, precise single-cell encapsulation, and microbial-mediated encapsulation. Recent emerging techniques include cryomilling, 3D printing, spray-drying with a three-fluid coaxial nozzle, and microfluidic. Encapsulated probiotics applied in food is an upward trend in which "classic probiotic foods" (yogurt, cheese, butter, chocolate, etc.) are dominated, supplemented by "novel probiotic foods" (tea, p... Read More
15. Biotechnological Approach of Technological Advancements for Sustainable Probiotic Bread Production
Ewa Pejcz - MDPI AG, 2024
The pursuit of probiotic-enriched bread, driven by the dual objectives of enhancing nutritional value and promoting health while ensuring sustainability, has spurred significant research and technological advancements. However, a persistent challenge lies in preserving the viability of microorganisms throughout the rigorous processes of production, storage, and exposure to the stomachs acidic environment. This study investigates biotechnological innovations for sustainable probiotic bread production, conducting a thorough review of probiotic encapsulation methods and analyzing prior research on the viability of encapsulated probiotics in bread across different baking conditions and storage periods. Encapsulation emerges as a promising strategy, involving the protection of microorganisms with specialized layers, notably multilayered alginate-chitosan coatings, to shield them from degradation. Studies suggest that encapsulated probiotics, particularly the L. casei 431 strain within smaller-sized products subjected to shorter baking times, exhibit minimal viability reduction. Moreover,... Read More
16. Probiotic Granule with Hydrophobic Solid Dispersion Coating Containing Water-Soluble Polymeric Stress Absorber
AMD PHARMA LTD, 2024
A probiotic granule comprising a core of probiotic bacteria coated with a single continuous layer of a hydrophobic solid dispersion containing a water-soluble polymeric stress absorber. The stress absorber is dispersed within a hydrophobic solid component such as fat, wax, or fatty acid, and provides mechanical protection and controlled dissolution of the granule. The granule enables prolonged survival of the probiotics during storage and passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and can be used in a variety of food products.
17. Calcium Carbonate Encapsulation Method for Probiotics with Bile-Responsive Conversion to Hydroxyapatite
KOREA MARITIME UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, 2024
Encapsulating probiotics using calcium carbonate to improve intestinal reach, stability during freeze-drying, and storage stability. The method involves encapsulating probiotics with calcium carbonate, freeze-drying the encapsulated probiotics, and then powdering the resulting calcium carbonate-encapsulated probiotic powder. The calcium carbonate reacts with bile in the intestines, converting to hydroxyapatite, aiding probiotic survival. The encapsulation prevents degradation during stomach acid and freeze-drying.
18. Viability of Free and Alginate–Carrageenan Gum Coated <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> and <i>Lacticaseibacillus casei</i> in Functional Cottage Cheese
Muhammad Saeed, Rehana Khanam, Hammad Hafeez - American Chemical Society (ACS), 2024
The survivability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated probiotics consisting of
19. The Microcapsule Based on the Maillard Reaction Product from Spray Drying to Deliver Probiotics
Miaoshu Wang - Warwick Evans Publishing, 2024
The physical fitness improving capacity of probiotics has been proved to be valid but easy to degrade when exposed to the environment of processing, storage, and human gastrointestinal tract. A series of research have shown that the microcapsule embedding technology or coating technology with certain Maillard Reaction products (MRPs) as the wall material has the potential to improve the delivery condition, protect the probiotic supplements and helping the ideal expressing of probiotics in the gastrointestinal environment. This article explores the tactics that enforce microencapsulation of probiotics with microcapsule, which uses MRPs as wall material. The action mechanism of probiotics in microcapsule and the potential embedding techniques to develop the probiotic delivery systems will also be covered in this essay. However, the action mechanism of microcapsule-probiotic system taken place in vivo tract is still hot topic considering the studies performed through vitro strategy are not forcible enough considering the exogenous factors that cannot be tested.
20. Delivery of Probiotics with Cellulose-Based Films and Their Food Applications
Ying Yang, J. W. Zhang, Chengcheng Li - MDPI AG, 2024
Probiotics have attracted great interest from many researchers due to their beneficial effects. Encapsulation of probiotics into biopolymer matrices has led to the development of active food packaging materials as an alternative to traditional ones for controlling food-borne microorganisms, extending food shelf life, improving food safety, and achieving health-promoting effects. The challenges of low survival rates during processing, storage, and delivery to the gut and low intestinal colonization, storage stability, and controllability have greatly limited the use of probiotics in practical food-preservation applications. The encapsulation of probiotics with a protective matrix can increase their resistance to a harsh environment and improve their survival rates, making probiotics appropriate in the food packaging field. Cellulose has attracted extensive attention in food packaging due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmental friendliness, renewability, and excellent mechanical strength. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the main types of cellu... Read More
Get Full Report
Access our comprehensive collection of 109 documents related to this technology