Probiotic encapsulation systems must navigate multiple physiological barriers to deliver viable microorganisms to target intestinal regions. Current single-layer technologies exhibit survival rates below 40% after exposure to gastric conditions (pH 1.5-3.5) for 120 minutes, with viability further decreasing to 10-15% during shelf storage at ambient temperatures. The physico-chemical complexity of the gastrointestinal environment—with its pH gradients, enzymatic activity, and varying transit times—demands sophisticated protection mechanisms.

The central challenge lies in developing encapsulation architectures that shield probiotics from manufacturing stresses, storage conditions, and gastric acid while ensuring precise dissolution at target intestinal sites without compromising the functional properties of the microorganisms.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dual-charged layered coatings with mesoporous cores, methacrylic acid-alginic acid copolymer shells, capsule-in-capsule systems with gellan gum inner components, and chitosan-iron coated synbiotic microcapsules. These and other approaches demonstrate how strategic material selection and multilayer architecture design can dramatically improve probiotic viability while enabling precise control over release kinetics throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

1. Monodisperse Mesoporous Silica Core Nanoparticles with Dual-Charged Layered Coating

UNM RAINFOREST INNOVATIONS, 2025

Lipid coated nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery with improved stability and efficacy in vivo. The nanoparticles have a monodisperse size and comprise a mesoporous silica core, a positively charged inner layer, and an outer negatively charged lipid bilayer. The inner layer has cationic groups for stability and the outer layer has anions for targeting and fusion. The lipid coating provides stability and targeted binding. The nanoparticles can contain therapeutic agents like drugs, DNA, or proteins loaded in the core or bilayer for targeted release.

2. Microcapsules with Methacrylic Acid-Alginic Acid Copolymer Shell Encapsulating Probiotic Strains

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.

3. Nanocoating of lactic acid bacteria: properties, protection mechanisms, and future trends

Qing Fan, Xiaoqun Zeng, Zhen Wu - Informa UK Limited, 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a type of probiotic that may benefit intestinal health. Recent advances in nanoencapsulation provide an effective strategy to protect them from harsh conditions via surface functionalization coating techniques. Herein, the categories and features of applicable encapsulation methods are compared to highlight the significant role of nanoencapsulation. Commonly used food-grade biopolymers (polysaccharides and protein) and nanomaterials (nanocellulose and starch nanoparticles) are summarized along with their characteristics and advances to demonstrate enhanced combination effects in LAB co-encapsulation. Nanocoating for LAB provides an integrity dense or smooth layer attributed to the cross-linking and assembly of the protectant. The synergism of multiple chemical forces allows for the formation of subtle coatings, including electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic interactions, , and metallic bonds. Multilayer shells have stable physical transition properties that could increase the space between the probiotic cells and the outer environment, thus delaying... Read More

4. 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.

5. Capsule-in-Capsule System with Gellan Gum-Based Inner Capsule and HPMC Outer Capsule

LONZA GREENWOOD LLC, 2024

A method for delivering active substances to the lower intestines of a mammal, comprising a capsule-in-capsule configuration where an acid-resistant inner capsule containing the active substance is encapsulated within an outer capsule. The inner capsule is prepared from a composition comprising gellan gum and a water-soluble film-forming polymer, with a gellan gum-to-polymer weight ratio of 4-15 parts per 100 parts of polymer. The outer capsule is prepared from a thermogelled HPMC composition or an acid-resistant HPMC composition. The capsule-in-capsule configuration enables targeted delivery of the active substance to the lower intestines, with a release amount 10-50 times greater than a single acid-resistant capsule.

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6. Microencapsulation Structure with Core-Oil-Lipid Layer Configuration 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.

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7. Microcapsules with Three-Layer Structure for Intestinal Release of Probiotics

INNER MONGOLIA YILI IND GROUP, 2024

Intestinal directional release microcapsules for delivering probiotics to the small intestine for improved efficacy. The microcapsules are designed to protect probiotics from stomach acid and release them in the intestines. They have a three-layer structure with an inner core of probiotics, an intermediate layer that dissolves in intestinal pH, and an outer layer that protects against stomach acid. The microcapsules can be added to foods like yogurt, milk tea, or acidic beverages.

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8. 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

9. Probiotic Microsphere with Synbiotic Core and Dual-Resistant Shell Layers

NANO & ADVANCED MATERIALS INST LTD, 2024

A heat and acid resistant probiotics microsphere for delivering live probiotics in thermally processed foods and beverages. The microsphere comprises a synbiotic core with a seed layer, probiotic microorganism, and binder, surrounded by an acid-resistant shell layer and a heat-resistant bilayer shell. The shell layers are designed to protect the probiotics from both high temperatures during processing and the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract, enabling the delivery of live probiotics in a wide range of food and beverage products.

10. Microencapsulated Microbial Cultures with Non-Homogeneous Coacervate Matrix Containing Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Antioxidants

CHR HANSEN AS, 2024

Microencapsulated microbial cultures with enhanced storage stability at elevated temperatures, comprising a microbial culture entrapped in a coacervate comprising a non-homogeneous encapsulation matrix with a high ratio of matrix material to core material, wherein the matrix material includes carbohydrates, proteins, and antioxidants. The microencapsulated cultures exhibit preserved viability over extended periods of storage at temperatures up to 37°C, enabling applications in products where refrigerated storage is not feasible.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. Chitosan-Iron Coated Synbiotic Microcapsule with Gastric Acid Resistance and Intestinal Release

SINO-AGRI PET NUTRITION RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2024

A chitosan-Fe coating-based synbiotic microcapsule with gastric acid resistance and intestinal targeted release, prepared by encapsulating a mixed probiotic-prebiotic core material with a chitosan-Fe solution and freeze-drying protective agent. The microcapsule exhibits improved probiotic survival and intestinal targeting, overcoming limitations of conventional microencapsulation methods.

16. 3D Bioprinted Structure with Biocompatible Polymer Matrix and Embedded Probiotic Cells

UNIV LOUISVILLE RES FOUND INC, 2024

A 3D bioprinted probiotic delivery system for localized and sustained release of beneficial bacteria to treat bacterial infections. The system comprises a bioink containing a biocompatible polymer matrix and live probiotic cells, which are printed into a three-dimensional structure that releases the probiotics over an extended period. The system can be used to treat infections such as periodontitis and bacterial vaginosis by delivering probiotics directly to the affected site.

17. Single-cell encapsulation systems for probiotic delivery: Armor probiotics

Runan Zhao, Ting Yu, Jiaheng Li - Elsevier BV, 2024

Functional foods or drugs based on probiotics have gained unprecedented attention and development due to the increasingly clear relationship between probiotics and human health. Probiotics can regulate intestinal microbiota, dynamically participating in various physiological activities to directly affect human health. Some probiotic-based functional preparations have shown great potential in treating multiple refractory diseases. Currently, the survival and activity of probiotic cells in complex environments in vitro and in vivo have taken priority, and various encapsulation systems based on food-derived materials have been designed and constructed to protect and deliver probiotics. However, traditional encapsulation technology cannot achieve precise protection for a single probiotic, which makes it unable to have a significant effect after release. In this case, single-cell encapsulation systems can be assembled based on biological interfaces to protect and functionalize individual probiotic cells, maximizing their physiological activity. This review discussed the arduous challenges... Read More

18. Encapsulation of piROBotics 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 (PRO) is evident since it comes in conjunction with beneficial health effects for the consumers. In this regard, it is well known that encapsulation could affect positively the PRO&amp;#039;s viability throughout food manufacturing and long-term storage. This paper aims to analyze and review various multilayer strategies for encapsulation of PRO. Double-layer encapsulation of PRO by electro-hydrodynamic atomization or electrospray technology has been reported along with layer-by-layer assembly and water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsions to produce multilayer PRO-loaded carriers. Finally, their applications in food products are presented. The resistance (cover material) and viability of (PRO) to mechanical damage, during gastrointestinal transit and shelf life of these trapping systems are also described. The PRO encapsulation in double and multiple-layer coatings combined with other technologies can be examined to increase the opportunities for new functional products with amended functionalities ... Read More

19. Oral delivery of probiotics using single‐cell encapsulation

Jiaqi Han, David Julian McClements, Xuebo Liu - Wiley, 2024

Abstract Adequate intake of live probiotics is beneficial to human health and wellbeing because they can help treat or prevent a variety of health conditions. However, the viability of probiotics is reduced by the harsh environments they experience during passage through the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Consequently, the oral delivery of viable probiotics is a significant challenge. Probiotic encapsulation provides a potential solution to this problem. However, the production methods used to create conventional encapsulation technologies often damage probiotics. Moreover, the delivery systems produced often do not have the required physicochemical attributes or robustness for food applications. Singlecell encapsulation is based on forming a protective coating around a single probiotic cell. These coatings may be biofilms or biopolymer layers designed to protect the probiotic from the harsh gastrointestinal environment, enhance their colonization, and introduce additional beneficial functions. This article reviews the factors affecting the oral delivery of probiotics, analyses... Read More

20. Research advances on encapsulation of probiotics with nanomaterials and their repair mechanisms on intestinal barriers

Xiaochen Wang, Mengxi Yu, Jianming Ye - Tsinghua University Press, 2024

Probiotics participate in various physiological activities and contribute to body health. However, their viability and bioefficacy are adversely affected by gastrointestinal harsh conditions, such as gastric acid, bile salts and various enzymes. Fortunately, encapsulation based on various nanomaterials shows tremendous potential to protect probiotics. In this review, we introduced some novel encapsulation technologies involving nanomaterials in view of predesigned stability and viability, selective adhesion, smart release and colonization, and efficacy exertion of encapsulated probiotics. Furthermore, the interactions between encapsulated probiotics and the gastrointestinal tract were summarized and analyzed, with highlighting the regulatory mechanisms of encapsulated probiotics on intestinal mechanical barrier, chemical barrier, biological barrier and immune barrier. This review would benefit the food and pharmaceutical industries in preparation and utilization of multifunctional encapsulated probiotics.

21. Production of CaCO3-single-coated probiotics and evaluation of their spectroscopic properties, morphological characteristics, viability, and intestinal delivery efficiency

22. The application of encapsulation technology in the food Industry: Classifications, recent Advances, and perspectives

23. Extrusion and Co-extrusion: A Technology in Probiotic Encapsulation with Alternative Materials

24. Microencapsulation with biopolymers—current/next-generation probiotics and impact of FODMAP materials

25. Colon Targeted Delivery Dosage Forms for Probiotics: A Review

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