Effect of Cellulose–Chitosan Hybrid-Based Encapsulation on the Viability and Stability of Probiotics under Simulated Gastric Transit and in Kefir

Abstract

Encapsulation comprises a promising potential for the targeted delivery of entrapped sensitive agents into the food system. A unique combination of cellulose/chitosan (Cl-Ch)-based hybrid wall material was employed to encapsulate L. plantarum by emulsion technique. The developed beads were further subjected to morphological and in vitro studies. The viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was also evaluated in kefir during storage. The developed beads presented porous spherical structures with a rough surface. A 1.58 ± 0.02 log CFU/mL, 1.26 ± 0.01 log CFU/mL, and 1.82 ± 0.01 log CFU/mL reduction were noticed for Cl-Ch hybrid cells under simulated gastro-intestinal and thermal conditions, respectively. The encapsulated cells were found to be acidic and thermally resistant compared to the free cells. Similarly, encapsulated probiotics showed better viability in kefir at the end of the storage period compared to free cells. In short, the newly developed Cl-Ch hybrid-based encapsulation has a promising potential for the targeted delivery of probiotics, as career agents, in gastric transit, and in foods.

The Effect of Encapsulating a Prebiotic-Based Biopolymer Delivery System for Enhanced Probiotic Survival

“…Encapsulated bacteria survival level in Alg/BC and Alg-PUL/BC coatings after exposure to SDF for 2 h was 69% and 90%, respectively. In comparison, in a study by Afzaal et al [ 34 ], where cellulose and chitosan were used as wall materials to encapsulate L. plantarum , the cell survivability reached 86% after exposure to bile conditions.…”

“…Although the ultimate model for determining the functional effectiveness of capsules is a human organism, this “model” has ethical limitations. Therefore, in most such studies, an “artificial GI tract” system is used, simulating the physicochemical conditions of the main parts of the digestive system: stomach and the small and large intestines [ 11 , 12 , 31 , 34 , 35 ]. This is usually a buffer in which the pH value characteristic of a particular department is maintained and various digestive enzymes are added.…”

“…According to some reports, capsules have been decapsulated using citrate and phosphate buffers [ 37 ]. In studies, where cellulose was a part of the encapsulation system, peptone water solution, phosphate buffer, and mixing were used to decapsulate beads [ 31 , 34 , 35 ]. In our research, capsules have not been able to disintegrate in these solutions.…”

“…Studies where cellulose was a part of the encapsulation system demonstrated that the survivability of bacteria cells was around 83–91% [ 31 , 34 ]. A decrease in cell titer after incubation in SGF was also observed in capsules made of other polymers such as soy protein isolate, poly-L-lysine, or isomalto-oligosaccharide [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Virulence regulation of Zn2+ uptake system znuABC on mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida SRW-OG1

“…Afterwards, the blood agar plates were cultured at 37°C for 12 h with the front side up. Finally, whether there was a hemolytic circle was observed and the diameter of the hemolytic circle was measured ( 49 ). Three independent biological replicates were performed for each strain.…”