Abstract
This study investigates the efficiency of starch nano-particles in comparison with native starch for encapsulation of probiotic bacterial cells (Pediococcus acidolactici). Bacterial cell-death after encapsulation, viability and bioactivity retention under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions (SGID) were studied. Encapsulation in native starch showed higher viable cells (2.65 log CFU/g) ascompared to those encapsulated in starch nano-particles (1.47 log CFU/g) (P < 0.05). The characteristic peak of free cells at 1248 cm−1 indicates the presence of Pediococcus acidolactici in capsules. The micrographs showed more coccus shaped cells at the surface of nano-starch capsules. The cells encapsulated in starch nano-particles showed no or less viability upon their transit through SGID conditions, whereas native starch released cells slowly with 5.03 log CFU/g reaching intestinal phase. Starch nano-particles could not offer thermal protection to cells at high temperature-high time treatment. Further, free cells did not retain their bioactivity under SGID conditions, however enhanced bioactivity was observed upon encapsulation. The results indicate that starch nano-particles may not be suitable for encapsulation of probiotics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
