Abstract
This paper describes preparation and characterization of beads of alginate and psyllium containing probiotic bacteria of Lactobacillus acidophilus DMSZ20079. Twelve different formulations containing alginate (ALG) and alginate-psyllium (ALG-PSL) were prepared using extrusion technique. The prepared beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology and surface properties, encapsulation efficiency, viabilities in acid (pH 1.8, 2 hours) and bile (0.5% w/v, 2 hours) conditions, and release in simulated colon pH conditions. The results showed that spherical beads with narrow size distribution ranging from 1.59 ± 0.04 to 1.67 ± 0.09 mm for ALG and from 1.61 ± 0.06 to 1.80 ± 0.07 mm for ALG-PSL with encapsulation efficiency higher than 98% were achieved. Furthermore, addition of PSL into ALG enhanced the integrity of prepared beads in comparison with ALG formulations. The results indicated that incorporation of PSL into alginate beads improved viability of the bacteria in acidic conditions as well as bile conditions. Also, stimulating effect of PSL on the probiotic bacteria was observed through 20-hour incubation in simulated colonic pH solution. According to our in vitro studies, PSL can be a suitable polymer candidate for partial substitution with ALG for probiotic coating.
Highlights
“Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when ingested or locally applied in sufficient numbers confer one or more specified demonstrated health benefits for the host” [1]
This paper describes preparation and characterization of beads of alginate and psyllium containing probiotic bacteria of Lactobacillus acidophilus DMSZ20079
The results indicated that incorporation of PSL into alginate beads improved viability of the bacteria in acidic conditions as well as bile conditions
Summary
“Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria or yeasts), which when ingested or locally applied in sufficient numbers confer one or more specified demonstrated health benefits for the host” [1] These benefits include maintenance of normal intestinal microflora, defense against enteropathogen infections, controlling serum cholesterol levels, improving lactose utilization in persons who are lactose maldigesters by production of β-galactosidase, and possessing anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities [2,3,4]. To improve viability and stability of probiotics and efficient delivery of the cells to their active sites, various techniques have been utilized so far In this regard, encapsulation of probiotics in wide variety of polymers is the most frequently applied method that is cited in numerous studies [6]. Prebiotics is defined by Gibson and Roberfroid [14] as “non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and improves host health.”
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