Select a protective agent for encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum

Abstract

Five carbohydrates were applied as protective agents for encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum FT 35 which produced high acid and had ability to inhibit some pathogenic bacteria. They had glass transition temperatures in ascending order from glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltodextrin to soluble starch. The soluble starch demonstrated the best protection to cell during drying process and storage. The accretion of soluble starch higher than 2.5% in feed-in mixture for spray drying exhibited the increase in the viscosity of mixtures and the particle size of products. These products contained less number of viable cells and higher cell injury. The encapsulated products with 2.5% soluble starch exhibited a better storage stability than those with 1.5%. The encapsulated product was applied as a co-starter in pla-som fermentation without additional of carbon sources and also demonstrated fast acid production. The fermentation with encapsulated products displayed better inhibitory effect on inoculated pathogenic bacteria than indigenous fermentation. The soluble starch serves as a protective agent for encapsulated culture and also a good carbon source for lactic acid bacteria in the fermentation of pla-som.