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The rise of antibiotic resistant strains, as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), challenges the current treatment of infections. In the case of ocular infections, antibiotic eye drops are commonly prescribed. However, their efficacy is usually compromised by the low viscosity of these formulations and the eye drainage. To overcome these drawbacks, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based microemulsions with thermo-responsive character, that increase their viscosity upon contact with the eye have been developed. Using betaine-based DES aqueous solutions, it is possible to increase up to 140-fold the water solubility of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, typically used in ocular infections. The DES solutions containing the antibiotic are applied as water phases in water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) microemulsions, being stable up to 3 months. Furthermore, a sustained-release and a higher permeation of the antibiotic through the cornea than that of commercialized eye drops is achieved, while presenting comparable cytotoxicity profiles (cell viabilities > 88%). Higher antimicrobial activity and faster action of the antibiotic in case of infection with MRSA is observed compared to the commercialized formulations (7 log10 of inactivation in 48 h vs 72 h). Overall, these microemulsions comprising DES are a promising strategy to achieve higher antibiotic effectiveness in the treatment of resistant bacterial infections.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has several functions such as barrier against external agents, the maintenance of temperature and homeostatic functions. Skin ageing is a natural process that can be influenced by environmental factors, intrinsic skin factors and lifestyle. UV light plays an important role in skin ageing and can cause spots, requiring the use of depigmenting agents. Nowadays, there is a great demand for ingredients that prevent skin ageing, with natural agents occupying a promising position. Among the natural agents, polyphenols, such as resveratrol and piceatannol, found in grapes, passion fruits and other fruits, have a huge relevance. Great benefits of piceatannol have been reported, so thus, this work focuses specifically on a review of the literature regarding the application of this polyphenol in skin care products. This polyphenol can be used in a wound-healing, or as anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-acne and skin whitening, among other effects.

Standard cancer therapies sometimes fail to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to tumor cells in a safe and effective manner. Nanotechnology takes the lead in providing new therapeutic options for cancer due to major potential for selective targeting and controlled drug release. Antibodies and antibody fragments are attracting much attention as a source of targeting ligands to bind specific receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cells. Therefore, researchers are devoting time and effort to develop targeting strategies based on nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies, which hold great promise to enhance therapeutic efficacy and circumvent severe side effects. Several methods have been described to immobilize antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles. However, selecting the most appropriate for each application is challenging but also imperative to preserve antigen binding ability and yield stable antibody-conjugated nanoparticles. From this perspective, we aim to provide considerable knowledge on the most widely used methods of functionalization that can be helpful for decision-making and design of conjugation protocols as well. This review summarizes adsorption, covalent conjugation (carbodiimide, maleimide and “click” chemistries) and biotin-avidin interaction, while discussing the advantages, limitations and relevant therapeutic approaches currently under investigation.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the access of therapeutic agents to the brain, complicating the treatment of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), glioma, etc. To overcome this limitation and improve drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS), the potential of nanocarriers, including lipid-based nanosystems, has been explored. Through active targeting, the surface of the nanocarriers can be modified with ligands that interact with the BBB, enhancing their uptake and penetration across the brain endothelium by different physiological mechanisms, such as receptor- or transporter-mediated transcytosis. This review seeks to provide an overview of active targeting in brain delivery, while highlighting the potential of functionalized lipid nanocarriers to treat brain diseases. Therefore, in the first sections, we discuss the importance of active targeting in CNS drug delivery, present the different ligands commonly used for functionalization, as well as summarize the state of the art of the most recent and relevant studies of surface-modified lipid nanosystems developed for neurological disorders. Lastly, challenges hindering clinical translation are discussed, and critical insights and future perspectives outlined. Although some limitations have been identified, it is expected that in the upcoming years these nanosystems will be an established approach.

Portuguese gypsum deposits utilized by the cement industry were characterized mineralogically, chemically and technologically for possible application in dermocosmetics. The deposits studied (Loulé, Óbidos and Soure) correspond to small outcrops in diapiric anticline areas. In principle, they represent gypsites which are white, and generally of higher quality for traditional applications (e.g.white cement), or greyish, and generally not adequate for cements and mortars. The analytical methods used to characterize the materials were wet sieving and X-ray sedimentation, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and assessment of abrasiveness, plasticity, texturometrics (adhesivity and firmness), oil absorption and cooling rate. The Óbidos gypsum displayed greater mineralogical and chemical quality (almost pure calcium sulfate) and had a finer grain size (

Epileptic seizures and anxiety crisis are severe conditions that require fast and effective treatment, targeting the brain. Current emergency antiepiletics and anxiolytics have limited brain bioavailability, following oral, intravenous or rectal administration. This relates with the limited extent at which these drugs bypass the blood brain barrier (BBB). Thereby, the development of strategies that significantly improve the brain bioavailability of these drugs, along with a simple and safe administration by patients, attenuating and/or preventing epileptic seizures or anxiety crisis, are still a major need. In this respect, the nasal/intranasal route has been suggested as a promising strategy for drug targeting to the brain, thus avoiding the BBB. Besides, the use of lipid-based nanosystems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), liposomes, nanoemulsions and microemulsions, have been demonstrating high efficiency for nose-to-brain transport. This review highlights the potential of using lipid-based nanosystems in the management of epilepsy and anxiety, by means of the nasal/intranasal route. So far, the reported studies have shown promising results, being required more in vivo experiments to further advance for clinical trials. Furthermore, toxicological concerns related to the need of evaluate the impairment on the mucociliary clearance mechanism have been pointed.

Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is the systemic manifestation of fat emboli in the circulation-a rare and potentially lethal complication of trauma, seen mostly after long bone fractures. Hypoxia is the most common and earliest feature of FES, followed by Central Nervous System manifestations. Other than supportive treatment, no exclusive and defined treatment approach has yet been identified. In the ICU, there has been an increased use of High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen (HFNC) in situations of acute respiratory failure. In the case under analysis, respiratory failure with hypoxemia occurs in a young patient with risk factors for fat pulmonary embolism, who responded well to supportive care.

Since remote times, some minerals have been used in medicines and cosmetics, alone or in mixtures. The advantage of minerals in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is the fact that they are natural and that in adequate proportions they are harmless. On the one hand, some minerals are used as active substances or ingredients in pharmaceuticals; examples and their specific roles are reported and discussed. Also, some minerals are used as excipients in pharmaceutical preparations to enhance their organoleptic characteristics, to improve their physicochemical properties, and to facilitate the elaboration, conservation, and liberation of the active ingredient inside the organism. On the other hand, some minerals are used in cosmetics as active ingredients and excipients. At last the chapter provides information about the guidelines relative to elements and minerals that as impurities could be present in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as well as about cosmetic microbiology and antimicrobial protection.

The ability of some hydrogels to exhibit a phase transition or change their structure in response to stimuli has been extensively explored for drug depot formation and controlled drug release. Taking advantage of the unique features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) or externally applied triggers, several injectable stimuli-responsive hydrogels have been described as promising candidates for intratumoral drug delivery. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the TME and highlight the advantages of intratumoral administration, followed by a summary of the reported strategies to endow hydrogels with responsiveness to physical (temperature and light), chemical (pH and redox potential), or biological (enzyme) stimuli.

This study aims to design and characterize Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and Nanostructured lipid carrier-based hydrogels with Passiflora edulis seeds oil, a by-product from Madeira Island food industry. NLC were prepared by the ultrasonication technique, using passion fruit seeds oil as a liquid lipid and glyceryl distearate as a solid lipid. These NLC were then gelled with Poly (acrylic acid). Long-term stability studies were conducted with NLC and NLC-based hydrogels stored for 12 months. The following tests were performed: morphology, encapsulation efficiency, particle size analysis, polydispersity index analysis, zeta potential, pH measurement, color analysis, viscosity studies, texture analysis, in vitro occlusion test, ex vivo skin penetration study, tyrosinase inhibition activity, in vitro skin permeation experiments and in vitro cytotoxicity studies. The developed NLC had spherical shape and narrow particle sizes distribution with mean sizes in the range of 150 nm and PDI below 0.3, Zeta potential values around −30 mV and high Encapsulation efficiency. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity and skin retention of the nanoparticles was superior to that of the non-encapsulated oil. The developed formulations did not show cytotoxicity towards HaCat cells and presented suitable viscosity and texture properties for skin application, proving to be good candidates as depigmenting agent.

Background Current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are challenging, due to the absence of full effective medicines. One of the major problems associated to these is the occurrence of non-targeting events, which leads to adverse effects and requires frequent dose administration. Methods Researches have been performed to develop new drug delivery systems administrated by alternative routes. For example, the direct nose-to-brain delivery of drugs by means of lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), have been showing promising results. Results Among the advantages of intranasal administration is the avoidance of passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the central nervous system (CNS), allowing the direct delivery of drugs to the brain by a non-invasive way, minimizing systemic exposure and prolonging residence time. This review article discusses the advantages of using SLN and NLC for direct nose-to-brain drug delivery. A brief reference to other lipid-based carriers (liposomes, nanoemulsions and microemulsions) is also provided. Conclusion The benefits of using SLN and NLC for improve nasal drug delivery have been demonstrated by in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments. However, more in vivo animal studies are needed for advance to human clinical trials and reach clinics.

We propose a novel alginate-based hydrogel as an alternative to the traditional EEG electrolytic gels. The new product is injected into the electrode cap cavities in the form of a viscous liquid, just like a commercial electrolytic gel, but it forms a solid and homogeneous hydrogel shortly after application. The solid hydrogel substantially reduces the risks of gel leaking from the electrode cavities and it showed first evidence of enabling a faster and easier cleaning of the scalp after the recording procedure, when compared to electrolytic gels. The electrochemical studies prove the proposed hydrogels to be applicable for bioelectric signal acquisition. Moreover, in-vivo EEG tests show no considerable differences between signals acquired with the hydrogel and the commercial electrolytic gel during the same signal acquisition, in terms of amplitude, signal shape, power spectral density and signal-to-noise ratio. In conclusion, the proposed hydrogels enhance the applicability and reliability of EEG by reducing gel running risks and simplifying the cleaning after the exam, as evidenced by the performed cleaning tests.

A novel quasi-dry electrode prototype, based on a polymer wick structure filled with a specially designed hydrating solution is proposed for electroencephalography (EEG) applications. The new electrode does not require the use of a conventional electrolyte paste to achieve a wet, low-impedance scalp contact. When compared to standard commercial Ag/AgCl sensors, the proposed wick electrodes exhibit similar electrochemical noise and potential drift values. Lower impedances are observed when tested in human volunteers due to more effective electrode/skin contact. Furthermore, the electrodes exhibit an excellent autonomy, displaying an average interfacial impedance of 37±11 kΩ cm2 for 7 h of skin contact. After performing bipolar EEG trials in human volunteers, no substantial differences are evident in terms of shape, amplitude and spectral characteristics between signals of wick and commercial wet electrodes. Thus, the wick electrodes can be considered suitable to be used for rapid EEG applications (electrodes can be prepared without the presence of the patient) without the traditional electrolyte paste. The main advantages of these novel electrodes over the Ag/AgCl system are their low and stable impedance (obtained without conventional paste), long autonomy, comfort, lack of dirtying or damaging of the hair and because only a minimal cleaning procedure is required after the exam., P. Fiedler and J. Haueisen acknowledge financial support by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (03IPT605A) and the Free State of Thuringia by funds of the European Social Fund (2015FGR0085). P. Fiedler, P. Pedrosa, H. Gaspar, B. Vasconcelos, C. Fonseca, and J. Haueisen acknowledge financial support by the German Academic Exchange Service (D/57036536). C. Fonseca acknowledges funds from FCT Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, project PTDC/SAU-ENB/116850/2010, and J. M. Nobrega acknowledges FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through FCT under project UID/CTM/50025/2013. P. Pedrosa, P. Fiedler, B. Vasconcelos, J. Haueisen and C. Fonseca acknowledge financial support by the Seventh Framework Programme, (Grant / Award Number: 'IAPP-610950')., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have been studied for over 20 years, constituting the second generation of lipid nanoparticles. These nanosystems were introduced to overcome the drawbacks of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Passion fruit seeds oil have a high antioxidant potential and also skin whitening properties. The objectives of this work were to prepare NLC by two methods (ultrasonication and High pressure homogenization) using different solid lipids (Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Dibehenate and Cetyl Palmitate) and passion fruit seeds oil as liquid lipid. The nanoparticles prepared with glyceryl distearate, using the ultrasonication method showed better characteristics, since these nanosystems presented smaller particle sizes and polydispersity index, and higher zeta potential. Besides that, these nanoparticles showed a high occlusion factor and non-irritant potential in HET-CAM assay. Based on the results obtained, it may be suggested that the prepared NLCs can be applied to the face, since they did not cause any irritation, and represent a potential strategy for further use in topical formulations with antioxidant activity.

Passion fruit oil has been used on the skin as a moisturizer, antioxidant, and depigmenting, due to its high content of polyphenols. The objective of this work was to evaluate different methods of preparation of microemulsions containing passion fruit seeds oil. For this, we used sonication and high pressure homogenization (HPH) methods under different conditions. In order to characterize the microemulsions, accelerated stability tests, pH, and internal phase droplets size measurements were performed. Then, a double face hydrophilic and lipophilic stick was prepared from the microemulsion chosen and characterized according to their hardness and coloration. The results showed that the microemulsion did not change its internal phase droplets size throughout the study. The stick hydrophilic face had lower hardness and showed less color change than lipophilic face. This study showed that it is possible to develop sticks from microemulsions containing passion fruit seeds oil with good stability characteristics.

It has been reported that the antioxidant activity of the passion fruit seeds oil is comparable to that of ascorbic acid, due to a high content of polyphenols such as stilbenes. The aim of this study was to use the residues from the Madeira Island food industry to produce passion fruit seed extracts by Soxhlet and Ultrasound methods, using acetone and ethanol, in order to determine the presence of stilbenes (piceatannol and resveratrol) by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extracts obtained by the ultrasound method showed high piceatannol and resveratrol content, while the extracts produced by Soxhlet and the commercial oil showed none of these stilbenes. These results suggest that passion fruit oil from Madeira Island can be used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry because of its potential to reduce oxidative stress (ROS).

Lipid-based nanosystems, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsions (NE) have been described as promising alternatives to conventional formulations for increase skin hydration. Besides, these systems have been used as efficient vehicles for lipophilic molecules that improve skin properties (e.g. vitamin E). In this study, we performed comparative investigations between hydrogels formulations containing vitamin E-loaded NLC (HG-NLCVE) and vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsion (HG-NEVE). The experiments started with particle size measurements, which showed no significant differences between nanoparticles/nanodroplets sizes after incorporation in the hydrogel net (386 nm vs. 397 nm for HG-NLCVE and 402 nm vs. 514 nm for HG-NEVE). Afterwards, in vitro biocompatibility studies in human keratinocytes were carried out, being observed that the lipid-based nanosystems were more cytotoxic for the cells before incorporation in the hydrogel. Finally, the formulations hydration potential and sensory attributes for skin application were evaluated by in vitro occlusion tests and in vivo human experiments. The results showed that the HG-NLCVE exhibited the best occlusive properties, whereas the HG-NEVE performed a faster skin hydration effect. Furthermore, the latter was selected as the most attractive for skin application, although the HG-NLCVE was described as more suitable to obtain a long-lasting effect. This study demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo safety and hydration potential of hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded lipid-based nanosystems. These results establish a basis to assess the cutaneous use of these systems, despite more in vivo experiments, for longer periods and in more volunteers, are required before commercialization.

A sustentabilidade pode ser entendida como a convivência harmoniosa do homem com a natureza. O objetivo do presente estudo é identificar como uma empresa pode crescer em termos econômicos adotando práticas de sustentabilidade. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto, o trabalho tem como finalidade analisar a responsabilidade dos indivíduos e das organizações ao que se refere à preservação do meio ambiente. As organizações têm como desafio encontrar soluções para ajustar crescimento as possibilidades de produção da natureza, e estabelecer critérios e parâmetros adequados para atender práticas de responsabilidade social, contribuindo assim, para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e igualitária. O desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias, e novos processos que permitem um crescimento econômico com utilização de menos matéria-prima e a redução de recursos naturais beneficiam o meio ambiente e atrai a atenção do consumidor, o qual opta por empresas ambientalmente corretas. Os resultados do estudo apontam que, os investimentos em práticas sustentáveis proporcionam credibilidade para as organizações diante de seus stakerholders e retornam para a organização através de vantagem competitiva, evidenciados pela Empresa citada no estudo de caso, que compatibiliza crescimento econômico e sustentabilidade, através da inovação em seus processos e novas tecnologias.

Topical ophthalmic formulations prepared with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) exhibit low bioavailability. Specific physicochemical properties of the ocular tissues, namely, temperature, pH and electrolyte composition of the pre-corneal region, can be exploited to enhance the bioavailability of colloidal nanocarriers using in situ gelling systems. The aim of this study was to enhance the ophthalmic bioavailability of NLC dispersions through the addition of a thermoresponsive polymer (Pluronic ® F-127) and a mucoadhesive polymer (chitosan). Simulating the physiological conditions, the addition of Pluronic ® F 127 (PF 127) caused the sol-gel transition of the colloidal dispersion upon contact with the ocular surface temperature, while the addition of chitosan (CS) led to the establishment of electrostatic interactions with the mucin present in the ocular tissues. The results also suggested that NLC–based hydrogels were biocompatible with no significant cytotoxicity observed in the Y-79 human retinoblastoma cell line. The addition of PF 127 and CS to NLC dispersions can enhance the bioavailability and the therapeutic efficacy of topical ophthalmic formulations.

The low bioavailability and consequently the poor therapeutic response of traditional ophthalmic formulations is caused by reduced pre-corneal residence time of the formulation in contact with the ocular surface. The use of colloidal carrier systems, namely lipid nanoparticles in combination with in situ gelling polymers, is an excellent strategy which results in the exponential increase of the bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs. In the present study, we have developed thermoresponsive eyedrops prepared with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) dispersions for the controlled delivery of ibuprofen. Lipid solubility studies and DSC measurements have proved that the lipids solubilise ibuprofen and present a good compatibility. NLC were prepared based on the melt-emulsification and ultrasonication technique and lipid nanoparticles with a Z-average of 120-150 nm, polydispersity index below 0.3, highly positive zeta potential and an efficacy of encapsulation of ~87% were obtained. The cytotoxicity of NLC was evaluated by the Alamar Blue reduction assay using the Y-79 human retinoblastoma cell line, and no relevant toxicity was observed after exposure to 0-100 μg/mL NLC for up to 72 hours. The HET-CAM assay was used to assess the product eye compatibility, confirming that the developed product does not exhibit irritant potential. The in vitro release studies showed ibuprofen release over several hours.

Objective Sensorial properties of cutaneous formulations are important in determining their acceptability by consumers. However, sensorial analysis is time-consuming and requires an available panel of trained assessors. Thus, this article aimed to study the impact of thickening agents on mechanical properties of creams and investigate how these measurements could correlate the sensory attributes using a combined instrumental–sensorial approach. Methods For this purpose, eight semisolid formulations were prepared, containing in their composition different thickening agents at different concentrations. These formulations were firstly microscopically observed and then assayed through textural, rheological and spreadability measurements. Textural characterization and rheological characterization were performed during six months to assess the physical stability of the studied formulations. Finally, six sensory attributes, namely firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, spreadability, consistency and adhesiveness post-application, were tested by a trained panel. Results It was observed that thickening agents influence the microstructure of semisolid emulsions and also their mechanical properties. In general, an increase in the concentration of thickening agents improves the physical stability of formulations over time. Besides, textural parameters (firmness and adhesiveness), viscosity and difficulty to spread also increase. A good correlation between mechanical characterization and sensorial analysis was verified, mainly for spreadability properties. Conclusion With the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that the proposed methods for mechanical characterization can be correlated with sensorial perception obtained from volunteers, representing a faster and less expensive alternative than sensory analysis.

Context: Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) dispersions present low viscosity and poor mucoadhesive properties, which reduce the pre-corneal residence time and consequently, the bioavailability of ocular drugs.Objective: The aim of this study was to prepare thermoresponsive eyedrops based on the combination of lipid nanoparticles and a thermoresponsive polymer with mucomimetic properties (Pluronic® F-127).Materials and methods: NLCi dispersions were prepared based on the melt-emulsification and ultrasonication technique. Physicochemical and morphological characteristics of the colloidal dispersions were evaluated. The formulation was also investigated for potential cytotoxicity in Y-79 human retinoblastoma cells and the in vitro drug release profile of the ibuprofen was determined.Results: NLCi showed a Z-average below 200 nm, a highly positive zeta potential and an efficiency of encapsulation (EE) of ∼90%. The gelification of the NLCi dispersion with 15% (w/w) Pluronic® F-127 did not cause signif...

The majority of pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of ocular pathologies are for topical administration. However, this kind of ophthalmic formulations has disadvantages such as low bioavailability and, consequently, a reduced therapeutic effect. This happens due to the anatomical and physiological specificity of the eyeball (tissues with different characteristics, the presence of different defense mechanisms, etc.) effects, reducing the residence time of formulation in contact with the ocular surface and consequently fall dramatically the penetration ability of the formulation through the ocular tissues. The repeated administration of this type of ophthalmic formulations with the aim to produce the desired therapeutic effect leads to the appearance of side effects due to its systemic absorption. In order to overcome the weaknesses of this type of therapy is necessary to use different strategies. In this review article, we discuss some of these different strategies, with particular emphasis on the application of colloidal dispersions in ophthalmic formulations, particularly, the use of polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. In fact, the results of the published scientific research has demonstrated that the use of this type of strategy not only promotes the increase in the precorneal residence time of the ophthalmic formulation, but also the ability to penetrate through the ocular tissues, enhancing the drug bioavailability and the therapeutic efficacy of ophthalmic formulations. Finally, it is also given emphasis not only to the current state of the scientific research in this area, but also to the existing patents and the followed procedure to place on the market an ophthalmic formulation based on nanoparticles.

Microencapsulation, utilizing different techniques and polymers, has been studied with the objective of maintaining probiotic viability in food matrices, protecting the cells from their detrimental environment, storage conditions and the passage of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of freezing at −20 °C upon probiotic alginate-calcium microparticles’ integrity and functionality through parameters such as size, morphology and structure of microparticles as well as to assess cell resistance to simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions upon storage. In order to study the effect of freezing upon the stability of the microparticles, calcium-alginate microparticles, with or without probiotic cells ( Lactobacillus casei -01, Lactobacillus paracasei L26, Lactobacillus acidophilus KI and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12), were characterized at production time and after 60 days storage at −20 °C. An increase in particle size, loss of the spherical shape and porous net damages were observed after 60 days of storage at −20 °C. In accordance, encapsulation in alginate was not able to exert protection to the encapsulated probiotic cells stored at −20 °C for 60 days, especially from acid and particularly bile salts. B. animalis BB-12 revealed to be the most resistant probiotic strain, to both the microencapsulation process and to GIT simulated conditions.