Enhancing Lactobacillus plantarum viability using novel chitosan-alginate-pectin microcapsules: Effects on gastrointestinal survival, weight management, and metabolic health.

Background: Probiotics, like Lactobacillus plantarum, show promise in managing obesity, but delivery challenges hinder their effectiveness. This study explores the effects of NCAP microcapsules with L. plantarum on weight, lipids, liver function, and insulin in rats over eight weeks, enhancing the bacteria's survivability through microencapsulation. Results: NCAP microcapsules (10-15 µm, >79% survival) effectively protected L. plantarum. In rats, a high-fat diet with NCAP microcapsules (HFDC) significantly reduced body weight (176 g vs 179 g, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (33 mg/dL vs 44 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and improved liver markers (aspartate transaminase 56 U/L vs 69 U/L, p = 0.008; alanine transaminase 36 U/L vs 38 U/L, p < 0.001). L. plantarum counts were notably higher in HFDC (870,963,590 CFU/g vs 14,454 CFU/g, p < 0.001). Conclusions: NCAP microcapsules enhance L. plantarum survivability and improve weight, lipids, liver function, and insulin. This study addresses the need for effective probiotic delivery systems, offering insights into metabolic health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]