Encapsulation of Lactobacillus Salivarius in Single and Dual biopolymer

The use of probiotics poses challenges represented in loss of viability during harsh conditions, hence this study aims at exploring a simple green method to increase the survival of the encapsulated Lactobacillus salivarius during gastrointestinal conditions, thermal treatment, and storage. Single and dual biopolymer beads which consisted of whey protein, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and chitosan were fabricated and then characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The morphology characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency was reached up to 96% in all treatments. A biopolymer coated by a layer of carboxymethyl cellulose or chitosan showed a great protection for probiotics upon exposure to gastrointestinal fluid. Also, a high protection was observed after thermal treatment and storage when compared with free cells. Approximately the release of cells in colon solution was noted after 18 h for all treatments.