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