Biopolymeric encapsulation of probiotics for improved release properties in the gastrointestinal digestion system

Abstract

Encapsulation of probiotics in the biopolymeric system is an excellent technique to enhance the protective effect, prolong the shelf life and deliver the probiotics in the human gastrointestinal tract at a specific time. Probiotics are usually loaded in a biopolymeric system or the food itself as a natural carrier for food applications. Probiotics are well-known for a healthy intestinal tract and digestibility of nutrients. The fate and viability of these bacteria in the digestion system are explored through in vitro evaluations. Probiotics encapsulated with natural biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, gelatine, whey protein are found to improve their release properties in either emulsion or hydrogel system. This review emphasized on the release properties of encapsulated probiotics loaded with biopolymers using different dispersion methods including emulsification, suspension, extrusion, and drying. Biodegradable polymers or the food itself could be a potential protective agent and promote the controlled-release properties of probiotics.