Microencapsulation of <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> LA‐5 and <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> BB‐12 in pectin and sodium alginate: A comparative study on viability, stability, and structure

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining whether the microencapsulation of <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> LA-5 and <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> BB-12 inside hydrogels could prolong their survival in freeze-drying conditions, stored at 4℃ and in the gastrointestinal medium. Microencapsulation was performed by emulsion with a syringe, while sodium alginate and high methoxyl pectin were used as a carrier material. A relatively high efficiency of encapsulation was obtained (>92%). Z-Average and pdI in samples were not significant (<i>p</i> < .05). In different treatments, changes in the number of bacteria after freeze-drying, 30 days of storage, and gastrointestinal conditions, compared to each other, were significant (<i>p</i> < .05). However, the survival rate after a reduction during storage was higher than 10⁶ cfu/g, indicating the suitability of the microencapsulation process. The surface of microcapsules observed by a scanning electron microscope (<i>SEM</i>) confirmed the success of encapsulation. Finally, a lower decrease in the count of microencapsulated was observed in comparison to the free cells.