Capsule design for entrapping Bifidobacterium adolescentis and fructoligosacchardes within a pea protein isolate-alginate matrix was investigated as a function of total biopolymer concentration (2.5-6.5%), fructoligosacchardes levels (0-3.0%) and needle gauge (G; 20 vs. 27) by extrusion. Capsules were accessed based on the levels of entrapped fructoligosacchardes and protein, size, swelling and probiotic survival within simulated gastric juice (SGJ) and release properties within simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). All designs offered sufficient protection to B. adolescentis during challenge experiments and showed evidence of burst and prolonged release within SIF. Capsule size was found to depend on needle gauge, with diameter of 2.17 and 1.75 mm for those produced by the 20 and 27 G needles, respectively. All designs were found to shrink once immersed in SGJ. Encapsulation of probiotics using plant-based materials could play a role in food applications and as a feed ⁄ pet food supplement.
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