A Brief Review of Edible Coating Materials for the Microencapsulation of Probiotics

Abstract

The consumption of probiotics has been associated with a wide range of health benefits for consumers. Products containing probiotics need to have effective delivery of the microorganisms for their consumption to translate into benefits to the consumer. In the last few years, the microencapsulation of probiotic microorganisms has gained interest as a method to improve the delivery of probiotics in the host as well as extending the shelf life of probiotic-containing products. The microencapsulation of probiotics presents several aspects to be considered, such as the type of probiotic microorganisms, the methods of encapsulation, and the coating materials. The aim of this review is to present an updated overview of the most recent and common coating materials used for the microencapsulation of probiotics, as well as the involved techniques and the results of research studies, providing a useful knowledge basis to identify challenges, opportunities, and future trends around coating materials involved in the probiotic microencapsulation.

Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium animalis Enriched with Resistant Starch from Vigna Unguiculata

“…The morphology of the microcapsules is directly proportional to the materials and methods used in the encapsulation process. [ 39 ] According to a study done by Moayyedia et al., [ 28 ] similar results were obtained for the SEM images of freeze‐dried microcapsules as the samples did not has a specific shape as well. The dents and cavities on the freeze‐dried microcapsules may be due to the low drying temperatures, the mixed effect of atomization, and the characterization of the coat formation of the wall material used in the process Moayyedia et al.…”

Advancements in the Pharmaceutical Applications of Probiotics: Dosage Forms and Formulation Technology

“…Various protein-based bio-polymers, polysaccharides, lipids, and synthetic polymers have been used for microencapsulation or surface coating to make the formulation resist harsh environmental conditions. 29 These polymers can protect probiotics from moistures or gases (oxygen/ carbon dioxide) by masking them with a thin film. Furthermore, pH-sensitive polymers including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose acetated succinate, and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) are widely used for the enteric coating of oral dosage forms to minimize the exposure of probiotics to gastric acids, reducing the loss of probiotic activity in the stomach.…”

“… 113 Natural or synthetic polymers are used alone or in combination to form the desired coating layer. 29 Particularly, to extend the residence time at the target site, mucoadhesive polymers are often utilized in the microencapsulation of probiotics. In many cases, microencapsulation techniques are commonly used for the stabilization of probiotics, and then additional formulation techniques are applied to the microencapsulated probiotics to fabricate the final dosage form according to the route of administration.…”

An Extensive Review of Natural Polymers Used as Coatings for Postharvest Shelf-Life Extension: Trends and Challenges

“…Moreover, the addition of lipids, such as unsaturated oleic acid, increases the tensile strength and elongation at break and reduces the water vapor permeability [148]. Albumen has good emulsifying and gelling properties, making it an ideal material for microencapsulation through the coacervation process [149,150].…”