Efficient Protection of Probiotics for Delivery to the gastric tract by Cellulose Sulphate Encapsulation

Abstract

Gut microbiota in humans and animals play an important role in health, aiding in digestion, regulation of the immune system and protection against pathogens. Changes or imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) have been linked to a variety of local and systemic diseases, and there is growing evidence that restoring the balance of the microbiota can restore health. This can be achieved by oral delivery of members of the microbiome (including probiotics) or by fecal microbiome transplantation. In order to provide their health promoting effects, microbiota must survive (i) transport and storage (i.e. shelf life) and (ii) transit through the highly acid conditions in the stomach and bile salts in the small intestine. We have developed a cell encapsulation technology based on the natural polymer, cellulose sulphate (CS) that protects members of the microbiota from stomach acid and bile.

Electrospinning Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus fermentum K73 Using Gelatin as the Main Component of a Food-Grade Matrix

“…In a cell counting process, complete probiotic release is a crucial step [65]. Thus, complete release of probiotics from fibers must be guaranteed before evaluation of the electrospinning process.…”