Targeted Delivery of Probiotics: Perspectives on Research and Commercialization

Abstract

Considering the significance of the gut microbiota on human health, there has been ever-growing research and commercial interest in various aspects of probiotic functional foods and drugs. A probiotic food requires cautious consideration in terms of strain selection, appropriate process and storage conditions, cell viability and functionality, and effective delivery at the targeted site. To address these challenges, several technologies have been explored and some of them have been adopted for industrial applicability. Encapsulation of probiotics has been recognized as an effective way to stabilize them in their dried form. By conferring a physical barrier to protect them from adverse conditions, the encapsulation approach renders direct benefits on stability, delivery, and functionality. Various techniques have been explored to encapsulate probiotics, but it is noteworthy that the encapsulation method itself influences surface morphology, viability, and survivability of probiotics. This review focuses on the need to encapsulate probiotics, trends in various encapsulation techniques, current research and challenges in targeted delivery, the market status of encapsulated probiotics, and future directions. Specific focus has been given on various in vitro methods that have been explored to better understand their delivery and performance.

High-Protein Concentrated Pro-Yogurt (Pro-WPI) Enriched With Whey Protein Isolate Improved Athletic Anemia and Performance in a Placebo-Controlled Study

“…The term “functional food” is often used to refer to food products with demonstrated physiological benefits that are useful to the human body in some way ( 12 ). Functional foods designed for athletes have emerged as a novel sector of special purposes food products ( 13 ).…”

Probiotics as Potential Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Infections: Current Reality or Remote Future?

“…The use of nanoencapsulation techniques (<1 μm) is not feasible because of the size of the bacteria (1 to 5 μm) [76]. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain microcapsules using other techniques [79,80]. The first microencapsulation techniques applied were spray drying, freeze-drying or lyophilization, foam drying, and fluidized bed drying [78].…”

“…The biocompatibility of the material used in the encapsulation is directly related to the viability of the probiotics, which must remain equal to or greater than 107 CFU/ml [82,83]. Therefore, factors such as solubility, digestibility, and release capacity must also be carefully analyzed [84]. Consequently, it is expected that the biomaterial will be able to form an effective protective barrier to resist pH variations and ensure the survival of bacteria, without causing damage to the host organism.…”

“…Studies have shown that its use the use of this material alone [102] or associated with other biomaterials [103] is satisfactory while maintaining the viability of probiotic microorganisms. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) are other synthetic polymers used for encapsulation of probiotics synthetic polymers used for encapsulation of probiotics [84]. The use of these polymers is linked to the technique of producing fibers through electrospinning.…”

Novel Developments on Stimuli-Responsive Probiotic Encapsulates: From Smart Hydrogels to Nanostructured Platforms

“…In this review, we describe the current polymeric delivery systems that could be implemented to fabricate novel stimuli-responsive encapsulates of probiotics that take advantage of the innate stimulus of the GIT while preserving the biological activity of the transported microorganisms. Contrary to previous reviews [20][21][22][23] in the field of probiotic encapsulates, here we intend to combine current and emerging polymeric delivery systems with stimuli responsiveness typically employed in the fields of tissue engineering and targeted delivery of pharmacological compounds. We exemplify how frequently used techniques for encapsulation can be extrapolated to rationally fabricate novel 3D matrices capable of responding actively to their surroundings and overcoming current issues, and taking advantage of the harsh conditions of the GIT to improve their functionalities.…”