Keywords
1. Microencapsulation of probiotics
2. Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697
3. Protein-polysaccharide microbeads
4. Gastrointestinal tract model (TIM-1)
5. Probiotic encapsulation efficiency
Abstract
In a groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics (DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123804), researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the microencapsulation of probiotics, significantly improving the stability and viability of Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697 within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Through a double network strategy employing both Whey Protein Isolates (WPI) and Pea Protein Isolates (PPI), the study introduces a novel encapsulation method that outperforms traditional microbeads in terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE%), survivability, and morphology.
For years, the study of probiotics and their potential health benefits has captivated scientists and health enthusiasts alike. Among these beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium infantis has stood out for its ability to support a healthy digestive system. However, a major challenge has been the survival of these microorganisms as they pass through the harsh environment of the GIT. Now, a team of researchers led by Khan Wahab Ali from the University of Home Economics Lahore, Pakistan, in collaboration with other international experts, has made a significant breakthrough that promises to enhance the stability of these delicate but beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The study, published on January 18, 2024, in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, under the article ID 38220120, with DOI 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123804, indicates that the use of protein-polysaccharide based double network microbeads markedly improves the viability of Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697.
The research team’s innovative approach utilized Whey Protein Isolates (WPI), Pea Protein Isolates (PPI), or a combination of both, to create compelling microcapsule environments that shield the probiotics from the destructive elements of the GIT. The encapsulated probiotics showcased significantly higher encapsulation efficiency, with the WPI+PPI combination reaching an impressive EE% of 94.09%. Furthermore, these microbeads exhibited a smoother surface with fewer visible pores or wrinkles when compared to those encapsulated by either protein in isolation.
The traditional challenge faced by encapsulated probiotics has been in maintaining their structural integrity and viability throughout the acidic gastric phase and into the intestinal phase. However, using the TNO in-vitro gastrointestinal model (TIM-1), the researchers observed that their novel microbeads shrank in the gastric phase yet swelled in the intestinal phase, indicating effective adaptation to varying environmental conditions.
The in-vitro survival rate of the probiotic cells that were not encapsulated was dismally low, with only 18.2% making it through the gastric phase and 27.5% through the intestinal phase. Alarmingly, these free cells lost their viability completely after 28 days of storage. On the other hand, cells encapsulated using the innovative double network strategy maintained a robust survival rate, with cell counts exceeding 10^6-7 CFU/mL even after prolonged storage.
This promising advancement in the microencapsulation of probiotics presents an enormous potential for the dietary supplement industry and for individuals seeking to maintain or improve their gut health with probiotic products. With this technique, a greater percentage of ingested probiotics could reach the intestines alive and functional, thereby increasing the efficacy of probiotic supplementation.
In assessing the significance of these findings, it’s crucial to acknowledge the meticulous work of not only Khan Wahab Ali but also his colleagues, including Masood Sadiq Butt from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Iqra Yasmin of the University of Chakwal, Syed Abdul Wadood from the University of Home Economics Lahore and Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Asif Mahmood of the University of Chakwal, and Heba Gad from Ain Shams University and Batterjee Medical College.
The authors have declared no conflicts of interest, ensuring the integrity of their research. Their innovative work, with potential applications extending beyond Bifidobacterium infantis, could herald a new era in probiotic therapy and gut health management.
References
1. Khan Wahab Ali, et al. (2024). Protein-polysaccharide based double network microbeads improves stability of Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697 in a gastrointestinal tract model (TIM-1). International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 652, 123804. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123804
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