On the encapsulation and viability of probiotic bacteria in edible carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin water-in-water emulsions

Abstract

In this study, novel biobased dispersions to entrap probiotic bacteria were developed and characterized regarding their formation, microstructure and in vitro viability and culturability performance in model salivary, gastric and intestinal fluids. The systems are composed of type B pigskin gelatin and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) which, depending on concentrations and temperature, can form water-in-water (W/W) emulsion droplets as observed by optical and fluorescence microscopy. Model probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), were successfully entrapped into the W/W emulsion droplets with surprisingly high viability. Moreover, the survival of the LGG cells, when exposed to the different model fluids, was improved after their entrapment in the W/W emulsions. Therefore, the developed dispersions display high potential for probiotic encapsulation and eventual delivery into the intestinal tract with acceptable viability. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd