Modern Aspects of Probiotic Microorganisms’ Microencapsulation

Abstract

Numerous studies in recent years have shown that the gut microbiome plays an important role in maintaining various physiological processes in the body, including digestion, metabolism, immune system function, defense against pathogens, biosynthesis of unique metabolites, elimination of toxins, and regulation of the function of the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiota is influenced by the way of birth, child’s feeding, genetic background, and lifestyle, including diet, exercises, medication, stress, and general host’s health. Intestinal microbial populations can vary significantly from person to person, including healthy individuals. Unfavorable changes in the microbial composition and in its functions are characteristic of dysbiosis and indicate pathological disorders in the body. The introduction of pro-, pre-, synbiotics and their other derivatives into the body, as well as transplantation of fecal microbiota, can restore the disturbed microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). There is now a growing interest in functional innovative foods as ideal carriers for probiotics. However, many commercial probiotic products are ineffective because the beneficial bacteria they contain do not survive food processing, storage, and passage through the upper GIT. Th erefore, modern effective strategies are needed to improve the stability of probiotic microorganisms. One of the such strategies is a modern microencapsulation method. Using this technology in the manufacture of functional foods allows maintaining the stability of probiotic microorganisms during storage, protects them from the aggressive conditions of the GIT, and promotes their colonization on the mucous membrane of the large intestine. To achieve better protection and controlled release of probiotics, alginate microgels are most widely used as microcapsule shells.