β-d-glucan as an enteric delivery vehicle for probiotics

  • Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Jan;106:864-869. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.08.093.
Adil Gani  1 ,  Asima Shah  2 ,  Mudasir Ahmad  2 ,  Bilal Ahmad Ashwar  2 ,  F A Masoodi  2
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 2. Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
PMID: 28842198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.08.093
Abstract

Three strains of probiotics L. casei, L. acidophilus and B. bifidum were encapsulated in β-d-glucan matrix using freeze drying technique in order to increase survivability during their journey through GI tract. The encapsulation efficiency (%) of β-d-glucan varied significantly with Bifidobacteria showing low survival rate than Lactobacilli. SEM images revealed a partially collapsed structure with Bacterial cells distributed randomly in the matrix. Further absorption band between 1300 and 900cm-1 in FTIR spectra shows the presence of Bacterial proteins and nucleic acids. For encapsulated β-d-glucan maximum degree of swelling was observed at pH 3 and 4, whereas when the pH value was increased to 6.5 the encapsulated β-d-glucan started their disintegration. In vitro release studies revealed that the microcapsules start to dissolve upon entry to the small intestine where it is needed most.

Keywords
Freeze drying; Gastrointestinal tract; Probiotics; β-d-glucan.
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