Maintenance and Protection of Probiotics

Abstract

Beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria depend on the viability of cells once delivered to the intestines. Cells tend to lose their viability with time during storage and cannot survive passage through acidic gastric fluids, and hence cannot adhere to the colon and exert their beneficial effects on the host, unless they are conferred some degree of protection. This chapter debates various protection techniques, with a particular focus on encapsulation and compression coating. Enteric coating materials are discussed as suitable for compression coating, while also improving cell storage stability and ensuring cell survival during exposure to harsh acidic gastric fluids. Techniques for controlled release of cells to the colon, including the use of hydrophobic disintegrants such as pectin, are also described.