In Vitro Characterization of Lactobacillus paracasei HML1 Microencapsulated with Alginate Containing Prebiotics Inulin and Psyllium

Synbiotics, combination of probiotics and prebiotics, are able to promote host health by positively modulating the intestinal microflora. Lactobacillus paracasei HML1 was encapsulated with alginate containing prebiotic psyllium and inulin, stored for 4 weeks and its survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluted. The alginate (ALG), alginate-psyllium (ALG-PSY) and alginate-inulin (ALG-INU) beads with encapsulation efficiency 88, 84 and 74% respectively was achieved using extrusion method. Average diameter of the ALG, ALG-PSY and ALG-INU beads was 553.12, 537.83 and 570.96 mm respectively. Survival of encapsulated L. paracasei HML1 after incubation in simulated intestinal fluid was better with psyllium (4.25 log CFU/ml) and inulin (4.15 log CFU/ml) than beads without prebiotic (3.15 log CFU/ml) and free cells (3.24 log CFU/ml). The encapsulated cells hit maximum release in simulated colonic pH solution in 1 h, and remained constant, thereafter. The incorporation of the prebiotics also increased viability during heat treatments. Inulin and psyllium can be potential prebiotic candidates and can deliver a better functional food product with high added value, suitable for consumers with dairy sensitivities.