Microencapsulation in the chitosan-coated alginate-inulin matrix of Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 and Lactobacillus salivarius RBL50 and their characterization

The present study was undertaken for biosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of microencapsulated autochthonous probiotics, Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 and Lactobacillus salivarius RBL50 in the chitosan-coated alginate-inulin matrix. For this purpose, autochthonous potential probiotics of Sahiwal calf origin, L. reuteri SW-23, and L. salivarius RBL-50 were encapsulated in an alginate (Alg) matrix with or without inulin (Inu) incorporation and coated with chitosan (Cht) using the extrusion technique. The size of the microcapsules of both probiotics L. reuteri SW23 and L. salivarius RBL50 was largest in Alg-Inu-Cht microencapsulate followed by Alg-Cht, Alg-Inu, and smallest in Alg. The findings also revealed that after sequential exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the viable count in microencapsulates of both probiotics was higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to free cells. Among the microencapsulated groups, the highest viability was reported in alginate-inulin-incorporated chitosan-coated probiotics. The encapsulation process and encapsulating agents had no effect on the exopolysaccharide production and antibacterial activity. The beta-galactosidase activity after GI exposure was found to be highest in free cells and the lowest in inulin-added chitosan-coated probiotics. Overall, the best response was seen in probiotic microcapsules that were coated in alginate-chitosan and co-encapsulated with inulin.