Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 1903 in alginate blended with starch by extrusion technique

Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 1903 were encapsulated in alginate blended with starch by extrusion. The reinforcement effect of starch on the EE was significant. When the concentration of sodium alginate and alginate:starch ratio were kept as 2% and 1:1 respectively, the highest EE were observed. Encapsulation improves the survival of encapsulated cells of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 1903 in SGF and SIF significantly. The encapsulation efficiency of L. plantarum ATCC 8014 and B. bifidum ATCC 1903 were found to be 87.5%, 68.3% respectively. The complete release of the cells from the capsules was achieved in at least 3 h and microencapsulated probiotics were stable at 4°C for 60 d. In conclusion, the encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 1903 in alginate blended with starch by extrusion would be useful in delivery of probiotics to the intestine.