Incorporation of probiotics into 3D printed Pickering emulsion gel stabilized by tea protein/xanthan gum

Different xanthan gum (XG) concentrations on the rheological/texture properties of Pickering emulsion (PE) gel stabilized by tea protein/xanthan gum (TP/XG) were studied to achieve an ink feasible for 3D printing. Afterwards, the effects of 3D printing and digestion process on the viability of probiotics were studied when encapsulated in the PE gel. Results indicated that gel strength, stability, storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) increased as XG concentration increased. Nozzle diameter and printing temperature of 45 and 55℃ had no significant effect on probiotic's viability, but printing temperature of 65℃ reduced viable probiotics from 8.07 to 6.59 log CFU/g. No significant change of probiotics viability in 3D printed samples was observed during 11-day storage at 4℃. PE gel encapsulated probiotic's viability was significantly improved under heat treatment and simulated gastrointestinal environment. This study gives insights on the production of 3D printed foods using PE gel incorporating probiotics.