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Development of gastro-resistant coated probiotic granulates and evaluation of viability and release during simulated upper gastrointestinal transit

Abstract:

Probiotics have become one of the most consumed food supplements worldwide. Many probiotic strains are sensitive to low pH and bile concentrations encountered in the gastrointestinal tract upon oral ingestion. This study aimed at developing gastro-resistant probiotic granulates releasing viable cells in the small intestine. Fatty alcohols were investigated as potential coating materials. Cetostearyl alcohol was selected and combined with different plasticizers to further optimize the coating properties. Combining cetostearyl alcohol with olive oil and beeswax in selected concentrations was found promising, and the coatings were applied to L. acidophilus LA3 and B. longum BB536, using hot-melt fluid bed coating. Viability in and release from the coated probiotic granulate was investigated, using a physiological relevant in vitro model simulating conditions in the human stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. L. acidophilus LA3 coated with cetostearyl alcohol and olive oil in the ratio 95:5 (w/w) resulted in significantly higher viability after simulated gastrointestinal transit, compared to the uncoated probiotic powder. Furthermore, the coating showed no release of viable cells after simulated gastric transit. Released viable cells were detected after the remaining steps in the in vitro model, indicating that the coating system provides gastric protection and release during intestinal transit.