Recent advances in plant and microbial polysaccharide-based probiotic microcapsules: Encapsulation methods, materials properties, improvement strategies and applications.

Yujun Jiang, Feng Zhao, Yu Zhang, Hanying Yang, Yue Meng, Zimu Li

Journal: International journal of biological macromolecules 2025;321(Pt 4):146615

PMID: 40774500

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Abstract

Probiotics offer significant health benefits but face challenges in viability during storage, processing, and digestion. Microencapsulation, particularly using plant and microbial polysaccharides, has emerged as a key strategy to enhance probiotic stability. This review examines various microencapsulation techniques, including extrusion, emulsion, spray drying, freeze drying, electrospraying and layer-by-layer assembly. This paper analyses the limitations and technical characteristics of each method. Additionally, we explore novel strategies such as polysaccharide modification, composite materials, and genetic engineering to enhance microcapsule performance. Finally, applications in dairy, bakery, and functional foods are summarized, providing insights for future research directions.

Address: Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, Department of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.; Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, Department of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: [email protected].; Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, Department of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: [email protected].; Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, Department of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Luohe, Henan 462300, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.146615

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MeSH Terms: Probiotics, Capsules, Drug Compounding, Polysaccharides, Polysaccharides, Bacterial, Plants, Emulsions, Humans