Spreadable goat Ricotta cheese added with Lactobacillus acidophilus La-05: Can microencapsulation improve the probiotic survival and the quality parameters?

The impact of the addition of L. acidophilus La-05 (free cells, microencapsulated with alginate [30 g/L) or microencapsulated with alginate coated with chitosan [5 g/L)) on the quality parameters of spreadable goat Ricotta cheese during storage (7 degrees C/7 days) was evaluated. The addition of probiotic culture resulted in products with lower hardness, gumminess, and springiness, as well as higher cohesiveness and adhesiveness. Furthermore, it increased the yield, and altered the color (higher L*, a* and b* values). The microencapsulation of the probiotic cultures resulted in higher probiotic survival (>6 log CFU/mL in product and simulated gastrointestinal conditions), and improved technological (no moisture loss, lower proteolysis and organic acid content), texture (lower gumminess and adhesiveness), and volatile (compounds with floral and fruity notes and lower goat aroma) properties. Chitosan coating did not improve the effects. In conclusion, microencapsulation improved the probiotic survival and the quality parameters of spreadable goat Ricotta cheese.

Automated summary

The addition of probiotic cultures resulted in improved texture and color properties of spreadable goat Ricotta cheese, with the microencapsulation leading to higher probiotic survival rates and enhanced technological aspects. Chitosan coating did not show significant benefits. Overall, microencapsulation was found to enhance probiotic survival and quality parameters of the cheese.