MICROENCAPSULATION OF Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 INCREASES RELATIVE SURVIVAL UNDER SIMULATED GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT STRESS

This paper focused on increasing the relative survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 when exposed to a sequential simulated gastrointestinal tract stress by the immobilization in microparticles of alginate formed by an emulsification and external gelation method. The aqueous phase consisted of 4% alginate and the oil phase consisted of mineral oil and Span 80 at 1%. The microparticles were manufactured at 250 rpm, at 20 degrees C for 30 min. The free microorganism did not survive on the all simulated gastrointestinal track stress tested. In contrast, after stress the relative survival of L. acidophilus LA-5 microencapsulated was 46.9%. The microparticles performed had the ability to protect and liberate the probiotics cells sensitive to gastrointestinal stress, making then suitable for use as protective agents, which may have applications in the food or pharmaceutical industries.