Study on the Encapsulation of Lactobacillus Plantarum and its Bacteriocins in Polysaccharide Matrices

Various polysaccharide-based compositions containing xanthan and alginate were developed to produce spherical gel particles with immobilized probiotic microorganisms, Lactobacillus plantarum, and the bacteriocins produced by this strain. The conditions for the formation of spherical gel particles were optimized, and their stability was evaluated under different pH values and temperature conditions. It was demonstrated that at pH 2.4 the gel particles did not undergo degradation; thus, under conditions simulating gastric juice, lactic acid bacteria retained their viability. At pH values close to 7.5–8.0, visual observation showed dissolution of the gel particles, indicating that under conditions mimicking the colon environment, immobilized microorganisms were released from the matrix. In addition, L. plantarum actively synthesized bacteriocins exhibiting inhibitory activity against test pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the developed gel particles containing probiotic cultures can effectively deliver viable probiotics to the colon without degradation in the stomach.