Freeze drying microencapsulation using whey protein, maltodextrin and corn powder improved survivability of probiotics during storage

Various studies demonstrated that probiotics play important roles in maintaining the balance of microorganisms in the body. Some strains produce bile salt hydrolase enzyme (BSH), which is an indirect mechanism for lowering cholesterol. BSH-producing probiotics as a supplement might be an alternative way to help reducing cholesterol in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different microcapsule formulations with selected vegetable powders on growth characteristics of 3 Thai probiotic strains, Lactobacillus gasseri TM1, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TM7, and L. rhamnosus TM14. Probiotics were cultured in MRS broth supplemented with 5 vegetable powders. Corn powder significantly increased growth rate of probiotics from 10⁹ to 10¹² CFU/ml. Therefore, different microcapsule formulations by Maillard reaction of whey protein isolate and maltodextrin mixed with and without corn powder were studied. The results showed that probiotic microcapsules formulated with corn powder significantly effectively sustained probiotic viability under gastrointestinal and storage conditions.