Effect of emulsification/internal gelation-based microencapsulation on the viability of Akkermansia muciniphila upon prolonged storage and simulated gastrointestinal passage

• Emulsification/internal gelation enabled microcapsules of A. muciniphila with <55 μm Viability tested over 95d aerobic/anaerobic storage and upon gastrointestinal passage Encapsulation improved survival prolonged aerobic at 4ºC offered protection under passage, elapsed Akkermansia is a common human intestinal commensal mucin-degrading nature. Its immunomodulatory characteristics regulatory role mucus layer gut barrier integrity highlight the potential benefits using this bacterium as an interventional player against inflammatory/cardio-metabolic disorders. In work, we evaluate effect microencapsulation by emulsification/internal method on during (0, 15, 30 95 days) subsequent exposure to simulated in comparison that free cells. The present results show internal promotes 64.4% entrapment efficacy cells (maintaining 10 8 order magnitude for cell viability). Moreover, physical characterization showed microparticles mean size was 53,5 ± 12,1 µm and, observed electron scanning microscopy, were spherical shape. More importantly, time increased, encapsulated demonstrated higher stability GI conditions, when compared its counterpart. conclusion, seems be appropriate strategy protecting detrimental transit after long periods refrigerated storage.