Lecithin - Bifidobacterium probiotics interactions: a case study

Probiotic formulations containing lecithin phospholipids have been shown to extend their viability. However, the protective effect of and properties mixtures probiotic cells in aqueous media not fully documented. The aim this study was investigate interactions between Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Bifido) probiotics lecithin. lecithin-Bifido were dependent on concentration. FTIR Raman spectroscopy suggested that Bifido interacted with molecules, mainly through hydrophobic interactions. At concentration 0.1%.w/v, lost only about 17% viability over 56 days, while free (without lecithin) 66% same time period. Furthermore, flow cytometer side scatter plots also showed Bifido-lecithin samples at 0.1.%w/v lecithin, lowest scatter, which is indicative lower cellular stress a more stable environment preserve time.