Bioencapsulation Innovations Selection of coating materials for stabilization of probiotic micro-organisms

The use of live microbial agents, or probiotics, as dietary adjuncts is currently a subject of intense and growing interest. Probiotics have been defined as "Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in sufficient amount, confer a health benefit to the host" (Ararya, 2005). Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium species., can be found worldwide in a variety of products, including conventional food products and dietary supplements. One of the most important prerequisites for use of probiotics is that they survive and keep their health-promoting properties throughout the production process or during technological food treatment and storage until the end of shelf life. Moreover, because viable and biologically active microorganisms are usually required at the target site in the host, it is essential that probiotics withstand the host’s natural barriers against ingested bacteria.