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Encapsulation of Probiotics in Lipid-based Microparticles Using Supercritical Fluid Plasticization

Markus C. Labuschagne, Mapitsi S. Thantsha

A novel method for the encapsulation of probiotics has been developed using a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂)-based Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS) process. The excipients used in microencapsulation using scCO₂ are usually pharmaceutical-grade polymers that need Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of two new food-grade materials with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status as candidate excipients for encapsulation of probiotic cultures. Compritol E 472 ATO and Vegetal BM 297 ATO were used to encapsulate Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 using scCO₂ as a plasticizer in the PGSS process. The resulting microparticles were characterized based on morphological properties, particle size distribution as well as encapsulation efficiency. Compritol E 472 ATO was found to be unsuitable due to the poor survival of probiotic cultures during the encapsulation process. Vegetal BM 297 ATO was found to be suitable as a carrier. The resulting microparticles were found to have an encapsulation efficiency of 97% and a mean particle size of 31 µm. Vegetal BM 297 ATO has potential for use in the food and pharmaceutical sectors for controlled release and protective barrier function applications as it has a high bacterial load and produces microparticles small enough to not affect the texture of the food products.