Chitosan and sulfated glucan nanoparticles: A novel strategy for cryopreservation of Lactobacillus plantarum.

2026-04
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) 230

PubMed: 41794538
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.118549

Study Design

Population: Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22135 and Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22150
Methods: Investigated chitosan and sulfated β-glucan (CH-S-βG) nanoparticles; 1CH-1S-βG and 1CH-2S-βG nanoparticles were selected based on nanoparticle size and zeta potential, then tested for thermal hysteresis activity, nucleation temperature, freezing point, ice crystal formation, cell membrane integrity, and intracellular structure during cryoprotection

It is of paramount importance to explore cryoprotectants to reduce cellular damage in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during cryoprotection. This study aimed to investigate chitosan and sulfated β-glucan (CH-S-βG) nanoparticles as a promising functional cryoprotectant candidate and systematically elucidate their protective mechanism. 1CH-1S-βG and 1CH-2S-βG nanoparticles (with CH to S-βG concentration ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, respectively) were selected based on their exceptional nanoparticle size (197 nm and 235 nm, respectively) and zeta potential (13.3 mV and 15.3 mV, respectively). 1CH-1S-βG and 1CH-2S-βG both enhanced the thermal hysteresis activity of the sucrose solutions, reduced the nucleation temperature and the freezing point. Specifically, the 1CH-2S-βG nanoparticles exhibited higher IRI activity, as demonstrated by a higher number of ice crystals, a smaller average crystal surface area, and a narrow size distribution throughout the freezing process. This enhanced cell membrane integrity and preserved intracellular structure, resulting in higher survival rates for Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22135 and Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22150. In summary, 1CH-2S-βG nanoparticles demonstrated promising potential as a cryoprotective agent.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus plantarum	—	Improved Survival During Cryopreservation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source 1CH-2S-βG nanoparticles demonstrated promising potential as a cryoprotective agent ... resulting in higher survival rates for Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22135 and Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 22150.