Encapsulation of probiotics to improve their survival: A focus on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12.
- 2026-03-30
- Food chemistry: X 35
- PubMed: 41994549
- DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103802
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Methods
- This review adopts a strain-centered perspective by using Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 as a model to systematically reassess encapsulation strategies.
Probiotic viability during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit remains a key limitation to probiotic functionality. Although encapsulation is widely used to enhance probiotic survival, most reviews focus on materials and techniques while neglecting strain-specific differences. This review adopts a strain-centered perspective by using Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 as a model to systematically reassess encapsulation strategies. By integrating single-strain and co-encapsulation systems, this review elucidates how carrier structure, protection mechanisms, and environmental stresses collectively govern BB-12 stability. In addition, food applications are reinterpreted based on matrix-dependent stress conditions, including acid, osmotic, and oxidative factors. A conceptual "matrix-mechanism-carrier matching" framework is proposed to guide the rational design and selection of encapsulation systems. Overall, this review provides a mechanism-oriented and transferable understanding of probiotic encapsulation, offering practical insights for the design and industrial application of functional foods.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Dose | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | — | Improved Food Matrix Resistance | Beneficial | Small | View sourcefood applications are reinterpreted based on matrix-dependent stress conditions, including acid, osmotic, and oxidative factors |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 | — | Improved Gastrointestinal Transit | Beneficial | Moderate | View sourceBy integrating single-strain and co-encapsulation systems, this review elucidates how carrier structure, protection mechanisms, and environmental stresses collectively govern BB-12 stability |