The probiotic bacteria and their encapsulated forms as food components: Survival, effects and quality.

2026-04-06
AIMS microbiology 12(1)
- Elena Nikitina
- Dmitrii Khrundin

PubMed: 41938781
DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2026001

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: In this review, we summarised the information on probiotic bacteria and their encapsulated forms as functional food components; we analyse the major encapsulation techniques (spray drying, freeze drying, emulsification, extrusion, coacervation, and electrospraying/electrospinning) and the important function of encapsulating materials.

In this review, we summarised the information on probiotic bacteria and their encapsulated forms as functional food components, emphasising survival, technological effects, and product quality. Probiotics from genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are widely used to prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. However, their efficacy is often limited by the loss of viability that occurs during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract. In this article, we analyse the major encapsulation techniques (spray drying, freeze drying, emulsification, extrusion, coacervation, and electrospraying/electrospinning) and emphasise the important function of encapsulating materials, such as proteins, polysaccharides (e.g., alginate, pectin, and chitosan), lipids, and their combinations. Particular focus is given to mixed polymer systems and co-encapsulation with cryo- and protective agents, which can enhance resistance to acid and bile, increase survival by 1-2 log units, and help maintain bioactive compounds. We also consider fermented dairy products, cheese, meat products, and plant-based matrices as carriers for free and encapsulated probiotics. Thus, we show that, when properly selected, these systems can improve microbial stability, modulate proteolysis and lipolysis, and enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties without compromising sensory quality. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging plant-based beverages and alternative substrates that could enable probiotics to be consumed by lactose-intolerant and vegetarian populations. Overall, we present encapsulation as a promising strategy for designing next-generation functional foods with predictable probiotic survival and tailored technological and sensory characteristics.

Research Insights

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12→Improved Functional Properties of Food
Thus, we show that, when properly selected, these systems can improve microbial stability, modulate proteolysis and lipolysis, and enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties without compromising sensory quality.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12→Improved Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics from genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are widely used to prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. However, their efficacy is often limited by the loss of viability that occurs during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02→Improved Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics from genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are widely used to prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. However, their efficacy is often limited by the loss of viability that occurs during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115→Improved Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics from genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are widely used to prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. However, their efficacy is often limited by the loss of viability that occurs during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Allergic Symptoms
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 has been reported to help prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115→Improved Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics from genera such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are widely used to prevent and manage gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. However, their efficacy is often limited by the loss of viability that occurs during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small