TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROTECTING PROBIOTICS FROM GASTRIC ACID DESTRUCTION

Summary

Technologies to protect probiotics from the gastric acid environment include multiple solutions such as selective or genetically modified probiotic strains, microencapsulation techniques, enteric coating, co-encapsulation with prebiotics, and using optimal carrier mediums (for example, juice-based matrix). Both international and domestic research confirms that microencapsulation using natural materials (alginate, protein, chitosan...) is currently the most effective approach, providing high survival of probiotics through acid exposure, while minimizing losses from storage. Each technology has specific pros and cons, but microencapsulation and co-encapsulation with prebiotics stand out for superior bioavailability and stability. ^[1][2][3]

1. Selective Strain Selection and Genetic Modification of Probiotics

Selecting strains of probiotics highly resistant to gastric acid, or applying genetic modification to improve low pH tolerance, are foundational solutions in widespread use. However, the protection efficacy is not absolute and biological safety problems can arise with genetically modified strains. ^[1][2]

2. Microencapsulation Technology

This is currently the most popular technology, using natural polymers (alginate, gelatin, chitosan, pea protein...) or synthetic polymers to create a protective layer on probiotic cells, helping them pass through acidic environments while retaining full activity. This method is far more effective than non-encapsulated forms, as demonstrated by many comparative experimental studies. ^{[1][3][4][5][6]}

3. Enteric Coating Technology (Enteric Coating, Double-layer Soft Gel)

Apply a coating that dissolves in the intestine (such as Eudragit®, HPMCP), only dissolving when the pH of the intestinal environment increases (>pH 5), thus protecting microorganisms from exposure to gastric acid. This technique is commonly used in tablets or capsules. Advantage: good protective efficacy, but high manufacturing cost and not suitable for powder or liquid products. ^[1][2]

4. Co-encapsulation with Prebiotics

Combining probiotics with soluble fibers (inulin, FOS, polydextrose, resistant starch...) in the same capsule, not only provides acid protection but also enhances probiotic survival and diversity after passing through gastric acid. This technology increases survival and simultaneously improves clinical effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. ^[7]

5. Special Carrier Solutions (juice-based, lipid matrix...)

Recent studies highlight the effects of using carrier mediums such as fruit juices, viscous fluids, or lipid matrices to reduce acid impact and significantly increase survival compared to conventional powder or dry tablet forms. Juice-based formulations help hydrate cells and neutralize acid more effectively. ^[8][

6. New Technologies (Vibration Encapsulation, Microfluidic Encapsulation, Solid Lipid Microparticles, Composite Beads, Advanced Spray Drying, Biopolymer Matrix, etc.)

These are subsequent developments, using modern equipment and multi-layer synthetic or natural materials, allowing for precise control of particle size, durability, and optimal protection and targeted probiotic release in the intestine. These offer very high acid protection, but come with high investment costs suitable for advanced manufacturing. ^[1][4]

Comparison Table of Advantages and Disadvantages of Above Technologies

 Overall, microencapsulation with natural materials (alginate, protein...) combined with prebiotic co-encapsulation is currently the most prominent solution globally, especially in markets requiring high safety, efficacy, and stability standards. ^[1][3]

MAIN REFERENCES

1.   "Research progress of probiotics and their protective strategies in the treatment of IBD", M. Xiong, 2024, Frontiers in Microbiology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11537665/

2.   "Stability of probiotics through encapsulation", C. de Deus, 2024, Food Research International.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924012535

3.   "Application of Encapsulation Strategies for Probiotics", S. Agriopoulou, 2023, Foods.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10745938/

4.   "Juice-Based Living Probiotics Survive Stomach Acid", 2024, Scitechnol.
https://www.scitechnol.com/peer-review/juicebased-living-probiotics-survive-stomach-acid-significantly-better-than-dry-powder-live-probiotics-euGD.php?article_id=26908

5.   Quyen Seok Kwon, "Compressed Tablet Formulations of Enteric Microcapsules Containing Lactic Acid Bacteria", Master Thesis, Chung-Ang University, 1999. (No online link as it is a local thesis).

OTHER REFERENCES

6.   "Microencapsulation Techniques for Probiotic Formulations", 2025.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/jfq/6738124

7.   "Recent applications of microencapsulation techniques for probiotics", 2025.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X25000395

8.   "Microfluidic Strategies for Encapsulation, Protection, and Administration of Probiotics", 2024.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02973

9.   https://2024.sci-hub.se/6544/8e4f596045d2349afc61f3e41a307e57/olivares2017.pdf

10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502222002037

11. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.70426

12. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2023.2223776

13. https://academic.oup.com/ijfst/article/60/2/vvaf154/8220051

14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743475/

15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666893925001422

16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212429225017602

17. https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1541-4337.13322

18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9610121/

19. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00776

20. https://www.aimspress.com/aimspress-data/aimsmicro/2024/4/PDF/microbiol-10-04-043.pdf

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