Supercritical carbon dioxide interpolymer complexes improve survival of B. longum Bb-46 in simulated gastrointestinal fluids

Gastric acidity is the main factor affecting viability of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This study investigated the survival in simulated gastrointestinal fluids of Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 encapsulated in interpolymer complexes formed in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). Bacteria were exposed sequentially to simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 2) for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8) for 6 or 24 h. Total encapsulated bacteria were determined by suspending 1 g of product in SIF for 6 h at 37 °C prior to plating out. Plates were incubated anaerobically at 37 °C for 72 h. The interpolymer complex displayed pH-responsive release properties, with little to no release in SGF and substantial release in SIF. There was a limited reduction in viable counts at the end of exposure period due to encapsulation. Protection efficiency of the interpolymer complex was improved by addition of glyceryl monostearate (GMS). Gelatine capsules delayed release of bacteria from the interpolymer complex thus minimizing time of exposure to the detrimental conditions. Use of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO) decreased the protection efficiency of the matrix. Interpolymer complex encapsulation showed potential for protection of probiotics and therefore for application in food and pharmaceuticals.