Encapsulation of probiotics using natural polysaccharides
A novel encapsulation technique using natural polysaccharides to enhance probiotic viability in acidic environments, improving delivery through the digestive system.
Overview
This innovative encapsulation technology combines multiple natural polysaccharides to protect probiotics during processing and enhance their viability in low-pH environments. By leveraging the unique properties of materials like alginate and chitosan, this approach aims to improve the stability and delivery efficiency of probiotics through the digestive system.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes commonly used biological materials such as alginate and chitosan for encapsulation
- Improves probiotic stability in acidic conditions through a multilayer coating approach
- Aims to maintain high viability of probiotics when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant laboratory environment and is progressing towards further development and testing.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
delivered to your inbox.