Protein-based encapsulation technology for enhancing probiotic stability
Innovative protein-based encapsulation technology by Sphera Encapsulation improves probiotic stability in acidic and harsh conditions, ensuring higher survival rates and targeted intestinal release. Ideal for use in beverages and foods requiring pasteurization.
Overview
Sphera Encapsulation has developed a cutting-edge encapsulation technology utilizing natural protein polymers to enhance the stability of probiotics and other sensitive ingredients. This technology creates a robust protective shell around active ingredients, safeguarding them from the detrimental effects of extreme pH, temperature, and harsh processing conditions such as homogenization and pasteurization. This innovation is particularly beneficial in maintaining the viability of probiotics in acidic environments, such as in beverage formulations, ultimately ensuring enhanced survival rates and targeted release in the intestine.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes natural protein polymers for encapsulation
- Protects active ingredients from extreme pH and temperature
- Suitable for incorporation into acidic beverages and foods
- Enhances survival rate of probiotics during processing and storage
- Supports targeted intestinal release of active ingredients
The encapsulation technology has demonstrated efficacy in preliminary tests, showing increased stability of encapsulated carotenoids like astaxanthin, and it has performed well in encapsulating probiotic bacteria. Future formulations will be tested to optimize the shell's strength and improve performance further.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it has been validated in laboratory settings. Future validation steps include testing different formulations for enhanced shell strength and conducting accelerated shelf-life tests and in-vitro simulated digestion to refine and optimize performance.
About Sphera Encapsulation
Sphera Encapsulation is an Italian biotechnology company founded in 2016 that specializes in micro- and nano-encapsulation technologies. Headquartered in Verona, the firm develops protective barriers for sensitive active ingredients, employing various methods such as spray drying, fluid bed, coacervation, and ionic gelation. These technologies are designed to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and handling of substances by protecting them from degradation, heat, moisture, and oxidation. The company is known for proprietary innovations like SpherAQ, which improves the functionality and solubility of lipophilic compounds in aqueous environments.
The company serves diverse industrial sectors, including functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemistry. By providing customized encapsulation solutions, Sphera helps partners improve product performance and address challenges such as targeted delivery, ingredient waste, and environmental impact. Their work is characterized by a commitment to sustainable, ecological formulations and the use of natural substances. The company was established by co-founders Martina Vakarelova and Francesca Zanoni, with support from the University of Verona, and has since expanded its operations to address complex formulation needs across international markets.
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