Oral Delivery of Microencapsulated Probiotics: Technological Innovations and Functional Implications in Gut Health

Abstract

The oral delivery of probiotics poses significant challenges due to their vulnerability to the acidic and enzymatic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Microencapsulation, a technology involving the entrapment of probiotic cells in protective biopolymeric matrices, has emerged as a potent strategy to enhance viability, targeted release, and functionality. This thesis investigates the role of microencapsulation in improving the delivery and therapeutic potential of probiotics. Materials such as alginate and chitosan are primarily used for encapsulating strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Techniques including extrusion, spray drying, and lyophilization have been optimized to balance encapsulation efficiency with probiotic survival. The work further examines the synergistic application of synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) for advanced gut modulation. Controlled release profiles enabled by pH-responsive or enzyme-sensitive systems ensure probiotic activation at optimal intestinal sites, contributing to improved host-microbe interaction and immune-modulation. The study also explores industrial applications, challenges in large-scale production, and stability during storage and transit. In conclusion, microencapsulation enables more effective and patient-compliant delivery systems with applications ranging from dietary supplements to pharmaceutical therapeutics. It is a promising platform in the field of personalized and preventive medicine.