MICROENCAPSULATED PROBIOTICS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS: HARNESSING FERMENTATION AND TARGETED DELIVERY ALONG THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS-A REVIEW

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and cognitive and motor decline. Recent research highlights the significant role of the gut–brain axis (GBA) in the development and progression of these disorders. Gut microbiota imbalance (dysbiosis) contributes to neuroinflammatory processes, making microbiome-based therapies a promising approach. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and producing beneficial neuroactive metabolites. However, their survival is often compromised during processing and gastrointestinal transit. Microencapsulation technologies such as spray drying, extrusion, ionotropic gelation, and nanoencapsulation improve probiotic stability, viability, and targeted intestinal delivery. Advanced delivery strategies further enhance gut–brain communication and therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes fermentation-based probiotic production, microencapsulation techniques, formulation challenges, and future strategies for developing effective probiotic-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.