Bac-in-a-box encapsulation technology for probiotic protection in beverages
Austrianova's Bac-in-a-Box technology provides an innovative encapsulation method for probiotics, safeguarding them in low pH beverages and gastric conditions. This solution ensures stable storage and targeted intestinal release, enhancing probiotic viability and effectiveness.
Overview
Austrianova's Bac-in-a-Box technology offers a revolutionary encapsulation method designed to protect probiotics in environments with low pH, such as acidic beverages and the human stomach. This technology ensures that probiotics remain stable at room temperature for up to two years and can withstand acidic conditions without significant loss of viability. Upon consumption, the capsules protect the probiotics until they reach the intestinal tract, where they disintegrate to release high viable doses, promoting efficient gut colonization. This makes Bac-in-a-Box an ideal solution for enhancing the stability and efficacy of probiotics in the beverage industry.
Technical specifications
Bac-in-a-Box capsules are made from plant-derived, non-immunogenic inert cellulose sulphate polymers. Each capsule, measuring a few hundred microns, can encapsulate up to 5 million bacteria. Key features include:
- Room temperature stability: Probiotics remain viable for up to two years.
- Acid resistance: Capsules withstand low pH beverages (pH 2-4) and artificial gastric acid (pH 2) for several hours.
- Targeted release: Capsules disintegrate in the intestine, releasing probiotics in viable doses for effective gut colonization.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. Future validation plans include conducting long-term stability studies in various beverages and testing specific probiotic strains for enhanced efficacy.
About Austrianova Singapore Pte Ltd
Austrianova is a biotechnology company headquartered in Singapore that specializes in cell encapsulation technology. The company has developed proprietary platforms, including Cell-in-a-Box and Bac-in-a-Box, which create porous capsules around living cells, bacteria, or yeast. This encapsulation protects the contents from external environments while allowing for the free diffusion of nutrients, waste, and synthesized biological molecules. These technologies are designed to facilitate the storage, transport, and therapeutic application of living cells for various medical and biological uses. In addition to its encapsulation platforms, the company provides comprehensive cell R&D services, including standardized allogenic cell therapy development, cell line engineering, and GMP-compliant cell banking.
By providing these technologies and services, Austrianova supports partners in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in developing innovative therapeutics, including treatments for cancer and age-related conditions. The company’s solutions enable the use of standardized cell products that do not require a patient's own cells, potentially streamlining clinical applications. Austrianova’s work is supported by extensive peer-reviewed research and international collaborations. The company maintains an international presence, with operations in Singapore and a European base in Germany, serving as a B2B partner for firms requiring expert cell biology services and specialized manufacturing capabilities under high quality and safety standards.
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