Benign microencapsulation process for enhanced probiotic stability
A novel microencapsulation process using supercritical CO2 to enhance probiotic stability. This environmentally-friendly method extends shelf life and ensures targeted release in the intestine, improving probiotic efficacy in gummy products.
Overview
This innovative process utilizes supercritical CO2 to create a benign and environmentally-friendly microencapsulation method for probiotics. By avoiding exposure to water, solvents, or oxygen, this technology enhances the stability and shelf life of probiotics. The lipid-based encapsulation matrix provides a natural protective barrier that withstands higher temperatures and facilitates targeted release in the small intestine, ensuring the probiotics' effectiveness.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes supercritical CO2 as the process medium, ensuring a clean and environmentally-friendly method.
- Operates at lower temperatures than conventional processes, preserving probiotic viability.
- Lipid encapsulation matrix protects against temperature fluctuations and oxygen exposure.
- Allows for the addition of additives to increase melting temperature, enhancing stability during gummy manufacturing.
- Designed for targeted release in the small intestine through lipid digestion and emulsification.
Technology readiness level
This technology has reached a TRL of 6, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments and is ready for pilot-scale production. The next steps include further optimization and scaling up for commercial trials, leveraging the organization's on-site gummy manufacturing capabilities.
About Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s national applied research organization, operating multi-site campuses with a mission-driven, contract research model that serves government and industry. Industry engagement centers on co-located laboratories, accredited testing, and pilot-scale platforms that help companies de-risk scale-up and validate compliance. Prototyping workshops and demonstration testbeds support rapid design–build–test cycles, and on-campus collaboration spaces enable supplier development. Research is backed by South Africa’s public research funding and competitive industry contracts, with added support from international development and research programs. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout formation, with streamlined pathways for NDAs and facility access.
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