Encapsulation of probiotic bacteria in double emulsions
Innovative encapsulation of probiotics using dynamic membranes in double emulsions ensures high viability and stability. This method, applicable at an industrial level, allows for spray-drying into a solid form without compromising bacterial integrity or taste.
Overview
The encapsulation of probiotic bacteria in double emulsions represents a significant advancement in maintaining bacterial viability and physiological activity. This technology utilizes dynamic membranes with tunable pore size (DMTS) to create double emulsions that can be transformed into a solid form through spray drying. The use of food-grade emulsifiers and taste-neutral wall material ensures minimal impact on the taste of the final product. This solution is poised to enhance the delivery of probiotics in various food products.
Technical specifications
- Dynamic Membranes with Tunable Pore Size (DMTS): Features a packed-bed of micron-size beads held by a nickel microsieve, allowing for low energy usage and narrow droplet size distribution.
- Encapsulation Process: Utilizes premix emulsification to produce water-in-oil (W1/O) emulsions, refined to achieve monodisperse droplets of approximately 10 µm, encapsulating 2-4 cells per droplet.
- Double Emulsion Formation: Involves creating a W1/O/W2 emulsion using whey protein as an emulsifier, achieving an encapsulation efficiency close to 99%.
- Spray Drying Capability: Enables delivery of probiotics in a stable powder form, preserving emulsion structure and bacterial viability upon rehydration.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, this technology has been validated with Lactobacillus plantarum and is in the experimental proof of concept stage. Future validations will explore different strains and storage conditions to ensure broad applicability and stability.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Columbus, serving one of the nation’s largest student populations and a broad research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an integrated academic medical center for clinical translation, a campus‑adjacent innovation district for co‑located projects, and a statewide extension network that pilots solutions across Ohio. Corporate engagement provides a single front door for sponsored research, talent pipelines, and streamlined agreements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support help protect IP, license technologies, and launch startups.
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