Enhanced probiotic stability in beverages through nanoencapsulation

Overview

The innovative solution leverages Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to enhance probiotic stability in beverages. By applying nanoscale thin-film encapsulation to probiotic powders, this method protects these sensitive components from acidic beverage environments. The coatings are designed to remain intact in beverages but dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring targeted release and optimal bioavailability of probiotics where they are most effective.

Technical specifications

• Encapsulation Technique: Utilizes ALD to apply coatings with nanoscale precision, ranging from 5 to 100 nm, ensuring gradual and optimized release without affecting taste.
• Process Conditions: Conducted at a low temperature of 45°C to maintain ingredient integrity and bioavailability.
• Material Safety: Coatings are generally recognized as safe, meeting regulatory standards.
• Commercial Viability: The process can scale to handle tons of material, highlighting its potential for industrial application.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 4, the technology has been validated in laboratory environments. Future validation steps will include optimizing ALD processes for uniform coatings, evaluating release profiles in simulated conditions, and performing scalability studies to confirm industrial applicability.