Pectin-based synbiotic microcapsules with probiotic bacillus spores
Innovative pectin-based synbiotic microcapsules enhance probiotic stability and survivability in acidic beverages. Utilizing Bacillus spores, these microcapsules release probiotics in the intestines, promising improved health benefits when integrated into food products.
Overview
Our innovative solution involves the development of pectin-based synbiotic microcapsules designed to enhance the stability and survivability of probiotic Bacillus spores in acidic beverages. This advanced encapsulation technique utilizes the prebiotic properties of pectin, enhanced by calcium ions, to ensure that the probiotics are stable in the stomach and release effectively in the intestines. This novel approach promises significant health benefits when integrated into various food products, particularly beverages.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes sustainable and Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) pectin as a wall material, modified through de-methoxylation and amidation.
- Incorporates probiotic Bacillus spores known for their environmental tolerance and potential in food applications.
- Employs diverse encapsulation techniques such as spray drying, freeze-drying, and emulsion-based gelation to optimize probiotic delivery.
- Utilizes in vitro dynamic digestion models to realistically assess the stability and release of microencapsulated probiotics.
- Investigates the impact of food matrix components like proteins, fats, and sugars on probiotic survivability and release.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing encapsulation methods and assessing probiotic stability under simulated digestive conditions to advance the development and commercial application of this technology.
About University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large student body across multiple campuses, known for applied scholarship and community partnership. Industry partners access core facilities and pilot‑scale capabilities—including the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center—for prototyping, scale‑up, and product validation. A downtown Innovation District and a statewide Cooperative Extension network link campus expertise to companies across Georgia, while proximity to Atlanta’s corporate and logistics hubs lowers barriers to engagement. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP services, licensing, startup support, and incubator space to accelerate commercialization.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.