Ph responsive smart biopolymer microencapsulation for probiotic delivery in acidic beverages
Innovative biopolymer microencapsulation system for probiotics in acidic beverages, ensuring delivery to the GI tract. Utilizes pH-responsive polymers for targeted release in the small intestine, enhancing probiotic viability and beverage integration.
Overview
The pH responsive smart biopolymer microencapsulation technology is designed to enhance the delivery of probiotics through acidic beverages. This innovative system uses mixed polysaccharides to create a protective encapsulation that responds to pH changes, ensuring that probiotics are released in the higher pH environment of the small intestine. This approach not only protects the probiotics during their passage through the stomach but also ensures their viability and effectiveness once they reach the GI tract.
Technical specifications
- Polysaccharide Matrix: Probiotics are encapsulated within a homogeneous or core/shell polysaccharide matrix, providing a controlled release mechanism.
- pH-Responsive Release: The encapsulation system is designed to withstand the acidic conditions of beverages and stomach, releasing its contents in the less acidic environment of the small intestine.
- Adjustable Properties: The particle size, density, and softness can be customized to ensure they are not detectable in beverages and remain homogeneously dispersed.
- GRAS Materials: All components used in the formulation are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), ensuring consumer safety.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future work will involve the encapsulation of specific Lactobacillus strains and further testing to assess bacterial viability and particle stability in acidic beverage conditions.
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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