Protein-sugar encapsulation for enhanced probiotic stability
This innovative encapsulation technology uses Maillard reaction-based protein-sugar complexes to stabilize probiotics. By employing histidine-galactose coatings, it ensures stability in acidic environments and controlled release in the intestine, enhancing probiotic viability.
Overview
This solution leverages the Maillard reaction to create protein-sugar complexes for encapsulating probiotics, offering enhanced stability and controlled release. By using histidine and galactose, the resulting encapsulation material provides antioxidant protection and maintains integrity in the acidic conditions of the stomach, ensuring that probiotics are delivered effectively to the small intestine, where they are most beneficial.
Technical specifications
- Maillard reaction-based coating: Utilizes amino acids and sugar to form covalent complexes with strong antioxidant properties.
- Histidine-galactose material: Specifically designed to remain stable at stomach pH (1.5-3.5) and release probiotics at the small intestine pH (7.5).
- Encapsulation efficiency: Features smooth surface morphology and smaller particle size, enhancing cell viability and stability.
- Validation methods: Includes UV-spectroscopy, FTIR for material characterization, and testing in stomach mimic environments.
- Application: Ideal for integrating into beverages, with additional sensory, acidity, and shelf-life analysis.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 4, having completed laboratory validation of its key components and encapsulation process. Further studies involving sensory analysis, shelf-life, and in vivo testing are planned to advance its readiness for commercial application.
About University of Management and Technology
The University of Management and Technology (UMT) is a private university in Lahore, Pakistan, serving a large, diverse student body across professional and technical fields. Industry engagement is built into campus infrastructure through co-located teaching and research labs, shared prototyping and testing spaces, and an industry liaison function that coordinates sponsored projects and talent pipelines. An incubation and entrepreneurship support environment, together with company advisory input, helps surface applied problems early and speed proof‑of‑concept development. Research is supported by competitive national funding in Pakistan, including programs administered by the Higher Education Commission, alongside international sponsors, and a dedicated commercialization office assists with IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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