Abstract

Some species of Lactobacillus (Gram-positive bacilli) are promising probiotics with positive physiological effects on the prevention and treatment of diseases. A critical drawback related to the action of these microorganisms refers to the sustainable viability of the cells at adverse conditions (under storage, packing and at gastrointestinal tract flux) - the high humidity conditions inhibit the prolonged viability of the cells. As a consequence, the encapsulation in oxygen-free or impermeable micro containers represents an additional protective procedure to preserve bioactive living cells, providing targeted release of microorganisms at specific parts of the organism. Herein, this mini-review investigates the alternative encapsulation of Lactobacillus spp. by polymeric electrospun fibers. The use of polymeric solutions as templates for electrospinning procedure may increase not only the stability of Lactobacillus spp. but also provide hydrophobic pockets that protect probiotics against adverse conditions. Besides, the electrospun fibers can control the release of species, favoring the therapeutic benefits of probiotics, increasing the viability and stability of Lactobacillus spp.

Keywords: Encapsulation, electrospinning, nanofibers, bioactive cells, probiotics, microorganisms.