Search

Search Results

• Formulation and investigation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus cek-R1 filled alginate microspheres with different excipients

  Pálma Fehér

  Boglárka Papp

  Liza Józsa

  Dávid Sinka

  Eszter Fidrus

  Fruzsina Nacsa

  Ildikó Bácskay

  Gábor Kardos

  Views:

  315

  Microspheres are spherical particles containing the active substance, in our case bacterial probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), in an individually coated form. L. rhamnosus is a natural constituent of the human intestinal flora and is known to improve immune function, enhance healing of the intestinal mucosa, reduce inflammation, bloating and diarrhoea.  

  The aim of our experimental work was to formulate sodium alginate microspheres containing L. rhamnosus bacterial strain as active ingredient and prebiotic (galactooligosaccharide, pectin, inulin). The microspheres were formulated using Büchi Encapsulator equipment, after which the entrapment efficiency was measured. The lyophilized product was filled into hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) capsules and was subjected to a dissolution assay using Erweka equipment. The number of viable L. rhamnosus was determined from samples of the dissolution fluid.  The microspheres are lyophilised to improve shelf-life and facilitate filling into traditional capsules. The number of viable bacteria in the lyophilizate was determined by inoculation on medium and standard microdilution test. Microspheres containing different compositions of pro- and prebiotics were formulated, and their antioxidant capacity was detected by 2,2-diphenyl-l-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). We tested the anti-inflammatory effect of the microspheres using human IL-4 ELISA Kit on colon adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2) cell line.

• Cyclodextrins in Probiotic Protection and Microbiome Modulation: From Carrier Systems to Synbiotic Design

  Katalin Réti-Nagy

  Views:

  32

  Cyclodextrin-based micro- and nanocarriers are increasingly being explored as versatile tools for improving the stability and delivery of probiotic microorganisms, addressing persistent challenges such as acid and bile sensitivity, oxidative stress, and processing-related losses. A wide range of micro- and nano-encapsulation strategies, including spray drying, extrusion, coacervation, freeze-drying, and electrospinning, have been developed to enhance probiotic viability and gastrointestinal performance. Within this technological landscape, cyclodextrins offer distinctive advantages due to their ability to form multifunctional carrier matrices and stabilize sensitive bioactive components through both inclusion and non-inclusion interactions.

  Beyond their role as formulation excipients, emerging evidence indicates that certain cyclodextrins may also exhibit prebiotic-like properties, selectively modulating gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity. This combination of carrier functionality and potential biological activity suggests a conceptual framework for synbiotic design in which cyclodextrins could both protect probiotics and influence the intestinal environment following release.

  Advances in cyclodextrin-based hydrogels, nanosponges, and hybrid polymer systems further illustrate opportunities for colon-targeted delivery, microbiota-responsive degradation, and controlled release; however, most probiotic-specific applications remain at an exploratory stage. Key challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, microbial viability, safety assessment, and regulatory harmonization remain unresolved.

  Rather than presenting a finalized technology, this review integrates evidence from food science, pharmaceutical research, and microbiome studies to highlight cyclodextrin-enabled probiotic formulation as an emerging research domain. By delineating current opportunities and limitations, the work aims to stimulate interdisciplinary investigation into the potential role of cyclodextrins in future probiotic and synbiotic systems