Bioactivity evaluation of microbial exopolysaccharide and its use as an encapsulating agent for Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-3)

• Published in: Food bioscience 2023-10, Vol.55, p.102946, Article 102946
• Main Authors: Lopes Neto, J.H.P., Soares, S., Leite, K.S., Campos, M.I.F., Grisi, C.V.B., Ribeiro, J.E.S., Sobral, M.V., Amorim, G.M.W., Luciano, W.A., Gadelha, T.S., Cardarelli, H.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coating agent; Functionality; Polymer; Prebiotic
• ISSN: 2212-4292; 2212-4306
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102946

Microbial exopolysaccharides present bioactive and technological characteristics of interest to the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of the exopolysaccharide - EPS-LN60 - obtained from L. plantarum DF60Mi and its use as an encapsulating agent for Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3. The prebiotic score, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity in human tumor and non-tumor cells were determined. Solutions of 0% (F0), 0.5% (F1), and 1.0% (F2) of EPS were used as a coating for alginate capsules containing LA-3, which were evaluated for morphology, survival of LA-3 during refrigerated storage and after exposure to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. EPS-LN60 had a higher prebiotic capacity (1.45 ± 0.17) compared to the fructooligosaccharide (0.24 ± 0.05) and an antioxidant activity of 1862 ± 23.08 μM FeSO4/g. Furthermore, EPS-LN60 inhibited tumor cell growth by 36%±2.78%. The capsules coated with EPS-LN60 were spherical, uniform, and efficient toward LA-3 survival (85%) after 20 days of storage. F0 did not have viable cells after 10 days. EPS-LN60 provided additional protection to the capsule, preventing loss of viability during gastrointestinal simulation conditions, resulting in survival rates greater than 86%, which was not observed in F0 when submitted to the same conditions. Therefore, the potential of EPS-LN60 was demonstrated in terms of its bioactivity and its use as an encapsulating agent for L. acidophilus LA-3, with the possibility of future exploitation as a functional ingredient by the food and pharmaceutical industries. [Display omitted] •The EPS-LN60 has a higher prebiotic capacity than the commercial prebiotic FOS.•EPS-LN60 demonstrated a predisposition to inhibit tumoral cells growth.•EPS-LN60 coated capsules were efficient with LA-3 survival of 85% after 20 days.•The capsules with EPS-LN60 prevented LA-3 loss of viability during GIT simulation.