Recent advances in the design and fabrication of probiotic delivery systems to target intestinal inflammation

Inflammation of the gut causes diarrhea and other forms of intestinal distress, as well as being linked to various parenteral diseases such as arthritis, fatty liver, and conjunctivitis. Probiotics are being developed to ameliorate inflammation and improve intestinal health through dietary interventions. The use of probiotics may reduce the need for antibiotics, thereby reducing their potential side effects and the growth of antibiotic resistance. However, there are several limitations to the use of free (non-encapsulated) probiotics because they are prone to degradation in foods and within the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the availability of effective probiotic delivery systems is important. This review summarizes recent progress on the design, fabrication, and application of probiotic delivery systems, with an emphasis on their ability to reduce intestinal inflammation. In addition, the mechanisms of action of probiotics within the intestinal tract and the impact of delivery systems on these are discussed. Well-designed probiotic delivery systems can improve the stability of probiotics during food processing and digestion, which promotes the colonization of probiotics in the large intestine by ensuring that a greater fraction of viable probiotics actually reaches the colon. However, probiotics can also modulate the protective effects of the intestinal barrier and regulate the immune system and intestinal flora, which also produce beneficial effects. Encapsulated probiotics may therefore be utilized to improve inflammatory bowel disease without inducing side effects, such as increased drug resistance and disruption of intestinal flora.