Cytoprotection of probiotics by nanoencapsulation for advanced functions

Probiotics can enhance the health of the host by maintaining the balance of intestinal flora, but probiotic foods like yogurt have insufficient viable counts to reach prebiotic effects. To take advantage of probiotics, probiotics are fitted into sealed microcapsules in the size range of a few microns. Designing cytoprotective nanocoatings for probiotics is a promising strategy, as it addresses the limitations of microencapsulation including lack of particle size control, easy leak, and low in vivo efficiency. Probiotics by nanoencapsulation are based on the formation of nanocoating around individual probiotic cells, which can design specific nanocoating to protect probiotics and directly develop their advantages on the intestinal tract. Initially, this review delves into the issues for the application of probiotics and highlights the necessity of selecting cytoprotective nanocoating for probiotics. Furthermore, the method of major encapsulated probiotics utilizing nanocoating was introduced. Lastly, the challenges of nanocoating for probiotics are discussed. Nanoencapsulation is a technique used to coat probiotics with nanomaterials, which enhances the bioavailability of drugs and expands their potential applications. The two main methods of encapsulating probiotics into nanocoating are biological and non-biological membranes. Despite some challenges in the production process (such as the security and complexity of the production process in further practical application), nano-coated probiotics are a promising approach for developing next-generation therapeutics that can be used for synergistic treatment and prevention.