Encapsulation of probiotic bacteria using polyelectrolytes stabilized nanoliposomes for improved viability under hostile conditions

Abstract Probiotics viability and stability is a core challenge for the food processing industry. To prolong the viability of probiotics ( Lactobacillus acidophilus ), gelatin (GE)–chitosan (CH) polyelectrolytes‐coated nanoliposomes were developed and characterized. The average particle size of the nanoliposomes was in the range of 131.7–431.6 nm. The mean zeta potential value of the nanoliposomes differed significantly from −42.2 to −9.1 mV. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that the nanoliposomes were well distributed and had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the GE–CH polyelectrolyte coating has been effectively applied on the surface of nanoliposomes and L. acidophilus cells were successfully encapsulated in the lipid‐based nanocarriers. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that nanoliposomes are semicrystalline and GE–CH polyelectrolyte coating had an influence on the crystalline nature of nanoliposomes. Moreover, the coating of L. acidophilus ‐loaded nanoliposomes with GE–CH polyelectrolytes significantly improved its viability when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal environments. The findings of the current study indicated that polyelectrolyte‐coated nanoliposomes could be used as an effective carrier for the delivery of probiotics and their application to food matrix for manufacturing functional foods.