Tablets of soy protein-alginate microparticles with Lactobacillus casei 01: Physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties

The aim of the study was to develop direct-compress-tablets of microencapsulated probiotic Lactobacillus casei 01 in soy protein-alginate microparticles and excipients able to provide probiotic delivery near the colon. Considering their physicochemical properties, all series of tablets prepared met the requirements of the Ph Eur 9.0. The compaction of the probiotic loaded microparticles caused viability decrease up to 1.5 log cycles. The tablets containing Methocel K100M showed higher potential for preserving probiotic viability in simulated gastrointestinal fluids within 4 h and retarding its release in the intestinal stage, maintaining the required minimum of viable probiotic cells above 107 CFU per gram of tablet. In addition, acceptable storage stability (viability of probiotic above 106 CFU/g) at 25?C/60% relative humidity for 42 days was observed. In conclusion, novel tablet dosage forms of microencapsulated L. casei 01 were prepared with high potential for preserving probiotic viability in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and retarding its release in the lower intestine. Further research is needed to optimize the formulation and process parameters in order to obtain tablets with probiotic viability over long storage periods.