Microencapsulation Technology for Enhancement of Bifidobacterium spp. Viability: A Review

The intestinal microbiota has been shown to have a vital role in various aspects of human health, and accumulating evidence has shown the beneficial effects of supplementation with bifidobacteria for the improvement of human health, ranging from protection against infection to various positive effects. However, maintaining bacterial cell viability during storage and gastrointestinal transit remains a challenge. Microencapsulation of probiotic bacterial cells provides protection against adverse conditions during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal passage. In this paper, we review the current knowledge, future prospects, and challenges of microencapsulation of probiotic Bifidobacterium spp.