Nanocoating of lactic acid bacteria: properties, protection mechanisms, and future trends

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a type of probiotic that may benefit intestinal health. Recent advances in nanoencapsulation provide an effective strategy to protect them from harsh conditions via surface functionalization coating techniques. Herein, the categories and features of applicable encapsulation methods are compared to highlight the significant role of nanoencapsulation. Commonly used food-grade biopolymers (polysaccharides and protein) and nanomaterials (nanocellulose and starch nanoparticles) are summarized along with their characteristics and advances to demonstrate enhanced combination effects in LAB co-encapsulation. Nanocoating for LAB provides an integrity dense or smooth layer attributed to the cross-linking and assembly of the protectant. The synergism of multiple chemical forces allows for the formation of subtle coatings, including electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic interactions, π–π, and metallic bonds. Multilayer shells have stable physical transition properties that could increase the space between the probiotic cells and the outer environment, thus delaying the microcapsules burst time in the gut. Probiotic delivery stability can be promoted by enhancing the thickness of the encapsulated layer and nanoparticle binding. Maintenance of benefits and minimization of nanotoxicity are desirable, and green synthesized nanoparticles are emerging. Future trends include optimized formulation, especially using biocompatible materials, protein or plant-based materials, and material modification.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Lactic acid bacteria
• nanoencapsulation
• microencapsulation
• nanocoating
• microcapsules

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32072195, 41406165, 41641052, 31972093, 31972048), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFD2100603), the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province for Diatinguished Young Scholars (LR23C200001).