Encapsulation, with and without oil, of biofilm forming Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C strain in alginate-xanthan gum and its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect

•L. fermentum UCO-979C was encapsulated in alginate-xanthan gum with or without oil.•Capsules containing biofilms released probiotic when exposed to pH 3.0 for 90 min.•Probiotics released at pH 3.0 maintained its H. pylori inhibitory activity.•Bacterial counts were higher when capsules were kept at 4 °C instead of 25 °C.•Exopolysaccharides was higher in capsules without oil containing biofilm. Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium and the main risk factor for gastric carcinoma. Presently it shows resistance to antibiotics and, therefore, it is important to find alternatives for prevention and treatment of this microorganism. Some probiotics, such as Lactobacillus fermentum strain UCO-979C inhibits H. pylori. In this work, we report the encapsulation of L. fermentum UCO-979C in a 3:1 proportion alginate-xanthan gum matrix (1.5% w/v) with 20% or without vegetal oil and the increase of bacterial density culturing capsules in MRS broth supplemented with calcium during 12 h to promote biofilm formation. L. fermentum UCO-979C released from capsules containing biofilm and subjected to pH 3.0 maintained the anti-H. pylori inhibitory activity. Capsules containing a biofilm of probiotics plus a polyunsaturated fatty acid rich in omega-3 could be an innovative technological solution to develop a functional food to prevent H. pylori infection.