Enhancing the Viability Rate of Probiotic by Co-Encapsulating with Prebiotic in Alginate Microcapsules Supplemented to Cupcake Production

The objective of the study was to assess the survival of microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014 produced using the emulsion technique in alginate gel combined with pectin and maltodextrin components. The microcapsules were then added to cupcake dough that was further baked at 200℃ for 12 min. The viability of L. plantarum was assessed during baking and the 10 days of storage at 4℃ as well as in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition, yeast-mold and water activity were investigated. After baking, the samples with microencapsulated L. plantarum contained more than 5 log CFU/g, which was higher compared to the bacterial concentration of the control samples. The concentration of L. plantarum was more than 6 logs CFU/g after the end of the storage; therefore, the probiotic functioned as a biopreservative in the cake. The prebiotic component strengthened the microcapsules network and helped protect the viability of L. plantarum in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) media. The results show that the addition of L. plantarum microencapsules did not affect the sensory scores of the cupcake while ensuring the viability of the probiotic during baking and storing.