Influence of microencapsulation and transglutaminase on viability of probiotic strain Lactobacillus helveticus M92 and consistency of set yoghurt

The effect of microencapsulated probiotic Lactobacillus helveticus M92 cells and transglutaminase addition on the probiotic set yoghurt properties was investigated. Addition of probiotic bacteria, either free or microencapsulated in sodium caseinate, decreased the fermentation time and significantly enhanced the appearance and consistency of probiotic set yoghurt. Better survival of microencapsulated than free probiotic bacteria in produced yoghurts during storage, as well as during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, emphasises the efficiency of microencapsulation in the cell protection. Pretreatment of the milk with transglutaminase increased the gel strength and decreased the syneresis, which resulted in a better appearance and consistency of probiotic set yoghurts.