Encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria in W 1 /O/W 2 emulsions stabilized by mucilage:pectin complexes

Opuntia silvestri mucilage obtained from dried stems was explored as an emulsifier to prepare double emulsions aiming to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114. W /O/W emulsions were prepared using a two-step emulsification method. The aqueous phase (W ) consisted of L. plantarum CIDCA 83114, and the oil phase (O) of sunflower oil. The second emulsion was prepared by mixing the internal W /O emulsion with the W phase, consisting of 4 % polysaccharides, formulated with different mucilage:(citric)pectin ratios. Their stability was assessed after preparation (day 0) and during storage at 4 °C (28 days). Determinations included creaming index, color, particle size, viscosity, turbidity, and bacterial viability, along with exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Significant differences were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test (P