Level of Type L Metacrylate Acid Copolymer as Microparticle Matrix Improves Lactobacillus casei Protection against Gastric Acid

Lactobacillus casei is a probiotic that has an ability to protect the intestine, but is damaged due to the acid pH in the stomach. A system is needed to provide protection. Probiotic microencapsulation can provide protection against Lactobacillus casei by increasing the levels of methacrylic acid copolymers.

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of type L methacrylic acid copolymers as microparticle matrix on the protection system of Lactobacillus casei against acidic atmosphere.

Lactobacillus casei probiotic microparticles were made from three formulas using matrix type L methacrylic acid copolymers with levels in formulas I, II, and III, each of which was 0.50%; 0.75%; and 1.00% by spray drying technique at 120°C inlet temperature.

Moisture content decreased with the increasing levels of methacrylic acid copolymers from formulas I, II and III with 10.05% ± 0.49; 9.77% ± 0.19 and 7.45% ± 0.11 respectively. In determining particle size, the results increased simultaneously with the increasing levels of methacrylic acid copolymers in formulas I, II and III, which were 3.29 ± 0.07; 3.79 ± 0.06 and 4.34 ± 0.13 respectively.

Increasing the level of L type methacrylic acid copolymer as a matrix can increase the protection capability of Lactobacillus casei microparticles against gastric acid.