Isolation and microencapsulation of Lactobacillus spp. from corn silage for probiotic application

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Probiotics including strains of Lactobacillus spp. are living microorganisms including which are beneficial to human and animals health. In this study, Lactobacillus has been isolated from corn silage in a cold region of Iran by anaerobic culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bacteriological and biochemical standard methods were used for identification and phenotypic characterization of isolated organism. To increase the stability of organism in the environment, we used microencapsulation technique using stabilizer polymers (Alginate and Chitosan). RESULTS The isolated Lactobacillus spp. was able to ferment tested carbohydrates and grow at 10°C-50°C. Using microencapsulation, the stability and survival of this bacterium increased. CONCLUSION microencapsulation of lactic acid bacteria with alginate and chitosan coating offers an effective way of delivering viable bacterial cells to the colon and maintaining their survival during refrigerated storage.