Eco-friendly microencapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei using Ficus pumila seed extract: A novel plant-based delivery system enhancing probiotic stability and gastrointestinal tolerance

Abstract

Background and Aim: Probiotic viability remains a critical challenge during gastrointestinal (GI) transit, storage, and feed processing. Conventional encapsulation materials often fail under acidic and thermal stress. This study aimed to develop and characterize a novel, eco-friendly microencapsulation system using Ficus pumila (FP) seed extract as a natural encapsulating matrix for Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (LP) WU2502, enhancing its functional resilience and storage stability. Materials and Methods: Microcapsules containing LP and FP were formulated through ionic gelation using calcium chloride. Physicochemical properties were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). Functional evaluations included encapsulation efficiency (EE), swelling kinetics, controlled release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, stress tolerance (acid, bile, enzymes, thermal), and viability during 60-day storage at 4°C and 25°C. Results: The LP/FP microcapsules demonstrated high EE (80.5%) and spherical morphology (~200 μm). FTIR confirmed the presence of ionic and hydrogen bonding in the matrix. The system exhibited pH-responsive swelling and controlled release, reaching 89.17% cumulative release in intestinal fluid. Encapsulated cells showed significantly improved tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, digestive enzymes, and heat compared to free cells (p < 0.05). After 60 days, the viability of encapsulated cells remained above 60% at both storage temperatures, while free cell viability dropped by over 85%. Conclusion: FP seed extract offers a biodegradable, plant-derived alternative for probiotic encapsulation. The developed LP/FP system effectively enhances probiotic survival under GI and thermal stress and during extended storage. These results support its application as a sustainable delivery platform for animal feed and functional food formulations.

Keywords

• ficus pumila
• gastrointestinal stability
• lacticaseibacillus paracasei
• plant-based matrix
• probiotic microencapsulation
• storage viability
• thermal resistance