Single-Cell Encapsulation Methods for Enhancing Microorganism Viability

Probiotics, by definition, must be alive at the moment of administration, but processing methods cause significant cellular stresses and impact the viability of microorganisms. This becomes a major bottleneck in the commercialization of probiotics, in the areas of manufacturing and storage. Coating probiotics to improve the microbial viability during processing and storage has shown promise. This team is developing a self-assembling, inorganic-organic hybrid cellular coating for the protection of microorganisms from stresses incurred in the manufacturing process. The coatings will passively protect cells from environmental pressures and actively combat destructive elements such as free radicals.