Co-encapsulation of Lactobacillus reuteri DPC16 and Cyclocarya paliurus leaf extracts in plant proteins for probiotic viability improvement

This study developed a novel microencapsulation system using hempseed protein isolate (HPI) for the targeted delivery of Lactobacillus reuteri DPC16 and Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) leaf extracts to the human gut. The physicochemical properties, morphology, and probiotic survivability were evaluated. The optimized formulation demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) under in vitro gastrointestinal simulation (GITS) and during a 120-day storage period at -20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C. The HPI/CP formulation, at a 9:1 (w/w) ratio, achieved the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) and maintained a 93.06 % survival rate for encapsulated L. reuteri DPC16. After GITS, encapsulated L. reuteri DPC16 showed significantly higher viability (7.2 log CFU/g) than free cells (5.5 log CFU/g) (p < 0.05). Confocal laser microscopy confirmed its robust survivability in the HPI/CP (9:1) matrices, with viability remaining above 10⁶ CFU/g after 120 days. These findings highlight the potential of HPI and CP formulations for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals with enhanced probiotic stability and survivability.