Encapsulation of multi-strain probiotics using nanochitosan as a potential immunomodulator in broiler chicken

Abstract The digestive tract anatomy of chickens differs from that of mammals, posing a challenge in improving the effectiveness of orally administered probiotics. One method that enables probiotics to survive in extreme environmental changes in chicken digestive tract is encapsulation into a nano-system. Therefore, this study aimed to encapsulate multistrain probiotics using nanochitosan as a carrier to form a nano-system. Encapsulation using the ionic gelation method successfully encapsulated bacteria with nanochitosan of various hydrodynamic sizes, depending on the ratio of nanochitosan to probiotics. The results showed that the finisher phase of broiler chickens demonstrated the significant potential of a nano-system to promote nutrient absorption by improving the morphology of intestinal villi and crypts. Additionally, an increase in the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-γ showed that nano-system probiotics can improve the immune system of the chickens. This study offers insights into the potential of nano-system probiotics to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption and the immune-modulation in broiler chickens. Graphical abstract Multi-strain probiotics encapsulated into a nano-system have the potential to enhance the absorption of nutrients through intestinal repair and also to strengthen the immune system.