Production of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and microencapsulation using cassava starch and Bactris Gasepaes Kunth palm starch

The present study aimed to evaluate the production of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 strains in whey and sugarcane juice enriched with bacteriological peptone and yeast extract for subsequent evaluation of their microencapsulation in Cassava starch and starch from the fruit of the Bactris gasepaes kunth palm tree, combined or not with whey protein isolate. The biomass production of L. plantarum was more efficient when inoculated in whey enriched with 1.0% bacteriological peptone. The L. plantarum cells showed significantly (p>0.05) greater resistance to lyophilization processes, storage time and simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions when protected by microencapsulation. The biomass was reproduced in alternative media, enriched with 0.5% and 1.0% of different nitrogen sources. The microcapsules were produced by lyophilization and quantified before and after the process. In addition, their storage was evaluated for 30, 45 and 60 days and their resistance to gastrointestinal media was tested using 3% bile salts and pH adjustments with HCl. Comparing the different formulations of the wall material, the samples did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between themselves and the addition of isolated protein increased the protection offered by starches. All microcapsules were sensitive to acidic conditions with losses ranging from 1.24 to 2.19 logCFU.g-1. After two months of storage, the microencapsulated samples presented counts > 6.0 logCFU.g-1 and the temperature of -10°C was more beneficial for storage. Scanning electron microscopy showed the different shapes of the starches as well as the adhesion of lactobacillus to their surface. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the different types of starch as encapsulating matrices with adequate protection for the various barriers faced by probiotics. • Production of Lactobacillus plantarum biomass in alternative culture media; • Use and valorization of starches from Amazonian tubers and fruits as encapsulating matrices; • Starches from Cassava and the fruit of the Bactris gasepaes Kunth palm tree are efficient in preserving L. plantarum against storage periods and gastrointestinal barriers (cell counts above 6 log CFU g-1).