Starch‐Encapsulated Probiotics for Enzymatic Intervention in Diabetes and Obesity: An In Vitro Analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and evaluate a starch‐based microencapsulation system for targeted delivery of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to inhibit key metabolic enzymes associated with diabetes and obesity. The encapsulated probiotics were tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity against enzymes central to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism: α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV), and cholesterol esterase. The starch microbeads were characterized by microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and simulated gastrointestinal stability testing. The microbeads showed polygonal smooth surface morphology with encapsulation efficiency of 87% and enhanced thermal and pH stability. Inhibitory activities of encapsulated probiotics were recorded as 93% (α‐glucosidase), 81% (α‐amylase), 77% (DPP‐IV), 76% (cholesterol esterase), and 68% (pancreatic lipase). These findings demonstrate the potential of this biocompatible food grade delivery system to serve as a multifunctional strategy for enzymatic intervention in metabolic syndrome, offering a promising nonpharmaceutical therapeutic avenue.