Spray-dried encapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum using gum Arabic and buffalo whey: Effects on biochemical and immune biomarkers in Albino rats

Background: Probiotics like Bifidobacterium bifidum require protection from gastrointestinal stress. This study evaluated spray-dried encapsulation using gum Arabic and buffalo whey to enhance the bacterium's survival and efficacy. Methods: B. bifidum was encapsulated via spray-drying (inlet: 136 °C, outlet: 53 °C). Rats were divided into control, free-cell, and groups fed 1% or 3% encapsulated bacteria in curd for three weeks. Serum urea, albumin, and globulin were measured. Results: The encapsulation achieved 72.3 ± 1.5% efficiency and 11.61 ± 0.04 log CFU/g viability. The encapsulated form significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum urea, albumin, and globulin levels compared to other groups, indicating enhanced protein metabolism, liver function, and immune modulation. Conclusion: Gum Arabic and buffalo whey are effective encapsulants that protect B. bifidum and enhance its bioactivity, offering a promising strategy for functional probiotic products.