Preparation of MOS-Lactobacillus rhamnosus microcapsules by spray drying and its evaluation under gastrointestinal and fermentation with T2D mice feces

Lactobacillus has the functions of regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and regulating intestinal flora. However, it is poorly tolerated by the human gastrointestinal fluid, which affects its survival in the intestine and reduces the effectiveness of Lactobacillus. This study developed microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus using mulberry oligosaccharides and maltodextrin (1:3) via spray drying to enhance probiotic viability. The spherical microcapsules (75.18 ± 4.32 μm) demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and promoted bacterial proliferation. In vitro tests revealed exceptional gastrointestinal protection, maintaining viable counts above 4.53 lg CFU/g after digestion, and significant hypoglycemic activity. In type 2 diabetic mice, treatment modulated gut microbiota by increasing Firmicutes and Lactobacillus abundances while reducing Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella. These findings demonstrate that the microcapsules wall materials provide effective gastrointestinal protection. Core materials provide hypoglycemic function, and microbiota remodeling. Our results inform the potential for the development of mulberry oligosaccharides and probiotics as an intestinal-targeted delivery system.