Double-layer microencapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus using sodium alginate and nano-mucilages of Qodume Shirazi and Camelina sativa for probiotic goat milk dessert

This study is the first to utilize nano-scale Qodume Shirazi seed mucilage (QSSM) and <i>Camelina sativa</i> seed mucilage (CSSM), individually and in combination, as natural wall materials for microencapsulation of <i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> (LR). SEM analysis indicated smooth bead surfaces and successful entrapment of LR. The 50:50 QSSM: CSSM formulation exhibited 97.92% encapsulation efficiency, and microencapsulated LR (MLR) remained viable (>6 log CFU/g) after 15 min at 72 °C. Moreover, MLR maintained viability above 7.85 log CFU/mL for 21 days at 4 °C in goat milk dessert (GMD). Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions MLR demonstrated a 57.53% survival rate compared with free LR, which was 47.17% at the end of storage. The addition of MLR increased the hardness (258.0 ± 16.0 g) and gumminess (102.56 ± 8.45 g) of GMD. Overall, the results demonstrate that QSSM and CSSM mucilages can serve as effective natural encapsulating agents, enhancing the thermal and storage stability.