MORDOVIAN SCIENTISTS HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW WAY TO DELIVER BENEFICIAL BACTERIA TO THE BODY
Scientists of the Mordovian State University named after N.P. Ogarev developed a new method of delivering probiotic (beneficial) bacteria to the body – gel spherical particles based on natural components. A special advantage of the development of Mordovian scientists is the efficiency of delivery of the probiotic to the animal or human body, as well as additional enrichment with organic iodine and a valuable polysaccharide – fucoidan, the press service of the university notes.
The currently presented methods for producing microcapsules with included microorganisms have several disadvantages – the duration of manufacture, the need to use complex equipment, inorganic ingredients, the complexity of the encapsulation process and the possible death of cells of probiotic microorganisms.
«It will take no more than 2-5 minutes to make capsules according to our formula. Inclusion in natural polysaccharides contributes to the protection of beneficial bacteria during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract and their targeted delivery to the intestines, where they are released and included in the fight against pathogenic forms of microorganisms, and also play an important role in the formation of strong immunity, promote digestion, strengthen the intestinal barrier function, etc.,» Associate Professor of the Department of Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Bioengineering of the Mordovian State University named after N.P. Ogarev Nelly Atykyan commented.
Modifilan is additionally included in these capsules – a domestic product of special processing of seaweed, which saturates the body with organic iodine. It is known that a lack of iodine leads to problems in the brain, decreased performance, increased fatigue, and the development of various pathologies. The second important component of modifilan is the polysaccharide fucoidan, which has antitumor, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other effects.
The manufacturing process consists of several stages. At the first, probiotic cultures are mixed with a polysaccharide mixture and modifilan. At the second stage, spherical particles are formed from this mixture by extrusion in a hardener solution with vigorous stirring. Next, the particles are separated from the solution and packaged.
The work of scientists was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.