title: Optimization of the formulation for preparing Lactobacillus casei loaded whey protein-Ca-alginate microparticles using full-factorial design.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article presents specific approach for microencapsulation of Lactobacillus casei using emulsion method followed by additional coating with whey protein.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental design was employed using polynomial regression model at 2nd level with three independent variables, concentrations of alginate, whey protein and CaCl2. Physicochemical, biopharmaceutical and biological properties were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 11 series generated, negatively charged microparticles were obtained, with size 6.99-9.88 µm, Ca-content 0.29-0.47 mg per 10 mg microparticles, and viability of the probiotic 9.30-10.87 log10CFU/g. The viability after 24 hours in simulated gastrointestinal conditions was between 3.60 and 8.32 log10CFU/g.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Optimal formulation of the microparticles that ensures survival of the probiotic and achieves controlled delivery was determined: 2.5% (w/w) alginate, 3% (w/w) CaCl2 and 3% (w/w) whey protein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The advantageous properties of the L. casei-loaded microparticles make them suitable for incorporation in functional food and/or pharmaceutical products.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Sciences, University "Goce Delčev", Krste Misirkov bb , POB 201, 2000 Stip , Macedonia .
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smilkov
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Petreska Ivanovska
authors.forename: Lidija
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Petrushevska Tozi
authors.forename: Rumenka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Petkovska
authors.forename: Jasmina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hadjieva
authors.forename: Emil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Popovski
authors.forename: Trajce
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stafilov
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grozdanov
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mladenovska
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry*; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*; D018914:Cells, Immobilized / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D004655:Emulsions / Q000737:chemistry; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D007780:Lacticaseibacillus casei / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000737:chemistry*; D000067816:Whey Proteins
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D004655:Emulsions; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008894:Milk Proteins; D000067816:Whey Proteins; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D002122:Calcium Chloride