Preparation and in vitro analysis of microencapsulated live Lactobacillus fermentum 11976 for augmentation of feruloyl esterase in the gastrointestinal tract.

FA (ferulic acid) is a well-known phenolic phytochemical present in plant cell walls. Various studies have indicated that FA has many physiological functions in the prevention of chronic disease. It has been shown to play an important chemoprotective role in degenerative diseases. FA also shows strong antioxidant and nitrite-scavenging potential and anticarcinogenic and antiinflammatory properties. The in vivo physiological importance of FA depends on its availability for absorption. Dietary fibre-bound FA is partially released by gut micro-organisms; however, the concentration of the released FA is too low to act as a chemopreventive agent. Therefore it is important to augment the bioavailability of FA to appreciate more fully its real physiological effect. This paper evaluates the suitability of the alginate-poly(L-lysine)-alginate microcapsules for oral delivery of live feruloyl esterase-producing Lactobacillus fermentum 11976 cells, in vitro, by using a dynamic simulated human GI (gastrointestinal) model. The present study shows that microencapsulated L. fermentum 11976 cells can efficiently break down a FA-containing substrate, and establishes the biotechnological basis for their use in supplementing the bioavailability of dietary FA in the intestine.