Microencapsulated Probiotic Broadens Product Applications

Ingredients supplier Gencor (Anaheim, CA) is distributing a new, patented technology for probiotics that the company says helps maintain product stability under extreme conditions, thus broadening applications.

The new technology is called Intelicaps. Probiotic bacteria are housed in protective microencapsulated beadlets. According to Gencor, these microencapsulates resist low pH levels, protecting probiotic bacteria during transit through the digestive system until they reach their target organ, the intestines.

“Previously, probiotics existed in only one formulation-lyophilized probiotics in powder form,” said Jith Veeravalli, Gencor’s president, in a press release. These lyophilized forms are often sensitive to pH, humidity, heat, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to oxygen.

Veeravalli added that “the Intelicaps technology makes possible numerous formulations, including simple tablets and chewables, as well as safe combinations with substances such as zinc, citrate, and vitamin C. Additionally, the fermented strains may be used in production like a traditional ingredient, without significant reduction in quality.”

Belgium pharmaceutical company Vesale Pharma developed Intelicaps.