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This review paper analyzes recent advancements in bio-polymer coatings for probiotic microencapsulation, with a particular emphasis on chitosan and its synergistic combinations with other materials. Probiotic microencapsulation is essential for protecting probiotics from environmental stresses, enhancing their stability, and ensuring effective delivery to the gut. The review begins with an overview of probiotic microencapsulation, highlighting its significance in safeguarding probiotics through processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Advances in chitosan-based encapsulation are explored, including the integration of chitosan with other bio-polymers such as alginate, gelatin, and pectin, as well as the application of nanotechnology and innovative encapsulation techniques like spray drying and layer-by-layer assembly. Detailed mechanistic insights are integrated, illustrating how chitosan influences gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria and suppressing pathogens, thus enhancing its role as a prebiotic or synbiotic. Furthermore, the review delves into chitosan's immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune diseases, describing the immune signaling pathways influenced by chitosan and linking gut microbiota changes to improvements in systemic immunity. Recent clinical trials and human studies assessing the efficacy of chitosan-coated probiotics are presented, alongside a discussion of practical applications and a comparison of in vitro and in vivo findings to highlight real-world relevance. The sustainability of chitosan sources and their environmental impact are addressed, along with the novel concept of chitosan's role in the gut-brain axis. Finally, the review emphasizes future research needs, including the development of personalized probiotic therapies and the exploration of novel bio-polymers and encapsulation techniques.

From the multitude of materials currently available on the market that can be used in the development of microparticles, sodium alginate has become one of the most studied natural anionic polymers that can be included in controlled-release pharmaceutical systems alongside other polymers due to its low cost, low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and gelatinous die-forming capacity in the presence of Ca2+ ions. In this review, we have shown that through coacervation, the particulate systems for the dispensing of drugs consisting of natural polymers are nontoxic, allowing the repeated administration of medicinal substances and the protection of better the medicinal substances from degradation, which can increase the capture capacity of the drug and extend its release from the pharmaceutical form.

Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is a soil‐borne phytopathogen responsible for bacterial wilt disease on a wide range of crops worldwide. Bacteriophage biocontrol is a promising sustainable RS management method. However, more work is needed to design methods to store, ship and apply phage that are effective, scalable and environmentally friendly. Here, we investigate the use of wood hemicellulose excipients—glucuronoxylans (GX) and galactoglucomannans (GGM) – to encapsulate phage PYO4, which can infect the pandemic RS strain UW551. Yield and preservation efficiencies of GX and GGM were compared to the conventional excipient maltodextrin (MD). Encapsulation via spray drying was carried out at two inlet/outlet temperatures, and the resulting powders were stored at room temperature or at 4°C. Phage titers were measured after spray drying, and then weekly for 25 weeks. GX yielded the highest titre of encapsulated phage and preserved phage survival effectively at 4°C. Phages encapsulated with MD had the highest stability at room temperature. GGM had poor results, with low survival after spray drying and low long‐term stability at either temperature. In vitro experiments demonstrated that encapsulated phages inhibited RS as efficiently as unencapsulated phage. Phage encapsulated in GX and MD also reduced bacterial wilt symptoms on tomato. At low MOIs, phage encapsulated in GX and MD reduced symptoms more than unencapsulated phage, suggesting the excipients themselves could be affecting RS. We found that GX alone could inhibit RS growth in vitro and reduce disease progression in planta without phage. MD alone couldn't significantly reduce bacterial wilt symptoms or inhibit RS growth in vitro. Together, these results show that the encapsulation of phages in hemicelluloses has great promise for efficient biocontrol methods to combat plant pathogens. Not only are hemicelluloses effective in phage preservation, but also have potential to enhance the biocontrol efficacy of phages through their antimicrobial activities.

Food packaging plays a fundamental role in the modern food industry as a main process to preserve the quality of food products from manufacture to consumption. New food packaging technologies are being developed that are formulated with natural compounds by substituting synthetic/chemical antimicrobial and antioxidant agents to fulfill consumers’ expectations for healthy food. The strategy of incorporating natural antimicrobial compounds into food packaging structures is a recent and promising technology to reach this goal. Concepts such as “biodegradable packaging”, “active packaging”, and “bioactive packaging” currently guide the research and development of food packaging. However, the use of natural compounds faces some challenges, including weak stability and sensitivity to processing and storage conditions. The nano/microencapsulation of these bioactive compounds enhances their stability and controls their release. In addition, biodegradable packaging materials are gaining great attention in the face of ever-growing environmental concerns about plastic pollution. They are a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to conventional plastic packaging materials. Ultimately, a combined formulation of nano/microencapsulated antimicrobial and antioxidant natural molecules, incorporated into a biodegradable food packaging system, offers many benefits by preventing food spoilage, extending the shelf life of food, reducing plastic and food waste, and preserving the freshness and quality of food. The main objective of this review is to illustrate the latest advances in the principal biodegradable materials used in the development of active antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging systems, as well as the most common nano/microencapsulated active natural agents incorporated into these food-packaging materials.

Stem cell transplantation has been recognized as a promising strategy to induce the regeneration of injured and diseased tissues and sustain therapeutic molecules for prolonged periods in vivo. However, stem cell-based therapy is often ineffective due to low survival, poor engraftment, and a lack of site-specificity. Hydrogels can offer several advantages as cell delivery vehicles, including cell stabilization and the provision of tissue-like environments with specific cellular signals; however, the administration of bulk hydrogels is still not appropriate to obtain safe and effective outcomes. Hence, stem cell encapsulation in uniform micro-sized hydrogels and their transplantation in vivo have recently garnered great attention for minimally invasive administration and the enhancement of therapeutic activities of the transplanted stem cells. Several important methods for stem cell microencapsulation are described in this review. In addition, various natural and synthetic polymers, which have been employed for the microencapsulation of stem cells, are reviewed in this article.

The textile industry has recently been developing innovative products that integrate functional properties within commodity textiles. In particular, research has focussed on the concept of biofunctional textiles, i.e., textile materials possessing beneficial properties for human health. Biofunctional textiles are synthesised by functionalization of fabric surfaces with biopolymers. As an example, the chitosan biopolymer is promising for textile functionalization due to chitosan availability, low cost, safety and unique properties. Yet several challenges have to be overcome. Firstly, the morphology of chitosan must be optimized prior chitosan application to the textile surface. Secondly, the last treatment must be carefully designed in order to achieve an effective and durable functionalization. Lastly, the overall production process must comply with environmental rules concerning pollution emission and utilization of harmful substances. This review describes microencapsulation as a strategy to overcome limitations and to confer better properties to the textile material. The properties of chitosan and the concept of microencapsulation are presented. Then we present the main techniques of chitosan encapsulation. Furthermore, we detail the textile finishing processes and the textile products. Last, the perspectives are discussed in the context of green chemistry and compliance with an environmentally friendly approach.

Mapping a new therapeutic route can be fraught with challenges, but recent developments in the preparation and properties of small particles combined with significant improvements to tried and tested techniques offer refined cell targeting with tremendous translational potential. Regenerating new cells through the use of compounds that regulate epigenetic pathways represents an attractive approach that is gaining increased attention for the treatment of several diseases including Type 1 Diabetes and cardiomyopathy. However, cells that have been regenerated using epigenetic agents will still encounter immunological barriers as well as limitations associated with their longevity and potency during transplantation. Strategies aimed at protecting these epigenetically regenerated cells from the host immune response include microencapsulation. Microencapsulation can provide new solutions for the treatment of many diseases. In particular, it offers an advantageous method of administering therapeutic materials and molecules that cannot be substituted by pharmacological substances. Promising clinical findings have shown the potential beneficial use of microencapsulation for islet transplantation as well as for cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal repair. For the treatment of diseases such as type I diabetes that requires insulin release regulated by the patient's metabolic needs, microencapsulation may be the most effective therapeutic strategy. However, new materials need to be developed, so that transplanted encapsulated cells are able to survive for longer periods in the host. In this article, we discuss microencapsulation strategies and chart recent progress in nanomedicine that offers new potential for this area in the future.

Modern aquaculture must be sustainable in terms of energy consumption, raw materials used, and environmental impact, so alternatives are needed to replace fish feed with other raw materials. Enzyme use in the agri-food industry is based on their efficiency, safety, and protection of the environment, which aligns with the requirements of a resource-saving production system. Enzyme supplementation in fish feed can improve digestibility and absorption of both plant- and animal-derived ingredients, increasing the growth parameters of aquacultural animals. Herein we summarized the recent literature that reported the use of digestive enzymes (amylases, lipases, proteases, cellulases, and hemicellulases) and non-digestive enzymes (phytases, glucose oxidase, and lysozyme) in fish feed. In addition, we analyzed how critical steps of the pelleting process, including microencapsulation and immobilization, can interfere with enzyme activity in the final fish feed product.

The inconsistency of phytogenic feed additives’ (PFA) effects on the livestock industry poses a risk for their use as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters. The livestock market is being encouraged to use natural growth promotors, but information is limited about the PFA mode of action. The aim of this paper is to present the complexity of compounds present in essential oils (EOs) and factors that influence biological effects of PFA. In this paper, we highlight various controls and optimization parameters that influence the processes for the standardization of these products. The chemical composition of EOs depends on plant genetics, growth conditions, development stage at harvest, and processes of extracting active compounds. Their biological effects are further influenced by the interaction of phytochemicals and their bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. PFA effects on animal health and production are also complex due to various EO antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, anti-inflammatory, and digestive fluids stimulating activities. Research must focus on reliable methods to identify and control the quality and effects of EOs. In this study, we focused on available microencapsulation techniques of EOs to increase the bioavailability of active compounds, as well as their application in the animal feed additive industry.

Modern microencapsulation techniques are employed to protect active molecules or substances such as vitamins, pigments, antimicrobials, and flavorings, among others, from the environment. Microencapsulation offers advantages such as facilitating handling and control of the release and solubilization of active substances, thus offering a great area for food science and processing development. For instance, the development of functional food products, fat reduction, sensory improvement, preservation, and other areas may involve the use of microcapsules in various food matrices such as meat products, dairy products, cereals, and fruits, as well as in their derivatives, with good results. The versatility of applications arises from the diversity of techniques and materials used in the process of microencapsulation. The objective of this review is to report the state of the art in the application and evaluation of microcapsules in various food matrices, as a one-microcapsule-core system may offer different results according to the medium in which it is used. The inclusion of microcapsules produces functional products that include probiotics and prebiotics, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals. Our main finding was that the microencapsulation of polyphenolic extracts, bacteriocins, and other natural antimicrobials from various sources that inhibit microbial growth could be used for food preservation. Finally, in terms of sensory aspects, microcapsules that mimic fat can function as fat replacers, reducing the textural changes in the product as well as ensuring flavor stability.