Optimization of Microencapsulation Matrix for Lactobacillus Acidophilus Using Response Surface Methodology: Role of Sodium Alginate, Carrageenan, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, and Phytosterols

Abstract

The present study focused on optimizing encapsulation parameters for Lactobacillus acidophilus through a composite formulation consisting of sodium alginate, carrageenan, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytosterol. Response Surface Methodology (RSM), integrated with a Central Composite Design (CCD), was used to evaluate interactive effects of four independent variables on two key response parameters—encapsulation efficiency and probiotic viability. The optimized formulation was identified as 0.25% sodium alginate, 0.1% carrageenan, 0.375% omega-3 fatty acids, and 0.275% phytosterol, achieving high encapsulation efficiency of 96.8% and a probiotic viability of 8.21 log CFU/g. Statistical models demonstrated strong predictive validity (R² > 0.98), indicating a high degree of reliability in the optimization framework. Overall, the results highlight how biopolymer–lipid interactions might work in concert to enhance the stability and proper distribution of probiotic systems.