A review of drying methods for improving the quality of probiotic powders and characterization

Abstract

Delivering viable probiotics at adequate doses is essential to exert a beneficial effect on the host organism. However, the viability of probiotics is affected by environmental conditions and biochemical changes during storage and digestion. Drying probiotics into powder form exerts various benefits (e.g. ease of handling, high stability, less space needed for storage, and maintaining cell viability). However, the final product's cell viability and fundamental powder properties are considerably affected by the type of protective material used and the drying technique employed. A comprehensive summary of probiotic drying techniques, protective materials used, mathematical models to predict survival, and powder properties has been discussed in this review. Achievements made using innovative drying methods have also been analyzed.