Probiotics on a Mineral Zeolite-Containing Carrier

Abstract—

Probiotic preparations are popular means for restoring the intestinal microbiota; their effectiveness requires long-term preservation of bacteria viability, induction of their proliferation, and manifestation of their functional properties in the body. Carriers of diverse nature are designed to ensure a prolonged release of the probiotic during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract. In the present work, a natural zeolite-containing rock with 25% clinoptilolite, which has sorption, detoxifying, and ion-exchange properties, was used as a carrier. Using transmission microscopy methods, the structure of the carrier was characterized, and the distribution of pores depending on their equivalent diameter was determined. It was shown that the size of the cavities was sufficient for adsorption of bacteria in the macropores and on the surface of the particles. Three Lactobacillus strains loaded onto a carrier and freeze-dried remained viable for 10 months.