Based on the results of the present study, chitosan coating
provided the best protection for cells as compared to the incorporation
of inulin into the alginate microcapsules (without coating).
Addition of different chain lengths of inulin (especially HP-inulin)
together with chitosan coating, significantly affected the survival
of the probiotic bacteria during the gastro-intestinal fluid and bile
salts tests, when compared with the alginate, alginate/inulin, alginate/
chitosan beads and free cells. Future research need to be carried
out to develop and improve techniques to produce micron size
beads (rather than milli meter size) and to avoid negative sensorial
impacts of microcapsules on food products. Also, investigation on
the stability of these probiotics in the gut, using animal models, is
another area which needs further researchers’ attention.