According to the data obtained by optical microscopy (Fig. 1)
SEM shows probiotic microparticles with spherical shape and
smooth surface without pores (Fig. 3). Porosity of alginate is
important in maintaining the viability of the bacteria as they move
through the digestive tract (Allan-Wojtas, Truelstrup Hansen &
Paulson, 2008). As a result a less porous matrix is more protective
for the bacteria (Prakash & Jones, 2005; Thu et al., 1996). Micro-
particles with probiotics seem to be rougher than microparticles
without bacterias. Moreover, beads without probiotics tend to
adherence to each other which can explain the big size of these
particles.