Lecithin - Bifidobacterium probiotics interactions: A case study

Probiotics formulations containing lecithin phospholipids have been shown to extend their viability. However, the protective effect of lecithin and the properties of the mixtures of lecithin and probiotics cells in aqueous media have not been fully documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis (Bifido) probiotics and lecithin. The lecithin-Bifido interactions were dependent on lecithin concentration. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy suggested that Bifido cells interacted with lecithin molecules mainly through hydrophobic interactions. At the lecithin concentration of 0.1%.w/v, Bifido lost only about 17% of their viability over 56 days, while free Bifido probiotics lost about 66% of their viability in the same time period. Furthermore, flow cytometer side scatter plots also showed that Bifido-lecithin samples at 0.1 %w/v lecithin, showed the lowest side scatter, indicative of lower cellular stress and a more stable environment to preserve Bifido cells viability over time.