Abstract

Microencapsulation using polymeric materials is an effective strategy for enhancing the protection and longevity of probiotic viability. Cissampelos pareira leaf extract, which exhibits natural gelling and solidifying properties, was utilized in this study as a novel encapsulating agent for Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic absorption bands at 1603 cm⁻¹ and 1725 cm⁻¹, corresponding to carboxylate (COO⁻) and ester carbonyl (C = O) stretching vibrations, respectively, indicative of pectic substances and their degree of esterification. LC-MS profiling further confirmed the presence of α-D-glucose, D-fructose, and β-L-fucose, classifying the extract as a potential prebiotic source. The resulting L. paracasei–C. pareira (LP-CP) microcapsules demonstrated a high encapsulation efficiency of 90.5 %. Thermal stability tests (85 °C) revealed a 69 % survival rate for encapsulated cells, compared to only 5 % for free cells. Under acidic conditions (pH 2), the viability of encapsulated bacteria was 75 %, while free cells retained only 30 %. During 90 days of storage, LP-CP maintained 50 % viability, whereas free cell viability declined completely. These results highlight C. pareira as a promising, biodegradable polymer for probiotic encapsulation with potential applications in human and animal dietary supplements.