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Probiotic formulations must contain the right strain(s) in sufficient numbers when administered to confer the desired health benefit. However, significant cell death can occur during freeze-drying and over storage. This study assesses various saccharides for their ability to protect Lactobacillus plantarum cells over freeze-drying and storage, as well as their potential to act as prebiotics. The cryoprotective potential of 10% (m/v) of skimmed milk, inulin, maltodextrin, and sucrose were investigated during freeze-drying. Storage was assessed over 12 weeks at 4 °C and room temperature. Improved cell survival over freeze drying was observed with all the saccharides. However, only maltodextrin and sucrose retained cell viability over storage at 4 °C. Overall, skimmed milk demonstrated the highest survival up to 91%. Despite good cryoprotectant performance, inulin provided the least protection over storage, with <1% cell survival. Prebiotic potential was determined through growth experiments with 2% (m/v) of the saccharides in glucose-free MRS. All saccharides supported cell growth, with sucrose performing best and inulin worst.
Fahlman et al. (Mon,) studied this question.