Eco‐Compatible Encapsulation of Probiotics Using Natural Gums and Mucilages to Boost Probiotics Against Phytopathogens

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture has driven research into eco‐friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, with probiotic bacteria emerging as promising biocontrol agents. However, the viability and efficacy of free probiotics are often compromised by environmental stressors, necessitating advanced encapsulation technologies for protection and controlled release. Natural gums and mucilages offer a sustainable solution due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. These biopolymers form protective matrices that enhance bacterial survivability, adhesion to plant roots, and prolonged activity in the rhizosphere. This review comprehensively examines the physicochemical properties of natural gums and mucilages relevant to probiotic encapsulation, evaluates their efficacy in improving biocontrol performance, and compares their advantages over synthetic polymers. Key encapsulation techniques, including electrospinning, spray drying, coacervation, and extrusion, are discussed alongside the mechanisms governing probiotic release. Studies demonstrate that encapsulated probiotics exhibit superior disease suppression in greenhouse trials. Despite their benefits, challenges such as mechanical instability and premature degradation in soil persist, prompting innovations in chemical modification, polymer blending, and nanocomposite reinforcement. This underscores the need for further research and innovation in natural gum‐ and mucilage‐based encapsulation systems, which present an eco‐friendly strategy for sustainable plant disease management, reducing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals while enhancing agricultural productivity.