Formulation and in vitro prospectus of probiotics, beetroot, and vitamin B12 encapsulated in alginate beads

Introduction The current research aims to design and develop encapsulated beads (Ebs) loaded with Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), beetroot, and Vitamin B12. Methods The Ebs were prepared using the ionic gelation method and optimized via factorial design. The prepared Ebs were optimized for their particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and structural analysis. Moreover, the Ebs were evaluated for their drug release under gastric and intestinal conditions. Results and Discussion The particle size of Ebs ranges from 1.15 to 1.20 mm. The % drug entrapment for Vitamin B12, Beetroot, and L. reuteri were 97.09% ± 3.25%, 87.9% ± 5.85%, and 87.5% ± 4.97%, respectively. The viability of L. reuteri in Ebs was 4.2 × 108 Cfu/g. SEM images revealed round-shaped Ebs. FTIR spectra revealed the successful incorporation of drugs within the Ebs. The cumulative release of Vitamin B12, Beetroot, and L. reuteri from Ebs was 87.02% ± 5.67%, 78.4% ± 7.87%, and 87.5% ± 6.68%, respectively, over 24 h, indicating sustained release profiles. In contrast, the marketed sublingual formulation of Vitamin B12 showed a rapid release of 70.23% ± 5.68%, within 2 h. Results confirm the successful preparation and optimization of L. reuteri - Vitamin B12 and beetroot-loaded Ebs, which may be a promising approach to addressing Vitamin B12 deficiency.