Development and Functional Evaluation of a Pharmabiotic Food Supplement Containing Microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus for Oral Microbiome Health

ABSTRACT

Oral microbiome dysbiosis is associated with biofilm‐related diseases, including dental caries and periodontal infections. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a pharmabiotic oral spray containing microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, sodium hyaluronate, and licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) extract to support oral microbial homeostasis. L. pentosus was microencapsulated by freeze‐drying using maltodextrin and gum arabic as wall materials. The microencapsulation process resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 94.74% ± 1.12% and a post‐encapsulation viability of 8.17 ± 0.05 log CFU/mL. Four oral spray formulations (F1–F4) were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, physicochemical, microbiological, and stability properties. All formulations exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive oral pathogens, particularly Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus , while no inhibitory activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida species. Antibiofilm analysis demonstrated substantial inhibition, ranging from 56.17% ± 0.91% to 70.99% ± 1.32% against S. mutans and from 72.42% ± 0.56% to 87.03% ± 1.76% against S. aureus . Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC) confirmed moderate and consistent antioxidant activity across all formulations. During 3 months of storage, probiotic viability remained above 10 ⁸  CFU/mL in most formulations. Viability losses under refrigerated conditions were limited to approximately 0.38–0.50 log CFU/mL, while formulation F2 retained 8.42 ± 0.14 log CFU/mL under accelerated conditions. Among the tested formulations, F1 exhibited the most favorable overall physicochemical characteristics and stability profile. These findings demonstrate that the developed oral spray represents a promising pharmabiotic delivery system combining probiotic viability, antibiofilm activity, and antioxidant potential for supporting oral health and microbial balance.