Formulation, storage stability, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of a next-generation nutraceutical combining Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Pilosocereus pachycladus
Jaielison Yandro Pereira da Silva, Evandro Leite de Souza, Viviane Priscila Barros de Medeiros, Andressa Estefany da Silva Nogueira, Rafaela Shayani Lima Pereira, Sabrina Radames Ferreira da Silva, Maiara da Costa Lima, Heloisa Maria Almeida do Nascimento Soares, Sônia Paula Alexandrino de Oliveira, Maria Elieidy Gomes de Oliveira, Kataryne Árabe Rimá de OliveiraAbstract
Aim
This study aimed to formulate and characterize a novel next-generation nutraceutical combining a mixture of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains (139, 263, and 296) candidates for probiotic use and freeze-dried Pilosocereus pachycladus (F. Ritter) (facheiro) cladodes, focusing on its physical, physicochemical, and phytochemical properties, the survival and viability of L. fermentum, and the stability and performance of the nutraceutical under simulated gastrointestinal digestion over 90 days of controlled storage (13% relative humidity; 4 and 25°C).
Method and results
The nutraceutical had high contents of insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as antioxidant phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supported the survival of L. fermentum strains during freeze-drying (>90%) and conferred protection under gastrointestinal conditions, with survival rates exceeding 50%. Among the storage conditions, refrigerated storage provided superior long-term stability, preserving bioactive compounds and the viability of L. fermentum cells. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion demonstrated effective delivery of antioxidant compounds and viable L. fermentum cells, even in the presence of low pH, digestive enzymes, and bile salts.
Conclusion
The combination of L. fermentum strains candidates for probiotic use and freeze-dried facheiro cladodes demonstrated technological stability and functional performance, highlighting facheiro cactus as a valuable bioresource for probiotic delivery. Further studies using advanced in vitro models, such as colonic fermentation, and preclinical trials are warranted to substantiate the health benefits of this nutraceutical.