(261i) Bio-Inspired Self-Assembling Coatings to Protect Microbes from Processing Stressors

Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular for various applications, from human health to agriculture. Some microbial probiotics can be freeze-dried for long-term storage, however, drying processes and external environmental condition (e.g., temperature, oxygen and humidity) usually induce cellular stress and decrease viability substantially. To address these challenges, we have developed a naturally-derived self-assembling cellular coating that improves microbial viability during processing and storage. By optimizing these coatings, we have successfully encapsulated different strains of interest, protecting them from extreme temperature, humidity and oxygen exposure. Moreover, this coating is readily degradable using mild acid without negatively impact the viability of strains. This coating approach will advance the understanding of interfacial interaction between biotic and abiotic hybrid materials and could be expanded to protect additional difficult-to-culture strains.