Development of a potential probiotic lozenge containing Enterococcus faecium CRL 183

- Complex coacervation was effective in maintaining the viability of E. faecium CRL183.
- The probiotic strain resisted saliva and can be used for a local effect to be obtained.
- The probiotic strain inhibited the multiplication of S. mutans in a in vitro study.
- The probiotic lozenge produced showed anticariogenic potential.
- Formulation and packaging need improvement to ensure the probiotic viability.

In this work, a diet lozenge with the microencapsulated probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 was developed. The microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics were analyzed and the anticariogenic potential of the strain was also evaluated. The results showed that the complex coacervation microencapsulation technique enables higher viability during storage at room temperature. Lozenges were produced through three treatments: PC-control formulation; PPP1-probiotic formulation; PPP2-probiotic formulation with inulin. The probiotic strain had the viability decreased after lozenges production and during the storage from 5.53 to 4.83 log CFU/g at the beginning to 1.05-1.86 log CFU/g after 28 days, for both PPP1 and PPP2. Formulations were different concerning water activity, moisture and color (p < 0.05). All formulations remained microbiologically safe during the storage period. Association of probiotic bacteria and inulin improves the lozenges flavor acceptance and the purchase intent. The anticariogenic evaluation showed that the probiotic bacteria were able to survive in saliva and inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 in this study. The lozenge with E. faecium CRL183 and inulin represents an alternative to the diversification of the probiotic segment which aggregates anticariogenic potential. However, a process refinement and use of gas resistant packaging to preserve the probiotic viability, is necessary.