Cellular injuries of spray-dried Lactobacillus spp. isolated from kefir and their impact on probiotic properties

► L. plantarum 83114 and L. kefir 8321 maintain their viability after SD process. ► Neither membrane damage nor changes in acidifying activity were detected. ► L. kefir 8321 retains the ability to protect cells against Salmonella invasion after SD.