Novel food gelling agent as a topical probiotic delivery system : A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Food Innovation at Lincoln University

Abstract

Probiotics are certain living microorganisms that have to be in the human body for health benefits. The administration of probiotics can treat different metabolic disorders and other health issues. Bacteria are sensitive to their environment. The viability of probiotics is affected by adverse conditions such as pH and temperature. Probiotic delivery can be in different modes. Nowadays, food products containing probiotic mixtures are of great interest by conumers. These products are for the administration of probiotics to improve the gut microflora. Oral administration of probiotics can improve not only the gut health, but it is a holistic approach of health improvement also. The immunomodulation ability of probiotics is beneficial for treatments of a number disorders and skin improvement. Objective of this research was to study the effects of a novel food gel(NG) on the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and antimicrobial activity against acne causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. An acne treatment ointment had taken as a control to compare the microbial analysis. The results showed, a negative effect of gel on the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, but a positive result was obtained for the antimicrobial activity of gel against Propionibacterium acnes. The flow characteristics were depended on the temperature and was suitable for a topical gel formulation. Further studies must be done for formulate new food gel as a topical acne treatment ointment.