The beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health are now widely acknowledged, and this has prompted growing interest in research and development in the pharmaceutical field. However, to be viable when they reach their target, the bacteria must be able to survive during the manufacturing process and the biological pathway. Tablet form best meets the requirements for protecting acid labile drugs, but the tableting process could be an additional stress for the bacteria. This study evaluated the initial effect of compression pressure on the Lcr35® strain in a vaginal (Lcr regenerans®) and an intestinal (Lcr restituo®) formulation. A stability study was also performed on the tablets and revealed a beneficial effect of this form. The obtained destruction rates (k) demonstrated that the bacterial stability was greater in tablets than in powders (kpowders>ktablets). A new mathematical model was developed combining compression and temperature parameters to predict the bacterial viability at any pressure and time. Moreover, the genetic profile of Lcr35® (Rep-PCR, microarrays), its resistance to acidity and its ability to inhibit Candidaalbicans growth, after compression, were determined to evaluate the target product profile (TPP) in a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The Rep-PCR analysis validated the strain identity and the microarrays demonstrated the genetic stability of Lcr35® strain after compaction. Additionally, ability to inhibit the C. albicans growth was maintained and the resistance to gastric conditions of Lcr35® was even improved by tableting. As a dosage form, tablets containing probiotic can guarantee that an adequate amount of bacteria reaches the therapeutic target (intestinal or vaginal) and that the product remains stable until the time of consumption.
Keywords: Acid resistance; C. albicans; Destruction rate; Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35®; Probiotic; Stability prediction; Tablet.
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