To obtain natural protein gels as delivery systems loading with probiotics and protect the probiotics from heat treatment, we fabricated casein-based gels using micellar casein concentrates (MCC) via microfiltration and then embedded with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG). Rheological analysis indicated that MCC with a protein concentration of 12% would form gels greatly. The results of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the contents of macromolecule in the gels increased as the heat treatment time is prolonged. After heat treatment, a fibrillated structure and a more stable structure were obtained in MCC-LGG gels by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The different changes of rheological behavior and texture of the gels were evaluated using a rheometer and texture analyzer, respectively. Similarly, centrifugation could reduce the property modified by heat inducing and contribute to LGG embedding completely. Importantly, LGG with a survival rate of 7.12% was in the gels after heat treatment at 75 °C for 10 min. Results showed that MCC could offer a protecting circumstance for living LGG cells from heat treatment. Therefore, MCC-LGG gels would be a potential healthy food for improving intestinal microflora in the dairy industry.
Keywords: Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG); delivery system; fibrillated structure; heat treatment; micellar casein concentrates (MCC).