Master/engineer/pharmacist internship: development of formulations based on modified chitosan for the delivery of probiotics

Context

The proposal for this internship is based on the collaboration between LAGEPP, specialist in formulations and drying processes, and IMP, expert in polymer materials engineering for the development of formulations containing probiotics. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that produce a beneficial effect on gut health when administered in sufficient quantities. However, to ensure this effect, the metabolic activity and viability of the microorganisms must be maintained during formulation, processing and storage. Microencapsulation is a technique used to preserve the viability of probiotics using a polymer system as a carrier. Several microencapsulation techniques can be used, such as spray drying, fluidized bed drying, complex coacervation, and internal or external gelation. The production of dried probiotic formulations by spray drying or freeze drying is also one of the alternatives to protect the viability of probiotics. Dry formulations have attractive (lower storage capacity and transport costs than liquid forms) and strategic advantages (better formulation stability). In all cases, several protective agents such as skimmed milk, alginates, whey proteins, gelatin, gum arabic or maltodextrin are used. Chitosan has also been used for microencapsulation of several bioactive compounds such as enzymes, antioxidants and vitamins. For probiotics, chitosan is rarely used as a carrier due to its antimicrobial activity [1-3]. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan has been attributed to its ability to bind to anionic macromolecules in the cell wall and its interaction with the cell membrane. This antimicrobial activity in turn depends on the molar weight of chitosan and the availability of amino groups (linked to the degree of acetylation). The objective of this proposal is therefore to develop formulations based on modified chitosan for the administration of probiotics.

[1] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127167
[2] https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9030194
[3] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2004.01.003

Laboratories

Laboratory of Automation, Process Engineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering
(LAGEPP) UMR CNRS 5007
Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères (IMP) UMR 5223

Profile of the desired candidate

Trained as an engineer, pharmacist or with a Master’s degree, specializing in process engineering, formulation or in similar fields. Initial laboratory experience and knowledge of solid generation processes and physicochemical characterization of solids will be appreciated.

People to contact

LAGEPP :
J RESENDE DE AZEVEDO, jacqueline.resende-de-azevedo@univ-lyon1.fr
C COGNE claudia.cogne@univ-lyon1.fr

IMP :
L DAVID laurent.david@univ-lyon1.fr
A CLAYER MONTEMBAULT alexandra.clayer-montembault@univ-lyon1.fr

Send application form: (cover letters and CV)