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Synbiotic microencapsulation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-lentinan for enhanced growth in broilers

Summary

Researchers developed a special protective coating for beneficial bacteria called L. plantarum mixed with lentinan from mushrooms. This mixture helps chickens grow better and stay healthier by improving their digestion and fighting harmful bacteria. When the coated bacteria reach the chicken’s intestines, they release their beneficial properties, improving growth rate and immune function without using antibiotics.

Background

Synbiotics combining probiotics and prebiotics play crucial roles in reducing intestinal disorders and enhancing immune function in livestock. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a widely used lactic acid bacterium with probiotic properties, while lentinan, a β-glucan from Lentinula edodes, functions as a prebiotic with immunomodulatory effects.

Objective

This study aimed to develop microencapsulated synbiotics combining L. plantarum and lentinan using microencapsulation technology to enhance probiotic stability and investigate their effects on broiler growth performance, intestinal health, and immune function.

Results

Optimal microencapsulation parameters achieved 87.72% encapsulation efficiency with particle size of approximately 112.24 μm. Microencapsulated synbiotics demonstrated 60% survival in simulated gastric juice and complete release in intestinal juice. Broilers receiving microencapsulated synbiotics showed significantly increased average daily weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio, enhanced immune organ indices, improved intestinal villus morphology, elevated digestive enzyme activity, and increased Lactobacillus with decreased E. coli in cecal microbiota.

Conclusion

The synbiotic microencapsulation of L. plantarum-lentinan effectively enhances resistance to adverse gastrointestinal environments and improves broiler growth performance, intestinal health, immune function, and microbial balance. This preparation serves as a viable antibiotic-free alternative for poultry production.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40887538, DOI: 10.1186/s13568-025-01929-y
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