Farm waste-eggshell nanoparticles constitute gel for safe navigation of probiotic across the stomach

Gut microbiota plays an important role in gastrointestinal health, whose colonization through oral application as probiotic faces a major challenge due to harsh acidic conditions in the stomach. Hence, an edible gel constituted of agricultural waste like eggshell particles and pectin is developed to carry the probiotic safely. The eggshell shares the surface calcium ions for gelation, core particle as gel strength reinforcement agent and calcite to neutralize the gastric pH. This robust carrier shows 60% more viability compared to the control. Interestingly, the mechanism of this compact gel formation has been found to involve the structure-directing and functional eggshell proteins. Significant improvement in the polyphenol metabolism has also been observed by this formulation.