The Effect of Incorporating Microencapsulated Lactobacillus Casei ATCC 334 on the Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Fortified Greek-style Yoghurt

This work evaluated the physicochemical and rheological properties of Greek-style yoghurt supplemented with microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 cells. The microencapsulation was able to protect the probiotic cells during yoghurt fermentation, and up to 21 days of cold storage, as well as to the exposure under gastrointestinal conditions. Samples added with free cells showed the lowest values of G ' (867 +/- 31.76) after 24 h of fermentation and the highest values of G ' and G '' after 14 days of cold storage. The yoghurt added with microencapsulated cells exhibited greater firmness and the lowest adhesiveness values.