Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for a non-invasive technique to analyze the fate of probiotics and commensal microbiota from the human upper gastrointestinal tract, namely the ileum. The invention further relates to methods for the enumeration and determination of mechanism of action of probiotics in a non-invasive manner from the end of the small intestine. A composition comprising a probiotic delivered in vivo to healthy individuals with an ileostomy bag is described.

Abstract: A method for producing beads comprising an active component encased therein, the method comprising providing a solution comprising heat-treated milk protein product, alginate and an active component. A microbead preparation is also provided. A macrobead preparation is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the intestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the intestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which, suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the instestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which, suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the instestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.