A team of researchers from Cracow University of Technology in Poland has patented a new technology for encapsulating live probiotic cultures, addressing one of the most common obstacles in probiotic cosmetics. The technology is derived from a natural polymer found in brown algae.
According to the University’s press release, the team developed a biocompatible, biodegradable alginate microsphere at sizes below 100 micrometers. The wall of the capsule shields the bacteria from preservatives and prevent uncontrolled bacterial proliferation within the product. The capsule releases its contents upon skin application in a controlled manner, allowing the encapsulated probiotics to act when and where they are needed.
“The shell protects the probiotics from preservatives while preventing uncontrolled proliferation in the product,” said Anna Łętocha, PhD, lead inventor. “The alginate barrier is gentle and biocompatible — it safeguards the live microorganisms while enabling their controlled release after application, so the probiotics retain their functionality right up to the moment of action.”
The patented microcapsules are fully compatible with standard cosmetic bases, including gels and oil-in-water emulsions. Further, the research team claims that manufacturers can integrate this technology into existing production lines without capital investment.
The research team at Cracow University of Technology also stated that the technology is prepared for commercialization and ready for industrial scale-up.
“From the industry’s perspective, what matters is not just that we have a ready encapsulation technology, but that our microcapsules integrate seamlessly with standard cosmetic bases,” said professor Elżbieta Sikora. “Manufacturers don’t need to invest in new production lines. I addition, alginates are polymers with a well-established safety profile in skin contact, so regulatory pathways for a new product should be significantly shorter.”
The encapsulation technology was granted patent protection by the Polish Patent Office, and five further patent applications are in progress for specific cosmetic and dermo-cosmetic formulations.
