Title : The impact of packaging material on the stability of probiotic products
Abstract:
Objective: The stability of probiotic products is essential for preserving their functionality and health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different packaging materials on the viability of probiotic strains, with a particular focus on aluminum–aluminum (Al–Al) blister packaging combined with nitrogenization of each compartment.
Methodology: Probiotic capsules were packaged in three types of containers: standard polymer blister, polymer bottles, and Al–Al blister with nitrogenization. Over several months of storage, the number of viable cells in the capsules was monitored using standard microbiological methods. In parallel, parameters of oxidative stress and moisture content inside the packaging were measured to establish correlations between packaging type and product stability.
Results: The findings indicate that Al–Al blister packaging with nitrogenization significantly slows down the degradation of probiotic strains compared to conventional packaging. The inert atmosphere within each compartment reduces oxidative stress and prevents moisture accumulation, resulting in the preservation of a higher number of viable cells throughout the storage period. Extension of the product’s shelf life in this type of packaging was confirmed through statistically significant differences compared to control groups.
Conclusion: The results confirm that the choice of packaging material has a decisive impact on the stability of probiotic preparations. The application of Al–Al blister packaging with nitrogenization represents an effective strategy for extending shelf life and maintaining the quality of probiotic products. These findings have practical relevance for the pharmaceutical and food industries, as they enable the development of more stable formulations and the improvement of packaging standards for probiotic preparations.
