Xampla and Quadram Institute receive funding to enable long-life probiotics

Cambridge materials innovation company Xampla and health research centre Quadram Institute have received Innovate UK and BBSRC grant funding to advance plant polymer technology for probiotic microencapsulation.

Based on Norwich Research Park, the Quadram Institute is home to world-leading researchers, academics, and NHS clinicians with a mission to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology, and food.

The funding will develop the microcapsule material, which protects probiotics in food and drink from degradation to ensure they reach the small intestine with full efficacy.

This first-of-its-kind technology solves the problem of maintaining viability of probiotics throughout manufacturing, transit, and storage. Probiotics are highly sensitive to factors such as oxygen exposure, pH imbalance, and pasteurisation, making it challenging to maintain their viability from production through shelf-life and digestion.

Xampla’s microencapsulation technology has proven effective in protecting vitamin D in fortified drinks during manufacturing, transit, and storage for soft drinks firm Britvic.

Dr Roberto Zanchi, head of business development and commercialisation at the Quadram Institute, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Xampla to broaden its microencapsulation technology specifically for probiotics.

“This partnership will drive forward advancements in improving shelf-life and viability of probiotics, enhancing their efficacy and ultimately improving health outcomes for consumers.”

Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, said: “Our nutrient microencapsulation technology has already demonstrated remarkable success in encapsulating sensitive compounds such as vitamins. With this grant funding, we aim to advance the probiotic market by ensuring that vital ingredients for gut health can be seamlessly integrated into everyday products.”