Production of lyophilized culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus with preserving cell viability

Abstract

Optimal lyophilization process was developed for manufacturing the dried product of Lactobacillus acidophilus with high cell viability. Three major factors, freezing rate, specific surface area of samples, and stabilizer type and their synergy were shown to play a crucial role in the development of an effective lyophilization process. Finally we found an optimal combination among three process parameters mentioned above: an exceptionally high cell survival percentage of 90% was achieved using the 8.28 cm-1 specific surface area of samples, slow freezing rate, and a stabilizer composition of 4% skim milk +1% glycerol +0.1% calcium chloride.