Marko Vinceković

Marko Vinceković is a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, where he is engaged in teaching and research in the field of agricultural and environmental sciences. His academic work focuses on improving the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural production through interdisciplinary approaches that link soil science, plant nutrition, and agro-environmental management. Prof. Vinceković is particularly interested in the development and application of innovative materials and technologies in agriculture, including soil amendments, nutrient management strategies, and environmentally friendly inputs that enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship of students, he contributes to the advancement of modern, sustainable agriculture and the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical agricultural applications.

Tentative Title:

Encapsulation of probiotics in biopolymer microparticles

Session/panel summary and proposed speakers:

Encapsulation of probiotics in biopolymer microparticles is an advanced technological approach aimed at improving the stability, viability, and functionality of probiotic microorganisms during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Probiotics are highly sensitive to environmental stresses such as heat, oxygen, moisture, acidic conditions, and bile salts, which significantly reduce their survival and effectiveness. Encapsulation provides a physical and chemical barrier that protects probiotic cells and enables their controlled release at the target site, most commonly the intestine.

Biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, gelatin, starch, cellulose derivatives, pectin, whey proteins, and other natural polysaccharides and proteins are widely used as encapsulating materials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and regulatory acceptance. Microparticles are typically produced using techniques such as extrusion, emulsification, spray drying, coacervation, or ionic gelation. The choice of biopolymer and encapsulation method directly affects particle size, mechanical strength, permeability, and release behavior.

Encapsulated probiotics demonstrate significantly enhanced survival rates during food processing, long-term storage, and exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluids compared to free cells. Additionally, biopolymer microparticles can be engineered to respond to environmental triggers such as pH or enzymatic activity, enabling targeted and sustained release of viable probiotics in the gut. This improves colonization efficiency and potential health benefits, including modulation of gut microbiota, immune support, and improved digestive health.

Beyond food and dietary supplements, probiotic encapsulation has applications in pharmaceuticals, animal nutrition, and functional agriculture. In animal feed, encapsulated probiotics improve gut health and performance while reducing the need for antibiotics. Overall, encapsulation of probiotics in biopolymer microparticles represents a promising strategy to enhance probiotic efficacy, expand their application range, and support the development of stable, high-quality functional products aligned with sustainability and clean-label trends.

Pillar and Topic/Subtopic:

Pillar 3, 3.1.