Mapping Probiotic Encapsulation Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Functional Food Applications

Abstract

Probiotic encapsulation has gained significant attention in functional food science as a means to enhance the stability and viability of probiotics during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit.This study provides a bibliometric analysis of global research trends in probiotic encapsulation, identifying key contributors, influential publications, and thematic developments.Using the Scopus database, 515 relevant articles were analyzed through Bibliometrix and VOSviewer to map the evolution of this field.The findings indicate a notable increase in research output, particularly after 2015, with a focus on advanced techniques such as microencapsulation and co-encapsulation.Key applications include improving gut health, managing chronic diseases, and integrating probiotics into functional food matrices.Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in clinical validation, large-scale production, and the development of sustainable delivery systems.The analysis highlights the interdisciplinary nature of probiotic encapsulation research, involving collaborations across food science, biotechnology, and health sciences.Future research should emphasize innovative technologies, personalized nutrition approaches, and sustainable encapsulation materials to enhance probiotic efficacy and meet growing consumer demands.This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing probiotic encapsulation, ensuring its integration into functional food products and therapeutic applications.

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