In this work, a new encapsulating matrix alginate-goat milk-inulin was used to encapsulate Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12. The results of this study showed that alginate-goat milk-inulin matrix has a potential to be utilised as a new encapsulation material to encapsulate probiotics to be used in goat milk-based probiotic fermented dairy products avoiding the cross-contamination caused by using capsules based on cow milk.

Inulin, a fructan-type polysaccharide, consists of (2→1) linked β-d-fructosyl residues (n = 2–60), usually with an (1↔2) β-d-glucose end group. The applications of inulin and its hydrolyzed form oligofructose (n = 2–10) are diverse. This work reviews the physicochemical characteristics of inulin that make it such a versatile substance. Topics that are addressed include morphology (crystal morphology, crystal structure, structure in solution); solubility; rheology (viscosity, hydrodynamic shape, gelling); thermal characteristics and physical stability (glass transition temperature, vapor sorption, melting temperature) and chemical stability. When using inulin, the degree of polymerization and processing history should be taken into account, as they have a large impact on physicochemical behavior of inulin.

菊粉作为双歧增殖因子，属益生元食品配料，菊粉在人的肠道中能被有益菌利用，特别是能使双歧杆菌增殖 8-10 倍， 同时有害菌会显著减少，改善人体菌群分布，促进健康。菊粉已被列为重要的双歧杆菌增殖 因子。菊粉在配方奶粉中的应用前景十分广阔。

The expansion of related fields of microbiome-targeted interventions, and an evolving landscape for implementation across regulatory, policy, prescriber, and consumer spheres, portends an era of significant change. In this review we examine recent, emerging, and anticipated trends in probiotic and prebiotic science, and create a vision for broad areas of developing influence in the field.

This paper reviews the physicochemical properties and nutritional significance of inulin fructans (oligofructose and inulin). Direct effects on the gut include prebiotic (bifidogenic) effects, improvement of bowel habits and bowel function in constipated subjects, increased colonic absorption of minerals (Ca and Mg), and secretion of satiety hormones. Indirect effects are on blood lipids, bone mineral content, the immune system, and energy homeostasis.