PhD defence Felipe Emiliano Gálvez

Keywords: Pectin, Chitosan, Encapsulation, Gut Homeostasis

"Physicochemical characterization of chitosan/pectin-based encapsulation systems and their dual role in intestinal barrier protection and epithelial wound healing"

This PhD research in Food Science investigated how to protect gut health using sustainable, natural materials. The human gut acts as a vital protective barrier, and its damage, often seen in inflammatory diseases, leads to significant health issues. While beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, can help repair this barrier, they are highly sensitive and typically perish in stomach acid before reaching the colon where they are needed most.

To overcome this, the thesis developed a novel delivery system using natural compounds (pectin and chitosan). By shaping these into microscopic beads, the research created a protective environment that shields the bacteria during digestion.

The findings demonstrate that these microbeads do more than just transport bacteria. They form a bioactive interface that safely delivers the probiotics to the lower intestine, accelerates wound healing, and reduces inflammation. Ultimately, this approach offers a promising new nutritional strategy to promote tissue regeneration and manage intestinal disorders.

Click here for the live stream.