PLAY PODCASTS
The Drip by AQUALAB – Probiotics Unpacked: Stability, Water Activity, and Innovations with Subhendu Nayak
Episode 50

The Drip by AQUALAB – Probiotics Unpacked: Stability, Water Activity, and Innovations with Subhendu Nayak

The Drip by AQUALAB · Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D.

September 17, 202440m 15s

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (2.gum.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

Subhendu Nayak is the Director of Formulation (Probiotics and Herbal) at Vida Herbs. He joins The Drip to talk about the complexities of manufacturing, from blending to storage, and the crucial role of water activity in maintaining probiotic potency. We'll also explore the nuances between CFU and AFU measurements and discuss innovative yet straightforward solutions.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Water activity in probiotics
  • Colony Forming Units (CFU) versus Active Fluorescent Units (AFU)
  • Spore-forming, non-spore-forming, and next-generation types
  • Manufacturing processes like blending, encapsulation, and packaging
  • How keeping solutions uncomplicated can lead to better success and innovation


Jump to:

(03:39) How AW measures the vapor pressure ratio in foods.

(08:01) Minimize water activity to prevent probiotic die-off.

(10:12) Molecular sieves control water activity and maintain potency.

(15:20) Preferred sugar alcohols for coolness.

(17:34) Granular ingredients ensure better stick-pack sealing.

(22:54) Water activity control in oil prevents decay.

(25:39) Plate counting measures CFU per gram. 

(30:20) Viable but unculturable cell health benefits questioned.

(32:41) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(35:09) Featured artist and song

(38:25) This episode’s Mantra


Featured Artist and Song:

Sometimes Somehow by Eric E.


Links mentioned in this episode:

Vidya Herbs

One Dance by Drake, music was chosen by Subhendu


Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD


Topics

The Drip podcastZachary CartwrightSubhendu Nayakprobiotics stabilitywater activitymoisture controlprobiotic packaginglow water activityexcipient selectionspore-forming probioticsnon-spore-forming probioticsnext-generation probioticsBacillus coagulansLactobacillusAkkermansia muciniphilalyophilized probioticsprobiotic potencyprobiotic die-offCSP bottlesmolecular sieve desiccationprobiotic stick packssugar alcoholsisomaltxylitolCFU vs. AFUactive fluorescence unitsencapsulationdesiccated packagingHDPE bottlesAQUALAB