Probiotics are live microorganisms that can act on the immune system at specific sites in the gastro-intestinal tract. From a technological point of view, the development of a dietary supplement containing viable and functional probiotics requires the control of the selection and production steps. In a first time, we have developed specific and sensitive screening tests to determine the ability of bacteria to be dried and the origin of its sensitivity. To develop these tests, we investigated the mechanisms involved during drying process. Thus, microorganisms simultaneously undergo osmotic stress and oxidative stress. Results show a strong impact of drying on the survival rate and immunomodulatory potential with a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12). To protect probiotic bacteria, three optimization strategies have been developed: drying by foam formation, encapsulation of probiotic bacteria using a pea-protein alginate matrix and drying of a sensitive probiotic strain with a resistant bacterium. Knowledge obtained during this study was used to optimize the industrial process of the final strain of the project. A randomized double blinded (RDB) trial is in progress (2011-2013) to test the bacteria in humans
