Preparation and In Vitro Simulated Digestion Study of Coembedded Microcapsules Containing Pomegranate Active Extract and Probiotics.

The efficient delivery of viable probiotics to the intestine remains a major challenge due to their sensitivity to gastrointestinal conditions, whereas pomegranate-processing by-products represent an underutilized source of bioactive polyphenols. In this study, a dual-functional codelivery system of pomegranate extract and probiotics was constructed to enhance the survival rate of Limosilactobacillus fermentum FUA033 in the gastrointestinal environment. Pomegranate peel and seed active substances were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent. Microcapsules were prepared by the ion-gel method, and the encapsulation efficiency reached 90.23% under the optimal process. The microcapsules exhibited a monodispersed spherical morphology of 3.25 ± 1.06 mm diameter and characteristic FTIR peaks (1633-1641 cm-1), confirming structural integrity. The results of the XRD analysis revealed a crystalline phase (2θ = 31.52°). PE-FUA033 microcapsules significantly improved probiotic viability during storage (with increases of 13.51% and 23.41% at 4°C and 25°C, respectively) and simulated gastrointestinal digestion (32.41% greater survival than the PE-free controls), providing a new strategy for the development of probiotic functional foods.