Alginate encapsulation enhanced the gastrointestinal stability and bactericidal efficacy of an optimized Salmonella phage cocktail for oral delivery in poultry feed

jelly beads. Under simulated gastric conditions, a single application of the encapsulated cocktail reduced S. Typhimurium growth below detectable limits within 3 h post-treatment and inhibited further regrowth for 24 h. Furthermore, the encapsulated phages maintained high viability for at least a month at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold storage logistics. This study demonstrates an effective phage encapsulation technique for optimal phage storage, oral administration and therapeutic efficacy to control intestinal Salmonella in poultry and protect public health. Further work will focus on upscaling phage production and testing in poultry farms.