Hello. Our lab has been working on freeze drying probiotics. We recently surveyed commercial preparations and found that the efficacy was far below the stated level. For instance, Lactobacilli were marked as 40 billion CFU per capsule, while the tested viability was 10**6 or less. In one product we found 100 viable bugs. Our results are in this link: https://opsdiagnostics.com/notes/probiotic-evaluation.pdf.

We've explored processes to improve viability, with success, but on a laboratory scale. I'm curious as to other researcher's experiences with this in a large scale production system. I'm also interested in discussing the stability of the preparations following freeze drying.

I look forward to the participation of all interested.