Effect of natrium alginate concentration on physical characteristics, viability and anticancer activity of microparticles from a combination of probiotics and tomato pasta

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008, cancer is the second largest cause of death globally, and two-third of that number comes from developing countries like Indonesia. Since there are adverse effects of treatment or anticancer drug consumption, alternative treatments or prevention of cancer is required, one of which is by using probiotics. Probiotics are living organisms which can provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities. This study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of Natrium Alginate 2.5%, 3% and 3.5% against the physical characteristics (shape and size), the viability of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and anticancer activity of microparticles from combination of probiotics and tomato paste. Microparticles, which are a combination of probiotics and tomato paste, were performed by the extrusion method and dried by freeze drying method. The physical characteristics (shape and size) test, the viability test, and anticancer activity test of the microparticles were conducted. Increase in concentrations of natrium alginate (2.5%, 3%, and 3.5%) resulted in an increase in the size of microparticles made from combinations of probiotics and tomato paste. The increase in concentrations of natrium alginate by 1%, from 2.5% to 3.5% increases the viability of microparticles made from combination of probiotics and tomato paste. Increased concentrations of natrium alginate from 2.5%, 3%, and 3.5% did not affect the anticancer activity. The use of Natrium alginate with a concentration of 2.5% resulted in a better form and similar anticancer activity than the formula with 3% and 3.5% natrium alginate concentrations despite yielding lower viability.