Microcapsules were prepared using the probiotic microorganisms Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-05) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb-12) and the spray drying technique and cellulose acetate phthalate as the wall material. This study evaluated the resistance of these microorganisms to drying at three temperatures and also the in vitro tolerance of the free and microencapsulated form to pH values and bile concentrations similar to those found in the human stomach and intestine. With an air entry temperature of 130 degreesC and exit temperature of 75 degreesC, the number of viable cells of B. lactis was practically unaltered, whereas the population of L. acidophilus was reduced by two logarithmic cycles. B. lactis was more resistant to the drying process than L. acidophilus under all conditions tested. The morphology of the microcapsules was determined by scanning electron microscopy and the microcapsules presented a rounded external surface containing concavities, a continuous wall with no apparent porosity, average size of 22 mum, moisture content varying from 5.3 to 3.2% and water activity between 0.230 and 0.204. After inoculation into HCl solutions with pH values adjusted to 1 and 2, incubated anaerobically at 37 degreesC, and plated after 0, 1 and 2 h of incubation, microcapsules were effective in protecting the microorganisms, while the populations of both free microorganisms were eliminated after only 1 h at the acidic conditions. Microencapsulated B. lactis and L. acidophilus, both free and microencapsulated, were also resistant after 12 h to bile solutions.