One of the most important trends in the development of edible films is the inclusion of both probiotics and prebiotics in the polymeric matrix, so they can play an active role in the health of consumers. Probiotics are widely used in the field of nutrition. Lactic acid bacteria is given in the form of probiotics as a nourishing agent for lactic acid deficiency people. In this present study, a synbiotic film made from tapioca starch as polymeric matrix, chicory as prebiotic molecule and lactic acid bacteria as the probiotic bacteria was developed in a cost-effective manner. As these films are used as pharmaceutical products for many nutrition deficiencies and for those whose gut bacteria should be maintained.Several assays have been conducted on the effect of chicory concentration on the rheological,mechanical, barrier and opacity, thickness, solubility and water vapour permeability of the films, as well as on the effect of including probiotic bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) in the films.From the results it is stated that chicory has a plasticizing effect on the polymeric matrix thus increasing its elongation at break, while reducing its tensile strength. Viability of lactic acid bacteria during the storage and in simulated gastric conditions was also studied, lower viability values due to storage stress at 10°C and 25°Cwas observed. By this we can conclude that the lower viability values on tapioca starch films that when chicory was included. Tapioca starch is known for its low resistance to acid hydrolysis that leaves bacteria unprotected from gastric conditions, however chicory seems to have a protective effect on the probiotic bacteria, thus decreasing the viability loss

Synbiotic films, Tapioca starch, Prebiotic, Probiotic