The suitability of Fluidized-bed technology for the dehydration of probiotic Enterococcus faecium M74 was evaluated. Fluidized-bed drying was processed by layering the microorganisms on spherical pellets. The impact on cell viability of atomizing air pressure, processing temperature and time was investigated. Using 1.5 bar atomizing air pressure, 37 degrees C processing temperature, and 15 min processing time provided optimal dehydration condition. Changing these values resulted in excessive stress on the cells and affected the cell viability. Next, we compared the impact on cell viability of fluidized-bed drying with that of freeze-drying. Fluidized-bed drying caused more substantial losses of cell viability. However, viability of cells pre-treated with membrane protective agents such as sucrose or skim milk was less affected by fluidized-bed drying than by freeze-drying, resulted in a minor degree of membrane damage after 2 months storage. Comparison of the flow characteristics of freeze-dried cells and fluidized-bed dried cells layered on spherical pellets showed the superior flowability of the latter. Thus, Fluidized-bed technology might represent a feasible alternative for the dehydration of probiotics maintaining adequate viability and providing improved flowability for their processing into solid formulations. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.