In-vitro evaluation of indigenous probiotic lactobacilli for lead bio-adsorption potential, its tolerance and complex stability

Abstract

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria exhibit metal ion binding properties, which can be employed as metal bio-adsorbents in the human system. Lead is a prevalent dietary contaminant that causes lead toxicity in humans, especially children. In the present investigation, we evaluated the indigenous lactobacilli for their lead bioadsorption potential that can offer a pre-emptive approach for bioremediating lead toxicity. After standardizing the lead bioadsorption assay, ten probiotic lactobacilli showing lead retention of >80% in the pellet were selected. Statistical correlation analysis on lead bioadsorption assay, factors affecting lead and lead resistance profiling revealed L. plantarum HD 51 as the most potent lead adsorber. Scanning electron microscopy of L. plantarum HD 51 demonstrated that the binding occurred on the bacterial cell wall. Hence L. plantarum HD-51 could be used as a biotherapeutic agent to reduce the body’s burden on lead by sequestering it out of the human body.