Abstract
Bifidobacterium spp. can produce cell-bound or released exopolysaccharide (EPS) that is a beneficial trait mediating commensal-host interactions. However differences in the physico-chemical characteristics of EPS produced by different strains of Bifidobacterium spp. are determinant in adhesion ability and modulation of immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro adhesion characteristics of Bifidobacterium longum W11 to intestinal epithelial cell-line HT-29, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and chemical characteristics of its exopolysaccharide using Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis. SEM observation showed a good adhesion of B. longum W11 to the HT-29 monolayer that could be increased by the production of exocellular polymers formation. TLC analysis of the purified and hydrolyzed EPS showed that the cell-surface and extracellular polysaccharide were composed mainly of fructose and glucose. Moreover, other sugars were present in smaller quantities. Information from this study on physico-chemical characteristics of EPS of B. longum W11 could contribute to understanding the physiology of bifidobacteria and their interaction with the host.
Highlights
For probiotic bacteria, selected for commercial use in food and in therapeutics, the adhesion to human intestinal cells is considered a fundamental property
Bifidobacterium longum W11, a probiotic strain commercialized by Alfa Wasserman (Italy) and produced by Probiotical (Italy), was tested, using a pack purchased in December 2013
Scanning electron microscopy showed that adhesion of the strain to the HT-29 monolayer was already present after 30 min
Summary
For probiotic bacteria, selected for commercial use in food and in therapeutics, the adhesion to human intestinal cells is considered a fundamental property. In vitro evaluation tests indicated that adhesion ability and modulation of host immunity depend mainly on the strain [2]-[4]. Several studies showed that some strains of Bifidobacterium spp. can produce cell-bound or released exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and that exopolysaccharides production is a beneficial trait mediating commensal-host interaction through immune modulation [5] [6]. Medina et al (2007) studying the immunological properties of the structural cell components and the secreted molecules of the strains of Bifidobacterium longum did not investigate the production of exopolysaccharides [2]. The composition of EPS of Bifidobacterium spp. is important in understanding their interaction with the host, but the polymers have been characterized for only a few of the commercialized probiotic strains
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