Surface Properties and Adhesion to Caco-2 Cells of Lactobacillus planturam Strains

The autoaggregation ability, cell surface hydrophobicity and in vitro adhesion to Caco-2 cells of 10 Lactobacillus planturam strains from different sources were assessed, and the relationship between surface properties and adhesion to Caco-2 cells. The compounds associated with the adhesion process were investigated by using Li Cl-treated L. planturamstrains. The results showed that L. planturam 3-4 showed the strongest adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Significant differences in autoaggregation, hydrophobicity and adhesion to Caco-2 cells were observed among the 10 L. planturam strains. Significant correlation existed between adhesion and cell surface hydrophobicity. Autoaggregation and hydrophobicity could be used as reference indexes for the screening of L. planturam strains with high adhesion ability. Meanwhile, when treated with Li Cl, the autoaggregation and adhesion of some L. planturam strains were decreased, indicating that surface-bound proteins and other macromolecules play an important role in the process of autoaggregation and adhesion.