Adhesion properties of Lactobacillus casei strains to resected intestinal fragments and components of the extracellular matrix

Adhesion to intestinal epithelium is an outcome property for the selection of probiotic lactic acid bacteria strains. We have analyzed the adhesion properties of a collection of Lactobacillus casei strains from different origins, ranging from cheese isolates to commercial probiotics. Analysis of the surface characteristics of the strains by measuring adhesion to solvents (MATS test) showed that most of the strains have a basic and hydrophobic surface. The strains were able to bind ex vivo to human colon fragments at different levels and, in most cases, this adhesion correlated with the ability to in vitro binding of mucin. Attachment to this later substrate was not enhanced by growing the cells in the presence of mucin and was independent of proteinaceous factors. On the contrary, adhesion to other extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, fibronectin, or fibrinogen was partially or totally dependent on the presence of surface proteins. These results show that most of L. casei strains have in their surfaces factors that promote binding to intestinal epithelium, however, no clear correlation appears to exist between the origin of the strains and their adhesion capacities.