Binding of aflatoxin B-1 by probiotic bacteria

The ability of six probiotic bacteria to bind a common food carcinogen, afl atoxin B-1, was assessed. The studied strains included Lactobacillus strain s and one Bifidobacterium strain. The strains were incubated in vitro with alfatoxin B1 and the toxin residue in the supernatant was measured using hi gh-performance Liquid chromatography. The aflatoxin-binding capacity of the strains was found to range from 5.8 to 31.3%. The results further support the observation that a number of probiotic bacteria are able to bind specif ic dietary contaminants. Although the extent of binding varies depending on the bacterial strain used, the data may explain some of the antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects of probiotic micro-organisms. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.