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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:33
An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Probiotic bacteria as potential detoxification tools: assessing their heavy metal binding isotherms
Fandi Ibrahim1, Teemu Halttunen, Raija Tahvonen
1Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry and Functional Foods Forums, University of Turku, Finland. fanibr@utu.fi
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|November 18, 2006
Summary
Certain probiotic bacteria can bind toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead from food and water. This study screened specific strains, finding they efficiently remove these metals, offering potential for food safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dietary heavy metals pose health risks.
- Probiotic bacteria show potential for toxin binding.
Purpose of the Study:
- Screen probiotic strains for cadmium and lead binding.
- Identify strains for heavy metal decontamination in food and gut models.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC-705 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii JS.
- Characterized binding isotherms using the Langmuir model.
- Investigated effects of pH, contact time, and viability.
Main Results:
- All tested strains efficiently bound cadmium and lead at low concentrations.
- Significant differences observed in maximum binding capacities (Qmax) and affinities (b).
- Binding was instantaneous and pH-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic strains effectively bind cadmium and lead.
- Strain selection is crucial for optimal heavy metal decontamination.
- Binding characteristics are pH-dependent, suggesting targeted application strategies.
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