Screening of lactic acid bacteria with potential protective effects against cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that causes adverse health effects in humans and animals. In the present study, 33 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for their potential probiotic capacity against Cd toxicity. The Cd binding ability was investigated first, and 10 strains with comparatively higher Cd binding properties were selected for further study through the evaluation of Cd tolerance, antioxidative capacity and acid and bile salt tolerance. The results revealed that as a reference strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG had good Cd tolerance, antioxidative capacity and acid and bile tolerance, but the Cd binding ability of this strain was poor. Another strain, Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8610, showed significantly better binding ability and Cd tolerance than the other tested strains. This strain also exhibited relatively good antioxidative properties and resistance to the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This study suggests that L. plantarum CCFM8610 could be used as a potential probiotic in food applications against Cd toxicity.