Characterization of Adhesion of Bifidobacterium sp. BGN4 to Human Enterocyte-Like Caco-2 Cells

The adhesion of probiotic bacteria to the intestinal mucosa is one of the desirable properties for their colonization in the intestinal tract, where these bacteria constantly compete with other bacteria. The adhesion of different strains of bifidobacteria to Caco-2 cells was compared. Among the strains examined, BGN-4 showed the highest adhesion level and the greatest cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). No close relationship was found between the adhesion and CSH of the strains. Upon protease and heat treatment, the adhesion of the BGN-4 to the Caco-2 cells decreased significantly. The cells grown at $42^{\circ}C$ showed a lower CSH and self-aggregation levels than cells grown at $37^{\circ}C$. The treatment of EGTA did not have any effect on the adhesion. The degree of adhesion did not differ among the experimental groups in which galactose, mannose, or fucose were added in the adhesion assay mixture. The results suggest that the adhesion of the Bifidobacterium to the epithelial cells may be affected by the composition and structure of the cell membrane and interacting surfaces.