Biofilm development in <i>L. fermentum</i> under shear flow &amp; sequential GIT digestion

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate biofilm formation by Lactobacillus fermentum under physiologically relevant shear conditions both in the presence and absence of a food matrix and under simulated conditions of digestion. This was done using batch and flow biofilms of L. fermentum strains under conditions simulating digestion in the human gastrointestinal tract and shear flow using a high throughput platform BioFlux 1000Z system. The putative probiotic strain, PL29, was found to be capable of adhesion and biofilm formation in mucin-coated microfluidic channels under liquid flow conditions mimicking those of the GIT. Based on these in vitro measurements, we conclude that L. fermentum strain PL29 could be an effective probiotic for human consumption.