Assessment of Aflatoxin B1 Binding to Lactobacillus reuteri by Microscopy and Fluorescence Techniques

The aims of this research were to study the applicability of flow cytometry to detect aflatoxin bound to Lactobacillus reuteri based on fluorescence intensity patterns, and to evaluate the aflatoxin/bacteria interaction by microscopy techniques based on fluorescent staining and disruption of the cell wall structure. Our results demonstrated a specific interaction between the AFB1 bound to the cell surface and the FITC-labeled monoclonal antibody against the aflatoxin B1 used. Microscopy assays confirmed for first time in a clear visual way the aflatoxin-bacteria interaction, and that aflatoxin binding causes changes that alter the bacterial cell surface. The methods applied in our study are suitable for detection of aflatoxin bound to the cell surface of Lactobacillus reuteri and possibly by other microorganisms, and proved to be a potential tool for research and clinical detection of human exposure to aflatoxins.