Objective: We studied the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum 121 and Lactobacillus pentosus ML32 to bind benzo(a)pyrene.
Methods: The percentage of benzo(a)pyrene bound by the lactobacilli strains was quantitated by HPLC after bacterial cells and benzo(a)pyrene were co-incubated in MRS media at 37 degrees C for 4 h.
Results: The percentage of benzo(a)pyrene-binding was 65.