Trending green atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-modified lactic acid bacteria: application as a bioadsorbent to detoxicate aflatoxin B in grains.

Background: To address the severe health risks posed by aflatoxin B (AFB) in grain, this study employed polydopamine-based atom transfer radical polymerization (p-ATRP) and cytochrome C-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (c-ATRP) as cytocompatible modification techniques to coat the surface of living Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) cells with the temperature-sensitive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm).

Results: Two novel bioadsorbents were synthesized. The incorporation of PNIPAAm as an 'AFB vacuum cleaner' layer significantly enhances LAB's adsorption efficiency and enables temperature-controlled desorption. Compared with p-ATRP, c-ATRP uses cytochrome C (from LAB's membrane protein) as a biocatalyst to replace the necessary copper catalyst in p-ATRP, eliminating the risk of copper toxicity and pollution. The exceptional AFB adsorption capabilities of LAB@PNIPAAm can be precisely modeled using the Lagergren pseudo-second-order and Freundlich frameworks, with an adsorption capacity attaining 74.88 ng mL. Furthermore, LAB@PNIPAAm displays unique temperature-responsive properties, achieving an adsorption efficiency of 78% at 22 °C and a temperature-controlled desorption rate of 69% upon temperature elevation to 37 °C. It is noteworthy that the c-ATRP technology also enhances the stress resistance of LAB.

Conclusion: These findings offer novel insights into the surface engineering of viable bacterial cells and the efficient bioremediation of multiple pollutants in complex environments. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.