Over the last 20 years, Lactobacillus species inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) have received much attention, and their health-promoting properties are now well-described. Probiotic effects cannot be generalized, and their uses cover a wide range of applications. It is thus important to proceed to an accurate selection and evaluation of probiotic candidates. We evaluate the probiotic potential of six strains of Lactobacillus in different in vitro models representing critical factors of either survival, efficacy, or both. We characterized the strains for their ability to (i) modulate intestinal permeability using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), (ii) form biofilms and resist stressful conditions, and (iii) produce beneficial host and/or bacteria metabolites. Our data reveal the specificity of Lactobacillus strains to modulate intestinal permeability depending on the cell type. The six isolates were able to form spatially organized biofilms, and we provide evidence that the biofilm form is beneficial in a strongly acidic environment. Finally, we demonstrated the ability of the strains to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is involved in the gut-brain axis and beneficial enzymes that promote the bacterial tolerance to bile salts. Overall, our study highlights the specific properties of Lactobacillus strains and their possible applications as biofilms.
Keywords: Lactobacillus; biofilm; permeability; probiotics; stress tolerance.