Could Bacteria Help Remove Nanoplastics From the Gut?
New research suggests a bacterium found in food may help trap tiny plastic particles and carry them out of the body.
Plastic pollution is everywhere, from oceans and rivers to the food and water we consume. As larger pieces of plastic break down, they can become extremely tiny particles called nanoplastics. A new study has found that a food derived bacterium called Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 may have an interesting ability: it can attach to nanoplastics and help move them out of the digestive system!
What Are Nanoplastics?
Nanoplastics are incredibly small pieces of plastic that are produced when larger plastic materials gradually break down. They can make their way into the environment through plastic waste and may eventually enter the human food chain. People can potentially be exposed through sources like water or foods. Because of their tiny size, nanoplastics are a growing concern for scientists.
A Bacterium From Kimchi
Researchers from South Korea looked at several bacteria originally isolated from kimchi, a fermented food item.
They were particularly interested in bacteria known as lactic acid bacteria, or LAB. These bacteria are commonly associated with fermented foods, and some are also used as probiotics.
One strain stood out: Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656.
The researchers tested whether this bacterium could capture nanoplastic particles under different conditions, including different temperatures, acidity levels, amounts of bacteria, and concentrations of nanoplastics.
The Bacterium Was Good at Trapping Nanoplastics
The experiments showed that CBA3656 could bind to nanoplastics across a surprisingly wide range of conditions. The researchers tested nanoplastic concentrations from 10 to 200 parts per million, temperatures from 4°C to 55°C, and pH levels from 3 to 9.
The bacterium also worked relatively quickly. The bacterial cells acted like tiny surfaces that nanoplastic particles could stick to.The researchers call this process biosorption.
Does This Mean Probiotics Can Remove Plastic From Humans?
Not yet.
The researchers themselves point out that additional studies are needed, including research under more realistic environmental conditions and studies involving normal gut microbiomes.
The study also does not show that eating kimchi will remove nanoplastics from a person's body.
Citation
Lee, J., Lee, M. J., Jung, M.-J., Kim, Y. B., Kim, Y., Yun, J. U., Nam, S., Oh, Y. J., Whon, T. W., & Lee, S. H. (2026). Efficient biosorption of nanoplastics by food-derived lactic acid bacterium. Bioresource Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134234
