Kimchi Bacterium Binds Nanoplastics in 3 Tests, Pointing to Gut Removal
Updated
Updated · Boing Boing · Jun 8
Kimchi Bacterium Binds Nanoplastics in 3 Tests, Pointing to Gut Removal
2 articles · Updated · Boing Boing · Jun 8
Summary
Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from kimchi, showed strong binding to polystyrene nanoplastics in lab assays, simulated intestinal conditions and mice, according to a study published in Bioresource Technology.
The gut-like results stand out because many other bacteria lose binding ability under intestinal conditions, suggesting the microbe could trap nanoplastics before they pass into organs such as the brain, kidneys and arteries.
Researchers at South Korea's government-funded World Institute of Kimchi said the findings support a probiotic route to reducing plastic accumulation, though the work remains preliminary and has not been validated in human trials.
The study adds to growing concern over nanoplastics and microplastics in food and drinking water, framing fermented-food microbes as a possible tool against an emerging public-health risk.