Kimchi bacterium shown to increase nanoplastic excretion in mice

A bacterium isolated from kimchi has been shown to bind nanoplastic particles under conditions that simulate the human gastrointestinal tract, potentially facilitating their removal from the body. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the microbe adheres to nanoplastics and remains stable in acidic and enzymatic environments similar to those found in the stomach and intestines.

In a mouse study, administration of the kimchi-derived probiotic resulted in more than a two‑fold increase in the amount of nanoplastics recovered from fecal samples compared with control animals, indicating enhanced excretion of the particles. The findings suggest that microbes traditionally used in fermented foods could be repurposed to mitigate nanoplastic exposure, although further research is needed to assess safety and efficacy in humans.