Kimchi Bacterium Strain May Help Flush Nanoplastics From the Body

Scientists at the World Institute of Kimchi found that the lactic acid bacterium strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 binds nanoplastics in the gut. In a simulated intestinal environment, adsorption was 57% versus 3% for a reference strain, and in mice fecal nanoplastic excretion more than doubled.

• Strain CBA3656 showed 87% nanoplastic adsorption in lab conditions
• In simulated intestine, adsorption held at 57%, versus 3% for the reference strain
• In mice, fecal nanoplastic excretion more than doubled
• Nanoplastics are particles under 1 µm that can enter kidneys and the brain