Kimchi and Probiotic-Rich Foods Show Promise in Helping the Body Eliminate Microplastics, Research Suggests

Scientists have identified a kimchi-derived lactic acid bacterium capable of binding and helping to expel nanoplastics from the human body, according to recent research from the World Institute of Kimchi in South Korea.

The bacterium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656, demonstrated high biosorption efficiency in laboratory tests, achieving an adsorption rate of 87% for polystyrene nanoplastics under conditions mimicking the human intestine. This performance was comparable to a reference strain, Latilactobacillus sakei CBA3608, which showed an 85% adsorption rate.

In experiments using germ-free mice, the kimchi-derived strain significantly enhanced fecal excretion of nanoplastics, providing direct in vivo validation of its potential to aid in removing these particles from the digestive tract.

Nanoplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometer, and microplastics, which are slightly larger but still under 5 millimeters, are increasingly detected in food and drinking water. Due to their small size, these particles may pass through the intestinal lining and accumulate in organs such as the brain and kidneys, where their long-term health effects are still under investigation.

The research, published in Bioresource Technology, highlights microbial biosorption as a promising approach to address nanoplastic contamination. Researchers noted that while the findings establish a strong foundation, further field-scale and microbiota-integrated studies are necessary to confirm the bacterium’s applicability in natural ecosystems and the human gut.

Dr. Stan Kubow, associate professor in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University, is set to present on the topic of gut microbiome modulation for reducing environmental pollutant accumulation at the upcoming Probiota Americas conference in Vancouver from June 8 to 10, 2026. The session will focus on the potential role of gut microbes in mitigating harm from microplastics, PFAS, and other environmental pollutants.

The study adds to growing scientific interest in using probiotics and microbiome modulators to reduce the accumulation of pollutants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and heavy metals in the body. For example, researchers at the University of Cambridge have previously reported that a specific gut bacterium can absorb toxic PFAS compounds.