A bacterium found in kimchi may help the body eliminate nanoplastics. This specific lactic acid bacterium, *Leuconostoc mesenteroides* CBA3656, can bind to nanoplastics within the intestine. This binding action could facilitate the removal of these tiny plastic particles from the body.
Nanoplastics are plastic particles smaller than one micrometer. They form when larger plastic materials degrade. Humans can ingest nanoplastics through food and water. Their small size allows them to potentially cross the intestinal barrier and accumulate in organs like the kidneys and brain.
Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi investigated the adsorption capabilities of *L. mesenteroides* CBA3656. They tested its ability to bind to polystyrene nanoplastics. In laboratory conditions, the bacterium showed an 87% adsorption efficiency.
Under simulated human intestinal conditions, the kimchi-derived strain maintained a 57% adsorption level. Another reference strain, *Latilactobacillus sakei* CBA3608, saw its adsorption rate drop significantly to 3% under similar conditions. This suggests the kimchi bacterium can stably bind nanoplastics in a gut-like environment.
Animal experiments using germ-free mice further supported these findings. Mice given *L. mesenteroides* CBA3656 showed more than double the amount of nanoplastics in their feces compared to a control group. This indicates the probiotic may help excrete nanoplastics by binding to them in the gut.
These findings suggest a new biological approach to address nanoplastic accumulation. The research provides evidence that microorganisms from fermented foods could interact with environmental micropollutants. This expands the understanding of kimchi's microbial resources beyond their traditional role in fermentation.
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