Cambridge, England — A recent study has revealed that certain types of human gut bacteria possess the ability to absorb perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. This groundbreaking research suggests that enhancing these beneficial bacteria could offer a new way to address the health risks posed by these pervasive pollutants.
The international team of researchers discovered that a variety of gut bacterial strains can effectively extract PFAS from their surroundings and store them within their cells. Kiran Patil, a molecular biologist at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that some bacteria exhibit a strong capacity to sequester PFAS at various concentrations. The study highlights that the clustering of these compounds within bacterial cells may shield the microorganisms from potential toxicity.
Through comprehensive laboratory analyses, the researchers identified 38 distinct strains of gut bacteria that demonstrated the ability to absorb PFAS, with Bacteroides uniformis emerging as one of the most proficient. Further investigation into Escherichia coli revealed specific mechanisms that influence how effectively these bacteria can take up the harmful substances, presenting exciting possibilities for future bioengineering efforts aimed at enhancing this absorption.
In experiments conducted with mice implanted with nine different bacterial species, the researchers observed that these microbes could rapidly absorb PFAS, which was subsequently eliminated from the mice through feces. Notably, as the concentration of PFAS in the mice increased, the bacteria intensified their absorption efforts.
Indra Roux, also a molecular biologist at Cambridge, noted the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in both the environment and human bodies. Despite the widespread presence of these chemicals in items such as food packaging, cosmetics, and even drinking water, the full extent of their impact on health remains uncertain, though they have been associated with various health issues, including kidney damage.
While researchers have not yet identified a method to eliminate PFAS, their findings open new avenues for potential solutions. The development of probiotic supplements to enhance the population of beneficial gut bacteria may provide a means to facilitate the safe removal of PFAS from human systems.
Patil expressed concern over the lack of action taken towards mitigating the effects of PFAS in humans, stating the need for more focus on clearing these chemicals from our bodies. The study’s implications suggest that improving gut microbiota could be a key step in combating the risks these substances pose to health.
The findings of this research, published in Nature Microbiology, represent a hopeful step forward in understanding the dynamics between gut bacteria and harmful chemicals in the environment, signaling the potential for innovative health interventions in the future.