Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi have discovered that a specific lactic acid bacterium isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food can bind to nanoplastics in the human intestine and promote their excretion from the body, according to a study published in the journal Bioresource Technology. President Hae Choon Chang announced the findings, which provide new scientific evidence that dietary microbes can interact with environmental micropollutants.
Kimchi Probiotic Isolates Target Polystyrene Nanoplastics
Plastic pollution breaks down over time into microplastics and nanoplastics, which enter the human body through food and water and have been detected in organs including the heart, stomach, and brain. To investigate potential biological defense mechanisms, a research team led by Drs. Se Hee Lee and Tae Woong Whon at the World Institute of Kimchi tested the adsorption capacity of a kimchi-derived lactic acid bacterium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656, against polystyrene nanoplastics, as detailed in institute data. Polystyrene is a widely used plastic found in food packaging, cups, containers, and household products.
Did you know? Nanoplastics are extremely tiny pieces of plastic measuring less than one micrometer in size. Because they are so small, researchers worry they may cross the intestinal barrier and accumulate in organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Laboratory Tests Reveal Stability in Simulated Intestinal Conditions
Under standard laboratory conditions, strain CBA3656 showed a high adsorption efficiency of 87%, which is comparable to the reference strain Latilactobacillus sakei CBA3608 at 85%, according to the World Institute of Kimchi. However, a notable difference emerged under simulated human intestinal conditions. While the adsorption rate of the reference strain CBA3608 dropped sharply to 3%, strain CBA3656 maintained a substantially higher adsorption level of 57%. These results indicate that the kimchi-derived strain can stably bind nanoplastics in environments resembling the human gastrointestinal tract.
Animal Experiments Show Increased Fecal Excretion
Significant findings were also observed in animal experiments utilizing a germ-free mouse model, according to the research institute. Compared to a control group that received no probiotics, both male and female mice administered strain CBA3656 showed more than a twofold increase in nanoplastics detected in their feces. This outcome suggests that the probiotic contributes to the elimination of nanoplastics by trapping them in the intestine before they can accumulate.
“Plastic pollution is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental issue but also as a public health concern,” said Dr. Sehee Lee, the lead researcher of the study, in statements provided by the World Institute of Kimchi. “Our findings suggest that microorganisms derived from traditional fermented foods could represent a new biological approach to address this emerging challenge. We will continue to expand the scientific value of kimchi microbial resources to contribute to public health and environmental solutions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kimchi?
Kimchi is a spicy fermented vegetable side dish made most commonly from napa cabbage and radishes seasoned with gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.
How does the kimchi bacterium help remove nanoplastics?
According to the World Institute of Kimchi, the lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 binds to nanoplastics in the intestine, allowing the plastic particles to be excreted through bowel movements.
Where was the research published?
The study was published in the academic journal Bioresource Technology.
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