Trending Now - Kimchi Probiotic Enhances Removal of Intestinal Nanoplastics

WHO:

A lactic acid bacterium isolated from kimchi is involved in the study.

WHAT:

The kimchi-derived probiotic promotes the binding and excretion of intestinal nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics are defined as ultrafine plastic particles measuring less than 1 micrometer.

WHERE:

The study pertains to the human gastrointestinal tract.

WHEN:

The research is ongoing, with biological strategies to reduce nanoplastic accumulation still at an early stage as of 2026.

WHY:

Nanoplastics can enter the human body through food and drinking water and may accumulate in organs such as the kidneys and brain.

HOW:

The probiotic binds to nanoplastics in the intestine, facilitating their removal from the body.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:40 UTC)

A new study is exploring a kimchi-derived probiotic that promotes the binding and excretion of intestinal nanoplastics, which are ultrafine plastic particles measuring less than one micrometer. This ongoing research focuses on the human gastrointestinal tract, as nanoplastics can enter the body through food and drinking water and may accumulate in vital organs like the kidneys and brain. The probiotic works by binding to these nanoplastics in the intestine, helping to facilitate their removal from the body.