PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, have become a growing concern because they persist in the environment and have been linked to adverse health outcomes.
The findings were among the research highlights presented at Probiota, where discussions focused on translating microbiome science into next-generation nutritional and therapeutic applications.
Speaking with NutraIngredients at the event, Anna Lindell, VP technology at Chembiotics and one of the study’s authors, explained how the research could shape future precision probiotic development.
An unexpected discovery
The researchers were not initially investigating PFAS. Instead, they examined how gut bacteria interact with a range of environmental pollutants, including pesticides, nitrosamines, bisphenols and PFAS.
Several bacterial species stood out for their ability to accumulate PFAS inside their cells, prompting the team to investigate further.
“The most surprising finding for us was actually exactly that, that certain species of gut bacteria are very good at accumulating PFAS to high levels,” Lindell said.
The researchers also found the compounds accumulated inside bacterial cells rather than remaining attached to the cell membrane, questioning previous assumptions about how gut microbes interact with PFAS.
Effects on the microbiome
The team demonstrated the effect in mice, where animals colonized with the PFAS-accumulating bacteria excreted more PFAS in their feces than germ-free controls. Lindell explained that the bacteria appear to capture PFAS during enterohepatic circulation before the compounds can be reabsorbed into the body.
“What this research shows is that our gut microbiota or gut bacteria might influence the toxicokinetics of PFAS within the human body,” she said.
Although the findings remain preclinical, they suggest the microbiome may play a previously unrecognized role in influencing exposure to environmental contaminants, expanding interest in microbiome science beyond digestive and metabolic health.
From research to product development
Chembiotics is now working to translate the findings into a precision probiotic formulated with high-PFAS-accumulating bacterial strains. Lindell said the company plans to begin its first in-human food clinical trial later this year, marking the next step in determining whether the preclinical findings translate into people.
Beyond the commercial opportunity, Lindell believes the research broadens understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and environmental health.
“This research really adds a fascinating new aspect to the microbiome and gut health, that our gut bacteria might actually be helping us remove, or influencing our exposure to, environmental pollutants,” she said.
Source: Nature Microbiology
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02032-5.
“Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.”
Authors: Lindell, Anna et al.
