Intestinal bacteria can prevent eternal chemicals

Scientists have found that certain microorganisms living in our gut can absorb toxic “forever chemicals” called PFA, potentially providing natural defenses to these widespread pollutants.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that specific gut bacteria can absorb 25% to 74% of PFA in a few minutes, storing chemicals in dense clusters within their cells while continuing to grow normally.

The findings published in Natural Microbiology suggest that improving these protective bacteria through probiotics can help clear PFA from our bodies is a crucial finding, given that these persistent chemicals have been linked to fertility issues, developmental delays in children and increase the risk of cancer.

Natural detoxification system

“Given the problems of PFAS “forever chemicals” and especially their impact on human health, there are fewer removals from our bodies,” the senior author of the study explained.

In modern life, PFA (per fluoroalkyl substance) is actually inevitable. These synthetic chemicals appear in waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, food packaging and even cosmetics. Because they take thousands of years to decompose naturally, they accumulate in the environment and in the human body.

The team identified several bacteria found naturally in healthy human guts that have significant PFA absorption capacity:

• Nine bacterial species successfully accumulate various PFA molecules from their surroundings
• The highest uniform absorption rate of bacteria, concentrating PFA up to 50 times
• Bacteria store PFA in protective internal clusters to avoid cell damage
• Absorption occurs within a few minutes, even at increased exposure levels

“We found that certain human gut bacteria have a high ability to absorb PFA from the environment in a range of concentrations and store it in cells,” Patil noted.

From the laboratory to the living system

To test whether this protection mechanism works in organisms, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. When they introduced human gut bacteria into germ-free mice and then exposed them to PFA, the bacteria quickly accumulated these chemicals, which were subsequently eliminated through feces.

Mice studies have shown a clear pattern: animals that settled with bacteria showed significantly higher excretion of PFAS than sterile controls. Mice carrying bacterial communities with higher PFAS eliminated more of these chemicals than bacterial groups with low absorption bacterial communities.

Advanced imaging techniques confirm the true internalized PFA of bacteria, rather than simply sticking them to their surface. Using low-temperature concentrated ion beam mass spectrometry, scientists observed that fluorine signal (characteristics of PFAS) was concentrated in dense aggregates within bacterial cells.

Natural defense strategy

Dr. Indra Roux, co-author of the study, highlighted the actual meaning: “The reality is that PFAs are already in the environment and in the body, and we need to try to mitigate their impact on health. We have not found a way to destroy PFA, but our findings can lift them out of the possibility of the greatest damage, allowing them to do the greatest harm.”

Bacterial uptake seems to work through natural cellular processes rather than a specialized mechanism evolved for PFA – which makes sense, as these synthetic chemicals have only been around for decades. Bacteria may be similar to other molecules encountered, but the unique properties of chemicals can cause them to aggregate inside cells rather than interfere with important functions.

Not all bacteria show equal absorption capacity. Studies have shown that Gram-negative bacteria generally accumulate more PFA than Gram-positive species, although the reasons go beyond simple membrane differences. Long-chain PFA molecules are easier to absorb than shorter molecules, a matching pattern observed in human exposure studies.

From discovery to treatment

Researchers have begun to translate their findings into potential treatments. Patil and study co-author Dr. Anna Lindell set up a startup called Cambiotics to develop probiotic supplements that can enhance the natural PFAS-driven capabilities of the gut.

“We are all exposed to PFA through water and food, and these chemicals are so common that they are among us all,” Lindell observed. “PFAs were once considered safe, but now it’s obvious that they are not. PFAs took a long time to get attention because at low levels they are not acute toxic. But they are like a slow poison.”

Although probiotic treatments are still under development, the study provides direct practical advice. Scientists recommend avoiding PFAS-coated cookware and using high-quality water filters to reduce exposure to these persistent contaminants.

This work addresses pressing health challenges around the world as 4,700 PFAS chemicals are currently being widely used, while regulatory efforts are working to maintain their spread and durability in the environment.

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