There is a concrete hope in the fight against PFAS – Toxic and persistent chemicals now omnipresent in our daily life. To offer it is the Research of the University of Cambridgewhich identified one Family of human intestinal bacteria capable of absorb and retain the PFAS quicklythen eliminate them naturally through the feces. An effective mechanism, tested on mice with human microbioma, which opens the doors to Probiotics detox designed to reduce the presence of these “eternal pollutants” in our body.
The results are surprising: Between 25% and 74% of the ingested PFAS are absorbed in a few minuteswithout bacteria they lose efficacy even with greater exposure. A behavior that could revolutionize our approach to the problem, offering a natural, sustainable and non -invasive strategy to reduce internal contamination.
What really are PFAS
They are everywhere: in the water we drink, in the tools we use to cook, in the clothes we wear. THE Pfas (perfluoroalchilic and polypluoralchilic substances) I am Synthetic compounds created to resist water, oil, heat and corrosion. For this they are used in many daily use products:
The problem is that, in addition to, the PFAS accumulate in the human body and there they remain for years, even decades. Have already been associated with:
The exhibition takes place by direct contact or through contaminated food and water. And once you enter the body, getting out of it is very difficult. Until now.
How the process works and what changes for the future
The research conducted in Cambridge isolated a group of human intestinal bacteria capable of Actively absorb the pfas present in their environment. In animal tests with human microbioma, In a few minutes the bacteria captured up to 74% of the compounds ingested. And not only that: the PFAS come stored in aggregates inside bacterial cellsan important detail that seems protect them from toxicity.
The discovery is so promising that the research team has already given birth to Gearboxa biotech startup engaged in the development of Probiotics “Detox” To help our body get rid of these substances. The idea is to create a supplement capable of targeted these bacterial populations in a targeted waythus enhancing our natural ability to detoxify us.
Although Studies on humans have yet to startthe road is traced: use nature to counter the impact of what man has created.
Not just health
The damage of the PFAS do not limit themselves to the human body. With beyond 4,700 variants in circulationthese substances are now one global threat to the environment. They travel with water and air for thousands of kilometers, penetrate the soils, oceans and yes Bioaccumulano in animals and plantsaltering entire ecosystems.
In the United Kingdomin April 2025, aparliamentary investigation to assess the risks related to PFAS and introduce more severe regulations. The debate is international, and the pressure to find Alternative and sustainable solutions It is stronger than ever.
The possibility of using intestinal bacteria to reduce internal contamination It is only the tip of the iceberg. The researchers imagine applications also in the treatment of waste water or composting systemscontributing to one regenerative biotechnology capable of inserting yourself in a perspective of circular economy.
Because yes, nature often has the most intelligent answers. And perhaps, this time, We are the solution.
