New Discovery Shows How to Flush Microplastics From the Body

In recent decades, the widespread use of plastic products has led to the pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment. A growing body of research confirms that these tiny plastic particles can accumulate within the human body, having been detected in blood, lungs, kidneys, liver, the reproductive system, and even the brain.

Given their presence in the air we breathe, bottled water, food packaging, and takeaway containers, human exposure is virtually unavoidable. While previous research has focused on detecting microplastics, understanding their toxicity, and removing them from the environment, effective strategies to eliminate those already inside the human body have remained elusive.

Now, groundbreaking research led by Chinese scientists offers a novel and promising solution: using specifically identified probiotic strains to bind to microplastics, enhance their excretion, and repair associated bodily damage.

Study Breakthrough: Probiotics as Microplastic "Sponges"

On January 10, 2025, a research team led by Dr. Rao Chitong, Chief Scientist at Blue Crystal Microbiology, published a pivotal study in Frontiers in Microbiology titled "Novel probiotics adsorbing and excreting microplastics in vivo show potential gut health benefits."

The study addressed a critical gap: while microbes show potential for environmental microplastic cleanup, no reliable method existed to remove these non-degradable particles from inside the human body. The team proposed using probiotics to adsorb and facilitate the removal of ingested microplastics within the gut.

Employing high-throughput screening, the team evaluated 784 bacterial strains for their ability to bind to 0.1-micron polystyrene (PS) particles. Two probiotic strains stood out: Lactobacillus paracasei DT66 and Lactobacillus plantarum DT88. These strains demonstrated superior microplastic adsorption capabilities in vivo and were effective against various plastic types, including PS, PE, PC, PP, and PET.

Proven Efficacy in Animal Models

In vivo experiments with mice yielded compelling results. Orally administered DT66 and DT88 probiotics acted like microscopic magnets, binding to microplastics to form "bacteria-plastic aggregates." This process significantly enhanced the removal of microplastics from the digestive system.

Key outcomes included:

A 36% increase in the excretion rate of microplastics.

A 67% reduction in microplastic particles retained within the intestines.

Furthermore, the L. plantarum DT88 strain was shown to alleviate intestinal inflammation caused by PS microplastics. This research highlights a novel probiotic-based strategy to tackle microplastic-related health risks by clearing them from the gut environment.

Dual-Action Mechanism: Removal and Repair

A follow-up collaborative study by Blue Crystal Microbiology and Jiangnan University, published on February 1, 2025, in Environmental Pollution, delved deeper into the mechanism. The research, "Lactic acid bacteria reduce polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics-induced toxicity through their bio-binding capacity and gut environment repair ability," investigated several lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains.

The study confirmed that LAB strains with high microplastic-binding capacity in vitro (DT11, DT33, DT55, DT66, with over 60% adsorption rates) were highly effective in reducing toxicity from microplastic exposure in mice.

Interestingly, L. plantarum DT22, despite a lower direct adsorption rate (~10%), played a crucial restorative role. It helped upregulate the expression of intestinal tight-junction proteins (like ZO-1) and positively modulated the gut microbiota.

The research concluded that the beneficial effects operate through a powerful dual mechanism:

"The Remover": Probiotics adsorb microplastics, promoting their excretion via feces and reducing internal accumulation.

"The Restorer": Probiotics repair the gut barrier, regulate the microbial community, and increase the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate.

This combined action effectively alleviated microplastic-induced damage in key organs such as the liver, testes, and colon

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

These consecutive studies represent a significant conceptual shift in addressing microplastic contamination. They move beyond prevention and detection to active, biological management of internalized particles.

The findings open new avenues for the probiotic and functional food industry. Developing dietary supplements or fermented foods containing these specific strains could offer a proactive, accessible strategy for individuals to mitigate potential health risks from unavoidable microplastic exposure.

For environmental health and biotechnology companies, this research underscores the potential of leveraging specific microbial capabilities to address complex modern pollutants. It highlights a synergistic approach where improving gut health directly contributes to detoxifying the body from environmental contaminants.

Blue Crystal Microbiology 's pioneering work, in collaboration with academic partners, not only provides a fresh perspective on combating microplastic pollution but also paves the way for innovative products designed to enhance human resilience in today's world. This convergence of environmental science and gut health innovation marks a promising step toward holistic wellness solutions.