In a promising breakthrough, scientists at the University of Cambridge believe they may have discovered a surprising ally in the fight against PFAS — the so-called “forever chemicals” that lurk in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof jackets.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are prized for their water- and grease-resistant properties; however, they don’t break down easily and have been linked to serious health problems, including an increased risk of certain cancers. Nearly everyone has traces of these chemicals in their body, mainly through contaminated water and food. While some PFAS are flushed out naturally, many linger for years, acting like a slow-moving toxin.
Now, researchers have discovered that certain species of bacteria in the human gut can actually absorb PFAS molecules and sequester them safely within clumps within their cells. This discovery opens the door to a new approach for helping the body eliminate these persistent pollutants.
“PFAS were once thought to be safe, but they’re now recognized as a slow poison,” said Dr. Anna Lindell of Cambridge’s MRC Toxicology Unit and lead author of the study. Dr. Indra Roux, a co-author, added, “We haven’t found a way to destroy PFAS yet, but our findings suggest we could develop methods to remove them from where they do the most harm — inside us.”
In lab tests, researchers introduced nine gut-friendly bacteria species into mice. These microbes absorbed PFAS the mice ingested and carried them out of the body through waste — the first evidence that our gut microbiome could help detoxify us from these chemicals.
The Cambridge team has launched a startup, Cambiotics, to develop probiotic supplements designed to boost these beneficial microbes in humans, potentially providing a new tool to defend against PFAS exposure in the future.