A groundbreaking study at the University of Cambridge has discovered that certain gut microbes can absorb and expel toxic “forever chemicals” called Pfas. The findings offer a promising alternative to existing methods, which include bloodletting and cholesterol drugs with unpleasant side effects.
Researchers found that up to 75% of one type of Pfa was removed from the gut of mice. Several co-authors aim to develop probiotic supplements that boost helpful microbes in humans, potentially reducing Pfas levels. The study’s lead authors plan to follow up their research with a human trial.
Pfas are a class of over 15,000 compounds used in products resistant to water, stains, and grease. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems. Exposure to these chemicals can take decades to fully expel from the body naturally.
The study’s authors analyzed food contaminants and found that certain microbes excelled at removing Pfas. In a mouse model, nine bacterial species were introduced to absorb Pfas from their diet, which were then excreted in feces. The bacteria likely use a “pump” mechanism to expel toxins from cells.
The researchers focused on long-chain Pfas, which are more toxic and persistent than shorter ones. Their study showed that certain microbes can remove up to 74% of the most common long-chain compound, Pfoa.
While the findings are promising, the authors stress that this solution should not be used as an excuse to ignore other sustainable solutions for addressing the broader Pfas crisis.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/13/pfas-gut-microbes-forever-chemicals