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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Gut & Microbiome Nanoplastics Remediation Sign in to save

Polystyrene and polytetrafluoroethylene nanoplastics affect probiotic bacterial characteristics and penetrate their cellular membrane

Environmental Science Nano 2026
Eunice Wairimu Maina, Ida De Chiara, Gennaro Gentile, C. Auciello, Maria della Valle, Luigi Russo, Milena Della Gala, Donatella Diana, Mirko Cortese, Maria Teresa Gentile, Gianluca D'Abrosca, Martina Dragone, De Stefano Mario, Mariacristina Cocca, Mariacristina Cocca, Carla Isernia, Roberto Fattorusso, Maria Emanuela Errico, Lidia Muscariello, Gaetano Malgieri

Summary

This study found that polystyrene and PTFE nanoplastics damage the membranes and viability of probiotic bacteria in ways that differ by particle surface chemistry and bacterial strain. Since gut microbiome stability depends on these beneficial bacteria, this research suggests that nanoplastic ingestion could undermine the health benefits of probiotics and more broadly disrupt the gut microbial community.

Polymers
PS PTFE

Nanoplastics of different surface chemistries induce strain-specific alterations in bacterial membrane integrity and viability, highlighting potential impacts on gut microbiota stability.

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