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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. Detection Methods Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131 suppress polystyrene nanoplastic transcellular permeability and internalization by intestinal epithelial cells

Scientific Reports 2026 Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Kyosuke Kobayashi, Miho Ogawa, Junko Mochizuki, Toshihiro Sashihara

Summary

Researchers found that two yogurt starter bacteria, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131, significantly reduced the uptake and transport of polystyrene nanoplastics by intestinal epithelial cells. The study suggests these specific strains, even when non-viable, may help limit nanoplastic accumulation in the body by suppressing their internalization in the gut lining.

Polymers

The plastic is broken into nanoscale particles (nanoplastics) that are harmful to the human body. Nanoplastics orally ingested are internalized into various cells, causing adverse effects such as oxidative stress and apoptosis; however, methods for preventing nanoplastic internalization are lacking. By elucidating this method, it is possible to make a significant contribution to human health. Then, following previous reports that Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2038 and Streptococcus thermophilus 1131 ameliorated barrier dysfunction in the small intestine, we examined their effects on the internalization of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) in a differentiated Caco-2 monolayer by flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining. Both yogurt starter strains significantly suppressed fluorescently labeled PSNP internalization by Caco-2 cells, even when the strains were non-viable. Moreover, both strains significantly suppressed the transcellular permeability of PSNPs, suggesting reduced PSNP accumulation in blood vessels and various tissues. Finally, the suppression of PSNP internalization was strain dependent, and both strains were the most potent strains among multiple strains from the same species. This study highlights the potential of L. bulgaricus 2038 and S. thermophilus 1131 for ameliorating the adverse health effects of PSNP intake.

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