Cambridge-born Cambiotics to launch probiotic targeting forever chemicals

Certain gut microbes are able to absorb polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to new research from the University of Cambridge, UK. These “forever chemicals” resist breaking down in the body and are linked to health issues such as decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and a higher risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. 

We speak to the lead researcher about how dietary interventions can boost these microbes and help protect against the chemical’s health effects.

Dr. Kiran Patil and Dr. Indra Roux, researchers at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Toxicology Unit, have co-founded Cambiotics with serial entrepreneur Peter Holme Jensen.

“We’ve already selected the bacterial strains for our upcoming probiotic supplement, which will feature novel strains from the genera Streptococcus and the anaerobic Bacteroides. We’re excited to share that our first product is on track for release in 2026,” Patil tells Nutrition Insight.

The research team identified nine human bacterial species that rapidly absorbed PFAS. When the strains were introduced into mice’s guts, they accumulated the chemicals and were later excreted in feces.

Published in Nature Microbiology, the study observed that higher PFAS levels made the microbes work harder to remove the same percentage of the forever chemicals.

Dr. Kiran Patil, professor of molecular systems biology at the University of Cambridge.Based on this discovery, the researchers are creating a probiotic dietary supplement to boost the growth of the microbes and protect against the toxic effects of PFAS.

Solving the PFAS problem 

PFAS is widely used across various sectors, leading to its presence in waterways, agriculture, and food. We ask Patil a crucial question: Would this discovery, while potentially preventing human health issues, inadvertently allow the industry to persist in using PFAS?

“While our approach may support PFAS removal from the human body, it should not be seen as a reason to downplay the urgency of addressing PFAS production and use. The problem extends far beyond humans — wildlife and entire ecosystems are already heavily contaminated.”

“Even if we stopped all PFAS use tomorrow, we’d still face the consequences of past emissions for decades to come. Given how deeply PFAS are embedded in industrial processes, an immediate ban is unrealistic — but we must continue to reduce production, limit further pollution, and accelerate the search for sustainable alternatives that allow industry to function without continuing to harm the planet,” he explains.

How the strains were found

Patil says that the team’s initial goal did not specifically focus on PFAS or a group of chemicals; they were exploring how gut bacteria interact with various environmental pollutants.

Researchers are developing a probiotic supplement to boost microbes and protect against PFAS toxicity in 2026.“In the first screen described in the paper, we examined bacterial responses to 42 diverse compounds, including bisphenols, pesticides, nitrosamines, and PFAS. When we discovered that certain gut bacteria could bioaccumulate PFAS to a high degree — and recognized the scale of the PFAS contamination crisis — we knew this unexpected finding warranted deeper investigation.”

“These bacterial strains are part of the healthy human microbiota and most of us will have some level of these bacteria already present in our microbiota, where they contribute, e.g., to fiber degradation and short-chain fatty acid production,” he says.

The paper notes that few environmental bacteria, such as Pseudomonas sp. strains, have been reported to bind PFAS. However, its association with human gut bacteria has been unclear. 

“The gut microbiota is particularly susceptible to exposure, and adverse interactions therein could cause systemic effects owing to the critical role of the microbiota in host physiology,” it reads. The researchers identify Bacteroides uniformis for its ability to accumulate PFAS.

Role of fiber

In terms of diet, Patil says there isn’t a definitive answer on specific foods to eat. Instead, he encourages eating a healthy and balanced diet with prebiotic fiber that helps the beneficial bacteria to flourish. “Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes.”

Another recent pilot study, published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, found that oat β-glucan (fiber), a dietary supplement that disrupts bile acid recirculation, can reduce the body’s PFAS burden. The researchers found that mice fed β-glucan had lower concentrations of PFAS.