Nanoparticles Alter Microbiome via Gut Microbes.

New research in mice suggests that bacteria in the digestive tract can break down ingested carbon nanomaterials, leading to changes in the microbiome. The breakdown of these nanoparticles can also result in excessive amounts of fatty acids, which may inhibit the normal function of intestinal stem cells. This raises concerns about the potential effects of accidental ingestion of nanomaterials in consumer products on human health.