HMN 2026: How Bacteria are weaving forever chemicals directly into their cell membranes,

University of Tennessee Knoxville professor and Goodrich Chair of Excellence in Civil Engineering Frank Loeffler and his co-authors published new research on the environmental impacts of “forever chemicals” in Nature Microbiology. Their study uncovered that bacteria incorporate polyfluoroalkyl carboxylates—a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—into the molecules that make up their cell membranes.

“Professor Loeffler’s paper represents an important scientific discovery,” said Department Head Chris Cox. “PFAS are a class of compounds that are currently receiving a lot of attention for their potential impact on human and environmental health, but in fact, we know relatively little about how they interact with living systems. The finding that bacteria can incorporate some of these compounds into their lipid membranes is an early step forward in understanding how organisms may respond to this ubiquitous group of human-made chemicals.”

PFAS are synthetic water- and grease-repellent molecules used for everything from rainproof outdoor gear to firefighting foam. Unfortunately, some PFAS have potential human health effects and have been linked to serious illnesses like cancer.

These molecules do not break down quickly in the environment, and when they do break down, the products can be even more dangerous. Their recalcitrance (difficulty to degrade) has earned PFAS a reputation as “forever chemicals”—permanent contaminants in the environment and in our bodies.

Loeffler and his team’s finding that bacteria can incorporate these recalcitrant global contaminants into their cell membranes counters that fatalistic idea. The bacterial process identified in the research paper could contribute to cleaning up environmental PFAS contamination, although final disposal of the chemicals is still an unsolved issue.

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