Patent Pick: Microbes to Inhibit Foot Odor

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Patent Picks are chosen by the editors from publicly available sources. Today's pick relates to microorganisms that prevent the formation of foot odor caused by other microorganisms.

Microorganisms inhibiting the formation of foot malodor
U.S. Patent Application 20150328141
Publication date: Nov. 19, 2015
Inventors: A. Reindl, R. Knöll, C. Lang, M. Veen, E. Budde and M. Boettner

According to these inventors, most products currently available on the market aimed at reducing or eliminating offensive body odors contain strong perfumes to mask body odor, include aluminum salts to inhibit perspiration, or rely on the unspecific reduction of foot microorganism activity. In fact, cosmetic deodorants generally contain antibacterial compounds that inhibit the growth of the skin microflora; i.e., 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxy-diphenyl-ether (Triclosan).

While this principle is effective against odor formation, it leads to a severe destruction of the natural residential microbial flora that protect the skin. Thus, there is a need for means and methods to inhibit the formation of foot malodor without causing such side effects.

Described in this patent are microorganisms that can inhibit the formation of foot malodor caused by other skin microorganisms. Also described are compositions including them for cosmetic, prophylactic or therapeutic applications.

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