Screening Method for Inhibiting Sweat Malodor via VSC Precursor Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing axillary malodor development are inadequate as they fail to effectively target the metabolic pathway of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and the bacterial strains responsible for their formation, leading to incomplete inhibition of malodor production.
Innovation Solution
Identification of S-conjugate of Cysteine-Glycine as the direct precursor of VSCs and utilization of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains to convert this precursor into VSCs, along with a method for screening compounds that inhibit this conversion, providing a more effective approach to prevent malodor development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-bacterial substances are applied to axillary skin to prevent malodor, then bacterial growth is reduced, but the method fails to effectively target the specific metabolic pathway of volatile sulfur compounds and the responsible bacterial strains, leading to incomplete inhibition of malodor production
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the malodor prevention approach by identifying and targeting specific components of the metabolic pathway (cysteine conjugate of VSCs as direct precursor) and specific bacterial strains (Corynebacterium spp.) rather than applying general anti-bacterial substances. This segmentation allows for more precise and effective inhibition of malodor production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary screening method that measures the conversion of cysteine conjugate to volatile sulfur compounds as a proxy for evaluating deodorant effectiveness. This intermediary measurement provides a more accurate and specific assessment of a compound's ability to prevent malodor by targeting the specific metabolic pathway.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If general anti-bacterial substances are used to mask or trap malodorous molecules, then some malodor is reduced, but the approach does not effectively inhibit the formation of volatile sulfur compounds at their source
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of trapping or masking malodorous molecules with a biochemical approach that interferes with the enzymatic conversion of cysteine conjugate to volatile sulfur compounds. This substitution targets the malodor formation at its biochemical source rather than addressing the symptom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism in the screening method by measuring the actual conversion of cysteine conjugate to VSCs in the presence of test compounds. This feedback allows for precise evaluation of compound effectiveness and guides the selection of compounds that truly inhibit malodor formation.
3Loss of information
If the cysteine conjugate of VSCs is identified as the direct precursor and converted by Corynebacterium spp. to VSCs, then the metabolic pathway is clarified, but further identification of bacterial species and screening methods is needed to effectively prevent VSC formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary identification of the direct precursor (cysteine conjugate of VSCs) and the responsible bacterial strains (Corynebacterium spp.) before developing screening methods. This preliminary knowledge enables the design of targeted screening assays that efficiently evaluate potential deodorant compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter in screening from general anti-bacterial activity or malodor masking to the specific conversion rate of cysteine conjugate to volatile sulfur compounds. This parameter change enables more accurate and relevant evaluation of compounds' ability to prevent malodor formation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively identifies and inhibits the conversion of the S-conjugate of Cysteine-Glycine to VSCs, offering a more precise and efficient means to combat axillary malodor by targeting the bacterial strains and metabolic pathway responsible for VSC production.
Implementation Method 1
utilization of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains to convert this precursor into VSCs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds having the ability to prevent, suppress or reduce malodor development on body surfaces. In particular, the method allows to efficiently screen for compound having the ability of preventing sweat malodor development caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The present invention is based on the finding of the direct precursor of naturally VSCs, which is present in human sweat and which will be metabolized by Staphylococci to VSCs.