Efficiency of organic deodorizer in removing foul smell in shoes

Bromodosis or foot odor affects many people around the world. Shoe deodorizers are used to prevent the malodor, but most of the products available may use harmful materials that do not fully eliminate its cause. These products contain substances that degrade the environment (Steinmann, 2016), and pose as a health hazard (Engelund, et al., 2005). The researchers plan to utilize natural materials (activated charcoal and freeze-dried lemon) in creating a shoe deodorizer that can eliminate the cause of foot odor while reducing ecological footprint. Based on previous studies, foot odor was released from Isovaleric acid, which is the result of Staphylococcus epidermidis breaking-down leucine present in sweat (Ara, et al., 2006). When the bacteria in feet eat amino acids such as leucine, it produces a by-product called Isovaleric acid which causes the foul smell. Various studies have also been made regarding the use of lemon and activated charcoal to reduce foul smell (Otang & Afolavan 2016, Tada, et al., 2016). The researchers will focus on the effectiveness of freeze-dried Citrus limon, (Lisbon variety) in removing malodor. A revised version of the Modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test method was done by the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology (ITDI-DOST. The researchers were able to verify the antibacterial properties of freeze-dried lemons. Results showed that the sample freeze-dried lemons (10mm), produced complete inhibitory activity with a Total Mean of Inhibition of 12.74mm, with mild reactivity against the test organism Staphylococcus aureus, a common specie of the normal microbiota of the skin. It was concluded from the research that freeze-dried lemons have a good potential to inhibit foul smell, and may be an effective ingredient for a shoe deodorizer.