CodeSteri Inc
Your underarm sweat itself isn’t what causes the odor—it’s the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released when bacteria break down the fatty acids in your sweat. A new device claims to eliminate this odor without relying on traditional deodorants by using plasma to kill the odor-causing bacteria.
Named PlaDeo (short for plasma deodorant), the device was developed by Drs. TaeHo Lim and JungChi Seo from Hanyang University in South Korea. An earlier prototype, called Pragant, received an Innovation Award at CES 2020.
The PlaDeo is designed to be used twice a day. The user holds the device gently under each clean, dry armpit, with a silicone gasket maintaining a 1 cm (0.4 inch) gap between the device and the skin.
By pressing and holding the power button, the PlaDeo emits ionized gas—specifically cold atmospheric plasma—for 1.5 minutes. For those dealing with stronger body odor, pressing the button twice extends the treatment to three minutes per armpit.
ROS Attack Bacteria Without Harming Skin
This plasma generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which target and kill odor-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus hominis and Corynebacterium xerosis by damaging their cell walls. The ROS also break down any existing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to unpleasant smells. Importantly, the 1 cm distance between the plasma source and the skin ensures that ROS don’t harm skin cells.
The result is all-day odor protection—without the need for conventional deodorants that can clog pores or irritate the skin. For added assurance, users can apply PlaDeo again before events like meetings or social outings.
CodeSteri Inc
Global Trial Shows Promise Among Longtime Deodorant Users
In October, a clinical trial tested the technology on 33 participants from 19 different countries—60% were women and 40% men. All participants were regular deodorant users and had previously considered medical options for managing severe body odor.
According to self-reported feedback, 94% of users experienced either a major reduction or complete elimination of underarm odor while using PlaDeo. Lab tests confirmed that a three-minute treatment with the device eliminated over 90% of the targeted bacteria. The findings were published in Scientific Reports last year.
Now, CodeSteri Inc., a spinoff from Hanyang University, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to bring PlaDeo to market. Early supporters can get the device for $149, while the expected retail price is set at $249.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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