Your underarm sweat isn’t what causes odor—it’s the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by bacteria as they break down the sweat’s fatty acids. A new device claims to eliminate the smell without deodorant by using plasma to destroy those bacteria.
Dr. TaeHo Lim and Dr. JungChi Seo at Hanyang University in South Korea developed the device, called the PlaDeo—short for plasma deodorant. Its predecessor, the Pragant, received an Innovation Award at CES 2020.
Customizable Odor Control
Holding down the power button activates the PlaDeo, which emits ionized gas—specifically cold atmospheric plasma—for 1.5 minutes. Users with stronger body odor can double the treatment time to three minutes per armpit by pressing the button twice.
The plasma generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which destroy odor-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus hominis and Corynebacterium xerosis by breaking down their cell walls. ROS also neutralize any existing VOCs produced by the bacteria. Despite their potency, the ROS are said to be safe for the skin, thanks to a 1 cm gap between the plasma emitter and the skin surface.
This process reportedly keeps underarm odor at bay for the entire day. For added assurance before events like meetings or social gatherings, users can apply the device again—no need for deodorants that may clog pores or irritate the skin.
CodeSteri Inc
In October, a clinical trial tested the technology on 33 participants from 19 countries—60% female and 40% male—all of whom used deodorant daily and had considered medical solutions for body odor.
94% Report Odor Relief, Lab Tests Confirm Bacteria Elimination
According to self-reports, 94% of users experienced a major reduction or complete elimination of underarm odor while using the PlaDeo. Lab tests further confirmed that a three-minute treatment destroyed over 90% of the targeted bacteria. Researchers published the findings in Scientific Reports last year.
To bring the device to market, Hanyang University spinoff CodeSteri Inc has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Backers can get the PlaDeo for $149, with a future retail price set at $249.
Read the original article on:New Atlas
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