Understanding the link between the axilla microbiome bacteria and odorous thioalcohol generation at the molecular level

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It is widely accepted that axillary malodour is driven by the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), thioalcohols and steroids. These molecules are generated by the microbial biotransformation of odourless precursor molecules originated from and are secreted by the apocrine gland. As the molecules of interest can be highly volatile and small, they can be difficult to sample and analyse, leading to loss of valuable information, including quantification of the molecules, and making associations between malodourous thiols and the bacteria within the microbial population of the armpit which are producing these thiols. By being able to measure these volatile molecules, we can identify with bacteria generate malodorous thiols.The main aim of this project is to develop surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect and quantify the thiols generated from the armpit. Alongside SERS, thermal desorption- gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) will be used to profile volatile organic compounds and phylogenetic approaches will be used to define the axilla microbiome.By combining these techniques and examining the relationship between bacteria in the axillary microbiota and thioalcohol generation, the project aims to develop an in depth understanding of the axilla microbiome and quantify the key drivers of malodour.