Say yes to probiotics!

Say yes to probiotics!

Thursday, 17 February, 2022

Nowadays we hear a lot about probiotic products, their applications and how to use them in the world of detergents. But what exactly are they and why should we include them in formulations? We will deal with these questions in this article.

Probiotics are non-pathogenic bacterial strains (microorganisms) which produce specific enzymes to break down and transform organic matter (for example, dirt) into simpler compounds such as water and carbon dioxide.

Figure 1: Probiotics

These microorganisms are inactivated so they do not germinate in the packaged product. However, they are activated upon contact with water. Thus, when they encounter their food source, they begin to generate specific enzymes to break down dirt.

As we have mentioned, these microorganisms are alive and it is necessary to stabilise them in a formulation. So, why not directly use the enzymes that they generate? The simple answer is that they are living organisms. Probiotics, even after their application, continue their life cycle by multiplying and, therefore, continue to possess their cleaning power. In contrast, enzymes do not remain active once they have performed their function.

Another benefit provided by probiotics is that they are multifunctional. While enzymes are specific to a particular type of substrate, probiotics are multi-target as they are capable of generating the enzymes required to break down the type of organic material that they encounter.

Having introduced the benefits provided by probiotics over enzymes in cleaning products, we would now like to comment on the benefits provided by formulations with probiotics compared to traditional cleaners.

One first benefit is their function as an odour neutraliser. By breaking down the organic material, probiotics also eliminate the molecules that cause unpleasant odours. Therefore, they provide added value in cleaning products for ducting, piping and drainpipes, for example.

Another advantage is that probiotics are not harmful to humans, animals or the environment, unlike more traditional cleaners, which usually include hazardous substances.

Penetration in microcracks on surfaces, achieving deeper and more thorough cleaning, is another of their advantages. In addition, colonisation of the surface by probiotics creates a non-pathogenic microorganism biofilm that provides long-lasting cleansing not only on the surface but also in these more inaccessible spaces.

A very common question when discussing probiotics is: do probiotics disinfect? It is important to be clear that cleaners incorporating probiotics are not disinfectants. As they are microorganisms, they do not have biocidal power and therefore cannot be registered for disinfectant use.

Nevertheless, probiotics have advantages compared to traditional disinfectants. Aside from the advantages mentioned previously, by colonising the surface positively, probiotics enter into biological competition with pathogens and impede their growth. This effect does not occur when we use biocides, because when we apply them they eliminate the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) immediately and, in some cases, more resistant pathogenic bacteria may recolonise the surface. Below, we present an illustration where the method of action between a traditional disinfectant and a probiotic is observed.

Figure 2: Diagram of the activity of probiotics vs. disinfectants

Our represented company BBA Ecotech has developed a wide range of products with probiotics, ready to use or to add in a formulation. There is the option of adding essential oils and plant extracts to capture the molecules that cause bad odours and obtain an immediate effect while the probiotics continue to work. We also offer the possibility to personalise products, combining them with enzymes, making them in different colours, presenting them in solid or liquid form, and so on.

The final question we wish to answer is: where can these products be applied? The truth is that this type of product has many applications in the field of detergency. Below are some examples so you can gain an idea and forge an insight into this world of probiotics and we would be delighted to advise and guide you in the process:

Multi-purpose cleaners
Degreasers
Odour elimination products
Cleaners for ducting, piping and drainpipes
Drainage or water treatment
Laundry detergents
Grease trap treatment

In conclusion, cleaning products formulated with probiotics have a host of advantages compared to traditional cleaners, such as greater effectiveness and deeper and longer-lasting cleaning. They also pose a lower risk for humans, animals and the environment. Join a green future with probiotics!

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