The University of Tokyo has used chemicals from chocolate and wine to create an anti-microbial lining that eliminates body odor. The scientists believe that this lining could be used to create clothes that aren’t washed as frequently.

The lining consists of silver and tannins. Tannins are a plant compound in chocolate, wine, coffee, and tea.

According to Dr. Joseph Richardson, a lead study author, stains can get onto clothes, and sometimes these stains are difficult to remove. Dr. Richardson was particularly inspired by an incident where his son spilled chocolate on his clothes.

While Dr. Richardson had worked with Professor Hirotaka Ejima for years on polyphenols like tannins, he had never thought of using them to make clothes until the incident with his son. The incident made him realize he could use tannins for binding silver to clothes.

Silver is safe for humans

Dr. Richardson explains that his team came up with two methods to incorporate antimicrobial silver into textiles depending on their use. He adds that silver is a metal that can treat wounds safely. Moreover, the team could wash the clothes with a silver lining multiple times, and it would remain effective in removing odors.

Chemicals which lead to body odor are often complex to get rid of after a long period as they bind to the fabric. Fortunately, this new creation could prevent this. Moreover, it is effective and affordable. It could also be a great asset for people who work from home as they could wear the same clothes for longer without them getting smelly.

Manufacturers could bathe their fabric in AgTA

As the season becomes warmer, the fabric could become even more helpful as people start to sweat more. The researchers reveal that fabric manufacturers don’t even have to make the fabric from scratch. They could instead soak their fabric in AgTA for the same effect. This method would be cheaper and more convenient.

The team carried out various tests to determine the efficacy of AgTA. They found that the compound was still effective in silk, polyester, and cotton. In addition, the fabric maintained its odor-expelling properties with up to 10 washes.

Fabric that people use to remove odors is often expensive. This new technique gives people an affordable method to achieve the same results.