Old age odor is associated with delayed skin renewal and fatty acid oxidation by skin bacteria, potentially causing discomfort and health issues. While previous studies primarily targeted 2-nonenal inhibition, this study examined the antibacterial, antioxidant, biofilm inhibition, SDS-PAGE analysis, and trans-2-nonenal scavenging effects of Leuconostoc mesenteroides THF-10, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from Cucumis melo. The cell-free supernatant inhibited S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, with MIC values of 1.25 mg/mL, which decreased to 0.31, 0.62, and 0.04 mg/mL after ethyl acetate fractionation. THF-10 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, leading to radical scavenging and a 39% reduction in ROS production at 20 µg/mL. The trans-2-nonenal scavenging assay demonstrated a 73% inhibition rate, with no observed toxicity in HaCaT cells. These findings suggest that L. mesenteroides THF-10 possesses strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential for mitigating old age odor.
Keywords: Old-age odor; lactic acid bacteria; leuconostoc mesenteroides THF-10; oriental melon (Cucumis melo Makuwa group).