MyMicrobiome Standard 23.10 - Oral Microbiome

This step ensures the greatest possible microbiological purity of the product. The product is analyzed for contamination by mesophiles and aerobic microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, molds (TAMC and TYMC). The limit is ≤ 1 x 10 ² cfu/g or ml ^a for products developed for children, eyes, or mucous membranes, which also applies to the oral microbiome.

Co-cultures are grown from the most common oral microbe, S. sanguinis, and the harmful bacteria/microbe, E. faecalis. A co-culture is exposed to the product to be tested and any change in the ratio of the two microbes is compared to an untreated control group. The ratio of the two dominant microbes must not be disturbed under the influence of the product in order to maintain balance.

The microbes mentioned above for the oral microbiome are cultured in the lab. A co-culture is exposed to the product to be tested and the change in diversity compared to the untreated control group. For a balanced oral microbiome, the diversity of the most important key microbes must be preserved.

The test is performed on a skin contact model. Each key bacteria is brought into direct contact with the product. In a second approach, the microbes are covered with an agar layer and only then is the product to be tested applied. The agar layer simulates the skin's natural protective layer and the test simulates the potential penetration of the product into deeper layers of the skin. As always, the microbial growth of the two batches is compared with the untreated control group; growth must not be significantly inhibited.