D3.472 - Innovative Environmental Allergen Mitigation Using Probiotic-Treated Carpets

Indoor allergen control requires a multifactorial strategy. Treatments that reduce allergen levels on consumer products, such as bedding and carpets, may provide meaningful benefits for individuals with asthma and allergies. While chemical agents have established roles in allergen denaturation, probiotic-based technologies are newer and the supporting evidence, though limited, is promising. Previous studies have shown that certain probiotics can reduce the buildup of house dust mite allergens, potentially by inhibiting mite growth and using allergens as an energy source on textiles rather than textile-based floor coverings.

The present study is the first known study to assess the allergen accumulation profiles of probiotic-treated carpets compared with untreated carpets of identical construction. Carpets were contaminated with dust containing known concentrations of cat (Fel d 1), dust mite (Der p 1), and grass pollen (Phl p 5) allergens, then incubated for two weeks at 21 ± 2ºC and 50 ± 5% relative humidity.

After incubation, probiotic viability and surface allergen levels were assessed. The impact of dry vacuuming and probiotic concentrations was measured, and allergen recovery following incubation and cleaning was compared with untreated controls. Airborne allergen and probiotic levels generated during cleaning were also monitored. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from carpets and their pads were also evaluated. Allergen concentrations were quantified by ELISA, and probiotics were detected using nutrient agar culture.

Probiotics were recovered from treated carpets at all study stages. Airborne probiotic levels remained below 10⁴ CFU/m³. Treated carpets demonstrated greater than 75% allergen removal following dry vacuuming, with no more than a 10% increase in airborne allergen burden during vacuuming. Compared to untreated controls, treated carpets showed at least a 50% reduction in extracted allergen levels. VOC emissions from carpets and adhesive pads were ≤0.5 mg/m³, complying with CDPH Standard Method v1.2 (Section 01350).

These findings indicate that probiotic-treated carpets may reduce allergen burden without increasing airborne exposure during routine cleaning and while maintaining low VOC emissions. Further research under real-world use conditions is warranted to confirm long-term efficacy, durability, and mechanisms of action.