Odorous compounds, such as indole, skatole, and ammonia, from waste present significant hygiene and environmental challenges for humans. Microorganisms offer a promising, eco-friendly solution for degrading these malodorous substances through metabolic and enzymatic pathways. However, research on microbial deodorization has been limited. Odor problems are also closely linked to infectious disease risk, as malodorous waste can signal increased pathogen loads and potential for transmission.
This Research Topic aims to explore microbial strategies for the biodegradation of odor-causing compounds in human or animal waste. We welcome contributions on various approaches or microbiome involved in odor removal, their metabolic pathways, dietary influences, and applications of probiotics or engineered microbial consortia. Studies using metagenomic, metabolomic, or in vitro/in vivo models are highly encouraged.
Fecal odor—primarily caused by compounds like indole, skatole, and sulfur-containing volatiles—significantly affects pet-owner satisfaction and indoor air quality. Traditional deodorization methods are often ineffective or chemically intensive. The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the potential of microbiota-based strategies for degrading odorous compounds in human and animal waste. By investigating microbial pathways, environmental conditions, and probiotic applications, we aim to build a microbial solution platform that improves public hygiene and contributes to public health. As odor issues can indicate poor sanitation and increased presence of infectious agents, understanding and mitigating these odors can help reduce infectious disease transmission.
We welcome submissions on microbial degradation of odorous compounds in feces, including but not limited to: identification of key degrading microbes, enzyme characterization, odor compound profiling, microbial ecology, dietary interventions on gut microbiome, comparative studies across animals and humans, links between malodors and infectious disease risk, and applied deodorization technologies. Manuscript types include original research, reviews, methods, perspectives, and case reports. Studies using metagenomics, metabolomics, or in vitro/in vivo modeling are particularly encouraged. Contributions should focus on practical applications, novel insights, mechanistic understanding of microbial odor mitigation, or connections to infection prevention and control.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
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Classification
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FAIR² Data
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Methods
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
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