Japanese scientists identify bacteria that contaminate hairspray

Washington, Mar 8 : Researchers in Japan have found a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray.

The study, led by Dr Bakir from the Japan Collection of Microorganisms, Saitama, Japan, discovered a new species of bacteria called Microbacterium hatanonis, which contaminates hairspray.

"Contamination of cosmetic products is rare but some products may be unable to suppress the growth of certain bacteria. We discovered a new species of bacteria called Microbacterium hatanonis, which we found contaminates hairspray," Bakir said.

"We also found a related species, Microbacterium oxydans in hairspray which was originally isolated from hospital material. Microbacterium species have been identified in milk, cheese, beef, eggs and even in the blood of patients with leukaemia, on catheters and in bone marrow," Bakir added.

In the study, the research team looked at the appearance and diet of the bacterium. Then they analyzed its genome to show that it is an entirely new species.

"It has been named in honour of Dr Kazunori Hatano, for his contribution to the understanding of the genus Microbacterium," Bakir said.

Microbacterium hatanonis is rod-shaped and grows best at 30°C and pH neutral.

Scientists now need to determine the clinical importance of the new species, as similar bacteria have been found to infect humans.

"Further testing will establish whether the species is a threat to human health. We hope our study will benefit the formulation of hairspray to prevent contamination in the future," Bakir said.

The study is published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

ANI