Absorbent article

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article in which nattokinase is not susceptible to low-viscosity liquids, has an excellent effect on blood clots, and is not susceptible to acting on the skin. The absorbent article of the present disclosure has the following characteristics. An absorbent article which is provided with a functional composition that contains a functional substance (A) and a water-soluble polymer (B), the functional substance (A) containing nattokinase and having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation, and the functional substance (A) being characterized in that at least a portion of the nattokinase is not bound to the water-soluble polymer (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles. Background Art

[0002] There is a study on absorbent articles having a functional composition for decomposing blood coagulants (e.g., menstrual blood, etc.). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the viscosity of blood coagulants on the absorbent article, and it is possible to easily absorb the low-viscosity blood coagulants by the absorbent article.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an absorbent personal care article that includes at least one layer, and the layer includes a support having an applied treatment agent, and the treatment agent contains a conjugated enzyme.

[0004] In paragraph

[0004] of Patent Document 1, the following is disclosed: "The use of a conjugated enzyme can reduce the sensitization of the skin or mucous membranes when it moves to the user's body compared to an unmodified enzyme. Furthermore, the conjugated enzyme does not move from the treated material to the user, thereby reducing the risk of sensitization of the absorbent product containing the conjugated enzyme to the user." Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-535361 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the enzyme is conjugated to the carrier material, the enzyme can reduce skin sensitization of the user and is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, but the enzyme cannot fully function on menstrual secretions. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article in which nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, the absorbent article has excellent effects on blood coagulants, and is not easily affected by the skin. Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present inventors have found an absorbent article having a functional composition containing a functional substance (A) and a water-soluble polymer (B), the functional substance (A) containing nattokinase and having a function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation, characterized in that at least a part of the nattokinase is not conjugated to the water-soluble polymer (B). Effects of the Invention

[0008] The absorbent article of the present disclosure has a functional composition containing nattokinase. The nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, has excellent effects on blood coagulants, and is not easily affected by the skin. Detailed implementation mode

[0009] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following solutions. [Solution 1] An absorbent article comprising a functional composition, the functional composition comprising a functional substance (A) and a water-soluble polymer (B), the functional substance (A) containing nattokinase and having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation, characterized in that At least a part of the nattokinase does not bind to the water-soluble polymer (B).

[0010] In the absorbent article, in the functional composition, since the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation is retained in the water-soluble polymer (B), when the functional composition comes into contact with a low-viscosity liquid, it takes a certain amount of time for the water-soluble polymer (B) to dissolve. Therefore, the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation, especially nattokinase, is not easily released from the functional composition, and the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation, especially nattokinase, is not easily affected by the low-viscosity liquid.

[0011] In addition, when the functional composition comes into contact with a blood clot, nattokinase is dissolved out of the functional composition, and nattokinase decomposes fibrin in the blood clot, which can reduce the viscosity of the blood clot. In addition, at least a part of the nattokinase does not bind to the water-soluble polymer (B), that is, it is in a free state. Therefore, the nattokinase in the free state can effectively decompose fibrin in the blood clot and effectively reduce the viscosity of the blood clot.

[0012] Furthermore, in the functional composition, although a part of the nattokinase is in a free state, the nattokinase in the free state is not easily applied to the skin of the article user. In summary, in the absorbent article, nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, has excellent effects on blood clots, and is not easily applied to the skin.

[0013] [Solution 2] The absorbent article according to Solution 1, wherein the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation contains more than 50% by mass of the nattokinase. In the absorbent article, the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation contains a specified amount of nattokinase. Therefore, in the absorbent article, nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, has excellent effects on blood clots, and is not easily applied to the skin.

[0014] [Solution 3] The absorbent article according to Solution 1 or 2, wherein the functional composition contains, based on a total of 100 parts by mass of the solid components of the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation and the water-soluble polymer (B), the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation and the water-soluble polymer (B) in a mass ratio of "5 and 95 to 95 and 5" (i.e., 5 / 95 to 95 / 5).

[0015] The functional composition contains the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation and the water-soluble polymer (B) in a specified mass ratio. Therefore, in the absorbent article, nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, has an excellent effect on blood clots, and is not easily acting on the skin.

[0016] [Solution 4] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 3, wherein the water immersion dissolution rate: a (mass %) of the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation and the water immersion dissolution rate: b (mass %) of the water-soluble polymer (B) have a water immersion dissolution rate difference of 0 < (a - b).

[0017] In the absorbent article, the water immersion dissolution rate of the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation and the water immersion dissolution rate of the water-soluble polymer (B) have a specified water immersion dissolution rate difference. Therefore, in the absorbent article, the functional components are not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids.

[0018] [Solution 5] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 4, wherein the water-soluble polymer (B) has a water immersion dissolution rate of 5 to 70 mass %.

[0019] In the absorbent article, since the water-soluble polymer (B) has a specified water immersion dissolution rate, nattokinase is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids in the absorbent article and has an excellent effect on blood clots.

[0020] [Solution 6] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 5, wherein the water-soluble polymer (B) has a viscosity of 9000 mPa·s or less under the measurement conditions of a 10 mass % aqueous solution, a temperature of 20 °C, a B-type viscometer, and a rotor speed of 60 rpm.

[0021] In the absorbent article, since the water-soluble polymer (B) has a specified viscosity, even when the functional composition comes into contact with a low-viscosity liquid, the functional composition is not likely to flow out. Moreover, when the functional composition comes into contact with a blood clot, the functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation easily diffuses into the blood clot.

[0022] [Solution 7] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 6, wherein the water-soluble polymer (B) contains at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, and a water-soluble acrylic resin.

[0023] In the absorbent article, since the water-soluble polymer (B) contains a specified substance, the effect of Solution 1 is easily exerted.

[0024] [Solution 8] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet containing a nonwoven fabric, and the functional composition is disposed in a particulate form on the surface of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, or is disposed so as to cover the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, or is impregnated in the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric.

[0025] In the absorbent article, since the functional composition is disposed in a specified state, the effect of Solution 1 is easily exerted.

[0026] [Solution 9] The absorbent article according to any one of Solutions 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet containing a perforated film, and the functional composition is disposed in a particulate form on the surface of the perforated film, or is disposed in a film form on the surface of the perforated film.

[0027] In the absorbent article, since the functional composition is disposed in a specified state, the effect of Solution 1 is easily exerted.

[0028] The absorbent article of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. Examples of the absorbent article of the present disclosure include: sanitary napkins, sanitary panties (hygienic panties), pantiliners, and the like.

[0029] In the absorbent article according to the present disclosure, the functional composition includes a functional substance (A) and a water-soluble polymer (B). The functional substance (A) contains nattokinase and has the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation. It should be noted that in this specification, the "functional substance (A) having the function of inhibiting factors acting on blood coagulation" is sometimes simply referred to as "functional substance (A)". Nattokinase is a serine protease that exhibits high fibrinolytic ability, can promote the low-viscosity of blood clots (such as menstrual blood), and can inhibit blood coagulation.

[0030] Nattokinase is an enzyme (serine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin. Nattokinase is usually contained in natto and can be produced by Bacillus natto. Nattokinase can mainly decompose fibrin into DD (175 kDa) and LD (110 kDa). Although not bound by theory, it is considered that nattokinase has a three-dimensional structure suitable for decomposing fibrin and decomposes fibrin through a mechanism similar to plasmin. It has been reported that the enzyme specificity constant of nattokinase for fibrin is about 6 times that of plasmin. This indicates that nattokinase has a higher fibrinolytic effect than plasmin.

[0031] Although not bound by theory, nattokinase shows particularly high activity at a temperature of 30 - 40 °C and a pH of 6 - 9. Since absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, reach a temperature of about 35 °C due to body temperature during wear, and the pH of menstrual blood is about 7, it is considered that nattokinase exhibits particularly good functions under the use conditions of absorbent articles for absorbing menstrual blood.

[0032] In addition, although not bound by theory, based on the simulation results of the binding mode between fibrinogen and nattokinase, it is considered that nattokinase interacts with fibrinogen through its 8 amino acid residues (Gly61, Ser63, Thr99, Phe189, Leu209, Tyr217, Asn218, Met222) and mainly decomposes fibrin through Ser221. By using such detailed insights into the mechanism of action of nattokinase, the inhibitory effect of absorbent articles on blood coagulation and the low-viscosity effect on blood clots can be further improved.

[0033] Nattokinase has a high safety for the human body. Therefore, when nattokinase is applied as a functional substance to absorbent articles, the safety is particularly excellent. Nattokinase can be purchased on the market in powder form, for example. For example, Nattokinase (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) with a particle size of 15 - 35 μm is sold on the market.

[0034] The functional substance (A) preferably contains more than 50% by weight, more preferably 60% by weight or more, further preferably 70% by weight or more, still further preferably 80% by weight or more, and even more preferably 90% by weight or more of nattokinase. Thereby, it is possible to promote the low-viscosity of blood clots and inhibit blood coagulation. It should be noted that the upper limit of nattokinase in the functional substance (A) is 100% by mass.

[0035] The functional substance (A) may include a functional substance other than nattokinase that has a function of inhibiting factors that act on blood coagulation. Examples of the factors that act on blood coagulation include fibrin (especially fibrin monomer, fibrin polymer, and / or stable fibrin), blood coagulation factors, platelets, and procoagulant substances of platelets. As blood coagulation factors, particularly thrombin, activated blood coagulation factor II, activated blood coagulation factor VII, activated blood coagulation factor IX, activated blood coagulation factor X, and activated blood coagulation factor XIII can be mentioned. Additionally, as procoagulant substances of platelets, particularly TXA2 and cAMP can be mentioned.

[0036] Examples of the functional substance that has a function of inhibiting factors that act on blood coagulation include an enzyme having fibrinolytic ability, a substance having an antiplatelet action (especially a compound), a factor that promotes plasmin activation, and a coagulation inhibitor.

[0037] The above-mentioned enzyme having fibrinolytic ability and factor that promotes plasmin activation mainly have the effect of promoting the low viscosity of blood coagulum. Additionally, the substance having an antiplatelet action and the coagulation inhibitor mainly have the function of inhibiting blood coagulation.

[0038] The above-mentioned enzyme having fibrinolytic ability may be a protease, especially a serine protease or a cysteine protease. The enzyme having fibrinolytic ability can particularly cleave fibrin polymer and / or stable fibrin.

[0039] Although not bound by theory, in blood, through the action of blood coagulation factors including a series of molecules, fibrin monomer is generated from fibrinogen, and polymerization of fibrin monomer and crosslinking (stabilization) of fibrin occur, thereby causing blood coagulation. Fibrin polymer and stable fibrin form a reticular (mesh-like) structure, and through this structure, red blood cells, platelets, etc. aggregate, causing blood coagulation. The enzyme having fibrinolytic ability can particularly inhibit blood coagulation by decomposing fibrin polymer and stable fibrin, and can promote the low viscosity of blood coagulum by decomposing fibrin polymer and stable fibrin that form the reticular structure.

[0040] Examples of the above-mentioned enzyme having fibrinolytic ability include, in addition to nattokinase, plasmin, DFE27, Subtilisin DFE, Subtilisin QK-2, bromelain, and serrapeptase.

[0041] The above-mentioned plasmin is an enzyme (serine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin (fibrinolytic ability), and is usually present in blood (such as menstrual blood). Plasmin can decompose fibrin. By decomposing fibrin, plasmin produces degradation products such as D-dimer and other degradation products.

[0042] DFE27 is an enzyme (serine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin. DFE27 is usually contained in Douchi and can be produced by B. subtilis DC27.

[0043] Subtilisin DFE is an enzyme (serine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin. Subtilisin DFE is usually contained in Douchi and can be produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DC-4.

[0044] Subtilisin QK-2 is an enzyme (serine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin. Subtilisin QK-2 is usually contained in fermented soybeans and can be produced by Bacillus subtilis QK02.

[0045] Bromelain is an enzyme (cysteine protease) with the ability to decompose fibrin. Bromelain is contained in fruits of pineapple, etc.

[0046] Serrapeptase is an enzyme with the ability to decompose fibrin. Serrapeptase is usually contained in silkworms and can be produced by non-pathogenic bacteria "Serratia E15".

[0047] The above-mentioned functional composition may further contain an enzyme with fibrinolytic ability, such as an auxiliary component that can enhance the fibrinolytic ability (fibrinolytic capacity) of nattokinase. As the above-mentioned auxiliary component, examples include: fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, vegetable powder, EPA, DHA, spices, zinc ions (Zn 2+ ), manganese ions (Mn 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), potassium ions (K + ).

[0048] Fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms can particularly enhance the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. Fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms are preferably used in a ratio of 4 to 12 mg / 2000 FU relative to nattokinase.

[0049] Vegetable powder, EPA and DHA can particularly enhance the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. As the vegetable powder, for example, onion powder can be cited. Spices can particularly enhance the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. As spices, examples include: chili peppers (especially in powder form).

[0050] Zinc ions (Zn 2+ ) can particularly enhance the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. Additionally, manganese ions (Mn 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2 + ) and potassium ions (K + ) can particularly enhance the fibrinolytic ability of protease from fermented soybean.

[0051] The functional substance (A) may also contain a factor that promotes the activation of plasmin. Usually, plasmin exists in menstrual blood and can decompose fibrin. Therefore, by using a factor that promotes the activation of plasmin, it is possible to promote the reduction of the viscosity of highly viscous menstrual blood. As a factor that promotes the activation of plasmin, examples include a factor that has an activity of inhibiting the "dissolution inhibitor PAI-1". As a factor that has an activity of inhibiting the "dissolution inhibitor PAI-1", the above-mentioned nattokinase can be cited. Additionally, bromelain and DFE27 also have the effect of promoting the conversion from plasminogen to plasmin.

[0052] When the dissolution-promoting factor t-PA is activated, plasmin is generated from plasminogen. t-PA is inactivated by binding to the dissolution inhibitor PAI-1. Although not bound by theory, it is considered that by inhibiting the activity of the dissolution inhibitor PAI-1, the inactivation of t-PA can be inhibited, so t-PA promotes the generation of plasmin from plasminogen. It should be noted that plasmin is inactivated by binding to antiplasmin in the living body.

[0053] As the above-mentioned compound having an antiplatelet effect, examples include: bromelain, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin (trademark), Bufferin (registered trademark), etc.), PGI2 derivative beraprost, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), (such as nitroglycerin, etc.) NO-related preparations. In addition, as a compound having an antiplatelet effect, examples also include: clopidogrel sulfate, prasugrel hydrochloride, ticlopidine hydrochloride, ticagrelor, cilostazol, sarpogrelate hydrochloride.

[0054] Usually, due to reasons such as blood endothelial damage or contact with collagen, platelets are activated in the blood, and at this time, platelet aggregation occurs. Platelet aggregation is a reversible reaction. It is considered that by using a compound having an antiplatelet effect, blood coagulation can be inhibited.

[0055] Although not bound by theory, it is considered that acetylsalicylic acid irreversibly inactivates cyclooxygenase (COX) (the cyclooxygenase (COX) has the effect of promoting the production of TXA2, a substance that promotes platelet aggregation), thereby showing an antiplatelet effect.

[0056] In addition, although not bound by theory, it is considered that the PGI2 derivative, beraprost, inhibits platelet aggregation by increasing the synthesis of PGI2, a substance that inhibits platelet aggregation.

[0057] In addition, although not bound by theory, it is considered that through EPA and / or DHA, TXA3, which does not have the effect of platelet aggregation, is produced from platelets, and as a result, platelet aggregation is inhibited.

[0058] Fibrin degradation products produced by enzymes with fibrinolytic ability (especially nattokinase) also have the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation. Examples of fibrin degradation products produced by nattokinase include DD (175 kDa) and LD (110 kDa).

[0059] The functional substance (A) may also include a coagulation inhibitor having the effect of inhibiting fibrin formation. Examples of the above coagulation inhibitor include: bromelain, EDTA, heparin, sodium citrate, warfarin, and sodium fluoride.

[0060] Although not bound by theory, in the blood, coagulation occurs through coagulation factors. For example, among coagulation factors, thrombin causes the formation of fibrin monomers from fibrinogen. In addition, among coagulation factors, activated coagulation factor XIII stabilizes the structure composed of fibrin by cross-linking between the molecules of the fibrin polymer, generating stable fibrin.

[0061] The coagulation inhibitor can inhibit blood coagulation by inhibiting the "action of coagulation factors".

[0062] Although not bound by theory, it is considered that, for example, bromelain inhibits the conversion from fibrinogen to fibrin by causing a significant prolongation of the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

[0063] In addition, although not bound by theory, it is considered that, for example, EDTA inhibits the activation of thrombin required for fibrin formation by chelating calcium ions required for the activation of thrombin. It is considered that sodium citrate also acts by the same mechanism.

[0064] In addition, although not bound by theory, it is believed that, for example, warfarin inhibits the activation of thrombin required for fibrin formation by inhibiting vitamin K required for the action of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X, which act as coagulation factors to activate thrombin.

[0065] In addition, although not bound by theory, it is believed that, for example, heparin inhibits the activation of thrombin required for fibrin formation by enhancing the action of antithrombin, which inhibits thrombin.

[0066] Nattokinase and serrapeptase also have the effect of inhibiting fibrin formation. Although not bound by theory, it is believed that nattokinase present in blood exerts a fibrin inhibitory effect by reducing activated coagulation factor XIII that crosslinks fibrin to each other and / or inhibiting the activation of thrombin required for fibrin formation.

[0067] The water-soluble polymer (B) may be any polymer that is soluble in water and is not particularly limited, and may also be a polymer that is soluble in heated water. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer (B) in 100 g of water at 25°C is preferably 5.0 g or more. The above water solubility can be measured by dissolving the water-soluble polymer (B) in heated water and then adjusting the temperature to 25°C.

[0068] The above water solubility can be measured as described below. (1) Using a stirrer, 100 g of deionized water and 20 g of the water-soluble polymer (B) are stirred and mixed for 120 minutes to form a mixed solution. It should be noted that the above 100 g of deionized water can also be heated. In addition, when performing the above stirring and mixing, the above mixed solution can also be heated. (2) After stirring and mixing, the obtained mixed solution is adjusted to 25°C. (3) The aqueous phase in the mixed solution adjusted to 25°C is collected, and the aqueous phase is dried at 100°C for 1 hour. The amount of the water-soluble polymer (B) in the aqueous phase is determined from the weight loss on drying, and the solubility in 100 g of water at 25°C is calculated.

[0069] Specific examples of the water-soluble polymer (B) include, for example: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, water-soluble acrylic resins, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl butyral, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, natural polysaccharides, etc.

[0070] As the above polyvinyl alcohol, for example, there can be mentioned: a homopolymer of vinyl alcohol obtained by saponifying polyvinyl acetate, which is a homopolymer of vinyl acetate, and a polyvinyl alcohol-based copolymer obtained by saponifying a copolymer of vinyl acetate and other monomers copolymerizable therewith, etc.

[0071] In addition, examples of the above-mentioned polyvinyl alcohol include: unmodified polyvinyl alcohol into which functional groups other than a hydroxyl group (OH group) and an acetate group (OCOCH3 group) are not introduced, and modified polyvinyl alcohol into which functional groups other than a hydroxyl group and an acetate group are introduced. Examples of the functional groups introduced into the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol include, for example: a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, a silanol group, a cationic group, an alkyl group, and the like. The above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol is preferably anionic-modified polyvinyl alcohol, and more preferably carboxyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0072] As a method for producing the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol, for example, there can be mentioned: a method in which a copolymer of "vinyl acetate" and "a monomer having a functional group other than a hydroxyl group and an acetate group copolymerizable with vinyl acetate" is saponified; a method in which a hydroxyl group and / or an acetate group in the above-mentioned vinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol-based copolymer is reacted with a compound having reactivity with a hydroxyl group and / or an acetate group and having a functional group other than a hydroxyl group and an acetate group, and the like.

[0073] There is no particular limitation on the production method of the above-mentioned polyethylene oxide. For example, polyethylene oxide obtained by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide can be used. In addition, the above-mentioned polyethylene oxide may also have an oxypropylene group (-CH2-CH(CH3)-O-) in the molecule. Therefore, the above-mentioned polyethylene oxide may also be a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

[0074] There is no particular limitation on the production method of the above-mentioned polyethylene glycol. For example, polyethylene glycol obtained by condensation ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide in ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol obtained by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide in the presence of water, and the like can be used. In addition, the above-mentioned polyethylene glycol may also have an oxypropylene group in the molecule.

[0075] Examples of the above-mentioned water-soluble acrylic resin include: a water-soluble acrylic resin containing a structural unit derived from a hydrophilic (meth)acrylic monomer. Examples of the above-mentioned hydrophilic (meth)acrylic monomer include: carboxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid and crotonic acid; hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, and ring-opening adducts formed by reacting these (meth)acrylic acid hydroxy esters with caprolactone, ethylene oxide, etc.; (meth)acrylic monomers having a polyoxyalkylene chain and no hydroxyl group; acrylamide monomers such as acrylamide and N-methoxymethylacrylamide; amino group-containing (meth)acrylic monomers such as N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, and the like. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0076] In addition, in addition to the structural units derived from the hydrophilic (meth)acrylic acid-based monomers, the above-mentioned water-soluble acrylic resin may also contain structural units derived from other (meth)acrylic acid-based monomers, styrene-based monomers, and vinyl-based monomers. The above-mentioned water-soluble acrylic resin can be obtained by polymerizing hydrophilic (meth)acrylic acid-based monomers, or can be obtained by copolymerizing with the above-mentioned other (meth)acrylic acid-based monomers, styrene-based monomers, and vinyl-based monomers as needed. In addition, as the above-mentioned water-soluble acrylic resin, a copolymer of a hydrophilic polymerizable unsaturated monomer and a (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer can also be used. As the above-mentioned hydrophilic polymerizable unsaturated monomer, for example, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like can be cited.

[0077] In addition, the above-mentioned water-soluble acrylic resin can also be made water-soluble by using acids, alkalis, etc. Regarding water-solubilization, for example, when the hydrophilic (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer is a carboxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer, it can be carried out by neutralization using an amine or ammonia, and when the hydrophilic (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer is an amino group-containing (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer, it can be carried out by neutralization using an organic acid or the like.

[0078] As the above-mentioned natural polysaccharides, for example, xanthan gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, quince seeds, alginic acid, pullulan, pectin, etc. can be cited.

[0079] As the water-soluble polymer (B), from the viewpoint of versatility, it preferably includes at least any one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, and water-soluble acrylic resin.

[0080] In order to form a film that is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, when reducing the water immersion dissolution rate of the water-soluble polymer (B), the water-soluble polymer (B) is preferably polyvinyl alcohol having a saponification degree of 50 to 100, preferably 70 to 99, and an average degree of polymerization of 100 to 4000, preferably 200 to 3000.

[0081] At least a part of nattokinase, preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 60% by weight or more, further preferably 70% by weight or more, and even more preferably 80% by weight or more is not bound to the water-soluble polymer (B). In addition, 100% by mass of nattokinase may not be bound to the water-soluble polymer (B). Thus, while suppressing the action of nattokinase on the skin of the user by the absorbent article, nattokinase can effectively decompose fibrin in blood clots and effectively reduce the viscosity of blood clots to make the blood clots low-viscosity.

[0082] In this specification, the fact that nattokinase does not bind to the water-soluble polymer (B) means that nattokinase is not chemically bound to the water-soluble polymer (B) by a covalent bond or an ionic bond. It should be noted that the non-binding of nattokinase to the water-soluble polymer (B) does not include the hydrogen bonding of nattokinase to the water-soluble polymer (B).

[0083] Based on a total of 100 parts by mass of the solid components of the functional substance (A) and the water-soluble polymer (B), the above-mentioned functional composition preferably contains the functional substance (A) and the water-soluble polymer (B) in a mass ratio of 5 and 95 to 95 and 5 (5 / 95 to 95 / 5), more preferably 10 and 90 to 80 and 20 (10 / 90 to 80 / 20), still more preferably 13 and 87 to 75 and 25 (13 / 87 to 75 / 25), and even more preferably 15 and 85 to 70 and 30 (15 / 85 to 70 / 30). Thus, the above-mentioned functional composition, and even nattokinase, is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, has an excellent effect on blood clots, and is not easily active on the skin.

[0084] In the above-mentioned functional composition, the difference in the water immersion dissolution rate: (a - b) between the water immersion dissolution rate: a (mass%) of the functional substance (A) and the water immersion dissolution rate: b (mass%) of the water-soluble polymer (B), that is, the water immersion dissolution rate difference: (a - b) is preferably 0 < (a - b), more preferably 20 < (a - b), and still more preferably 60 < (a - b). Thus, the above-mentioned functional composition is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids.

[0085] In addition, the above-mentioned water immersion dissolution rate difference: (a - b) is preferably (a - b) ≤ 99, more preferably (a - b) ≤ 98, still more preferably (a - b) < 95, and even more preferably (a - b) < 90. Thus, when the above-mentioned functional composition comes into contact with a blood clot, it is easy to ensure the dissolution rate of the functional substance (A) in the blood clot, and the effect on the blood clot is excellent. By setting the upper and lower limits of the above-mentioned water immersion dissolution rate difference within the above range, in the above absorbent article, the functional substance (A), especially nattokinase, is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, and it is easy to form a film with an excellent effect on blood clots.

[0086] The water-soluble polymer (B) preferably has a water immersion dissolution rate of 5 mass% or more, more preferably 8 mass% or more, and still more preferably 10 mass% or more. In addition, the water-soluble polymer (B) preferably has a water immersion dissolution rate of 70 mass% or less, more preferably 60 mass% or less, still more preferably 40 mass% or less, and even more preferably 20 mass% or less. Thus, the above-mentioned functional composition, especially nattokinase, is not easily affected by low-viscosity liquids, and it is easy to have an excellent effect on blood clots.

[0087] In this specification, the above water immersion dissolution rate (mass %) can be measured as described below. (1) On a glass plate (100 mm × 150 mm) whose mass has been measured: m0 (g), the object (functional substance (A), water-soluble polymer (B), etc.) is diluted with deionized water as needed (optionally) and then coated. The glass plate coated with the object is dried at 100 °C for 1 hour to form a sample on the glass plate coated with the object having a thickness of 20 μm, and the mass of this sample is measured: m1 (g). (2) The sample is immersed in deionized water (20 °C, 5 L), and after standing for 3 minutes, the sample is taken out. The sample after water immersion is dried at 100 °C for 1 hour, and the mass of the sample after water immersion is measured: m2 (g).

[0088] (3) The water immersion dissolution rate (mass %) is calculated by the following formula: Water immersion dissolution rate (mass %) = 100 × (m1 - m2) / (m1 - m0). (4) The above water immersion dissolution rate is measured 5 times for different samples, and the average value thereof is used as the water immersion dissolution rate of the object.

[0089] The viscosity of a 10 mass % aqueous solution of the water-soluble polymer (B) is preferably 9000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 5000 mPa·s or less, further preferably 3000 mPa·s or less, still further preferably 2000 mPa·s or less, and even further preferably 1000 mPa·s or less. In addition, the 10 mass % aqueous solution of the water-soluble polymer (B) preferably has a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or more. Thereby, even when the above functional composition comes into contact with a low-viscosity liquid, the functional composition is not likely to flow out, and when the functional composition comes into contact with a blood clot, the functional substance (A) easily diffuses into the blood clot. It should be noted that the above viscosity refers to the viscosity measured under the conditions of temperature: 20 °C, viscometer: B-type viscometer, and rotor speed: 60 rpm. In addition, in this specification, the viscosity under these conditions is sometimes denoted as "viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm)".

[0090] In addition to the functional substance (A) and the water-soluble polymer (B), the above functional composition may further contain other components. Examples of the above other components include: polymers other than the water-soluble polymer (B), fillers, spices, preservatives, antioxidants, pH adjusters, deodorants, antibacterial agents, etc.

[0091] The state of the above-mentioned functional composition on the absorbent article is not particularly limited. For example, it can be arranged in the form of particles, thin films, impregnated states, stripes, etc. When the above-mentioned functional composition is arranged on the material constituting the absorbent article, the above-mentioned functional composition can, for example: be arranged in the form of particles on the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric or thin paper, be arranged in a manner covering the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric or thin paper, be arranged in a manner impregnated in the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric or thin paper, be arranged in the form of particles on the open-cell membrane, be arranged in the form of a film on the open-cell membrane, and be arranged in the form of stripes on the non-woven fabric, thin paper or open-cell membrane.

[0092] The above-mentioned functional composition can be formed, for example, by coating a treatment liquid containing a functional substance (A) containing nattokinase, a water-soluble polymer (B), and an aqueous solvent (C) on the absorbent article.

[0093] In the above treatment liquid, as the aqueous solvent (C), water or a solvent in which water and a water-soluble organic solvent are mixed in any ratio can be used. As the above-mentioned water-soluble organic solvent, for example, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), glycerol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran, and ketones such as acetone, etc. can be used. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more. As the above-mentioned water-soluble organic solvent, it is preferably contains at least one selected from alcohols and ethers.

[0094] In addition, as the above-mentioned alcohols, from the viewpoint of low residue in the functional composition formed from the above treatment liquid, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are preferred, alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and having 1 hydroxyl group are more preferred, and it is particularly preferably contains at least one selected from ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. In addition, as the above-mentioned ethers, from the viewpoint of low residue in the functional composition formed from the above treatment liquid, ethers having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are more preferred, and it is particularly preferably contains at least one selected from propylene glycol monomethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran. The above treatment liquid can be manufactured by mixing the functional substance (A), the water-soluble polymer (B), the aqueous solvent (C), other components, etc. using a known mixing method.

[0095] The above treatment liquid usually preferably has a solid content concentration of 1 to 20% by mass. The solid content concentration of the above treatment liquid can be measured by drying the treatment liquid at 130 °C for 3 hours. The pH of the above treatment liquid at 20 °C is preferably 5.0 to 10.0, more preferably 5.2 to 9.8. This is to maintain the activity of the functional substance (A). The above pH can be measured, for example, using a twin pH meter F-52 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.

[0096] The viscosity of the above treatment liquid is preferably 3000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or less. In addition, the above treatment liquid preferably has a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or more. Thus, it is easy to form a functional composition from the treatment liquid on the absorbent article. It should be noted that the above viscosity refers to the viscosity measured under the conditions of temperature: 20 °C, viscometer: B-type viscometer, and rotor speed: 60 rpm.

[0097] There is no particular limitation on the above treatment liquid, and it can be coated on the material constituting the absorbent article by a conventionally known method, such as a spin coater, a curtain coater, a spray coater, a dip coater, etc. There is no particular limitation on the number of times of coating the above treatment liquid on the material constituting the absorbent article. For example, it can be coated once or multiple times, that is, it can be coated two or more times.

[0098] Examples of the material constituting the above absorbent article include: a liquid-permeable topsheet (nonwoven fabric, perforated film, etc.), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (film, etc.), an absorber disposed between them (for example, an absorbent core (pulp fiber, etc.) and a core wrap layer (nonwoven fabric, tissue paper, etc.) covering the absorbent core), an optional upper diffusion sheet (nonwoven fabric, etc.) disposed between the above topsheet and the absorber, an optional lower diffusion sheet (nonwoven fabric, etc.) disposed between the above absorber and the backsheet, etc.

[0099] The above treatment liquid can be coated on the topsheet, the absorber (for example, the absorbent core and the core wrap layer covering the absorbent core), the optional upper diffusion sheet, the optional lower diffusion sheet, etc., and is preferably coated on the material on the skin contact surface side, such as the topsheet. This is to effectively decompose menstrual blood. Examples

[0100] Hereinafter, examples and comparative examples are given to more specifically illustrate the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples. It should be noted that unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" are based on a mass basis.

[0101] [Production of treatment liquid] [Production Example 1] 5.0 g of nattokinase (Note 1) as the functional substance (A), 5.0 g of polyethylene glycol (Note 2) as the water-soluble polymer (B), and 90.0 g of deionized water as the aqueous solvent (C) were mixed to obtain Treatment Liquid No. 1. The pH of Treatment Liquid No. 1 was 5.4.

[0102] [Production Examples 2 to 17 and Reference Production Example 1] In Production Example 1, except that the formulation was changed as shown in Table 1, the same operations as in Production Example 1 were performed to obtain Treatment Liquids No. 2 to No. 18. The water immersion dissolution rates (%) of the functional substance (A) and the water-soluble polymer (B) in Treatment Liquids No. 2 to No. 18, the difference between the water immersion dissolution rate of the functional substance (A) and the water immersion dissolution rate of the water-soluble polymer (B), i.e., the water immersion dissolution rate difference (%) (marked as "dissolution rate difference (%)"), and the viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration of the water-soluble polymer (B) (denoted as "10% viscosity") are shown in Table 1.

[0103] (Notes 1) to (10) in Table 1 are as follows. (Note 1) Nattokinase powder Manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, water immersion dissolution rate: 99% or more (Note 2) Polyethylene glycol (PEG) Average molecular weight: 20,000, water immersion dissolution rate: 57%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 3 mPa·s (Note 3) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-1) Average degree of polymerization: 300, saponification degree: 98, water immersion dissolution rate: 11%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 17 mPa·s

[0104] (Note 4) Sodium polyacrylate (SPA) Average molecular weight: 50,000, water immersion dissolution rate: 95%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 29 mPa·s (Note 5) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-2) Average degree of polymerization: 1000, saponification degree: 98, water immersion dissolution rate: 13%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 291 mPa·s (Note 6) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-3) Average degree of polymerization: 1700, saponification degree: 88, water immersion dissolution rate: 15%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 700 mPa·s

[0105] (Note 7) Polyethylene oxide (PEO) Average molecular weight: 300,000, water immersion dissolution rate: 69%, viscosity (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm) at a 10% concentration: 790 mPa·s (Note 8) Carboxyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol (C-modified PVA) Average degree of polymerization: 1700, saponification degree: 96, water immersion dissolution rate: 37%, viscosity at 10% concentration (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm): 820 mPa·s (Note 9) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-4) Average degree of polymerization: 1700, saponification degree: 96, water immersion dissolution rate: 19%, viscosity at 10% concentration (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm): 920 mPa·s (Note 10) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-5) Average degree of polymerization: 3300, saponification degree: 88, water immersion dissolution rate: 18%, viscosity at 10% concentration (B-type, 20 °C, 60 rpm): 8100 mPa·s

[0108] [Examples 1 to 17, Reference Example 1 and Comparative Example 1] [“Residual rate of highly viscous menstrual blood when low-viscosity menstrual blood is not added” and “Residual rate of highly viscous menstrual blood after adding low-viscosity menstrual blood”] Regarding the functional compositions formed from Treatment Liquids No. 1 to No. 18, the residual rate of highly viscous menstrual blood when low-viscosity menstrual blood is not added and the residual rate of highly viscous menstrual blood after adding low-viscosity menstrual blood were measured according to the following method. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0109] [Preparation of simulated highly viscous menstrual blood] (1) A physiological saline solution (6.7 mg / mL) of fibrinogen (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) and a physiological saline solution (333 units / mL) of thrombin (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) were each incubated at 35 °C. (2) In a petri dish, 2.1 mL of the physiological saline solution of fibrinogen and 0.3 mL of the physiological saline solution of thrombin were mixed at a ratio, stirred for 2 seconds, and allowed to stand at 35 °C for 1 hour to prepare simulated highly viscous menstrual blood. [Preparation of simulated low-viscosity menstrual blood] (1) Defibrinated horse blood (manufactured by Nippon BioSerum Co., Ltd.) was used as simulated low-viscosity menstrual blood.

[0110] [Test method] (1) With the center of the length direction and the center of the width direction of the top layer of a sanitary napkin (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation, form-fitting, regular type) (hereinafter referred to as the "center of the sanitary napkin") as the center, in a region of 5 cm × 3 cm (length direction × width direction), the treatment liquid (each of No. 1 to No. 18) was evenly sprayed so that the basis weight of the functional substance (A) attached to the top layer was as shown in Table 1. (2) The sanitary napkins sprayed with the treatment liquids No. 1 to No. 18 were left standing at 30 °C for 120 minutes to dry, and sanitary napkins No. 1 to No. 18 were produced. The sanitary napkin (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation, form-fitting, regular type) without the sprayed treatment liquid was used as sanitary napkin No. 19 (blank).

[0111] (3) Preparation of samples for the high-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate test without dripping low-viscosity menstrual blood At the center of the sanitary napkin of each of the top sheets of sanitary napkins No. 1 to No. 19, 2.4 mL of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was dropped to produce sanitary napkins No. 1A to No. 19A for the high-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate test without dripping low-viscosity menstrual blood. (4) Preparation of samples for the high-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate test after dripping low-viscosity menstrual blood After dropping 6.0 mL of simulated low-viscosity menstrual blood to the center of the sanitary napkin of each of the top sheets of sanitary napkins No. 1 to No. 19, 2.4 mL of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was dropped to produce sanitary napkins No. 1B to No. 19B for the high-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate test after dripping low-viscosity menstrual blood.

[0112] (5) The sanitary napkins No. 1A to No. 19A and the sanitary napkins No. 1B to No. 19B were left standing under the conditions of temperature: 35 °C and relative humidity: 60% RH for 45 minutes. (6) In the sanitary napkin No. 19A (blank) after standing for 45 minutes, the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remaining on the top sheet was recovered and its mass (m 10 (g)) was measured.

[0113] (7) In the sanitary napkin No. 1A after standing for 45 minutes, the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remaining on the top sheet was recovered and its mass (m 11 (g)) was measured. (8) The ratio of the remaining amount of the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood in the sanitary napkin No. 1A to the remaining amount of the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood in the sanitary napkin No. 19A (blank), that is, the high-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate (%) was calculated by the following formula: [High-viscosity menstrual blood residue rate without dripping low-viscosity menstrual blood](%) = 100 × m 11 / m10

[0114] (9)Regarding sanitary napkins for physiological use No. 2A to No. 18A, the same operation as that for sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 1A was performed, and the "residual rate (%) of highly viscous menstrual blood when low-viscosity menstrual blood is not dropped" was calculated. The results are shown in Table 1. (10)In the sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 19B (blank) after standing for 45 minutes, the simulated highly viscous menstrual blood remaining on the topsheet was recovered, and its mass (m 20 (g)) was measured. (11)In the sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 1B after standing for 45 minutes, the simulated highly viscous menstrual blood remaining on the topsheet was recovered, and its mass (m 21 (g)) was measured.

[0115] (12)The ratio of the remaining amount of the simulated highly viscous menstrual blood in the sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 1B to the remaining amount of the simulated highly viscous menstrual blood in the sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 19B (blank), that is, the residual rate (%) of the highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood, was calculated by the following formula: [Residual rate (%) of highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood] = 100 × m 21 / m 20 . (13)Regarding sanitary napkins for physiological use No. 2B to No. 18B, the same operation as that for sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 1B was performed, and the residual rate (%) of the highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood was calculated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0116] As can be seen from Table 1, the lower the residual rate (%) of the highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood, the less affected by the low-viscosity menstrual blood, and the more the highly viscous menstrual blood is low-viscosified. In addition, as can be seen from Table 1, the smaller the difference between the residual rate (%) of the highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood and the residual rate (%) of the highly viscous menstrual blood when low-viscosity menstrual blood is not dropped, the less affected by the low-viscosity menstrual blood, and the more the highly viscous menstrual blood is low-viscosified.

[0117] Regarding the results of having volunteers use sanitary napkins for physiological use No. 1 to No. 19, the following answers were obtained: Compared with sanitary napkin for physiological use No. 18, menstrual blood is less likely to remain on the topsheet in sanitary napkins for physiological use No. 1 to No. 17, and moreover, the result that the ease of residual of menstrual blood is roughly the same as the "residual rate (%) of highly viscous menstrual blood after dropping low-viscosity menstrual blood" in Table 1 was obtained. In addition, the answer that sanitary napkins for physiological use No. 1 to No. 18 are less likely to cause skin roughness was obtained.

Claims

1. An absorbent article, which comprises a functional composition containing a functional substance (A) and a water-soluble polymer (B), wherein the functional substance (A) contains nattokinase and has a function of inhibiting factors involved in blood coagulation, and is characterized in that at least a part of the nattokinase does not bind to the water-soluble polymer (B).

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, The functional substance (A) having a function of inhibiting factors involved in blood coagulation contains more than 50% by mass of the nattokinase.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Based on a total of 100 parts by mass of the solid components of the functional substance (A) having a function of inhibiting factors involved in blood coagulation and the water-soluble polymer (B), the functional composition contains the functional substance (A) having a function of inhibiting factors involved in blood coagulation and the water-soluble polymer (B) in a mass ratio of 5 / 95 to 95 / 5.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The water immersion dissolution rate of the functional substance (A) having a function of inhibiting factors involved in blood coagulation: a and the water immersion dissolution rate of the water-soluble polymer (B): b have a water immersion dissolution rate difference of 0 < (a - b), and the units of a and b are mass%.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The water-soluble polymer (B) has a water immersion dissolution rate of 5 to 70% by mass.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The water-soluble polymer (B) has a viscosity of 9000 mPa·s or less under the measurement conditions of a 10% by mass aqueous solution, a temperature of 20°C, a B-type viscometer, and a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The water-soluble polymer (B) contains at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, and a water-soluble acrylic resin.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet containing a nonwoven fabric, and the functional composition is disposed in the form of particles on the surface of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, or is disposed so as to cover the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, or is impregnated in the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet containing a perforated film, and the functional composition is disposed in the form of particles on the surface of the perforated film, or is disposed in the form of a film on the surface of the perforated film.

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