Adhesion inhibitor of fungus and adhesion inhibition method of fungus

Abstract

To provide an adhesion inhibitor of a fungus capable of readily obtaining excellent adhesion inhibition effect, on a solid surface of various materials and an adhesion inhibition method of the fungus.SOLUTION: An adhesion inhibition method of a fungus comprises: making physically absorb a component (A) on a solid surface with a solution containing [1] as a component (A), an adhesion inhibitor of a fungus containing at least one or more selected from the group consisting of (A1) and (A2), and [2] as a component (A), at least one or more selected from the group consisting of (A1) and (A2) below. (A1) Cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salt, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salt.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fungal adhesion inhibitor and a method for inhibiting fungal adhesion. [Background technology]

[0002] Demand for antibacterial materials is increasing not only in the medical and hygiene fields but also in everyday living products. Antibacterial materials include antibacterial agents and germicides that suppress the growth of bacteria attached to solid surfaces, as well as bacteria adhesion inhibitors that suppress the adhesion of bacteria to solid surfaces.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which hyaluronic acid or its derivatives or carboxymethylcellulose esters are stably bonded to a plasma-treated surface of an object using polyethyleneimine to coat the surface, thereby reducing the adhesion of bacteria to the surface of the object. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a composition for inhibiting adhesion of microorganisms to a surface, which contains one or more types selected from various semi-synthetic polymers and synthetic polymers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-80153 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 018473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Once bacteria adhere to a solid surface, they grow and form a biofilm. Since the work of removing bacteria that have adhered to a solid surface or a biofilm that has formed on a solid surface is time-consuming and costly, there is an increasing demand for a bacterial adhesion inhibitor or a method for inhibiting bacterial adhesion that can inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to solid surfaces. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is said that the hyaluronic acid or its derivatives or carboxymethylcellulose esters that coat the surface of an object are stably bonded to the surface of the object through chemical bonds, thereby suppressing the adhesion of bacteria, and in order to achieve stable bonding, it was necessary to previously treat the surface of the object with plasma or with other compounds. Furthermore, the composition described in Patent Document 2 is said to have anti-adhesion properties against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. However, among microorganisms, fungi such as molds and yeasts are eukaryotes that have a nuclear membrane, and have completely different cell structures, growth patterns, living environments, sizes, etc. from prokaryotic bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Therefore, fungi tend to adhere to solid surfaces, and there is a demand for technology that can effectively inhibit fungal adhesion to solid surfaces made of various materials.

[0006] The present invention relates to a fungal adhesion inhibitor and a fungal adhesion inhibitor method that can easily obtain a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect on the surfaces of solids made of various materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors have discovered that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by noting that the use of certain cellulose derivatives and / or synthetic polymers can exert an excellent effect of inhibiting fungal adhesion on the surfaces of solid materials made of various materials.

[0008] That is, the present invention relates to the following [1] and [2]. [1] A fungal adhesion inhibitor comprising, as component (A), one or more members selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2): (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof. [2] A method for inhibiting fungal adhesion, comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing, as component (A), a solid surface with a solution containing one or more components selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2): (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fungal adhesion inhibitor and a fungal adhesion inhibition method that can easily obtain a good fungal adhesion inhibition effect on the surfaces of solids made of various materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Fungal adhesion inhibitor] The fungal adhesion inhibitor of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "fungal adhesion inhibitor") contains, as component (A), one or more components selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0011] According to the present invention, a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect can be easily obtained on the surfaces of solids made of various materials. Although the reason for this is unclear, it is believed that in the present invention, the hydrophilic (including ionic) portion and the hydrophobic portion of the specific cellulose derivative and / or synthetic polymer contribute to suppressing the affinity interaction between the treated solid surface and fungi, thereby exerting a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect on the surfaces of solids made of various materials.

[0012] <Component (A)> [(A1): Cellulose derivative] The cellulose derivative (A1) used in the fungal adhesion inhibitor of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "HEC"), hydroxypropyl cellulose (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "HPC"), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "HPMC"), carboxymethyl cellulose (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "CMC"), and methyl cellulose (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "MC").

[0013] From the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups introduced (bonded) per mole of anhydroglucose units of HEC (degree of substitution of ethyleneoxy groups) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more, even more preferably 1.5 or more, still more preferably 2.0 or more, and is preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 4.5 or less, even more preferably 4.0 or less, and still more preferably 3.5 or less. The average number of moles of propyleneoxy groups introduced (bonded) per mole of anhydroglucose units of HPC (degree of substitution of propyleneoxy groups) is, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 2.0 or more, even more preferably 3.0 or more, and is preferably 6.0 or less, more preferably 5.0 or less, even more preferably 4.5 or less. The average number of moles of propyleneoxy groups introduced (bonded) per mole of anhydroglucose units of HPMC (degree of substitution of propyleneoxy groups) is, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.05 or more, even more preferably 0.10 or more, still more preferably 0.15 or more, even more preferably 0.20 or more, and is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.40 or less, and even more preferably 0.30 or less. From the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the average number of moles of methyl groups introduced (bonded) per mole of anhydroglucose units of HPMC (degree of substitution of methyl groups) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more, even more preferably 1.3 or more, still more preferably 1.5 or more, and is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or less. The average number of moles of methyl groups introduced (bonded) per mole of anhydroglucose units of MC (degree of substitution of methyl groups) is, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more, even more preferably 1.5 or more, and is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or less. The degree of substitution of the alkyleneoxy group or alkyl group of the cellulose derivative (A1) can be determined by the Zeisel method [see Analytical Chemistry, Vol.51, No.13, 2172 (1979), "Japanese Pharmacopoeia (analysis method for hydroxypropyl cellulose)"], specifically, by the method described in the Examples. In addition, when a product is obtained and used as the cellulose derivative (A1), the degree of substitution of the alkyleneoxy group or alkyl group of the cellulose derivative (A1) can also be determined by converting the published value of the hydroxyalkoxy group or alkoxy group by the manufacturer.

[0014] The carboxymethyl group contained in CMC may form a salt. Examples of such salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium salt and potassium salt, and ammonium salt. From the viewpoint of availability, the salt of carboxymethylcellulose is preferably an alkali metal salt of carboxymethylcellulose, and more preferably a sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (sodium carboxymethylcellulose). From the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the degree of substitution of the carboxymethyl group in CMC is preferably 0.50 or more, more preferably 0.55 or more, even more preferably 0.60 or more, and is preferably 2.5 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, even more preferably 1.6 or less. The degree of substitution of the carboxymethyl group means the degree of etherification. In the case of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, the degree of etherification can be measured, for example, by the following method in accordance with the CMC Industry Association analytical method (ashing method). [Measurement of the degree of etherification of sodium carboxymethylcellulose] Accurately weigh out 1g of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, place it in a magnetic crucible and incinerate it at 600℃. The sodium oxide produced by incineration is titrated with N / 10 sulfuric acid using phenolphthalein as an indicator, and the titration amount YmL per 1g of sodium carboxymethylcellulose is inserted into the following formula to calculate the degree of etherification. Degree of etherification = (162 x Y) / (10,000-80 x Y)

[0015] The viscosity of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of CMC at 25°C, as measured with a Brookfield viscometer, is preferably 1 mPa·s or more, more preferably 3 mPa·s or more, even more preferably 5 mPa·s or more, and is preferably 5,000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 3,000 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or less, still more preferably 500 mPa·s or less, still more preferably 100 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 50 mPa·s or less.

[0016] The HEC, HPC, HPMC, CMC, and MC according to the present invention are commercially available and easily available from the market. For example, HEC is exemplified by the "Natrosol" series (manufactured by Ashland). HPC is also available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., etc. HPMC and MC are available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. An example of CMC is the "Sunrose" series (manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0017] Among these, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the cellulose derivative (A1) is preferably one or more types selected from the group consisting of HEC, HPC, HPMC, and CMC, more preferably one or more types selected from the group consisting of HEC, HPC, and HPMC, even more preferably one or more types selected from the group consisting of HEC and HPC, and still more preferably HEC.

[0018] From the viewpoints of ease of handling of the fungal adhesion inhibitor and exhibiting a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the weight average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative (A1) is preferably 30,000 or more, more preferably 50,000 or more, and even more preferably 80,000 or more, and is preferably 5,000,000 or less, more preferably 3,000,000 or less, even more preferably 2,000,000 or less, still more preferably 1,000,000 or less, and even more preferably 500,000 or less. The weight average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative (A1) can be measured by the method described in the Examples.

[0019] [(A2):Synthetic polymer] The synthetic polymer (A2) used in the fungal adhesion inhibitor of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0020] The polyvinyl alcohol according to the present invention is a polymer containing a structural unit (vinyl alcohol structural unit) obtained by saponifying a structural unit derived from a vinyl ester compound, which is a raw material monomer. The polyvinyl alcohol may be a copolymer further containing a structural unit derived from a vinyl ester compound in addition to the vinyl alcohol structural unit, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of such vinyl ester compounds include vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, vinyl propionate, vinyl versatate, and vinyl vivalate. Among these, vinyl acetate is preferred from the viewpoints of reactivity during synthesis and availability. These vinyl ester compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0021] There is no particular limitation on the degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol, and either fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol or partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol can be used, with partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol being preferred. The degree of saponification of the fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 96 mol% or more, more preferably 97 mol% or more, even more preferably 98 mol% or more, and preferably 99.9 mol% or less, more preferably 99.5 mol% or less, even more preferably 99 mol% or less. The degree of saponification of the partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 70 mol% or more, more preferably 75 mol% or more, even more preferably 80 mol% or more, still more preferably 85 mol% or more, and is preferably 93 mol% or less, more preferably 90 mol% or less, even more preferably 89 mol% or less. The degree of saponification of polyvinyl alcohol is measured in accordance with JIS K6726:1994.

[0022] The average polymerization degree of polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 400 or more, more preferably 800 or more, even more preferably 1,000 or more, and is preferably 5,000 or less, more preferably 4,000 or less, even more preferably 3,000 or less. The molecular weight of polyvinyl alcohol can be calculated from the degree of polymerization. The degree of polymerization can be calculated from the relative viscosity of an aqueous solution of completely saponified polyvinyl alcohol and water (see JIS K6726:1994). Two or more kinds of polyvinyl alcohol having different degrees of polymerization or saponification may be mixed and used.

[0023] Commercially available polyvinyl alcohol products include the "Kuraray Poval" series manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.

[0024] The anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol according to the present invention is a polyvinyl alcohol having an anionic group such as a carboxy group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphate group, etc. Among these, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol having at least one anionic group selected from the group consisting of a carboxy group and a sulfonic acid group introduced therein is preferred, and carboxylic acid-modified polyvinyl alcohol having a carboxylic acid group introduced therein (hereinafter also referred to as "carboxylic acid-modified polyvinyl alcohol") is more preferred.

[0025] Carboxylic acid-modified polyvinyl alcohols include (1) those obtained by graft polymerization or block polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol with an unsaturated monomer having a carboxy group, (2) those obtained by copolymerizing a vinyl ester compound with an unsaturated monomer having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a carboxy group and a carboxylate group, followed by saponification, (3) those obtained by polymerizing a vinyl ester compound using a chain transfer agent having a carboxy group, followed by saponification, and (4) those obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol with a carboxylating agent.

[0026] Examples of the unsaturated monomer having a carboxyl group used in the above methods (1) and (2) and the unsaturated monomer having a carboxylate group used in the above method (2) include ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid; ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoesters such as maleic acid monoalkyl esters, fumaric acid monoalkyl esters, and itaconic acid monoalkyl esters; ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters such as maleic acid dialkyl esters, fumaric acid dialkyl esters, and itaconic acid dialkyl esters; ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides such as maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride; ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids such as (meth)acrylic acid; and ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid esters such as (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters. In addition, salts of the above compounds may be used as the unsaturated monomer having at least one selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group and a carboxylate group. Among these, from the viewpoint of reactivity, ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monoesters are preferred, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoesters are more preferred, maleic acid monoalkyl esters and itaconic acid monoalkyl esters are even more preferred, and maleic acid monoalkyl esters are even more preferred. These compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In this specification, "(meth)acrylic acid" means methacrylic acid or acrylic acid.

[0027] Examples of the vinyl ester compounds used in the above methods (2) and (3) include vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, vinyl propionate, vinyl versatate, and vinyl vivalate. Among these, vinyl acetate is preferred from the viewpoints of reactivity during synthesis and ease of availability. These compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0028] The carboxylating agent used in the above method (4) includes carboxylic acid anhydrides such as succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, acetic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, hydrogenated phthalic anhydride, naphthalenedicarboxylic anhydride, etc. These compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0029] The degree of saponification of the anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 70 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, even more preferably 90 mol% or more, and preferably 99.9 mol% or less, more preferably 99.5 mol% or less, even more preferably 99 mol% or less. The degree of saponification of the anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol is measured in accordance with JIS K6726:1994.

[0030] The average degree of polymerization of the anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 400 or more, more preferably 800 or more, even more preferably 1,000 or more, and is preferably 5,000 or less, more preferably 4,000 or less, even more preferably 3,000 or less. The molecular weight of the anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol can be calculated from the degree of polymerization, which can be calculated from the relative viscosity of a completely saponified anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution and water (see JIS K6726:1994). Anion-modified polyvinyl alcohols having different degrees of polymerization or saponification may be used in combination.

[0031] Commercially available anion-modified polyvinyl alcohols include KL-118, KL-318, KL-506, KM-118, and KM-618 manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.; Gohsenex T-330H, Gohsenex T-330, Gohsenex T-350, and Gohsenex CKS-50 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; and AP-17, AT-17, and AF-17 manufactured by Nippon Vacuum & Poval Co., Ltd.

[0032] The polyvinylpyrrolidone according to the present invention is a polymer containing a structural unit derived from N-vinylpyrrolidone. The polyvinylpyrrolidone may be a copolymer further containing a structural unit derived from an unsaturated monomer other than N-vinylpyrrolidone in addition to the structural unit derived from N-vinylpyrrolidone, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of the unsaturated monomer other than N-vinylpyrrolidone include vinyl ester compounds such as vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, vinyl propionate, vinyl versatate, and vinyl vivalate. Examples of the copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone with another unsaturated monomer include an N-vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer and an N-vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate / vinyl propionate copolymer. The content of structural units derived from unsaturated monomers other than N-vinylpyrrolidone in all structural units of polyvinylpyrrolidone is 0 mol % or more, and is preferably 5 mol % or less, more preferably 3 mol % or less, and even more preferably 1 mol % or less. Commercially available polyvinylpyrrolidone products include Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-85, and Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90 manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.; PVA-6450 and Acorn M (N-vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer) manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; and Kollidon VA64 (N-vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer) manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.

[0033] Examples of polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof include polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, etc., and preferably sodium polyacrylate and potassium polyacrylate. The polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof may be a copolymer that further contains, in addition to the structural units derived from acrylic acid, structural units derived from other unsaturated monomers other than acrylic acid, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of the unsaturated monomer other than acrylic acid include unsaturated monomers having a carboxy group other than acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid esters, styrene-based compounds, etc. Specifically, examples of the other unsaturated monomer include maleic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, styrene, etc. The content of constituent units derived from unsaturated monomers other than acrylic acid in all constituent units of polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof is 0 mol % or more, and is preferably 5 mol % or less, more preferably 3 mol % or less, and even more preferably 1 mol % or less.

[0034] Examples of polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof include polystyrene sulfonic acid, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, and potassium polystyrene sulfonate, and preferably sodium polystyrene sulfonate and potassium polystyrene sulfonate. The polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof may be a copolymer that further contains, in addition to the structural units derived from styrene sulfonic acid, other unsaturated monomers other than styrene sulfonic acid, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of the unsaturated monomer other than styrenesulfonic acid include unsaturated monomers having a carboxy group, (meth)acrylic acid esters, styrene-based compounds, etc. Specifically, examples of the other unsaturated monomers include maleic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, styrene, etc. The content of structural units derived from unsaturated monomers other than styrenesulfonic acid in all structural units of polystyrenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof is 0 mol% or more, and preferably 5 mol% or less, more preferably 3 mol% or less, and even more preferably 1 mol% or less.

[0035] Among these, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the synthetic polymer (A2) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polystyrene sulfonic acid, more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, and even more preferably anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0036] From the viewpoints of ease of handling of the fungal adhesion inhibitor and exhibiting a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, the weight average molecular weight of the synthetic polymer (A2) is preferably 5,000 or more, more preferably 10,000 or more, and even more preferably 50,000 or more, and is preferably 200,000 or less, more preferably 150,000 or less, and even more preferably 100,000 or less. The weight average molecular weight of the synthetic polymer (A2) can be measured by the method described in the Examples.

[0037] The component (A) used in the fungal adhesion inhibitor of the present invention is preferably water-soluble from the viewpoints of good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect and ease of handling. As used herein, the term "water-soluble" means that the solubility in water at 25° C. is 0.1 g / 100 g or more. From the viewpoints of the stability of the fungal adhesion inhibitor and ease of handling during application, the fungal adhesion inhibitor may contain other components in addition to the component (A), and such other components include, for example, water, a surfactant, an organic solvent, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, etc. The organic solvent is preferably a water-soluble organic solvent that can be mixed with water in any ratio.

[0038] <Target fungal species> The fungal adhesion inhibitor of the present invention exhibits a good adhesion inhibitory effect against various fungi. In the present invention, examples of fungal species to be inhibited from adhesion include the genus Rhodotorula, such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, the genus Saccharomyces, the genus Pichia, the genus Cladosporium, the genus Aspergillus, the genus Candida, such as Candida parapsilosis, the genus Penicillium, the genus Alternaria, the genus Phoma, the genus Aureobasidium, etc. Among these, the fungal species to be inhibited from adhesion are preferably one or more species selected from the group consisting of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Candida parapsilosis, from the viewpoint of a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect.

[0039] [An inhibitor of biofilm formation that contains fungi as constituent bacteria] The biofilm formation inhibitor of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "biofilm formation inhibitor") is an inhibitor of biofilm formation whose constituent bacteria include a fungus, and which contains, as component (A), one or more species selected from the group consisting of (A1) and (A2) below. (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0040] A biofilm is a membrane structure formed by bacteria attached to a solid surface and exopolysaccharides produced by the bacteria. The formation of a biofilm containing fungi as a constituent bacteria is premised on the attachment of fungi-containing bacteria to a solid surface. Therefore, if the attachment of fungi-containing bacteria to a solid surface is suppressed, the initial number of fungi present on the solid surface is reduced, and biofilm formation is suppressed. The composition of the biofilm formation inhibitor of the present invention is the same as that of the fungal adhesion inhibitor. Therefore, the explanation of the component (A) and the target fungal species is omitted because it is the same as the explanation in the section of the fungal adhesion inhibitor described above.

[0041] [Antifungal agents] The antifungal agent of the present invention contains, as component (A), one or more members selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0042] Antifungal means inhibiting the growth of fungi. Since the growth of fungi on a solid surface is premised on the adhesion of fungi to the solid surface, if the adhesion of fungi to the solid surface is inhibited, the initial number of fungi present on the solid surface is reduced, and the growth of fungi is inhibited. The antifungal agent of the present invention has the same structure as the fungal adhesion inhibitor. Therefore, the explanation of the component (A) and the target fungal species is omitted because it is the same as the explanation in the section of the fungal adhesion inhibitor described above.

[0043] [Method of inhibiting fungal adhesion] The method for inhibiting fungal adhesion of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the "fungal adhesion inhibition method") is a method comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing component (A) onto the surface of a solid using a solution containing, as component (A), one or more components selected from the group consisting of (A1) and (A2) below. (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0044] The fungal adhesion inhibition method of the present invention involves treating a solid surface with a solution containing a specific cellulose derivative and / or synthetic polymer to physically adsorb the specific cellulose derivative and / or synthetic polymer, and it is believed that the hydrophilic (including ionic) and hydrophobic parts of the specific cellulose derivative and / or synthetic polymer contribute to suppressing the affinity interaction between the treated solid surface and fungi, thereby exerting a good fungal adhesion inhibition effect on solid surfaces of various materials. A good fungal adhesion inhibition effect can be obtained whether the solid surface is in air or water, and preferably, an even better fungal adhesion inhibition effect can be obtained when the solid surface is in water.

[0045] Component (A) is the same as the fungal adhesion inhibitor. Therefore, the explanation of component (A) and the target fungal species is omitted because it is the same as the explanation in the section of the fungal adhesion inhibitor described above.

[0046] <Solid> The method for inhibiting fungal adhesion of the present invention is a method for treating the surface of a solid, and the solid to be treated may be either an organic or inorganic substance, or may be a composite material, such as resin, metal, ceramics, glass, textile products, paper, skin, hair, etc. The solid is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, stainless steel, and glass, as a material that can provide a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect, more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and glass, even more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, and polypropylene, and even more preferably polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. More preferably, the polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene, even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene, even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene, even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, and polyethylene, even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester and polystyrene, even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester or polystyrene, and even more preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester or polystyrene. In the above preferred embodiment, the polyester given as a preferred solid material is preferably polyethylene terephthalate, from the viewpoint of obtaining a good fungus adhesion inhibitory effect.

[0047] <Solution containing component (A)> In the method for inhibiting fungal adhesion of the present invention, component (A) is physically adsorbed onto the surface of a solid to be treated using a solution containing component (A). The term "physical adsorption" as used herein is distinct from chemical adsorption, which is adsorption onto a solid surface accompanied by a chemical reaction. The treatment for physically adsorbing component (A) onto a solid surface does not require the use of a binder or the like, and a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect can be obtained simply by treating with a solution containing component (A).

[0048] As the solvent of the solution containing component (A), water or an organic solvent can be used, but from the viewpoint of simplicity and safety, it is preferable to use a solvent containing water as the main component. In addition, the solvent of the solution containing component (A) may contain a water-soluble organic solvent that can be mixed with water at any ratio within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. The content of water in the solvent of the solution containing component (A) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and preferably 100% by mass or less, even more preferably 100% by mass. In other words, it is preferable that the solution containing component (A) is an aqueous solution. The concentration of component (A) in the solution containing component (A) varies depending on the treatment method, the desired degree of inhibition of fungal adhesion, etc., but is preferably 0.01 mass % or more, more preferably 0.02 mass % or more, even more preferably 0.05 mass % or more, and is preferably 5 mass % or less, more preferably 2 mass % or less, even more preferably 1 mass % or less. From the viewpoint of ease of handling during treatment, etc., the solution containing component (A) may contain other components in addition to component (A). Examples of such other components include surfactants, fragrances, pH adjusters, etc.

[0049] In the method for inhibiting fungal adhesion of the present invention, the treatment of the surface of a solid with a solution containing component (A) can be carried out by, for example, methods such as immersion, coating, spraying, casting, etc. Among these methods, the treatment is preferably carried out by immersing the surface of the solid in an aqueous solution containing component (A), from the viewpoint of facilitating uniform treatment of the surface of the solid. The fungal adhesion inhibition method of the present invention may further include a step of rinsing the surface of the treated solid with water after the treatment step in order to remove component (A) that is not adsorbed on the surface of the solid. In the fungal adhesion inhibition method of the present invention, even when the surface of the treated solid is rinsed with water, a good fungal adhesion inhibition effect can be exhibited. It is preferable to further include a drying step after the treatment step or after rinsing the surface of the treated solid with water after the treatment step. It is considered that the further inclusion of a drying step promotes physical adsorption of component (A) to the surface of the solid to be treated, thereby enabling a good fungal adhesion inhibition effect to be exhibited. The water used to rinse the surface of the treated solid is not particularly limited, and tap water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, hard water, soft water, etc. can be used. The amount of water used to rinse the surface of the treated solid is preferably 100 parts by mass or more, more preferably 200 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 400 parts by mass or more, and is preferably 1,000 parts by mass or less, more preferably 800 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 600 parts by mass or less, relative to 1 part by mass of component (A) used in the treatment step. For example, when the surface of a solid is treated with a solution containing component (A) by immersing the solid in an aqueous solution containing component (A), preferably, the solid whose surface has been cleaned by washing or the like is immersed in an aqueous solution having a component (A) concentration of 0.01% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less for 0.1 hour to 24 hours, and then the surface of the treated solid is rinsed with water and naturally dried or blow-dried.

[0050] [Method for inhibiting the formation of biofilms containing fungi as constituent bacteria] The method for inhibiting biofilm formation of the present invention is a method for inhibiting the formation of a biofilm containing a fungus as a constituent microorganism, comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing component (A) onto the surface of a solid using a solution containing, as component (A), one or more species selected from the group consisting of (A1) and (A2) below. (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0051] Since the formation of a biofilm containing fungi as a constituent microorganism is premised on the adhesion of fungi-containing bacteria to a solid surface, if the adhesion of fungi-containing bacteria to a solid surface is suppressed, the initial number of fungi present on the solid surface is reduced, and biofilm formation is suppressed. Therefore, the embodiment of the biofilm formation suppression method of the present invention is similar to the above-mentioned fungal adhesion suppression method, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0052] [Antifungal method] The antifungal method of the present invention includes a treatment step of physically adsorbing component (A) onto the surface of a solid using a solution containing, as component (A), one or more members selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2): (A1) A cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose. (A2) A synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0053] Since antifungal treatment is based on the premise that fungi adhere to a solid surface, if the adhesion of fungi to a solid surface is inhibited, the initial number of fungi present on the solid surface is reduced, and the proliferation of fungi is inhibited. Therefore, the aspects of the antifungal method are similar to those of the fungal adhesion inhibition method, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0054] The weight average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative and synthetic polymer used in the present invention was measured by the following method.

[0055] [Measurement of weight average molecular weight of cellulose derivatives] The weight average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following measurement conditions. (Measurement conditions) Column: "TSKgel (registered trademark) α-M" (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40℃ Eluent: ethanol / water (volume ratio 3 / 7), 50 mmol / L lithium bromide, 1% acetic acid ·Flow rate: 0.6mL / min Sample concentration: 1mg / mL Sample injection volume: 10μL Detector: Refractive index (RI) detector Standard sample: Polyethylene glycol

[0056] [Measurement of weight average molecular weight of synthetic polymer] The weight average molecular weight of the synthetic polymer was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following measurement conditions. (Measurement conditions) Column: "TSKgel (registered trademark) α-M" (Tosoh Corporation), 2 columns Column temperature: 40℃ Eluent: dimethylformamide, 50mmol / L lithium bromide, 60mmol / L phosphoric acid ·Flow rate: 0.6mL / min Sample concentration: 5mg / L Sample injection volume: 100μL Detector: RI detector Standard sample: polystyrene

[0057] The degree of substitution of alkyleneoxy or alkyl groups of the cellulose derivative used in the present invention was calculated by the following method using the Zeisel method.

[0058] [Calculation of the degree of substitution of alkyleneoxy or alkyl groups for cellulose derivatives using the Zeisel method] The mass of the cellulose derivative skeleton was calculated from the mass of the hydroxyalkyl group or alkyl group and the total sample mass measured by the following method, and each was converted into an amount of substance (mol) to calculate the degree of substitution of the alkyleneoxy group or alkyl group. (Measurement of the mass of hydroxyalkyl group or alkyl group) The method for calculating the mass of a hydroxyalkyl group or an alkyl group will be described below using the hydroxyethyl group in Example 1 (using HEC) as an example. Other hydroxyalkyl groups or alkyl groups can also be measured by appropriately selecting a sample (iodoalkane) for the calibration curve. After dissolving 1 g of the powdered cellulose derivative in 100 g of water, the solution was placed in a dialysis membrane (Spectra / Pore 7 (molecular weight cutoff 1,000), manufactured by Funakoshi Co., Ltd.) and dialyzed for 2 days. The resulting solution was freeze-dried using a freeze dryer (FDU1100, manufactured by Tokyo Rikakikai Co., Ltd.) to obtain a purified cellulose derivative. 65 mg of the purified cellulose derivative and 65 mg of adipic acid (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were precisely weighed into a 10 mL vial (Mighty Vial No. 3, Maruemu Co., Ltd.), and 2 mL of the internal standard solution (n-octane (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) / o-xylene (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) = 1 / 100 (v / v)) and 2 mL of hydroiodic acid (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were added and sealed. In addition, samples for the calibration curve were prepared by adding 83, 96, or 107 mg of iodoethane (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) instead of the cellulose derivative. Each sample was heated at 170 ° C. for 2 hours using a block heater (Reacti-Therm III Heating / Stirring Module, PIERCE) while stirring with a stirrer tip. After the sample was allowed to cool, the upper layer (o-xylene layer) was collected and the amount of iodoethane was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-2014, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). (GC analysis conditions) Column: Packed column (liquid phase: Silicone SE-30 (30%), carrier: Chromosorb W 60 / 80 AW-DMCS, glass (length: 3.1 m, inner diameter: 2.6 mm)), manufactured by Shinwa Chemical Co., Ltd. Column temperature: 60°C (held for 5 minutes) → Heat up at 10°C / min → 230°C (held for 5 minutes) Injector temperature: 210℃ Detector: FID Detector temperature: 230℃ Injection volume: 1μL The mass of the hydroxyethyl group in the sample was calculated from the amount of iodoethane detected by GC.

[0059] Reference example 1 The adhesion of fungi and E. coli to solid surfaces was confirmed by the following method. [Preparation of sample substrate] A polyethylene terephthalate substrate (25 mm x 75 mm, 1 mm thick, manufactured by Engineering Test Service Co., Ltd.) was washed (immersed in ethanol for 30 minutes, rinsed with ion-exchanged water for 30 seconds on each side, and dried by nitrogen gas blowing) to obtain a washed substrate. A sample substrate of 12.5 mm x 25 mm and 1 mm thick was cut out from this washed substrate. [Preparation of test bacteria solution] Preparation of test solution using Rhodotorula 100 μL of the following bacteria, which had been cryopreserved with the addition of glycerol, was cultured in potato dextrose agar medium (PDA medium; manufactured by Difco Laboratories) at 30° C. for 48 hours. A portion of the formed colonies was collected and diluted with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS; calcium and magnesium free, pH 7.0 to 7.3) to an OD600 of 0.1 to prepare a test bacteria solution. Preparation of test solution using E. coli 100 μL of the following bacteria, which had been cryopreserved with the addition of glycerol, was cultured in LB agar medium (20 g of LB medium (Difco Laboratories) and 15 g of agar (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) mixed with 1000 g of distilled water and autoclaved at 120°C for 20 minutes) at 37°C for 24 hours. A portion of the formed colonies was collected and diluted with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS; calcium and magnesium free, pH 7.0 to 7.3) to an OD600 of 0.1 to prepare a test bacteria solution. (Type of bacteria) Rhodotorula: Rhodotorula mucilaginosa; fungus · Escherichia coli: Escherichia coli (NBRC3301); bacteria

[0060] [Bacteria adhesion test] The sample substrate and 3 mL of the test bacteria solution were placed in a sterile petri dish ("Azunol Petri Dish", AS ONE Corporation; made of polystyrene, diameter 40 mm, height 13.5 mm), and shaken at 110 rpm for 1 hour at room temperature (25 ° C). Next, the sample substrate was removed, rinsed with 30 mL of DPBS in a beaker, and the sample substrate was transferred to another petri dish. After that, 3 mL of a 1000-fold (volume) diluted solution of a bacterial fluorescent staining dye ("-Bacstain-CFDA solution", Dojindo Laboratories; a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate) in DPBS was dropped, and the sample substrate was immersed. After standing at 37 ° C for 30 minutes, the sample substrate was rinsed with sterile water and dried by nitrogen gas blowing. Images of the stained bacteria on the sample substrate were observed using a confocal laser microscope (Carl Zeiss Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial adhesion area was calculated using image processing software ("ImageJ") to determine the bacterial adhesion amount. Table 1 shows the average bacterial adhesion amount and the relative value of the bacterial adhesion amount of the fungus (Rhodotorula) when the bacterial adhesion amount of E. coli is set to 100.0.

[0061] [Table 1]

[0062] Table 1 shows that Rhodotorula (fungus / yeast) has an adhesive property approximately 1,400 times higher than that of E. coli.

[0063] Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 As component (A), 0.1% by mass of each of the following samples was mixed with ion-exchanged water to make up 100.0 g, to prepare a 0.1% by mass aqueous solution of the sample (fungal adhesion inhibitor). Substrates made of the following materials were washed (immersed in ethanol for 30 minutes, rinsed with ion-exchanged water for 30 seconds on each side, and dried by nitrogen gas blowing). Next, the washed substrate was immersed in 100 g of a sample aqueous solution (fungal adhesion inhibitor) for 12 hours, rinsed with 50 mL of ion-exchanged water for 30 seconds on each side, and dried by nitrogen gas blowing to obtain a treated substrate. A sample substrate measuring 12.5 mm x 25 mm and 1 mm thick was cut out from the treated substrate, and the following fungal adhesion test was performed to evaluate the fungal adhesion inhibitory effect. Table 2 shows the evaluation results of the fungal adhesion inhibitory effect of each sample substrate.

[0064] The cellulose derivatives and synthetic polymers used in the fungal adhesion inhibitor are as follows: <Sample 1: HEC> Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC): "Natrosol 250 GR", manufactured by Ashland Co., weight average molecular weight 300,000, degree of substitution of ethyleneoxy group 2.5 <Sample 2: HPC> Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC): "NISSO HPC-L", manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., weight average molecular weight 140,000, degree of substitution of propyleneoxy group 3.3 <Sample 3: HPMC> Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC): "Metolose 60SH-10000", manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., weight average molecular weight 370,000 (published value), degree of substitution of propyleneoxy group 0.25, degree of substitution of methyl group 1.90 <Sample 4: CMC> Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): "Sunrose F01MC", manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., viscosity at 25°C when made into a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 7 to 13 mPa·s (published value), degree of etherification is 0.65 to 0.75 (published value) <Sample 5: MC> Methylcellulose (MC): "Methylcellulose 50", manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., weight average molecular weight 50,000, degree of substitution of methyl group approximately 1.83 (value calculated from the median value 29.5% of the product information on the Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries website (standard content: methoxy group (calculated on the dried basis): 26-33%)) <Sample 6: PVA> Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): "Kuraray Poval 22-88", manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd., average degree of polymerization 1,700 <Sample 7: Anion-modified PVA> Anion-modified polyvinyl alcohol (anion-modified PVA): "KL-118", manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd., average degree of polymerization 1,800 <Sample 8: PVP> Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): "Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30", Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., weight average molecular weight 40,000 <Sample 9: PAA> Polyacrylic acid (PAA): "Polyacrylic acid 25,000", Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, weight average molecular weight 25,000 <Sample 10: PSS> Polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS): "I10Y009", manufactured by Alfa Aesar, weight average molecular weight 70,000 <Sample 11: EO / PO triblock copolymer> Polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene / polyoxyethylene condensate: "Pluronic P-85", ADEKA Corporation <Sample 12: Sodium hyaluronate (1)> "Penetrating hyaluronic acid (FCH-SU)", manufactured by Kikkoman Biochemifa Corporation; weight-average molecular weight 100,000 (published value) <Sample 13: Sodium hyaluronate (2)> "FCH-60", manufactured by Kikkoman Biochemifa Corporation; weight average molecular weight 600,000 (published value)

[0065] The various substrates made of various materials that can be used for treatment with the fungal adhesion inhibitor are as follows: PET: Polyethylene terephthalate, 25mm x 75mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Services Co., Ltd. PC: Polycarbonate, 26mm x 76mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Services Co., Ltd. ABS: Acrylonitrile / Butadiene / Styrene copolymer, 25mm x 140mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Service Co., Ltd. PE: Polyethylene, 25mm x 75mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Services Co., Ltd. PS: Polystyrene, 10mm x 140mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Services Co., Ltd. PP: Polypropylene, 25mm x 75mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Nippon Test Panel Co., Ltd. SUS: Stainless steel SUS304, 25mm x 140mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Service Co., Ltd. PVC: Polyvinyl chloride, 25mm x 140mm, thickness 1mm, manufactured by Engineering Test Services Co., Ltd.

[0066] <Evaluation of fungal adhesion inhibitory effect> [Preparation of test bacteria solution] 100 μL of Rhodotorula (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa; fungus) that had been frozen and stored with the addition of glycerol was cultured on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA medium; Difco Laboratories) at 30°C for 48 hours. A portion of the formed colony was collected and diluted with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS; calcium and magnesium free, pH 7.0-7.3) to an OD600 of 0.1 to prepare a test bacterial solution.

[0067] [Fungal adhesion test] The sample substrate and 3 mL of the test bacteria solution were placed in a sterile petri dish ("Azunol Petri Dish", AS ONE Corporation; made of polystyrene, diameter 40 mm, height 13.5 mm), and shaken at 110 rpm for 1 hour at room temperature (25 ° C). Next, the sample substrate was removed, rinsed with 30 mL of DPBS in a beaker, and the sample substrate was transferred to another petri dish. After that, 3 mL of a 1000-fold (volume) diluted solution of a bacterial fluorescent staining dye ("-Bacstain-CFDA solution", Dojindo Laboratories; a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate) in DPBS was dropped, and the sample substrate was immersed. After standing at 37 ° C for 30 minutes, the sample substrate was rinsed with sterile water and dried by nitrogen gas blowing. Images of the stained fungi on the sample substrate were observed using a confocal laser microscope (Carl Zeiss Co., Ltd.), and the fungal adhesion area was calculated using image processing software (ImageJ). In Table 2, the fungal adhesion inhibition rate [%] is shown as the value calculated by 100 (1-S1 / S0), where S0 is the fungal adhesion area of ​​the blank substrate not treated with the sample aqueous solution (fungal adhesion inhibitor) and S1 is the fungal adhesion area of ​​the sample substrate. A higher fungal adhesion inhibition rate, closer to 100%, indicates a better fungal adhesion inhibition effect. A fungal adhesion inhibition rate of 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 75% or more can be said to have a good fungal adhesion inhibition effect.

[0068] [Table 2]

[0069] As can be seen from Table 2, when EO / PO triblock copolymer or sodium hyaluronate was used as a fungal adhesion inhibitor (Comparative Examples 1 to 3), a sufficient fungal adhesion inhibitory effect was not obtained. On the other hand, when the specific cellulose derivative or synthetic polymer of the present invention was used (Examples 1 to 17), a good fungal adhesion inhibitory effect was obtained. Furthermore, from Table 2, it was confirmed that the fungal adhesion inhibitor of Sample 1 exhibited a high fungal adhesion inhibitory effect even on substrates made of various materials (Examples 1, 11 to 17). According to the present invention, the effect exhibited by Sample 1 can be expected to be similar to that of other samples other than Sample 1.

Claims

1. An antifungal adhesion inhibitor comprising, as component (A), one or more selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salts, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salts

2. A biofilm formation inhibitor for constituent bacteria containing fungi, comprising, as component (A), one or more selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salts, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salts

3. An antifungal agent comprising, as component (A), one or more selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salts, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salts

4. An antifungal adhesion inhibition method comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing component (A) on the surface of a solid with a solution containing, as component (A), one or more selected from the group consisting of the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salt, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salt

5. A method for inhibiting the formation of a biofilm containing a fungus as a constituent bacterium, comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing the component (A) on the surface of a solid with a solution containing one or more selected from the following group consisting of (A1) and (A2) as the component (A). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salt, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salt

6. An antifungal method comprising a treatment step of physically adsorbing the component (A) on the surface of a solid with a solution containing one or more selected from the following group consisting of (A1) and (A2) as the component (A). (A1) Cellulose derivatives selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose (A2) Synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid or its salt, and polystyrene sulfonic acid or its salt

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the treatment step is performed by immersing the surface of the solid in an aqueous solution containing the component (A).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of rinsing the surface of the treated solid with water after the treatment step.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the solid is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, stainless steel, and glass.