Biofilm remover composition

Abstract

To provide: a biofilm remover composition which has excellent properties of removing biofilms adhered to object articles, especially fiber products; and a removal method of biofilms using the same.SOLUTION: A biofilm remover composition comprises the following component (a) and component (b) where, when there is included, as the component (b), a compound (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)) represented by the general formula (b1) in which the carbon number of R1b is 14 to 22, a molar ratio of a content of the component (b-2) and a content of the component (a), (a) / (b-2), is 0.30 or more. Component (a): a quaternary ammonium salt having long-chain alkyl groups, represented by the general formula (a1). Component (b): a compound represented by the following general formula (b1): R1b-O-[(EO)r]-SO3M (b1) [in the general formula (b1), R1b is a C8-22 hydrocarbon group; EO is an ethyleneoxy group; r is an average addition mole number of EO and is a number of 0 to 25; M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a biofilm removing agent composition and a method for removing a biofilm. [Background technology]

[0002] Once bacteria attach to a target object, the bacteria grow on the target object and form a biofilm. A biofilm is also called a biofilm or slime, and generally refers to a three-dimensional structure formed by microorganisms such as bacteria attaching to the surface of a material and growing, and enveloping the microorganisms with polymeric substances such as polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids produced by the microorganisms. Biofilms are a problem for ordinary people in various situations. For example, they cause unpleasant slimy dirt and bad odors in household water environments such as the kitchen, sinks, and around the drains in the bathroom. Biofilms form not only in direct water environments, but also in scratches on cutting boards, inside dishwashing sponges, washing machine drums, and even in fabric products such as clothing, dish towels, dusters, and foot mats, and are prone to cause problems in situations where water, moisture, and dirt coexist. In addition, detergents containing various surfactants are widely used for cleaning textile products such as clothing. In recent years, as consumers have become more hygienic, there has been growing interest in bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of textile products. For this reason, consumers take extra time and cost to clean such products by soaking socks and sweaty clothes, which are prone to bacterial growth, in a cleaning solution for a while, or by using disinfectants or bleach in combination with textile cleaning agents.

[0003] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a germicidal light-duty dishwashing detergent composition, either gel or liquid, containing a dioctyldimethylammonium salt and an alkyl ether carboxylate salt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,667 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Biofilms that adhere to target objects, especially textile products, are extremely difficult to remove because the polymers that compose the biofilm act as a protective barrier that protects bacteria from various substrates. The present invention provides a biofilm remover composition that is excellent in removing biofilms attached to target articles, particularly textile products, and a method for removing biofilms using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention comprises the following component (a) and component (b), and as the component (b), R 1b When the biofilm remover composition contains a compound having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)), the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of component (b-2) to the content of component (a) is 0.30 or more. Component (a): a compound represented by the following general formula (a1):

[0007] [ka]

[0008] [In general formula (a1), R 1a and R 2a are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3a and R 4a are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; - is an anion.] Component (b): a compound represented by the following general formula (b1): R 1b -O-[(EO) r ]-SO3M (b1) [In general formula (b1), R1b is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, r is the average number of moles of EO added and is a number of 0 to 25, and M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for removing a biofilm, which comprises contacting a target article on which a biofilm is present with the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a compound comprising the above-mentioned components (a) and (b), and as the component (b), R 1b and a compound having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)), in which the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of component (b-2) to the content of component (a) is 0.30 or more, is brought into contact with a target article on which a biofilm is present. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there are provided a biofilm remover composition that is excellent in removing biofilms attached to target articles, particularly textile products, and a method for removing biofilms using the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The reason why the biofilm remover composition of the present invention and the biofilm removal method using the same are excellent in removing biofilms attached to target objects, particularly textile products, is not entirely clear, but is presumed to be as follows. Extracellular polysaccharides, a type of polymer that constitutes biofilms, function as a protective barrier that protects bacteria from various base materials, making it extremely difficult to remove biofilms. In the present invention, it is believed that the combination of a specific cationic surfactant (component (a)) and a specific anionic surfactant (component (b)) relaxes and disperses the dense structure of the extracellular polysaccharides, making it possible to remove biofilms. However, it is believed that the (b-2) component and the (a) component form a strong complex, which cancels each other out and causes the biofilm removal effect to disappear. Since such a strong ion complex reduces the activity of the (b-2) component on extracellular polysaccharides, it is believed that the less the (b-2) component is contained in the biofilm remover composition, the higher the biofilm removal effect.

[0013] [Biofilm remover composition] <Component (a)> The biofilm removing composition of the present invention contains a compound represented by the following general formula (a1) as component (a).

[0014] [ka]

[0015] [In general formula (a1), R 1a and R 2a are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3a and R 4a are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; - is an anion.]

[0016] In the compound of general formula (a1) which is the component (a1), R 1a and R 2aare each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, and 12 or less, preferably 10 or less, carbon atoms, preferably a linear alkyl group, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal. 1a and R 2a are preferably identical to each other. R 3a and R 4a are each independently a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms include groups selected from a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group. X - X is an anion. From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the anion is preferably a halogen ion or an alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of the halogen ion include a chloride ion, a bromide ion, and an iodide ion. - From the viewpoint of removing biofilms, chloride ion is preferred. Examples of alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include methyl sulfate ion, ethyl sulfate ion, and propyl sulfate ion.

[0017] The component (a) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0018] <(b) Component> The biofilm removing composition of the present invention contains a compound represented by the following general formula (b1) as component (b). R 1b -O-[(EO) r ]-SO3M (b1) [In general formula (b1), R 1b is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, r is the average number of moles of EO added and is a number of 0 to 25, and M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion.

[0019] From the viewpoint of removing biofilms, the component (b) is R in the general formula (b1). 1b It is preferable that the compound contains a compound having 8 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (b-1)). In the compound of the general formula (b1) of the component (b-1), R 1b From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, is a hydrocarbon group having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, or a linear or branched alkenyl group, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and even more preferably a linear alkyl group. r is the average number of moles of EO added, and from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, it is a number that is 0 or more, preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1 or more, and 25 or less, preferably 8 or less, more preferably 5 or less. M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion. Examples of the alkali metal ion include a sodium ion or a potassium ion, examples of the alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom) include a calcium ion or a magnesium ion, and examples of the organic ammonium ion include an alkanolamine having 1 to 3 alkanol groups having 2 or 3 carbon atoms (e.g., monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, etc.).

[0020] The component (b) is R in the general formula (b1). 1b The compound having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)) may be contained, but from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the content thereof is limited. In the compound of the general formula (b1) of the component (b-1), R 1b is a hydrocarbon group having 14 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, or a linear or branched alkenyl group, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and even more preferably a linear alkyl group. r is the average number of moles of EO added, and from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, it is a number that is 0 or more, preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1 or more, and 25 or less, preferably 8 or less, more preferably 5 or less. M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion. Examples of the alkali metal ion include a sodium ion or a potassium ion, examples of the alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom) include a calcium ion or a magnesium ion, and examples of the organic ammonium ion include an alkanolamine having 1 to 3 alkanol groups having 2 or 3 carbon atoms (e.g., monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, etc.).

[0021] The component (b) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0022] <Composition, etc.> From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains component (a) in a concentration of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, still more preferably 1% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, still more preferably 10% by mass or less, and still more preferably 5% by mass or less. In the present invention, the mass of component (a) is expressed in terms of the chlorine salt.

[0023] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains component (b) in a concentration of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 12% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. In the present invention, the mass of component (b) is expressed as a value converted into a sodium salt.

[0024] In the biofilm removal agent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (a) / (b) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.005 or more, even more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.1 or more, and is preferably less than 1, more preferably 0.99 or less, even more preferably 0.97 or less, even more preferably 0.95 or less, even more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.3 or less.

[0025] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains the component (b-1) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 12% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0026] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains component (b-2), from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the content of component (b-2) in the composition is preferably 10 mass % or less, more preferably 5 mass % or less, and even more preferably 2.5 mass % or less. From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, it is preferable that the biofilm removing composition of the present invention does not contain the component (b-2).

[0027] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains component (b-1), the mass ratio (a) / (b-1) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b-1) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.005 or more, even more preferably 0.01 or more, still more preferably 0.02 or more, still more preferably 0.06 or more, still more preferably 0.1 or more, and preferably 0.99 or less, more preferably 0.97 or less, still more preferably 0.95 or less, still more preferably 0.5 or less, and still more preferably 0.3 or less.

[0028] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention contains the component (b-2), the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b-2) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, 0.30 or more, preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, even more preferably 1 or more, and preferably 40 or less, more preferably 30 or less, even more preferably 20 or less, still more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 5 or less.

[0029] The biofilm remover composition of the present invention can promote biofilm removal by containing other components such as water-soluble solvents, chelating agents, pH adjusters, preservatives, colorants, fragrances, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents such as polymers, dispersants, enzymes, antibacterial agents, antioxidants, antifoaming agents, etc. (however, components (a) and (b) are excluded).

[0030] The biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention contains water. As the water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, purified water, etc. can be used. The water can be used in an amount such that, as the remainder of the composition, the total composition of the whole composition becomes 100% by mass. The biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention contains water in the composition, preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, still more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0031] The pH of the biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 3 or more, still more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 6 or more, and preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, still more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal. The pH is a value measured at 25°C using a glass electrode. Specifically, it is measured by the following method. <Method for Measuring pH> Calibrate the pH electrode (BlueLine 17 pH manufactured by SI Analytics) of the Consort multi-parameter analyser C3010 in advance with Reagecon pH4.000 High Resolution Colour Coded Buffer Solution and Reagecon pH 7.000 High Resolution Colour Coded Buffer Solution, and rinse well with ion-exchanged water. Put the pH electrode calibrated and washed as described above into the detergent composition adjusted to 25°C, and measure using the AUTO HOLD mode of the pH meter until the measured value becomes constant.

[0032] The biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention may be a biofilm removing agent composition containing component (a) and component (b), and may further contain water and other components. The matters described in the biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention can be appropriately applied to this biofilm removing agent composition, and the content of each component and each mass ratio can be applied by replacing them with the blending amounts of each component.

[0033] The biofilm remover composition of the present invention can be suitably used for textile products or hard articles, and more preferably for textile products.

[0034] The fibers of the textile product may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Examples of hydrophobic fibers include protein fibers (milk protein casein fibers, promix, etc.), polyamide fibers (nylon, etc.), polyester fibers (polyester, etc.), polyacrylonitrile fibers (acrylic, etc.), polyvinyl alcohol fibers (vinylon, etc.), polyvinyl chloride fibers (polyvinyl chloride, etc.), polyvinylidene chloride fibers (vinylidene, etc.), polyolefin fibers (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), polyurethane fibers (polyurethane, etc.), polyvinyl chloride / polyvinyl alcohol copolymer fibers (polycral, etc.), polyalkylene paraoxybenzoate fibers (benzoate, etc.), and polyfluoroethylene fibers (polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.). Examples of hydrophilic fibers include seed hair fibers (cotton, kapok, etc.), bast fibers (hemp, flax, ramie, hemp, jute, etc.), leaf vein fibers (Manila hemp, sisal, etc.), palm fibers, rush, straw, animal hair fibers (wool, mohair, cashmere, camel hair, alpaca, vicuna, angora, etc.), silk fibers (domestic silk, wild silk), feathers, and cellulosic fibers (rayon, polynosic, cupra, acetate, etc.). In the present invention, the textile product refers to fabrics such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, etc. using the hydrophobic fibers or hydrophilic fibers, and products obtained using the same, such as undershirts, T-shirts, dress shirts, blouses, slacks, hats, handkerchiefs, towels, bedding, textile products for bedding (sheets, pillowcases, etc.), knitwear, socks, underwear, tights, masks, etc. Preferred textile products are woven fabrics such as woven fabrics and knitted fabrics, and woven textile products, such as textile products containing hydrophobic fibers, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal.

[0035] Examples of hard articles include tableware, hard articles used in the kitchen, and / or hard articles used in the living environment such as bathrooms, toilet areas, and floors; drains, water pipes, food or beverage manufacturing plants, cooling water systems such as industrial cooling towers, and medical equipment such as endoscopes, catheters, and artificial dialysis. Examples of materials for hard articles include plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene (including silicone resins), metals, ceramics, wood, and combinations thereof.

[0036] [How to remove biofilm] The present invention relates to a method for removing a biofilm, which comprises contacting a target object on which a biofilm is present with the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water (hereinafter also referred to as the treatment liquid of the present invention). The treatment liquid of the present invention is prepared by diluting the biofilm remover composition of the present invention with water, and therefore contains components (a) and (b). That is, the present invention comprises component (a) and component (b), and as component (b), R 1b The present invention relates to a method for removing a biofilm, comprising contacting a target object on which a biofilm is present with a treatment liquid (hereinafter also referred to as the treatment liquid of the present invention), in which the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of the component (b-2) to the content of the component (a) is 0.30 or more when the compound (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)) having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less is contained. The treatment liquid of the present invention also contains water. The biofilm removal method of the present invention is carried out using the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or the treatment liquid of the present invention obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water, and the aspects described for the biofilm remover composition of the present invention can be appropriately applied.

[0037] The target article for the biofilm removal method of the present invention is a textile product or a hard article, preferably a textile product. The aspects of the target articles, that is, textile products and hard articles, are the same as those described for the biofilm removing composition of the present invention.

[0038] Examples of a method for contacting the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water, with a target article on which a biofilm exists include a method of spraying or applying the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water, to a target article on which a biofilm exists or is thought to exist, and a method of immersing the target article, such as a textile product, in the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water. The biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water, may also be impregnated into a nonwoven fabric and contacted with the target article.

[0039] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water, is sprayed or applied to a target article, the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water, may be filled into a container equipped with a sprayer and sprayed in the form of droplets or foam, or the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water, may be poured from the container onto the target article and applied with a brush or the like. Examples of containers equipped with a sprayer include manual spray devices that do not use a propellant, such as trigger-type spray containers and pump-type spray containers, and aerosols that use a propellant. The container equipped with the sprayer is preferably a trigger-type spray that can spray the contents in the form of droplets or foam, and more preferably a trigger-type spray equipped with a mechanism for spraying the contents in the form of droplets or a trigger-type spray equipped with a mechanism for forming foam (foam-forming mechanism).

[0040] When a target object, such as a textile product, is immersed in the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water, the target object and the biofilm remover composition of the present invention during immersion, or the treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water, may be left to stand or may be stirred. When stirring, the stirring may be performed by hand or a rotary stirrer may be used. A rotary stirrer is a device that rotates the target object and the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or the treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water, around a certain rotation axis to stir the target object. The rotary stirrer may perform stirring in only one direction or in the opposite direction. In addition, stirring may be performed continuously or intermittently. Rotary agitators available to consumers include, for example, pulsator type washing machines, agitator type washing machines, or drum type washing machines. The method for removing a biofilm of the present invention is preferably a method in which a textile product on which a biofilm is present is immersed in a treatment liquid prepared by diluting the biofilm remover composition of the present invention with water, and the treatment liquid is stirred using a rotary stirrer.

[0041] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention is diluted with water to prepare the treatment liquid of the present invention, the dilution ratio is, for example, 100,000 times or less, further 50,000 times or less, further 10,000 times or less, further 3,000 times or less, and then 10 times or more, further 50 times or more, and further 100 times or more, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal.

[0042] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the content of component (a) in the treatment liquid of the present invention is preferably 0.001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.01 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.1 ppm or more, even more preferably 1 ppm or more, and preferably 150,000 ppm or less, more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 50,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 10,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500 ppm or less, even more preferably 100 ppm or less, even more preferably 50 ppm or less.

[0043] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the content of component (b) in the treatment liquid of the present invention is preferably 0.001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.01 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.1 ppm or more, even more preferably 1 ppm or more, and preferably 5,000,000 ppm or less, more preferably 1,000,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100 ppm or less, even more preferably 80 ppm or less.

[0044] When the treatment liquid of the present invention contains the component (b-1), the content of the component (b-1) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, preferably 0.001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.01 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.1 ppm or more, even more preferably 1 ppm or more, and preferably 5,000,000 ppm or less, more preferably 1,000,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100 ppm or less, even more preferably 80 ppm or less.

[0045] When the treatment liquid of the present invention contains the component (b-2), the content of the component (b-2) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, 5,000,000 ppm or less, more preferably 1,000,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 50,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 10,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5000 ppm or less, even more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 50 ppm or less. From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, it is preferable that the treatment liquid of the present invention does not contain the component (b-2).

[0046] In the treatment liquid of the present invention, the range of mass ratios of each component described in the biofilm removing agent composition of the present invention can be directly applied to the range of mass ratios of each component in the treatment liquid of the present invention.

[0047] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the pH of the treatment solution of the present invention is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, still more preferably 6 or more, and preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less. This pH may be the pH when the temperature of the treatment solution of the present invention is 25° C. The method for measuring the pH is the same as the method described above.

[0048] From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the hardness of the water used to prepare the treatment solution of the present invention is preferably 0°dH or more, more preferably 1°dH or more, even more preferably 3°dH or more, and preferably 30°dH or less, more preferably 25°dH or less, even more preferably 20°dH or less, even more preferably 10°dH or less, and even more preferably 5°dH or less, on the German hardness scale. The hardness of the treatment liquid of the present invention may be within the above range.

[0049] Here, German hardness (°dH) in this specification refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water expressed as a CaCO3 equivalent concentration of 1 mg / L (ppm) = approximately 0.056°dH (1°dH = 17.8 ppm). The calcium and magnesium concentrations for the German hardness scale are determined by chelate titration using disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. A specific method for measuring the German hardness of water in this specification is shown below. <Method of measuring water hardness in Germany> 〔reagent〕 0.01 mol / l EDTA·2Na solution: 0.01 mol / l aqueous solution of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (titration solution, 0.01 M EDTA-2Na, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich) ·Universal BT indicator (product name: Universal BT, manufactured by Dojindo Laboratories Co., Ltd.) Ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement (67.5 g of ammonium chloride dissolved in 570 ml of 28 w / v% ammonia water, and then made up to 1000 ml with ion-exchanged water) [Measurement of hardness] (1) Using a volumetric pipette, place 20 ml of sample water into a conical beaker. (2) Add 2 ml of ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement. (3) Add 0.5 ml of Universal BT indicator and confirm that the solution is reddish purple after addition. (4) While shaking the conical beaker well, add 0.01 mol / l EDTA·2Na solution from the burette, and the end point of the titration is when the sample water turns blue. (5) The total hardness is calculated using the following formula. Hardness (°dH)=T×0.01×F×56.0774×100 / A T:0.01mol / l Titration amount of EDTA・2Na solution (mL) A: Sample volume (20 mL, volume of sample water) F: Factor of 0.01mol / l EDTA·2Na solution

[0050] When a textile product on which a biofilm is present is immersed in the treatment solution of the present invention, the time for which the textile product is immersed (contacted) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, preferably at least 10 seconds, more preferably at least 1 minute, even more preferably at least 5 minutes, and preferably at most 1 day, more preferably at most 15 hours, even more preferably at most 5 hours. After immersion, the textile product is rinsed with water and dried. Rinsing may be performed using water in accordance with a known method such as washing textile products. The water used for rinsing in the present invention is not particularly limited, but may include tap water, well water, ion-exchanged water, sterilized water, distilled water, etc.

[0051] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water is sprayed or applied to a target article, the amount of the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water to be used is not particularly limited. For example, the amount of the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water to be used is about 1 cm 2 of the unit area of ​​the target article. 2From the viewpoint of biofilm removal, the amount of component (a) is preferably 0.0001 g or more, more preferably 0.001 g or more, and preferably 100 g or less, more preferably 10 g or less.

[0052] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water, is sprayed or applied to a target article, the time for which the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting it with water, is contacted with the target article on which a biofilm is present (time for which it is left standing) is, from the viewpoint of biofilm removal, preferably 10 seconds or more, more preferably 1 minute or more, even more preferably 5 minutes or more, and preferably 1 day or less, more preferably 15 hours or less, even more preferably 5 hours or less. After contact, the material may be dried as is, wiped off with a clean cloth, or rinsed with water. When rinsing, external force (physical force) may be applied with a sponge, or simply rinsed with running water.

[0053] When the biofilm remover composition of the present invention or a treatment solution obtained by diluting the composition with water is impregnated into a nonwoven fabric and brought into contact with a target article, the nonwoven fabric may be processed into a sheet, and the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are preferably composed of one or more types of fibers selected from the hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic fibers described above. The method of contacting the target article can be any of rubbing, kneading, or tapping by pressing a nonwoven fabric impregnated with the biofilm remover composition of the present invention, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water, against the target article and applying an external force within a range that does not damage the target article, thereby transferring the biofilm remover composition of the present invention impregnated in the nonwoven fabric, or the treatment liquid obtained by diluting the composition with water, to the target article. EXAMPLES

[0054] [Ingredients] In the examples and comparative examples, the following components were used. <Component (a)> Q-D08: Dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, in the general formula (a1), R1a and R 2a is an alkyl group having 8 carbon atoms, and R 3a and R 4a is a methyl group, and X - is a compound that is a chloride ion Q-D10ES: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, in the general formula (a1), R 1a and R 2a is an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and R 3a and R 4a is a methyl group, and X - is a compound that is a chloride ion, product name "Cortamin D-10ES", manufactured by Kao Corporation. Q-D10ES: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, in the general formula (a1), R 1a and R 2a is an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and R 3a and R 4a is a methyl group, and X - is a compound that is a chloride ion, product name "Cortamin D-10ES", manufactured by Kao Corporation. <(b) Component> C12AS: sodium dodecyl sulfate, in the general formula (b1), R 1b is a compound in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms, r is 0, and M is a sodium ion; component (b-1), trade name "sodium dodecyl sulfate," manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. C14AS: sodium tetradecyl sulfate, in the general formula (b1), R 1b is a compound in which the alkyl group has 14 carbon atoms, r is 0, and M is a sodium ion; component (b-2), trade name "sodium tetradecyl sulfate," manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. C12ES (EO:1): sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, in the general formula (b1), R 1b is a compound in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms, r is 1, and M is a sodium ion; (b-1) component, manufactured by Kao Corporation C12ES (EO:2): sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, in general formula (b1), R 1bis a compound in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms, r is 2, and M is a sodium ion; (b-1) component, manufactured by Kao Corporation C14ES (EO:1): sodium polyoxyethylene myristyl ether sulfate, in general formula (b1), R 1b is a compound having an alkyl group with 14 carbon atoms, r is 1, and M is a sodium ion; (b-2) component, manufactured by Kao Corporation C14ES(EO:2): sodium polyoxyethylene myristyl ether sulfate, in general formula (b1), R 1b is a compound having an alkyl group with 14 carbon atoms, r is 2, and M is a sodium ion; (b-2) component, manufactured by Kao Corporation

[0055] [Preparation of biofilm remover composition] The method for preparing the biofilm remover compositions shown in Tables 1-2 is as follows. A 3 cm long Teflon stirrer piece is placed in a 200 mL capacity glass beaker, then 10 g of ion-exchanged water and the components (a) and (b) in the proportions shown in Tables 1-2 are placed in, and the mixture is stirred at 100 r / min for 10 minutes, the pH is adjusted to 8 with monoethanolamine or hydrochloric acid, and ion-exchanged water is added so that the total amount becomes 100 g. After stirring at 100 r / min for 15 minutes, each biofilm remover composition is prepared. In addition, the amount of each component in each biofilm remover composition in Tables 1-2 is the effective amount.

[0056] [Biofilm removal evaluation] Preparation of biofilm-forming fabric Glycerol stock solutions of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (clothing isolate) and Methylobacterium variable (clothing isolate) were smeared on potato dextrose agar medium (Difco Laboratories) and cultured statically at 30°C for 2 days. Glycerol stock solutions of Moraxella osloensis (clothing isolate) were smeared on SCD agar medium (Shioya MS Co., Ltd. SCD agar medium "Daigo", for general bacterial testing) and cultured statically at 37°C for 1 day. After culture, the bacterial cells were scraped off with a disposable loop (As One Co., Ltd. Disposable Loop 10) and suspended in R2A medium (Shioya MS Co., Ltd. R2A medium "Daigo"). The turbidity (OD600) of each bacterial suspension was measured using a spectrophotometer (Model: PD-303S, manufactured by APEL Co., Ltd.), and the bacterial suspension was diluted so that R. mucilaginosa had an OD600 of 0.2, and M. variable and M. osloensis had an OD600 of 0.01. Hiraori cotton cloth (Tanigasashira Shoten, Cotton 2003) cut into 3 x 3 cm pieces was sterilized by pressure in an autoclave (PHC Corporation, high pressure steam sterilizer, Lab Autoclave, model number: MLS-3781). The sterilized Hiraori cotton cloth was placed in a No. 6 screw tube (Maruem Corporation, screw tube bottle No. 6), and 1 mL of each of the above three bacterial strains and 7 mL of R2A medium were added. The tube was then sealed with a lid and cultured at 30°C and 200 rpm for 2 days in a small constant temperature shaking incubator, Bioshaker (TAITEC Corporation, model number: BR-23FP). After the culture, the Hiraori cotton cloth was transferred to a new No. 6 screw tube, and 10 mL of autoclave-sterilized ion-exchanged water was added. The tube was washed by shaking at 25°C and 150 rpm for 3 minutes in a small constant temperature shaking incubator, Bioshaker. After washing, the Hiraori cotton fabric was air-dried in a safety cabinet for 1 hour to prepare a biofilm-formed fabric. Biofilm formation on the fabric was confirmed by loosening the fabric into threads with tweezers, staining the threads, and observing them with a confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM880 ZEN, Carl Zeiss, Inc.). The threads observed were stained for 30 minutes with a live cell staining dye (C375-Cellstain(TM)-CFSE, Dojindo Laboratories, Inc.), a dead cell staining dye (P378-Cellstain(TM)-PI solution, Dojindo Laboratories, Inc.), a cellulose staining dye (Calcofluor White staining solution, Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.), a sugar staining dye (Lectin PNA From Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Alexa Fluor(TM) 647 Conjugate, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.), and a sugar staining dye (Concanavalin Alexa Fluor(TM) 647 Conjugate, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.).

[0057] (2) Biofilm removal test (Biofilm removal evaluation) The prepared biofilm-formed cloth was cut to 1.5 x 1.5 cm, and the sterilized flat-woven cotton cloth was cut to 1.5 x 3 cm. A total of three pieces, one cut biofilm-formed cloth and two sterilized flat-woven cloths, were stacked and placed in a 5 mL tube (Eppendorf Co., Ltd., Eppendorf tube 5.0 mL, model number: 0030 119.401). 3 mL of a test treatment solution prepared by diluting each biofilm remover composition in Tables 1 to 2 3000 times with model tap water (4 ° dH) was added thereto, and shaking washing was performed for 10 minutes at 25 ° C. and 150 rpm in a small constant temperature shaking incubator bioshaker, which was used as the washing process. The washed cloth was transferred to a 5 mL tube containing 3 mL of model tap water, and shaking washing was performed for 3 minutes under the same conditions, which was used as the rinsing process. After rinsing, only the biofilm-formed cloth was taken out and air-dried for 30 minutes in a safety cabinet. The same treatment was also carried out using model tap water (4° dH) as the test treatment liquid instead of each biofilm remover composition, to obtain biofilm-formed fabrics after treatment with the model tap water.

[0058] (Extraction of EPS (Extracellular Polysaccharide)) The biofilm-formed cloth after air drying was placed in a 1.5 mL tube (Eppendorf Tube 1.5 mL, model number: 0030 125.150, manufactured by Eppendorf Co., Ltd.) containing 600 μL of 1.5 M sodium chloride (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., sodium chloride) aqueous solution. The lid was closed and the cloth was placed in an ultrasonic cleaner (Emerson Japan, Ltd., tabletop ultrasonic cleaner, model number: 2510JDTH) on cold ice for 2 hours to extract the EPS remaining on the cloth. EPS (Extracellular Polysaccharide) is the main component of biofilm. After stirring the liquid for 5 minutes with a cute mixer (Tokyo Rikakikai Co., Ltd., model number: CUTE MIXER CM-1000), the liquid and the biofilm-formed cloth were filtered using a filter (Advantec, model number: DISMIC-25CS) and a syringe (Terumo, model number: SS-02SZ2.5ML). The filtrate was collected in a 2.0 mL tube (Eppendorf Co., Ltd., Eppendorf tube 2.0 mL, model number: 0030 121.597), and 1.2 mL of ethanol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Co., Ltd., ethanol (99.5)) that had been cooled to -30°C in advance was added. The lid was closed, the mixture was mixed by inversion, and the mixture was left to stand at -30°C to precipitate EPS. After cooling, the tube was centrifuged at 4°C and 13,000 rpm for 15 minutes using a centrifuge (Eppendorf high-speed centrifuge, model number: Centrifuge 5430), the supernatant was removed, and the tube was air-dried for 1 hour. 200 μL of ion-exchanged water was added to the tube after air-drying, and the tube was stirred for 5 minutes using a cute mixer to dissolve the precipitated EPS in the ion-exchanged water.

[0059] (EPS quantification) 100μL of the EPS aqueous solution obtained in the previous step was placed in a glass test tube (Corning, disposable glass test tube, model number: 99445-16), and 100μL of 5% phenol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., phenol) aqueous solution was added. After stirring for 3 seconds with a vortex, 500μL of concentrated sulfuric acid (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., sulfuric acid) was added, and further stirred for 3 seconds with a vortex (As One Corporation, vortex mixer, model number: VTX-3000L). After leaving it for 30 minutes, 200μL was dispensed into a 96-well plate (AGC Technoglass, model number: 3815-012-MYP microplate), and the absorbance (492nm) of the reaction solution was measured with a microplate reader (TECAN, fluorescence, absorbance, and luminescence plate reader, model number: infinite M200 PRO). The EPS removal rate was calculated using formula (1) based on the amount of remaining EPS quantified in glucose equivalent. It can be said that the higher the EPS removal rate, the better the biofilm removal ability. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. EPS removal rate (%)=[(W1-W2) / W1]×100...(1) W1: Amount of EPS remaining on biofilm-formed fabric after treatment with model tap water W2: Amount of EPS remaining on biofilm-formed fabric after treatment with each test treatment solution

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] [Table 2]

Claims

1. The composition contains the following components (a) and (b), and as the component (b), R １ｂ When the biofilm remover composition contains a compound having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)), the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of component (b-2) to the content of component (a) is 0.30 or more. Component (a): a compound represented by the following general formula (a1): 【Chemistry 1】 [In general formula (a1), R １ａ and R ２ａ are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R ３ａ and R ４ａ are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; － is an anion.] Component (b): a compound represented by the following general formula (b1): 2 １ｂ --[(5O) ｒ )-39 ３ 7(11) [In general formula (b1), R １ｂ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, r is the average number of moles of EO added and is a number of 0 to 25, and M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion.

2. As the component (b), R in the general formula (b1) １ｂ The biofilm remover composition according to claim 1, comprising a compound having 8 to 12 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (b-1)).

3. The biofilm remover composition according to claim 2, wherein r of the component (b-1) is 1.5 or more.

4. The biofilm remover composition according to claim 2, wherein the mass ratio (a) / (b-1) of the content of the component (b-1) to the content of the component (a) is less than 1.

5. The biofilm removing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is for use in textile products.

6. A method for removing a biofilm, comprising contacting a target article on which a biofilm is present with a biofilm remover composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the biofilm remover composition with water.

7. The method for removing a biofilm according to claim 6, wherein the target article is a textile product.

8. The composition contains the following components (a) and (b), and as the component (b), R １ｂ and wherein the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of the component (b-2) to the content of the component (a) is 0.30 or more when the treatment liquid contains a compound having a carbon number of 14 or more and 22 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (b-2)), the mass ratio (a) / (b-2) of the content of the component (b-2) to the content of the component (a) is 0.30 or more. Component (a): a compound represented by the following general formula (a1): 【Chemistry 2】 [In general formula (a1), R １ａ and R ２ａ are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R ３ａ and R ４ａ are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; － is an anion.] Component (b): a compound represented by the following general formula (b1): 2 １ｂ --[(5O) ｒ )-39 ３ 7(11) [In general formula (b1), R １ｂ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, r is the average number of moles of EO added and is a number of 0 to 25, and M is a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion (1 / 2 atom), an ammonium ion, or an organic ammonium ion.

Images