Paramylon-containing fiber, paramylon-containing fiber structure and producing method of paramylon-containing fiber structure

Abstract

To provide a novel paramylon-containing fiber, a paramylon-containing fiber structure and a producing method of the paramylon-containing structure.SOLUTION: Fibers containing paramylon and structures of fibers containing paramylon have at least one substance selected from the group consisting of paramylon and paramylon derivatives attached to the base synthetic fiber. The synthetic fiber is preferably polyester fiber. A method for producing the fiber structure containing paramylon includes immersing a fiber structure made of synthetic fiber in a treatment solution containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of paramylon and paramylon derivatives, and drying the immersed fiber structure in the treatment solution at a predetermined drying temperature. The treatment solution contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of paramylon and paramylon derivatives, a binder of synthetic resin, and a crosslinking agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to paramylon-containing fibers, paramylon-containing fiber structures, and methods for manufacturing paramylon-containing fiber structures, and in particular to paramylon-containing fibers, paramylon-containing fiber structures, and methods for manufacturing paramylon-containing fiber structures that are washing durable. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, bio-based polymers synthesized from renewable resources have been attracting attention. Paramylon is a polysaccharide produced by photosynthesis in microalgae such as Euglena, and is a linear polymer composed of β-1,3-glucan.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes paramylon-containing rayon fibers in which paramylon is embedded in the parent rayon fiber. It has been reported that the physical properties of this rayon fiber have been improved, and it is possible to provide fibers and clothing that utilize the functionality imparted by the inclusion of paramylon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-31785 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, there are expectations for the development of methods for improving various physical properties not only in rayon fibers (regenerated cellulose fibers) but also in fibers other than rayon fibers, and for regenerated cellulose fibers to which functionality has been imparted. For example, there has been a demand for the ability to impart functionality to synthetic fibers used in textile products, and for the functional substances, when imparted with functionality, to be resistant to peeling off due to repeated washing.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paramylon-containing fiber having functional properties, a paramylon-containing fiber structure, and a method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure. Another object of the present invention is to provide a paramylon-containing fiber, a paramylon-containing fiber structure, and a method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure, which make it possible to prevent functional substances from peeling off from the fiber even after repeated washing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of intensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that attaching paramylon (or a processed paramylon product) to synthetic fibers can impart functionality to the synthetic fibers and that the paramylon is less likely to peel off from the synthetic fibers even after repeated washing, thereby completing the present invention.

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention, the above problem is solved by a paramylon-containing fiber in which at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is attached to a parent synthetic fiber. In this case, the synthetic fibers are preferably polyester fibers.

[0009] According to the present invention, the above problem is also solved by a paramylon-containing fiber structure in which at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is attached to a parent synthetic fiber. In this case, it is preferable that the synthetic fiber is a polyester fiber, and that after washing 50 times in a manner conforming to JIS-L-0001:2014 Laundry Treatment 110 method, the residual rate of at least one substance selected from the group including the paramylon and processed paramylon products in the polyester fiber is 40% or more. In addition, at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is contained in the fiber structure 1m. 2 It is good if more than 1g is attached per unit.

[0010] The above problem can also be solved by a fiber structure having macrophage activity and anti-inflammatory activity, which comprises paramylon-containing fiber having at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products attached to a parent synthetic fiber.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the above problem is also solved by a method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure, which comprises immersing a fiber structure made of synthetic fibers in a treatment liquid containing at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed products of paramylon, and drying the fiber structure immersed in the treatment liquid at a predetermined drying temperature, wherein the treatment liquid contains at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed products of paramylon, a synthetic resin binder, and a crosslinking agent. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the paramylon-containing fiber, paramylon-containing fiber structure, and method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure of the present invention, it is possible to impart functionality to the fiber. Furthermore, it is possible to make it possible for the functional substance to be less likely to peel off from the base fiber even after repeated washing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Electron microscope photographs of polyester fibers that do not contain paramylon and polyester fibers that contain paramylon. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure. [Diagram 3] These are electron microscope photographs of paramylon-containing fibers after 30 and 50 wash processes. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing test results verifying anti-inflammatory action. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing the test results verifying the macrophage activation effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to "paramylon-containing fibers" and "paramylon-containing fiber structures" in which at least one substance selected from the group including Euglena-derived paramylon and processed paramylon products is attached to a parent synthetic fiber (polyester fiber). It also relates to a "method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure."

[0015] <Euglena> In an embodiment, the term "Euglena" includes microorganisms taxonomically classified in the genus Euglena, varieties and mutants thereof, and closely related species in the family Euglenaceae. Here, the genus Euglena refers to a group of organisms belonging to the Excavata, Euglenozoa phylum, Euglenophyceae, Euglenales, and Euglenaceae family among eukaryotes.

[0016] Specific species in the genus Euglena include Euglena chadefaudii, Euglena deses, Euglena gracilis, Euglena granulata, Euglena mutabilis, Euglena proxima, Euglena spirogyra, and Euglena viridis. As the Euglena, Euglena gracilis, in particular Euglena gracilis Z strain, can be used. In addition, other Euglena species such as Euglena gracilis Z mutant SM-ZK strain (chloroplast-deficient strain) and E. gracilis var. bacillaris, gene mutants such as chloroplast mutants of these species, and Astasia longa and other Euglena species may also be used.

[0017] The genus Euglena is widely distributed in freshwater such as ponds and swamps, and may be isolated from these for use, or any species of the genus Euglena that has already been isolated may be used. The genus Euglena includes all mutant strains thereof, including those obtained by genetic methods such as recombination, transduction, transformation, and the like.

[0018] In culturing Euglena cells, the culture medium may be, for example, a culture medium having a pH of 2 to 6 and containing nutrients such as a nitrogen source, a phosphorus source, and minerals, such as modified Cramer-Myers medium. In addition, known Hutner medium and Koren-Hutner medium may also be used. Euglena may be cultured in the light or in the dark.

[0019] <Paramylon> "Paramylon" is a porous storage polysaccharide found in the genus Euglena, a polymer (β-1,3-glucan) in which approximately 700 glucose units are polymerized through β-1,3-bonds. Paramylon particles are flat spheroidal particles, formed by the β-1,3-glucan chains entangling in a spiral shape.

[0020] β-Glucan is a group of polysaccharides in which β-glucose units are linked by (1→3), (1→4), and (1→6) bonds, and includes cellulose, laminaran, lichenan, cereal β-glucans, β-glucans derived from yeast cell walls such as callose and zymosan, β-glucans derived from krestin, lentinan, dizophyllan, grifolan, pachyman, β-glucans derived from mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum, Agaricus blazei, Yamabushitake, Obliquus obliquus, Kawariharatake, and Meshimakobu, curdlan, and paramylum derived from Euglena. Among β-glucans, paramylon has the property of being insoluble or poorly soluble in water.

[0021] Paramylon can be accumulated intracellularly by culturing Euglena on a glucose-based medium. Paramylon in Euglena cells takes the form of particles with a diameter of about several μm. It can be easily extracted by crushing the cells and can also be purified by treatment with alcohol or toluene.

[0022] Paramylon exists as granules within the cells of all species and varieties of Euglena, and the number, shape, and uniformity of the particles vary depending on the species. Paramylon consists only of glucose, and the average degree of polymerization of paramylon obtained from the wild-type strain of E. gracilis Z and the chloroplast-deficient strain SM-ZK is approximately 700 glucose units. Paramylon is insoluble in water and hot water, but is soluble in dilute alkali, concentrated acid, dimethyl sulfoxide, formaldehyde, and formic acid. The average density of paramylon is 1.53 in E. gracilis Z and 1.63 in E. gracilis var. bacillaris SM-L1. According to X-ray analysis using the powder patterning method, paramylon has a loose spiral structure in which three linear β-1,3-glucans are twisted together like a right-handed rope. Several of these glucan molecules gather together to form paramylon granules. Paramylon granules contain a very large amount of crystalline structure, accounting for approximately 90%, making it the compound with the highest crystalline structure rate among polysaccharides (Euglena Physiology and Biochemistry, edited by Kitaoka Shozaburo, Academic Press Center). The particle size distribution of paramylon (manufactured by Euglena Co., Ltd.) has a median diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 μm when measured using a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device.

[0023] Paramylon particles are isolated from cultured Euglena cells by any suitable method, refined into fine particles, and usually provided as a powder. For example, paramylon particles can be obtained by (1) culturing Euglena cells in any suitable medium, (2) separating the Euglena cells from the medium, (3) isolating paramylon from the separated Euglena cells, (4) purifying the isolated paramylon, and, if necessary, (5) cooling and subsequent freeze-drying. Paramylon is isolated, for example, using non-ionic or anionic surfactants, most of which are biodegradable. Paramylon is purified essentially simultaneously with its isolation.

[0024] The isolation and purification of paramylon from Euglena is well known and is described, for example, in E. Ziegler, "Die naturlichen und kunstlichen Aromen" Heidelberg, Germany, 1982, Chapter 4.3 "Gefriertrocken", DE4328329, or JP-A 2003-529538.

[0025] <Paramylon processed products> Processed paramylon products include water-soluble paramylon, amorphous paramylon, emulsion paramylon, paramylon derivatives, etc., obtained by chemically or physically treating paramylon using various known methods.

[0026] (amorphous paramylon) Amorphous paramylon is a substance made by amorphizing crystalline paramylon derived from Euglena. Amorphous paramylon has a relative crystallinity of 1 to 20% compared to crystalline paramylon produced from Euglena by a known method. However, this relative crystallinity was determined by the method described in JP 2011-184592 A. That is, amorphous paramylon and paramylon were each ground in a grinder (Retsh ball mill MM400) at a frequency of 20 vibrations per second for 5 minutes, and then an X-ray diffraction device (Spectris H'PertPRO) was used to scan over the 2θ range of 5° to 30° at a tube voltage of 45 KV and a tube current of 40 mA to obtain the diffraction peaks Pc,Pa of paramylon and amorphous paramylon near 2θ = 20°. Using these Pc and Pa values, the relative crystallinity of amorphous paramylon is calculated as follows: Relative crystallinity of amorphous paramylon = Pa / Pc × 100 (%).

[0027] Amorphous paramylon is prepared according to the method described in JP 2011-184592 A, by treating crystalline paramylon powder with alkali, neutralizing it with acid, washing, removing moisture, and then drying.

[0028] (Emulsion paramylon) Emulsion paramylon is a substance whose processing method and physical properties are similar to those of an emulsion. It is obtained by adding water to paramylon and then spraying the resulting fluid through a fine nozzle at ultra-high pressure to collide with an object to be impacted, resulting in processed paramylon that has combined with more than four times its amount of water and swelled. Emulsion paramylon can be obtained by performing a collision process at least once at a nozzle pressure of 245 MPa during ejection using a known property modification device (e.g., JP 2011-88108 A), in which a slurry of a powder or other solid with a water-soluble solvent is ejected from a fine nozzle at ultra-high pressure and caused to collide with an object to be impacted. When the particle size of emulsion paramylon is measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer, the median diameter is more than 7 μm, which is more than five times that of paramylon. With an optical electron microscope, it has been observed that the particles of emulsion paramylon are attached to adjacent particles, and they are in a swollen state, combining with more than four times as much water as paramylon. Slurry made by mixing raw paramylon with water is a thin fluid, but in emulsion paramylon, the paramylon is dispersed in the water molecules, increasing its viscosity and giving it stickiness, elasticity and a glue-like feel that allows it to stick to your hand when touched. Based on its processing method and physical properties, the resulting processed paramylon is called emulsion paramylon, but it is unclear whether it is emulsified or not; the paramylon is in a swollen state due to binding with water.

[0029] (Paramylon derivative) Paramylon derivatives include sulfated paramylon and paramylon ester derivatives obtained by chemically treating paramylon using known methods.

[0030] Sulfated paramylon can be prepared by a method of sulfating polysaccharides, and may be selected from, for example, a method using sulfuric acid, a method using chlorosulfonic acid, a method using sulfur trioxide, etc. Among them, the method using chlorosulfonic acid and a method using sulfur trioxide, which are used in combination with a Lewis base, decompose polysaccharides less than the method using sulfuric acid. Therefore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of ensuring the stability of quality, such as for medical use. Sulfated paramylon has been confirmed to be effective in treating retroviral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), making it possible to impart antiviral properties to synthetic fibers.

[0031] As the paramylon ester derivative, it is possible to use a paramylon ester derivative having an ester group consisting of an alkylcarbonyl group in the side chain. Here, the paramylon ester derivative may be a monoester in which all hydroxyl groups are substituted with the same alkylcarbonyl group, i.e., all three hydroxyl groups contained in glucose, which is a repeating unit constituting paramylon, may be substituted with the same alkylcarbonyl group.

[0032] Examples of the alkylcarbonyl group include an acetyl group, a propionyl group, a butyryl group (a butanoyl group), a valeryl group, a hexanoyl group, an octanoyl group, a decanoyl group, and a lauroyl group.

[0033] The method for producing a paramylon ester derivative may include at least an esterification step in which paramylon is reacted with a carboxylic acid to esterify at least one of the hydroxyl groups of paramylon. In this case, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and lauric acid can be used as the carboxylic acid. The esterification step is carried out in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride at 40°C to 60°C for 1 hour to 6 hours to obtain a paramylon ester derivative.

[0034] Other paramylon ester derivatives may be used that have water solubility due to the introduction of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (DMAE) groups, N,N-ethylaminoethyl (DMAE) groups, 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniopropyl (HAP) groups, carboxymethyl (CM) groups, etc. These paramylon derivatives have been confirmed to have antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enteritidis, as well as against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (dermatomycosis).

[0035] <The base synthetic fiber> Paramylon-containing fibers are based on synthetic fibers. Examples of "synthetic fibers" include, but are not limited to, polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, polypropylene fibers, vinylon fibers, modacrylic fibers, aramid fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, EVOH fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyimide fibers, and polyphenylene sulfide fibers.

[0036] Examples of the "polyester fiber" include polyester fibers obtained from polyethylene terephthalate obtained by using terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, polyester fibers obtained from polybutylene terephthalate, and polyester fibers obtained from polytrimethylene terephthalate. The polyester fiber may be one that is called a normal pressure dyeable polyester fiber. The normal pressure dyeable polyester fiber may be a cationic dyeable polyester fiber in which a sulfonic acid group is introduced into polyester, or a fiber that can be dyed at normal pressure by polymer modification. The polyester fibers may be short or long fibers.

[0037] <Paramylon-containing fiber> Paramylon-containing fibers are synthetic fibers having at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products attached to the base synthetic fiber. For example, Figure 1 shows electron microscope images of a polyester fiber that does not contain paramylon and a polyester fiber that contains paramylon. In the case of the polyester fiber that contains paramylon, it can be confirmed that paramylon is attached to the surface of the fiber.

[0038] The base synthetic fiber is preferably a polyester fiber, but may be a synthetic fiber other than polyester fiber. The base synthetic fiber may be two or more types including a polyester fiber and a synthetic fiber other than a polyester fiber, or may be two or more types including a synthetic fiber other than a polyester fiber. Alternatively, the base synthetic fiber may mainly contain polyester fiber, and may also contain regenerated fiber, semi-synthetic fiber, and natural fiber in addition to polyester fiber. In addition, paramylon and processed paramylon products are preferably derived from Euglena.

[0039] (Paramylon washing durability) When the parent synthetic fiber is polyester fiber, paramylon (processed paramylon) adheres more firmly (high washing durability). For example, even after a textile structure made of paramylon-containing fiber is repeatedly washed in a manner conforming to JIS L0001:2014 Laundry Treatment 110 method, paramylon still adheres (remains) from the parent fiber. Specifically, "washing durability" can be judged by looking at electron microscope photographs to confirm the state of attachment of paramylon. In addition, the state of attachment of paramylon can be confirmed by checking the functional performance of paramylon. Alternatively, it can be judged by whether or not a certain level of paramylon (processed paramylon) remains in synthetic fibers (polyester fibers) after 30 or 50 washes in accordance with JIS-L-0001:2014 Laundry Treatment Method 110.

[0040] As mentioned above, "washing durability of paramylon" refers to the property of paramylon imparted to a fiber (textile structure) not easily falling off even when the fiber is washed, and this can be defined as the "remaining rate (%)" of paramylon in the fiber after 30 or 50 washes. The higher the remaining rate, the less paramylon will fall off from the fiber due to washing. In this embodiment, the paramylon-containing fiber (textile structure) after 50 washes has a residual rate of 40% or more (40% or more and 100% or less), more preferably 50% or more (50% or more and 99% or less), more preferably 60% or more (60% or more and 95% or less), more preferably 70% or more (70% or more and 90% or less), and more preferably 80% or more (80% or more and 90% or less). A residual rate of paramylon of at least 40% makes it possible to realize a textile structure that maintains the functionality of paramylon.

[0041] If paramylon falls off from fibers (textile structures) during washing, it will be of little practical use in terms of improving the physical properties of the fibers and sustaining their functional effects. The paramylon-containing fiber of this embodiment has a high retention rate even after 50 washes, so the improved physical properties and functional effects of paramylon can be sustained. The above residual rate can be calculated by comparing electron microscope photographs taken at the same magnification (same size) (counting the number of paramylon particles attached to the fibers in the electron microscope photograph) or by the following method. According to the method described in JIS L0001:2014 Laundry Treatment Method 110, a paramylon-containing fiber (textile structure) is washed 30 or 50 times, and then the paramylon-containing fiber is used as a sample to determine the amount of bound paramylon. The percentage (%) of this value relative to the initial amount of bound paramylon is then calculated.

[0042] <Applications of paramylon-containing fibers> Paramylon-containing fibers can be used for various purposes. The paramylon-containing fibers may be used in any form, such as long fibers such as tow, filaments, and nonwoven fabrics, or short fibers such as raw cotton for wet papermaking, raw cotton for airlaid nonwoven fabrics, and raw cotton for cards.

[0043] Paramylon-containing fibers can also be used to manufacture "textile structures (textile products)" such as tow, filament, spun yarn, batting, paper, nonwoven fabrics, and woven fabrics. By incorporating paramylon, a fiber structure containing paramylon-containing fiber can exhibit various properties as described below. In particular, it has been confirmed that the functional substance paramylon is difficult to peel off from the parent fiber even after repeated washing processes.

[0044] The above-mentioned fiber structure may be constructed using only paramylon-containing fibers, but it is also possible to combine them with other fibers. For example, paramylon-containing fibers may be blended with other synthetic fibers such as acrylic fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyolefin fibers, and polyurethane fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, regenerated fibers, natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, and wool, and other fibers. Such spun yarns can be processed into woven or knitted fabrics and used for fiber structures, etc.

[0045] Specific examples of "textile structures" that contain paramylon-containing fibers include, but are not limited to, clothing (clothing, masks, gloves, aprons, hats, etc.), dishcloths, clothing covers, building materials inside walls, wallpaper, gauze, bandages, cotton swabs, bedding (pillowcases, sheets, futon covers, pillows, etc.), interior items (curtains, shoji screens, sofa covers, entrance mats, etc.), and hygiene items (wet tissues, toilet seat covers, toilet seat mats, kitchen mats, bath mats, etc.).

[0046] Paramylon-containing fibers can be used for beauty, cosmetic, medical, and other applications by utilizing the functionality such as moisturizing (water retention), antibacterial, and antiviral properties possessed by at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products.

[0047] For example, it can be used as a moisture-retaining nonwoven sheet using moisture-retaining synthetic fibers such as moisture-retaining polyester fibers, or as a cosmetic sheet obtained by impregnating the moisture-retaining nonwoven sheet with a cosmetic composition. It can also be used as an antibacterial nonwoven sheet containing antibacterial synthetic fibers such as antibacterial polyester fibers, or an antiviral nonwoven sheet containing antiviral synthetic fibers such as antiviral polyester fibers.

[0048] <Method of manufacturing paramylon-containing fiber (fiber structure)> The method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure is characterized by carrying out an immersion step (step 1 (S1)) of immersing a fiber structure made of synthetic fibers in a treatment liquid containing at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products, and a drying step (step 2) of drying the fiber structure immersed in the treatment liquid at a predetermined drying temperature. Each step will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0049] (Soaking process) In the immersion step, the fiber structure is immersed in the treatment liquid. The "treatment liquid" is a preparation liquid obtained by mixing 0.1 to 20.0 wt% of paramylon or a processed paramylon product, 0.1 to 1.0 wt% of a synthetic resin binder, 0.1 to 1.0 wt% of a crosslinking agent, and water (the remaining wt%), for example when the weight of the treatment liquid is 100 wt%. Paramylon or a processed product of paramylon may be in the form of a powder (powder), and is preferably paramylon powder. The binder may be a polyester resin, preferably a water-based polyester resin. The crosslinking agent may be an aqueous dispersion of a crosslinking agent, and is preferably an aqueous dispersion of an isocyanate-based crosslinking agent.

[0050] The "textile structure" may be a synthetic fiber material, preferably a polyester fiber material. As an example, in the examples described below, the following plain weave fabric made of polyester is used and processed with a material dyed blue with a disperse dye. The weave of the plain weave fabric is, for example, as follows: Both warp and weft threads are 84 dtex / 72 filaments. Density: 110 threads / 2.54cm x 92 threads / 2.54cm. Weight: 72g / m2.

[0051] (drying process) Next, the fiber structure (woven fabric) immersed in the treatment liquid is dried at a predetermined drying temperature. Specifically, the fabric immersed in the treatment solution is squeezed using a mangle roll to a pickup of 60 to 80%, and then dried at a drying temperature of 100 to 140° C. for 2 to 4 minutes. Through the above steps, a fiber structure (woven fabric) having paramylon or a processed paramylon product attached thereto can be obtained.

[0052] In the paramylum-containing fiber of this embodiment, when the weight of the paramylum-containing fiber is 100% by weight, the amount of at least one substance selected from the group including paramylum and processed paramylum products is 0.1% by weight or more and 20.0% by weight or less, preferably 1.0% by weight or more and 18.0% by weight or less, more preferably 1.0% by weight or more and 10.0% by weight or less, and more preferably 1.5% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less. It is preferable that the amount of at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is greater than the amount of the synthetic resin binder and crosslinking agent.

[0053] In addition, the paramylon-containing fiber of this embodiment is a fiber structure having at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed products of paramylon. 2 It is preferable that the amount of the adhesive layer adheres to the surface of the substrate is 0.5 g or more, preferably 1 g or more, more preferably 1.5 g or more, and more preferably 2 g or more per 1 m. 2 More than 10g may be attached per unit. EXAMPLES

[0054] EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples, paramylon-containing fibers (textile structures) were produced by attaching paramylon to synthetic fibers, and their physical properties and functionality were examined. Specifically, paramylon-containing textile structures were produced by attaching paramylon to polyester textile structures at different ratios, and their washing durability, anti-inflammatory effect, and macrophage activation effect were examined.

[0055] <Example 1> As "paramylon," paramylon powder derived from Euglena gracilis (manufactured by Euglena Co., Ltd.) was used. As a "synthetic fiber structure", a plain weave fabric made of polyester (both warp and weft are 100% polyester fiber. Both warp and weft are 84 decitex / 72 filament. Density: 110 threads / 2.54cm x 92 threads / 2.54cm. Weight: 72g / m2 .) plain weave fabric dyed blue with disperse dye was used. The "treatment liquid" used was a mixture of 1.8% by weight of the above paramylon, 0.5% by weight of a water-based polyester resin binder (Pluscoat Z-565, manufactured by GOO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., solids content: 25%), an aqueous dispersion of an isocyanate-based crosslinking agent (solids content: 20%), and water (the remaining % by weight), with the weight of the treatment liquid being taken as 100% by weight.

[0056] The plain woven fabric was immersed in the treatment liquid, and then squeezed with a mangle roll to a pickup of 80%, and dried in a dryer at 120° C. for 3 minutes. And paramylon is 1g / m 2 This was used as the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 1.

[0057] <Example 2> The amount of paramylon powder added was adjusted to 3.5% by weight when the weight of the treatment solution was taken as 100% by weight, in the same manner as in Example 1. 2 This resulted in a plain weave fabric with the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 2.

[0058] <Example 3> The amount of paramylon powder added was adjusted to 18.0% by weight when the weight of the treatment solution was taken as 100% by weight, in the same manner as in Example 1. 2 This resulted in a plain weave fabric with the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 3.

[0059] <Comparative Example 1> A fiber structure of Comparative Example 1 (containing no paramylon) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no paramylon powder was added.

[0060] <Test 1: Washing durability test> The paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 2 was repeatedly washed 30 and 50 times in accordance with JIS L0001:2014 Laundry Treatment Method 110, and then the microstructure and surface structure of the paramylon-containing fiber structure were observed. The specific observation method is as follows. 1. A cotton-like sample was attached to an aluminum sample stage using a double-sided carbon sheet. 2. Excess dust on the sample stage was removed using an air duster. 3. The samples were coated with osmium using an evaporator. 4. The samples were observed using a scanning electron microscope.

[0061] The test results are shown in Figure 3. Electron microscope photographs confirmed that paramylon remained attached to the surface of the fibers even after repeated washing treatments. In other words, no changes in the surface structure of the fibers were observed at a level that could be observed with an electron microscope. It was found that the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 2 maintained a good shape even after repeated washing treatments. It was also confirmed that paramylon was attached to the surface of the fibers of the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 1 after repeated washing treatments.

[0062] Furthermore, a comparison of electron microscope photographs (based on the number of paramylon attached to the fibers in the electron microscope photographs) confirmed that after the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 2 was washed 50 times, the residual rate of paramylon in the fibers of Example 2 was 70-80%. Similar results were obtained in Example 1. A residual rate of at least 40% was confirmed. In addition, the residual rate of paramylon can also be calculated by determining the amount of bound paramylon using the method described above.

[0063] <Test 2: Verification test of anti-inflammatory effect> Using the paramylon-containing fiber structures of Examples 1 and 2 and the fiber structure of Comparative Example 1 (containing no paramylon), gene expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured to verify the anti-inflammatory effect.

[0064] Mouse-derived macrophage cell line RAW264.7 (200,000 cells / well) was treated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide), and after the treatment, Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1 were added. Specifically, the fiber structures (woven fabrics) of Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1 were each cut into punch slices (diameter 6 mm), and Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1 were added to the medium of the macrophage cell line after LPS treatment so that four slices were added to each well. We then measured the gene expression level of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in macrophages stimulated with LPS. Macrophages are essential for infection control and play an important role in the innate immune system. When an infection occurs, LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) stimulates macrophages, resulting in the production of inflammatory cytokines.

[0065] The test results are shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a graph showing the test results verifying the anti-inflammatory effect. When an inflammatory response was induced by LPS treatment and the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated, the expression level of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β gene was increased in the sample to which Comparative Example 1 "fiber structure (no paramylon)" was added. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the inflammatory response was suppressed in the sample to which Examples 1 and 2 "paramylon-containing fiber structure" was added, compared to Comparative Example 1. In particular, the level was significantly lower in Example 2 compared to Comparative Example 1, confirming the suppression of inflammatory reactions. The above test results showed that the anti-inflammatory effect was improved by attaching paramylon to a fiber structure made of synthetic fiber (polyester fiber).

[0066] <Test 3: Macrophage activation verification test> Using the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 3 and the fiber structure of Comparative Example 1 (containing no paramylon), the amount of nitric oxide produced (amount of NO produced) was measured to verify the macrophage activation effect.

[0067] Example 3 and Comparative Example 1 were added to mouse-derived macrophage cell line RAW264.7 (200,000 cells / well). Specifically, the fiber structures (woven fabrics) of Example 3 and Comparative Example 1 were each cut into punch slices (diameter 6 mm), and Example 3 and Comparative Example 1 were added to the medium of the macrophage cell line so that four slices were added to each well. Then, the amount of nitric oxide produced in the supernatant was measured on the next day after the addition.

[0068] The test results are shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a graph showing the test results verifying the macrophage activation effect. It was confirmed that macrophage activity was significantly increased in the sample to which the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Example 3 was added, compared to the sample to which the paramylon-containing fiber structure of Comparative Example 1 was added (no paramylon). It is noted that in Examples 1 and 2 as well, it was confirmed that macrophage activity was increased. The above test results showed that attaching paramylon to a fiber structure made of synthetic fiber (polyester fiber) improved the activation of macrophages.

[0069] From the above, it was found that the paramylum-containing fiber (fiber structure) of this embodiment can impart functionality to the fiber, specifically, it can impart macrophage activation activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and the like. It was also found that paramylon is unlikely to peel off from the fibers even after repeated washing, making it possible to realize paramylon-containing fibers and paramylon-containing fiber structures that are durable to washing.

Claims

1. A paramylon-containing fiber having at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products attached to a base synthetic fiber.

2. The paramylon-containing fiber according to claim 1 , wherein the synthetic fiber is a polyester fiber.

3. A paramylon-containing fiber structure in which at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is attached to a base synthetic fiber.

4. The synthetic fiber is a polyester fiber, The paramylon-containing fiber structure according to claim 3, wherein the residual rate of at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products in the polyester fiber is 40% or more after washing 50 times in a manner conforming to JIS-L-0001:2014 Laundry Treatment 110 method.

5. At least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is contained in the fiber structure 1m. ２ 5. The paramylum-containing fiber structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein 1 g or more of paramylum is attached per fiber structure.

6. A fiber structure having macrophage activity and anti-inflammatory activity, comprising paramylon-containing fiber in which at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products is attached to a parent synthetic fiber.

7. A method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure, comprising the steps of: Immersing a fiber structure made of synthetic fibers in a treatment solution containing at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed products of paramylon; drying the fiber structure immersed in the treatment liquid at a predetermined drying temperature; A method for producing a paramylon-containing fiber structure, wherein the treatment liquid contains at least one substance selected from the group including paramylon and processed paramylon products, a synthetic resin binder, and a crosslinking agent.

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