mask

Abstract

To provide a mask that exhibits excellent antiviral effects and safety for living organisms.SOLUTION: The mask contains an antiviral agent having mannosyl erythritol lipid (MEL) as an active ingredient, preferably in an amount of 0.000001 to 100 wt%.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask characterized by containing an antiviral agent having mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) as an active ingredient. [Background technology]

[0002] Viruses are classified as non-cellular organisms, distinct from living organisms, and multiply by infecting the host cells of mammals, birds, and other hosts. Viruses are the cause of infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, and are becoming a social problem. Recently, with improvements in living environments and changes in hygiene awareness, there has been a demand for the development of substances with excellent antiviral properties that can inactivate viruses present in the environment.

[0003] To prevent viral infections, various methods for inactivating viruses in the environment have been investigated. Examples include physical treatments such as heat and ultraviolet light, as well as chemical treatments such as chlorine bleach and peroxide. These treatments can potentially damage living organisms and objects, making them difficult to use safely and in a variety of situations. Therefore, there is a strong demand for antiviral agents that are safer for living organisms and can be applied not only to objects such as masks but also to living organisms, especially in the context of the recent pandemic.

[0004] Meanwhile, mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) is a natural surfactant produced by yeast, and has been reported to exhibit various physiological effects (Non-Patent Document 1) and antibacterial effects (Patent Document 1). Furthermore, its use as a topical agent or cosmetic has also been reported to improve rough skin (Patent Document 2). Thus, MEL can be said to be a material that possesses various physiological activities while also being highly safe for the living body. Furthermore, MEL has also been reported to exhibit antiviral effects (Patent Document 3).

[0005] Furthermore, due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus, there has been an increasing demand for antiviral masks, particularly in medical settings. Various reports have been published on masks with antiviral properties. Examples include an antiviral mask made of a nonwoven fabric impregnated with tea extract (Patent Document 4), a mask using a filter material treated with a polycarboxylic acid polymer (Patent Document 5), and a mask using a fiber sheet to which an ascorbic acid derivative is fixed (Patent Document 6). However, there is still room for improvement in terms of antiviral effectiveness in all of these cases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 57-145896 [Patent Document 2] WO2007 / 060956 publication [Patent Document 3] WO2022 / 190815 publication [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-333271 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 5298012 [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 4004987 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Journal of Biosciense and Bioengineering,94,187(2002) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a mask that exhibits antiviral effects and is safer for the living body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present inventors discovered that MEL, a type of biosurfactant, has excellent antiviral effects, and further applied this to the production of masks, thereby completing the present invention.

[0010] Specific embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. Section 1. A mask containing an antiviral agent with mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) as an active ingredient. Section 2. Item 1. The mask according to Item 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.000001 to 100% by weight. Section 3. Item 1. The mask according to Item 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.000001 to 80% by weight. Section 4. Item 1. The mask according to Item 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.0001 to 10 wt %. Section 5. Item 5. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is any one selected from the group consisting of MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C, and MEL-D. Section 6. Item 6. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent has the structure of formula (2).

[0011] [ka]

[0012] (In the formula, R1 is an aliphatic acyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms and may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or an acetyl group and may be the same or different; and R3 is hydrogen or an aliphatic acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.) Section 7. Item 6. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent has the structure of formula (3).

[0013] [ka]

[0014] (In the formula, R1 is an aliphatic acyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms and may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or an acetyl group and may be the same or different; and R3 is hydrogen or an aliphatic acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.) Section 8. Item 8. The mask according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is MEL-A. Section 9. Item 9. The mask according to item 8, wherein the MEL-A contained in the antiviral agent has the structure of formula (4).

[0015] [ka]

[0016] (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.) Section 10. Item 9. The mask according to item 8, wherein the MEL-A contained in the antiviral agent has the structure of formula (5).

[0017] [ka]

[0018] (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.) Section 11. Item 8. The mask according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is MEL-B. Section 12. Item 12. The mask according to item 11, wherein MEL-B contained in the antiviral agent has a structure of formula (6).

[0019] [ka]

[0020] (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.) Section 13. Item 12. The mask according to item 11, wherein MEL-B contained in the antiviral agent has a structure of formula (7).

[0021] [ka]

[0022] (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.) Section 14. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is an enveloped virus. Section 15. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a non-enveloped virus. Section 16. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is an influenza virus. Section 17. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a human coronavirus. Section 18. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is SARS-CoV-2. Section 19. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a human herpes virus. Section 20. Item 14. The mask according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is feline calicivirus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] By using a composition containing MEL of the present invention as an active ingredient, it is possible to provide a mask that exhibits antiviral effects that are safer for the living body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the results of verifying the antiviral effect on influenza virus in Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the results of verifying the antiviral effect on human coronavirus in Example 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows the results of verifying the antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 in Example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the results of verifying the antiviral effect on feline calicivirus in Example 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows the results of verifying the antiviral effect on human herpesvirus in Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of a mask of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of a mask of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the mask shown in FIG. 6 taken along line III-III. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the user side of an example mask of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the present invention, an antiviral agent refers to a drug that is effective in treating or preventing viral infections by suppressing viral proliferation or by eliminating or reducing the infectivity of viruses attached to living organisms or objects. It is believed that by destroying the external tissue of viruses, they lose their ability to invade and replicate in living cells, rendering them inactive.

[0026] Biosurfactants are a general term for substances produced by living organisms that possess surface-active and emulsifying properties. They not only exhibit excellent surface-active properties and high biodegradability, but also have various physiological effects, potentially exhibiting behaviors and functions different from those of synthetic surfactants. Currently, biosurfactants are classified into five types: glycolipids, acyl peptides, phospholipids, fatty acids, and polymer compounds. Glycolipid-type biosurfactants are composed of carbohydrate and fatty acid moieties, and a preferred example is mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL).

[0027] The structure of MEL is shown in general formula (1). In general formula (1), the substituents R1 may be the same or different and are aliphatic acyl groups having 4 to 24 carbon atoms. MEL is classified into four types, MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C, and MEL-D, based on the presence or absence of acetyl groups at the 4th and 6th positions of mannose.

[0028] [ka]

[0029] The type of MEL used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C, and MEL-D. Of these, MEL-A or MEL-B is particularly preferred.

[0030] Specifically, in MEL-A, in general formula (1), the substituents R2 and R3 are both acetyl groups. In MEL-B, in general formula (1), the substituent R2 is an acetyl group and the substituent R3 is hydrogen. In MEL-C, in general formula (1), the substituent R2 is hydrogen and the substituent R3 is an acetyl group. In MEL-D, in general formula (1), the substituents R2 and R3 are both hydrogen.

[0031] The number of carbon atoms in the substituent R1 in the above MEL-A to MEL-D varies depending on the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acids constituting the triglyceride, which is the oil or fat contained in the MEL-production medium, and the degree of fatty acid assimilation by the MEL-producing bacterium used. Furthermore, when the triglyceride contains an unsaturated fatty acid residue, it is possible to include an unsaturated fatty acid residue as the substituent R1, as long as the MEL-producing bacterium does not assimilate the double bond portion of the unsaturated fatty acid. As described above, the resulting MEL is usually in the form of a mixture of compounds with different fatty acid residue portions in the substituent R1.

[0032] Preferred examples of antiviral agents used in the present invention include MEL having the structure shown in general formula (2) or general formula (3). In general formulas (2) and (3), the substituents R1 may be the same or different and are aliphatic acyl groups having 4 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms. The substituents R2 may be the same or different and are hydrogen or an acetyl group. The substituent R3 is hydrogen or an aliphatic acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0033] The substituent R1 in the general formula (2) and the general formula (3) may be a saturated aliphatic acyl group or an unsaturated aliphatic acyl group, and is not particularly limited. When the group has an unsaturated bond, it may have, for example, multiple double bonds. The carbon chain may be linear or branched. In the case of an oxygen atom-containing hydrocarbon group, the number and positions of the oxygen atoms contained therein are not particularly limited.

[0034] [ka]

[0035] [ka]

[0036] The fatty acid introduced into the erythritol moiety of MEL may be a monocarboxylic acid of a long-chain hydrocarbon. It may be either a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid. In the case of an unsaturated fatty acid, it may have multiple double bonds. The carbon chain may be either linear or branched. Furthermore, a fatty acid derivative, which is a derivative of a fatty acid, may be used in the present invention, or a mixture of a fatty acid and a fatty acid derivative may be used in the present invention. The fatty acid or fatty acid derivative introduced into the erythritol moiety of MEL is preferably derived from oils, higher fatty acids, or synthetic esters.

[0037] The MEL preferably used in the present invention is more preferably MEL-A having a structure represented by general formula (4) or general formula (5) and MEL-B having a structure represented by general formula (6) or general formula (7), and even more preferably MEL-A having a structure represented by general formula (4) and MEL-B having a structure represented by general formula (6).

[0038] [ka]

[0039] [ka]

[0040] [ka]

[0041] [ka]

[0042] In general formulae (4), (5), (6) and (7), the substituents R1 may be the same or different and are aliphatic acyl groups having 4 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0043] In the present invention, one type of MEL may be used alone, but two or more types of MEL may also be used in combination.

[0044] The viruses to which the antiviral agent of the present invention is applied are not particularly limited, and may be DNA viruses or RNA viruses. Furthermore, the agent can be applied to both enveloped viruses (viruses with an envelope) and non-enveloped viruses (viruses without an envelope).

[0045] Examples of enveloped viruses include influenza viruses (e.g., types A and B), rubella viruses, Ebola viruses, coronaviruses, measles viruses, varicella-zoster viruses, herpes simplex viruses, mumps viruses, arboviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, SARS viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, etc.), hepatitis viruses (e.g., hepatitis B viruses, hepatitis C viruses, etc.), yellow fever viruses, AIDS viruses, rabies viruses, hantaviruses, dengue viruses, Nipah viruses, and lyssaviruses. Examples of non-enveloped viruses include adenoviruses, noroviruses, rotaviruses, human papillomaviruses, polioviruses, enteroviruses, coxsackieviruses, human parvoviruses, encephalomyocarditis viruses, polioviruses, and rhinoviruses. It is preferable to target enveloped viruses, and particularly preferable to target influenza viruses (e.g., types A and B) and coronaviruses.

[0046] By applying the above-mentioned antiviral agent to the base fabric that is the material of the mask, it is possible to provide a mask that particularly exhibits antiviral effects.

[0047] The form of the antiviral agent used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select a form that is easy to use in the mask manufacturing process. Examples include liquid, gel, cream, ointment, and stick formulations, with liquid formulations being particularly preferred from the viewpoint of workability.

[0048] The antiviral agent used in the present invention may further contain other ingredients as necessary, without particular limitation, as long as they are ingredients that can be incorporated into cosmetics, disinfectants, detergents, etc. Examples include, but are not limited to, oil-based, aqueous, powder-based, and polymer-based carriers, alumina, silica, and other carriers, solvents such as water and alcohol, dispersants such as sodium polyacrylate, emulsifiers such as glycerin fatty acid esters and lecithin, buffers such as citrate, stabilizers such as sodium sulfite, excipients such as mannitol, binders such as crystalline cellulose, disintegrants such as carmellose calcium, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc, thickeners such as gum arabic and xanthan gum, humectants such as glycerin, chelating agents such as EDTA, colorants, and fragrances.

[0049] The content of MEL in the antiviral agent used in the present invention can be adjusted appropriately and is not particularly limited. Specifically, it can be, for example, 0.000001 to 100% by weight, preferably 0.000001 to 80% by weight, more preferably 0.00001 to 80% by weight, even more preferably 0.0001 to 50% by weight, and particularly preferably 0.0001 to 10% by weight.

[0050] The dosage form of the antiviral agent used in the present invention is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately. Examples of dosage forms include liquid formulations such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions, and aerosols, and solid or semi-solid formulations such as wettable powders, dusts, granules, fine granules, and flowable formulations.

[0051] The antiviral agent used in the present invention may further contain other components as necessary. These other components are not particularly limited as long as they are suitable for use in, for example, cleaners and disinfectants for articles, and examples include oil-based, aqueous, powder-based, and polymer-based carriers, carriers such as alumina and silica, solvents such as water and alcohol, dispersants such as sodium polyacrylate, emulsifiers such as glycerin fatty acid esters and lecithin, buffers such as citrate, stabilizers such as sodium sulfite, excipients such as mannitol, binders such as crystalline cellulose, disintegrants such as carmellose calcium, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc, thickeners such as gum arabic and xanthan gum, humectants such as glycerin, chelating agents such as EDTA, colorants, and fragrances.

[0052] In the present invention, the mask manufacturing method and the material of the base fabric used are not particularly limited, but generally, three sheets of nonwoven fabric are stacked and stuck together, rolled into a roll to form a triple structure, and then pleated into the triple-layered nonwoven fabric. Then, the left and right ear straps are attached simultaneously to the nonwoven fabric (mask) cut into a rectangle. For example, the methods disclosed in JP 2022-137682 A and JP 2022-54837 A are recommended.

[0053] The shape of the mask is not particularly limited, but examples include a shape having a face covering part that covers part of the user's face, including the mouth and nostrils, and fixing parts provided on both the left and right ends of the face covering part, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9, a shape having a mask main body that covers part of the user's face and ear loops that are arranged on both the left and right sides of the mask main body and hold the mask main body on the user's face is also exemplified.

[0054] As an example of the former, in FIG. 6, first sheet 11 and second sheet 12 are in the shape of a concave polygon with two concave angles, and the concave angle of first sheet 11 and the concave angle of second sheet 12 are overlapped. Furthermore, the edges of first sheet 11 or second sheet 12 that sandwich the concave angle are overlapped, and the insides of the edges that sandwich the concave angle are sewn together, thereby maintaining the three-dimensional shape of mask 1. The seam allowance of the stitched part where the insides of the edges that sandwich the concave angle are sewn together is sandwiched between the insides of first sheet 11 and second sheet 12, and it is preferable that the seam allowance is not exposed to the outside of face covering part 10 or to the skin side.

[0055] The above configuration makes it possible to prevent the seams that are present in areas that are likely to come into direct contact with the skin from coming into direct contact with the skin, thereby reducing damage to the skin and making the mask 1 comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the above configuration makes it easier for space to exist between the inside of the mask 1 and the user's skin, making it less likely for the mask 1 to stick to the mouth even when talking while wearing it.

[0056] The suture thread refers to the thread used to connect the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 together, and the suture thread can be any thread that is generally used to sew masks together.

[0057] 6 and 8, it is preferable to connect the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 at the center in the left-right direction of the face covering part 10 by sewing them together with a suture 31. This configuration makes it easier to create a space between the inside of the mask 1 and the user's skin around the mouth of the user, so that the mask 1 is less likely to stick to the mouth even when talking while wearing it.

[0058] In the latter example, in Fig. 9, the mask body 13 is made of woven or knitted fabric. By making the mask body 13 of woven or knitted fabric, the mask body 13 feels good against the skin, improving the wearing comfort of the mask 1. Furthermore, the durability of the mask body 13 can be improved, making the mask 1 able to withstand repeated washing.

[0059] The mask body 13 may be made of woven or knitted fabric, but is preferably made of knitted fabric. By making the mask body 13 of knitted fabric, it is possible to give the mask body 13 appropriate stretchability, and the mask 1 can easily fit to the face of the user when worn.

[0060] When the mask body 13 is a woven fabric, examples of the woven fabric include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, multi-layer weave, dobby weave, and jacquard weave. Plain weave is preferable as the woven fabric for the mask body 13. Plain weave of the mask body 13 can improve the breathability of the mask body 10. When the mask body 13 is a plain weave, gauze, georgette, fine cloth, etc. can be used for the mask body 10.

[0061] The fineness of the yarn used in the woven fabric of the mask body 13 is preferably 30 or more and 100 or less in English cotton count. The density of the woven fabric of the mask body 13 is preferably 80 or more and 200 or less in total number of warp threads and weft threads per inch. The basis weight of the woven fabric of the mask body 13 is 60 g / m 2 More than 150g / m 2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0062] When the mask body 13 is a knitted fabric, it is preferable that the mask body 13 is a weft knitted fabric or a warp knitted fabric. Note that the weft knitted fabric also includes a circular knitted fabric.

[0063] The material constituting the mask body 13 preferably contains elastic rubber or spandex, or fibers such as polyester or nylon with enhanced crimping properties, and more preferably contains elastic rubber or spandex. By containing elastic rubber or spandex, or fibers such as polyester or nylon with enhanced crimping properties in the material constituting the mask body 13, the mask body 13 is given appropriate stretchability and can be made more breathable, thereby improving ventilation.

[0064] During the manufacturing process of the mask of the present invention, it is necessary to carry out a treatment with MEL. The treatment method is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to carry out the treatment by applying or spraying an MEL solution prepared to a desired concentration onto the base fabric of the mask.

[0065] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on examples, although the present invention is not limited to these examples. [Example]

[0066] Example 1 Evaluation of antiviral effect MEL suspended in purified water was used as a test sample, and various antiviral effects were evaluated using the following test methods.

[0067] The sample solution used in the influenza antiviral test was a suspension of MEL-B in purified water at a concentration of 0.01% (w / v) or 0.1% (w / v).

[0068] The sample solution used in the human coronavirus antiviral test was a suspension of MEL-B in purified water at a concentration of 0.005% (w / v) or 0.01% (w / v).

[0069] The sample solutions used in the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation test were suspensions of MEL-A and MEL-B in purified water at concentrations of 0.01% (w / v) and 0.05% (w / v), respectively.

[0070] The sample solutions used in the feline calicivirus antiviral test were prepared by suspending MEL-A and MEL-B in purified water at 0.01% (w / v) or 0.05% (w / v) concentrations, respectively.

[0071] The sample solutions used in the human herpes antiviral test were prepared by suspending MEL-A and MEL-B in purified water at 0.01% (w / v) or 0.1% (w / v) concentrations, respectively.

[0072] The test viruses used were Influenza A virus (H1N1) A / PR / 8 / 34 ATCC VR-1469 (influenza virus), Human coronavirus 229E ATCC VR-740 (human coronavirus), SARS-CoV-2 human isolate, ferline calicivirus F9 strain (feline calicivirus), and Human herpesvirus KOS ATCC VR-1493 (human herpesvirus).

[0073] MDCK (NBL-2) cells JCRB 9029 strain were used to culture influenza viruses.

[0074] MRC-5 cells ATCC CCL-171 strain were used to culture human coronavirus.

[0075] Vero cells (a cell line derived from the kidney epithelium of African green monkeys) were used to culture SARS-CoV-2.

[0076] CRFK cells (a cell line derived from feline kidney) were used to culture feline calicivirus.

[0077] Hep-2 cells (derived from human laryngeal carcinoma) were used to culture human herpesviruses.

[0078] The test was carried out with reference to "Virus Experiments, General Theory, Revised Second Edition, Maruzen Co., Ltd., Virus Neutralization Test Method." Specifically, the test was carried out according to the following procedure.

[0079] As a preliminary test, the cytotoxicity of the test sample on cultured cells was investigated. The test sample was serially diluted 10-fold with phosphate buffer and then inoculated onto the cultured cells. The highest concentration that showed normal cell condition after culture was confirmed, and the virus concentration to be used in the test was determined.

[0080] 1 ml of the test sample was taken and 0.1 ml of the virus solution at the concentration determined in the preliminary test was added. As a control, 0.1 ml of the virus solution at the concentration determined in the preliminary test was added to 1 ml of phosphate buffer.

[0081] After adding the virus solution, the cells were sensitized for 1, 5, or 15 minutes. After sensitization, the mixture of test sample and virus solution was serially diluted 10-fold, and 100 μL of each was inoculated into cells cultured in a 96-well plate. The cells were then cultured at 37°C for 5 days in 5% CO2.

[0082] To determine whether or not virus growth was occurring, the cultured cells were observed under a microscope, and the virus concentration was calculated based on the appearance of CPE (cytopathic endothelial cell transformation) in the cultured cells. The effectiveness of the test was confirmed by calculating the reduction rate of virus growth cell concentration in the test group compared to the control group at 5 and 15 minutes. The results are shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, under the condition of 0.01% MEL-B, the infectivity titer of influenza virus was reduced by 94.99% after 15 minutes of sensitization. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.05% MEL-B, the infectivity titer was reduced by 96.84%. From these results, it can be said that MEL has an antiviral effect against influenza virus even at low concentrations.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, under the condition of 0.005% MEL-B, 15 minutes of sensitization reduced the infectivity titer of human coronavirus by 96.02%. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.01% MEL-B, the infectivity titer was reduced by 99.90%. These results demonstrate that MEL has an antiviral effect against human coronavirus even at low concentrations.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, 15 minutes of incubation with 0.01% MEL-A reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infectivity titer by 99.97%. Furthermore, 0.05% MEL-A reduced the infectivity titer by over 99.99%. 0.01% MEL-B reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infectivity titer by 99.95% after 15 minutes of incubation. 0.05% MEL-B reduced the infectivity titer by 99.98% after 5 minutes of incubation. With either MEL-A or MEL-B, a reduction of approximately three orders of magnitude in the viral infectivity titer was observed. These results suggest that MEL has an antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2, even when used at low concentrations for a short period of time.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4, under the condition of 0.01% MEL-A, 15 minutes of sensitization reduced the infectivity titer of feline calicivirus by 96.02%. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.05% MEL-A, the infectivity titer was reduced by 98.42%. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.01% MEL-B, 15 minutes of sensitization reduced the infectivity titer of feline calicivirus by 98.42%. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.05% MEL-B, the infectivity titer was reduced by 99.75%. From these results, it can be said that MEL has an antiviral effect against feline calicivirus even at low concentrations.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5, under the condition of 0.1% MEL-A, the infectivity titer of human herpesvirus was reduced by 93.69%. Under the condition of 0.01% MEL-B, the infectivity titer of human herpesvirus was reduced by 90.00%. Furthermore, under the condition of 0.1% MEL-B, the infectivity titer was reduced by 99.99%. These results demonstrate that MEL has an antiviral effect against human herpesvirus even at low concentrations.

[0088] The antiviral effect of the present invention is thought to be due to the physicochemical interaction between MEL and the viral lipid membrane due to its surfactant activity.

[0089] Example 2: Mask production (1) MEL-B 0.2 mass% with a basis weight of 30 g / m2 The first base fabric was prepared by applying the coating to a nonwoven fabric of 30 g / m2 and drying it. 2 A second base fabric was prepared by applying an aqueous solution containing 0.4% by mass of citric acid to the nonwoven fabric and drying it. The coated surface of the first base fabric and the second base fabric were placed together and passed through two rolls to form a tightly contacting state. The mask was then pressed to the specified dimensions, and the contact surfaces were integrated into a tightly contacting state.

[0090] Example 3: Mask production (2) A three-layer nonwoven mask, inner sheet, and inner frame were prepared. Next, a solution of 1.0% sodium polyacrylate, 0.2% MEL-B, 80% ethanol, and 18.8% water was prepared and sprayed onto the inner sheet. The mask can be worn with the inner frame facing the mouth and the three-layer nonwoven mask facing the outside air.

[0091] Based on the results of Example 1, it is estimated that the masks obtained in Examples 2 and 3 both exhibit excellent antiviral effects against various viruses. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] By applying an antiviral composition containing MEL as an active ingredient, the present invention makes it possible to provide a mask that is safer for living organisms. It is expected to be effective in preventing viral infections in various industrial fields, including the medical field, as well as industrial, cleaning, medical, and food industries. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Mask 10: Face covering 11: Sheet 1 11a: Outer texture 11b: Lining tissue 12: Second sheet 20: Fixed part 30: Sutures 31: Suture 13: Mask body 13R: Right side of main body 13L: Left side of main unit 21: Ear hook 32: Pocket 40: Nonwoven fabric sheet 50: Core material CL: Chuo Line

Claims

1. A mask containing an antiviral agent having mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) as an active ingredient.

2. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.000001 to 100% by weight.

3. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.000001 to 80% by weight.

4. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the content of mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is 0.0001 to 10% by weight.

5. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is any one selected from the group consisting of MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C, and MEL-D.

6. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent has a structure of formula (2). 【Chemistry 2】 (In the formula, R1 is an aliphatic acyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms and may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or an acetyl group and may be the same or different; and R3 is hydrogen or an aliphatic acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.)

7. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent has a structure of formula (3). 【Chemistry 3】 (In the formula, R1 is an aliphatic acyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms and may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or an acetyl group and may be the same or different; and R3 is hydrogen or an aliphatic acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.)

8. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is MEL-A.

9. The mask according to claim 8, wherein the MEL-A contained in the antiviral agent has a structure represented by formula (4). 【Chemistry 4】 (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.)

10. The mask according to claim 8, wherein the MEL-A contained in the antiviral agent has a structure represented by formula (5). 【Chemistry 5】 (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.)

11. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) contained in the antiviral agent is MEL-B.

12. The mask according to claim 11, wherein the MEL-B contained in the antiviral agent has a structure represented by formula (6). 【Chemistry 6】 (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.)

13. The mask according to claim 11, wherein the MEL-B contained in the antiviral agent has a structure represented by formula (7). 【Chemistry 7】 (In the formula, R1's are saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic acyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different.)

14. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is an enveloped virus.

15. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a non-enveloped virus.

16. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is an influenza virus.

17. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a human coronavirus.

18. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is SARS-CoV-2.

19. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is a human herpes virus.

20. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the virus targeted by the antiviral agent is feline calicivirus.

Images