Liquid hair care agent

Abstract

To provide a liquid hair care agent that makes effective use of micro / nano bubbles, exhibits sufficient hair growth effect without side effects, and is readily obtainable.SOLUTION: A liquid hair care agent containing micro / nano bubbles, wherein the micro / nano bubbles are produced from one or more gases selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and air, and the liquid hair care agent comprises one or more liquids selected from the group consisting of water and ethanol.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid hair care agent, and in particular to a liquid hair care agent that utilizes micro-nano bubbles. [Background technology]

[0002] Microbubbles are bubbles with a diameter of 0.1mm to 0.001mm, nanobubbles are bubbles with a diameter of 0.001mm to 0.000001mm (1nm), and micro- and nanobubbles refer to a combination of both. Microbubbles have three properties: they rise, shrink, and collapse, and behave differently from regular bubbles. Microbubbles have high internal pressure and remain in water for a long time, slowly rising and shrinking. Because microbubbles are negatively charged, they adsorb dirt during the rising and shrinking process, and then continue to rise and shrink until they finally collapse and become nano-sized.

[0003] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that utilizes the properties of microbubbles, which are much smaller than regular air bubbles, by applying an ozone microbubble shower to the skin, which provides hair growth and skin activation effects without any side effects. However, in the examples of Patent Document 1, a comparison is made between an ozone microbubble shower and a simple microbubble shower, and it states that the ozone microbubble shower is superior to a simple microbubble shower in terms of epidermal cell proliferation activation and hair growth, but it does not describe any cases where ozone is applied in forms other than a microbubble shower. This merely shows that ozone is effective in epidermal cell proliferation activation and hair growth, but does not clarify the effect of converting ozone into microbubbles.

[0004] Patent Document 2 also describes a nanobubble-containing cosmetic product with a blood flow-promoting effect, comprising a nanobubble liquid and cosmetic ingredients, the nanobubble liquid being a solution containing a liquid medium and nanobubbles (nano-sized bubbles), the nanobubbles being prepared using a nanobubble generator (manufactured by Ultra Fine Science Laboratory Co., Ltd.), the nanobubbles having an average diameter of 80 nm to 140 nm, and the nanobubbles being maintained in the nanobubble liquid at room temperature for at least one month. Thus, the nanobubble-containing cosmetic product described in Patent Document 2 requires the use of nanobubbles generated using the nanobubble generator manufactured by Ultra Fine Science Laboratory Co., Ltd. Furthermore, in a written opinion submitted on May 2, 2022, the patent holder of Patent Document 2 stated, "It is known that the properties of nanobubbles vary significantly depending on the manufacturing method. Specifically, the following methods exist: particle trajectory analysis, dynamic light scattering, laser diffraction / scattering, electrical detection zone analysis, resonance mass spectrometry, and dynamic image analysis." Although these measurement methods can measure particle size and number concentration, they cannot explain the differences in nanobubble properties actually observed depending on the manufacturing equipment. ...The manufacturing principle of the nanobubble generator used in this invention is clearly different from the nanobubble generators commonly used by those skilled in the art, and it is not a generation method that those skilled in the art would normally choose."

[0005] As described above, the nanobubble-containing cosmetic preparation described in Patent Document 2 requires the use of nanobubbles generated by an extremely specialized nanobubble generator (the only one of its kind in Japan), which makes them difficult to obtain, extremely expensive, and unsuitable for practical use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-87092 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7154549 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a liquid hair care agent that makes clever use of micro-nano bubbles, has sufficient hair growth effects, has no side effects, and is easily available. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention of the present application, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, is (1) a liquid hair care agent containing micro-nano bubbles, which is used to promote hair growth.

[0009] The second invention of the present application is (2) a liquid hair care agent according to (1), which includes a pharmaceutical product, a quasi-drug product, a medicated cosmetic product, or a cosmetic product.

[0010] The third invention of the present application is the liquid hair care agent according to (2), wherein the pharmaceutical product, quasi-drug, medicated cosmetic, or cosmetic is a drug having a vasodilatory effect.

[0011] The fourth invention of the present application is (4) a liquid hair care agent according to (1), (2), or (3), wherein the micro-nano bubbles are produced from one or more gases selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and air.

[0012] The fifth invention of the present application is (5) the liquid hair care agent according to (4), which comprises one or more liquids selected from water and ethanol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the first to fifth inventions of the present application, micro-nano bubbles can easily penetrate the skin, promoting blood flow with no side effects and effectively promoting hair growth. Furthermore, because micro-nano bubbles have a hair-cleaning effect, this cleaning action imparts shine and moisture to the hair. Applying a liquid hair care agent to the scalp, which is composed of a liquid containing a pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, medicated cosmetic, or cosmetic product such as minoxidil (described below), and a liquid containing micro-nano bubbles, not only promotes hair growth but also improves scalp care. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the micro / nano bubble generating system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the micro-nano bubble generating system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 6(b), and FIG. 6(b) is a plan view of the high-speed liquid jet ejection nozzle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a high-speed liquid jet spray nozzle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid mixing vessel. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the circled area E in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid mixing vessel including a cross section of the float. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a photograph of the monitor's head before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 11(b) is a photograph of the same monitor's head 128 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 12]Figure 12(a) is a photograph of the head of another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 12(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 70 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 13(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 198 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 14(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 84 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 15(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 226 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 16(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 93 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 17(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 196 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 18(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 126 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 19(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 90 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 20(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 156 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 21(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 60 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 22(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 25 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23(a) is a photograph of the head of yet another monitor before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and Figure 23(b) is a photograph of the head of the same monitor 125 days after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a graph showing the particle size distribution of micro- and nano-bubbles in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention used in the examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Micro- and nano-bubbles have various characteristics, such as (a) small bubble diameter, (b) slow rising speed, (c) reduced frictional resistance, (d) high intra-bubble pressure, (e) large gas-liquid interface, (f) large amount of dissolved gas, (g) dissolution and contraction, (h) negatively charged bubble surfaces, (i) as the particle diameter becomes smaller, buoyancy becomes much smaller compared to viscous forces, so that they can remain as ultrafine bubbles in liquid for a long time without floating to the top, and (j) the spherical diameter of the bubbles becomes so small that liquids containing nano-bubbles are invisible to the naked eye and are colorless and transparent. Utilizing these characteristics, they are expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor cleaning, and plant cultivation.

[0016] The liquid hair care agent of the present invention contains micro-nano bubbles with the above-described characteristics. The liquefaction medium can be, but is not limited to, water or ethanol; any medium known to those skilled in the art can be used. Examples of water include tap water, purified water, natural water, carbonated water, deionized water, alkaline ionized water, deep-sea water, distilled water, RO water, and purified water. Purified water is a solvent used in medical treatments, has superior skin penetration compared to regular water, and is free of impurities, making it safe for use by people with sensitive skin without worrying about skin irritation. Therefore, purified water is preferred.

[0017] The liquid hair care agent containing micro-nano bubbles of the present invention is characterized by the fact that the micro-nano bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. Micro-nano bubbles include both microbubbles with diameters of 0.1 mm to 0.001 mm and nanobubbles with diameters of 0.001 mm to 0.000001 mm (1 nm), but the diameter of the micro-nano bubbles is preferably between 1 nm and 55 nm. Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and air can be used as gases for the micro-nano bubbles.

[0018] As a medicine, quasi-drug, medicinal cosmetic, or cosmetic that can be contained in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, for example, minoxidil can be used. Minoxidil has the chemical formula "CH 15 N5O" and has the IUPAC name "6-piperidin-1-ylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine-3-oxide." Minoxidil is a drug developed as a blood pressure lowering agent, but its vasodilatory properties are thought to promote blood circulation in the scalp and have a hair growth effect.

[0019] Alternatively, minoxidil can be used as a cosmetic product, which is a minoxidil derivative. 13N5O" and has the IUPAC name "6-piperidine-2,4-pyrimidinediamine-3-oxide." Pidoxidil has a molecular structure very similar to minoxidil and has excellent permeability, so its active ingredients for hair growth can penetrate deep into the scalp, and it is expected to promote hair growth.

[0020] Other than those mentioned above, the pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, medicated cosmetics, and cosmetics that can be contained in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention include those described in the following paragraphs 0021 to 0050.

[0021] Finasteride, which inhibits the enzyme that causes hair loss, can also be used. Taking L-lysine at the same time as finasteride allows you to ingest animal protein, which is a fundamental component of hair, and increases the rate at which finasteride is absorbed into the body.

[0022] In addition, zinc can be used to synthesize keratin, the basis for hair production, and inhibit the production of an enzyme called 5α-reductase, which is one of the factors that produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance that causes hair loss.

[0023] Furthermore, aloe extract extracted from aloe vera, which contains aloin and is said to be effective in suppressing male pattern baldness, can also be used.

[0024] In addition, isoflavones can be used, which act in the same way as estrogen (female hormone) in the body and increase the female hormone in the body, which has the property of making hair thicker.

[0025] Furthermore, the flavonoids contained in ginkgo leaf extract have antioxidant properties, and ginkgolides have the effect of improving blood flow, so ginkgo leaf extract can be used to maintain a healthy scalp with the antioxidant properties of flavonoids, and to promote hair growth by encouraging active cell division in the scalp with the improved blood flow of ginkgolides.

[0026] Furthermore, Scutellaria root extract, which is extracted from the dried roots of the Scutellaria root plant, can also be used to suppress the production of 5α-reductase, which produces male hormones that cause hair loss.

[0027] Furthermore, watercress, also known as watercress or water lily, is a plant that grows in water and wetlands. In addition to being edible, watercress is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics because it contains nutrients that are good for keeping you warm and for the skin.The extract contains sinigrin (potassium myronate), an antibacterial and spicy ingredient that stimulates the scalp and promotes blood circulation, so watercress can also be used.

[0028] Capsaicin is a spicy ingredient, but it is known for its effect of promoting blood circulation in the scalp and has been shown to have a certain effect on hair growth and regrowth, so it can also be used.

[0029] Citric acid is attracting attention as an anti-aging ingredient that prevents oxidation of skin cells with its antioxidant properties, but it can also be used because its antioxidant properties on the scalp prevent itching and roughness, suppress unpleasant scalp odor, and promote blood circulation in the scalp.

[0030] The germanium contained in goji berries has the effect of increasing scalp metabolism, which in turn prevents scalp aging and the accumulation of dirt and waste products in the hair roots, so goji berries can also be used.

[0031] Gingerol, the pungent component found in ginger, and shogaol, which is produced by drying gingerol, have the effect of expanding blood vessels and improving blood flow, promoting blood circulation in the scalp, suppressing active oxygen in the scalp, preventing itching and eczema, and also having antibacterial properties that keep the scalp and hair warm and prevent dandruff and itching, so ginger extract extracted from ginger can also be used.

[0032] Swertia extract, extracted from the medicinal herb Swertia japonica, which belongs to the Gentianaceae family, is effective against hair loss symptoms and has been highly valued as a traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Swertiamarin, swerthianin, and swerthianoline contained in Swertia japonica have a blood circulation promoting effect, amarogentin and amaroswellin have a hair papilla cell activating effect, and xanthone and gentiopicroside have antioxidant effects, so Swertia extract can also be used.

[0033] Nicotinamide (niacin, vitamin B3) can also be used because it dilates capillaries, improves blood flow, increases the supply of nutrients to hair matrix cells, activates them, and leads to an improvement in the hair growth cycle.

[0034] Ginseng extract, extracted from Korean ginseng, is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine because it enhances the medicinal effects of other traditional Chinese medicines, but this ginseng extract can also be used because it enhances antioxidant effects.

[0035] Garlic extract can also be used because it contains organic germanium, which has the effect of cleansing pores, promoting blood circulation, providing antioxidant protection to the scalp, and preventing dandruff and itching.

[0036] Male hormones are converted into dihydrotestosterone in the body, a substance that causes hair loss, but saw palmetto inhibits this process, so saw palmetto can also be used.

[0037] Placenta extract, a nutrient extracted from the placenta, has a peripheral vascularization effect, which increases the amount of blood circulating in the scalp, activating cell division and allowing more nutrients to reach hair matrix cells, which is expected to lead to hair growth.Placenta extract also helps prevent excessive secretion of male hormones, which can cause hormonal imbalance and increased hair loss, by adjusting the hormone balance, so placenta extract can also be used.

[0038] Amla fruit is a tree of the Euphorbiaceae family that grows mainly in Asia at altitudes above 1,500 meters. The fruit contains a compound called "beta-glucogallin," which has strong antioxidant properties that help keep the scalp healthy. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent dandruff and itching, so amla fruit can also be used.

[0039] Argan oil, extracted from the fruit of a Sapotaceae tree native to Morocco, is rich in natural vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties such as promoting blood circulation, preventing scalp oxidation, and suppressing unpleasant odors, so argan oil can also be used.

[0040] Brown algae extract, which is an extract extracted from brown algae plants such as wakame, kelp, and hijiki, contains fucoidan, which improves blood flow that carries nutrients and oxygen to the hair papilla and activates hair matrix cells, so this brown algae extract can also be used.

[0041] Glycyrrhizic acid, an ingredient extracted from licorice root, can also be used as it helps to reduce dandruff, itching, and inflammation.

[0042] Ketoconazole has very strong antibacterial properties and can cure dandruff and itching caused by scalp bacteria, and it also suppresses male hormones and reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone, a substance that causes hair loss, so ketoconazole can also be used.

[0043] Tocopherol acetate can be used because it is expected to have antioxidant and blood circulation promoting effects.

[0044] Sohaku extract, extracted by drying mulberry roots, contains a lot of flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, so it prevents unpleasant odors and also has the effect of moisturizing the scalp, so this sohaku extract can also be used.

[0045] Parthenolide (feverfew), an ingredient extracted from herbs, has the effect of suppressing the activity of hair matrix cells and inhibiting the activity of the NF-kB transcription factor, a substance that causes hair loss, which ultimately leads to the suppression of dihydrotestosterone, so parthenolide can also be used.

[0046] Panthenol can also be used because it acts on hair matrix cells to activate cell division, promotes hair growth, has a moisturizing effect on the scalp, increases scalp metabolism, and prevents scalp conditions that make it easy for waste products to accumulate.

[0047] Hinokitiol, an unsaturated seven-membered ring compound found in ferns and Japanese cypress, has antibacterial properties and activates hair matrix cells, so it can also be used.

[0048] Proanthocyanidins, a type of polyphenol found in a wide range of plants such as many fruits, tea, soybeans, and tree bark, have strong antioxidant properties and can prevent delayed hair growth and hair loss caused by scalp oxidation, so proanthocyanidins can also be used.

[0049] Millet extract, extracted from the grass family plants millet and pearl millet, contains many nutrients that are said to be good for hair, such as amino acids such as cystine and leucine, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6.Hair is made up of a protein that forms the cytoskeleton called keratin, and cystine is used to produce keratin, so millet extract can also be used.

[0050] Wild yam, a plant of the Dioscorea family native to Mexico, is rich in phytoestrogens and saponins. Phytoestrogens complement female hormones and make hair thicker, while saponins prevent scalp oxidation, which can lead to increased hair loss and make it difficult to grow hair, restoring the scalp to a clean state, so wild yam can also be used.

[0051] Cosmetic ingredients that can be contained in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention include anti-inflammatory ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, antioxidants, preservatives, thickeners, moisturizing ingredients, chelating agents, pH adjusters, plant extracts, fragrances, pigments, etc. The liquid hair care agent of the present invention preferably contains vitamin E and type I collagen, which can impart excellent blood circulation promoting effects and moisturizing effects.

[0052] Next, we will explain the method for generating the micro-nano bubbles contained in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. Figure 1 is a front view of a system for generating micro-nano bubbles, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the system. In Figures 1 and 2, 1 is a bellows cylinder pump, 2 is a pump controller, 3 is a gas-liquid mixing vessel, 4 is a pressure sensor, 5 is a micro-nano bubble generating nozzle attachment, 6 is a liquid suction tube, 7 is a gas suction port, and 8 is a gas suction adjustment valve.

[0053] The bellows cylinder pump 1, whose liquid-contacting parts are made of fluororesin, uses a liquid suction tube 6 and a gas suction adjustment valve 8 to adjust the amount of gas. The liquid and gas mixture is sucked into the pump, agitated inside the bellows, and compressed, dissolving the gas in the liquid. In the present invention, the bellows cylinder pump 1 is sufficient as long as it is metal-free. It may also be made of at least one plastic other than fluororesin, such as general-purpose plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate; engineering plastics like polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, and modified polyphenylene ether; and super-engineering plastics like polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, and liquid crystal polymer. In this case, using fluororesin and other plastics not only for the pump but also for the liquid-contacting parts can result in a highly reliable and clean micro-nano bubble generator. Furthermore, in the present invention, if strict metal-free cleaning and sterilization are not required, metals and ceramics may be used in addition to the plastics listed above.

[0054] Next, the gas and liquid are agitated by a bellows cylinder pump 1 and pumped into a gas-liquid mixing tank 3. The bellows cylinder pump 1 is usually an air-driven bellows cylinder pump, but an electrically powered one can also be used. The gas and liquid in the gas-liquid mixing tank 3 are subjected to pressure from the bellows cylinder pump 1, which makes it easier for the gas to dissolve. In other words, the pressure at which the gas and liquid are pumped from the bellows cylinder pump 1 is checked by a pressure sensor 4. This method increases the amount of dissolved gas, preparing to increase the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated.

[0055] The liquid that has been pumped into the gas-liquid mixing tank 3 is mixed with the gas, and the gas is dissolved in the liquid before being sent to the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle attachment part 5. The micro-nano bubble generating nozzle attachment part 5 is the part that connects the dissolved gas to a nozzle that produces a large amount of micro-nano bubbles with a diameter of 60 μm or less, preferably 15 μm or less.

[0056] At this time, the pressure sensor 4 monitors the dissolved state of the gas and liquid by observing fluctuations in the liquid pressure between the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle attachment part 5 and the gas-liquid mixing tank 3. This makes it possible to achieve the constant pressure state required for a stable micro-nano bubble generating nozzle.

[0057] This section describes a method for generating micro-nano bubbles using the micro-nano bubble generating system shown in Figures 1 and 2. Gas and liquid are sucked in using the gas suction port 7, liquid suction tube 6, and gas suction adjustment valve 8. Next, the gas-containing liquid is pressurized using a bellows cylinder pump 1. Subsequently, the pressurized gas-containing liquid is mixed with new gas using a pump controller 2 and a gas-liquid mixing tank 3 to enrich the dissolved gas. After that, a high-speed liquid jet injection nozzle (described later) is connected to the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle attachment part 5, and micro-nano bubbles are generated. This process is a dissolved gas atomization process. Micro-nano bubbles can be generated by injecting a gas-dissolved liquid at a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure through a cylinder with two or more small through-holes from the outside of the cylinder and causing the gas-dissolved liquid to collide with the gas-dissolved liquid at a point inside the cylinder.

[0058] Next, we will explain a method for generating a large amount of micro-nano bubbles from a gas-dissolved liquid. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a micro-nano bubble generating nozzle, with 11 and 12 representing the outer cases of the nozzle. Outer cases 11 and 12 are arranged opposite each other and fixed with bolts 13 and nuts 14. The gas-dissolved liquid pressurized by a bellows cylinder pump 1 is supplied into the opposing outer cases 11 and 12 as shown by the arrows. 15 and 16 are high-speed liquid jet injection nozzles, and the discharge flow rate and flow velocity of the gas-dissolved liquid can be determined by the size of the nozzle holes.

[0059] Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the micro-nano bubble generating nozzle, and liquid containing micro-nano bubbles is ejected in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0060] A method for generating micro-nano bubbles using the water flow discharged from this high-speed liquid jet spray nozzle is described below. The water is discharged from high-pressure pump 1 at a pressure of 0.2 MPa to 0.6 MPa, and the gas-dissolved liquid discharged from high-speed liquid jet spray nozzles 15 and 16 collide with each other, creating a water hammer force that breaks up the gas-dissolved liquid, generating a large amount of micro-nano bubbles.

[0061] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 6(b), and Figure 6(b) is a plan view of the high-speed liquid jet jet nozzle. The high-speed liquid jet jet nozzles 15 and 16 are centered using a center pin 17 that determines the center, and are aligned and fixed using positioning pins 18 and 19.

[0062] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a high-speed liquid jet nozzle, and as shown in Figure 6, the high-speed liquid jet nozzles 15 and 16 are arranged facing each other, and the gas-dissolved liquid discharged from one high-speed liquid jet nozzle 15 or 16 crashes into the gas-dissolved liquid discharged from the other high-speed liquid jet nozzle 15 or 16, causing a water hammer force to break up the gas-dissolved liquid and generate a large amount of micro-nano bubbles. In order to supply the gas-dissolved liquid as a high-speed jet, the gas-dissolved liquid is ejected from the small flow path holes 15a and 16a by being rapidly squeezed by the nozzle portions 15b and 16b, and the collision of the jet streams ejected from the nozzle portions 15b and 16b breaks up the gas-dissolved liquid, generating a large amount of micro-nano bubbles.

[0063] The reason for sending the liquid at high pressure is to increase the speed at which the liquid comes out of the small holes. In other words, by colliding the liquid at high speed, the impact energy increases, and a larger number of smaller micro-nano bubbles can be generated.

[0064] Let F be the force that occurs when the gas-dissolved liquid collides. Let the density of the liquid be ρ (g / cm 3 ) and S is the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle (cm 2 ) and the liquid velocity is V (cm / sec), then F = ρSV 2 To optimize F, it is necessary to consider the relationship between the density of the liquid, the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle, and the velocity of the liquid.

[0065] It is believed that pumps that generate higher pressures can generate more micro- and nano-bubbles. For example, there are high-pressure pumps with discharge pressures of 0.5 MPa to 250 MPa. When using such pumps, the liquid velocity increases in proportion to the pressure, and the water hammer force F increases as the square of V, so the amount of micro- and nano-bubbles generated is likely to increase. However, applying such high-pressure pumps to micro- and nano-bubble generators makes it difficult to meet various requirements, such as light weight, compact size, metal-free design, and low maintenance costs.

[0066] However, by using the micro-nano bubble generating nozzles shown in Figures 3 to 5 and the high-speed liquid jet injection nozzles shown in Figures 6 and 7 in the micro-nano bubble generating system shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to generate a volume of micro-nano bubbles equivalent to or greater than conventional levels, provided that the pressure at which the gas-dissolved liquid in a gas-liquid mixture is injected is atmospheric pressure (approximately 0.1 MPa) or higher. Furthermore, by setting this pressure at 0.2 MPa or higher, it is possible to generate a sufficient amount of micro-nano bubbles for thorough cleaning and sterilization. Because the lower limit of the injection pressure of the gas-dissolved liquid can be lowered to 0.2 MPa, a pump suitable for eliminating the effects of metal contamination, namely, a compressed air-driven or electric bellows cylinder pump 1 made of fluororesin, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, can be used. Furthermore, when using a compressed air-driven or electric bellows cylinder pump, the volume of micro-nano bubbles tends to saturate when the injection pressure of the dissolved liquid exceeds 0.6 MPa. Therefore, in the present invention, the pressure when spraying the gas-dissolved liquid is preferably 0.2 to 0.6 MPa.

[0067] The micro-nano bubble generating nozzle of the present invention is capable of spraying a jet stream of gas-dissolved liquid at atmospheric pressure or higher, preferably at a pressure of 0.2 to 0.6 MPa, which is lower than conventional pressures. Therefore, the diameter of the nozzle portions indicated by 15b and 16b in Fig. 7 is preferably 0.1 to 6.0 mm. In Fig. 7, the flow path small holes 15a and 16a need only have a throttle function for converting the gas-dissolved liquid into a high-speed jet and can be formed in a continuously tapered shape toward the nozzle portions 15b and 16b. The amount of micro-nano bubbles generated is mainly determined by the diameter of the nozzle portions 15b and 16b; therefore, the flow path small holes 15a and 16a can also be omitted.

[0068] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid mixing vessel 3. Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the circled area E in Figure 8. Conventional gas-liquid mixing vessels mix gas and liquid at high pressure, but when the gas and liquid are mixed and sent using a pump, they are mixed by spraying them like a fountain from the top inside the gas-liquid mixing vessel. However, this method is inefficient at mixing and does not allow for a large amount of micro-nano bubbles to be generated.

[0069] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, gas and liquid are sent from a pump in the direction of arrow A to arrow B, and then sent to gas-liquid injection pipes 22 and 23. As shown in Figure 9, in order to increase the efficiency of gas-liquid mixing when the gas and liquid are discharged from hole 22a of gas-liquid injection pipe 22 and hole 23a of gas-liquid injection pipe 23, the water hammer caused by colliding the liquid from the directions of arrows X and Y is utilized, which efficiently mixes the gas and liquid, quickly produces a gas-liquid mixture that serves as the raw material for micro-nano bubbles, and also increases the mixing ratio of the gas and liquid. In Figure 8, 24 is a Teflon (registered trademark) side wall.

[0070] The float 21 shown in Figure 8 is placed with the purpose of safely discharging excess gas to the outside when too much gas is mixed with the gas-liquid mixture, and functions to adjust the amount of gas and liquid to an appropriate level. In other words, by eliminating the problem of excess gas remaining in the gas state flowing into the nozzle and inhibiting the generation of micro-nano bubbles, the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated can be adjusted and stabilized.

[0071] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid mixing vessel including a cross-section of the float. This float 21 has a float tip 21a (sharp), a reinforcing rib 21b that prevents the float 21 from collapsing due to the pressure of the liquid, and a stopper 21c.

[0072] In order to mix gas and liquid, it is important to increase the contact area between the gas and liquid to increase the efficiency with which the gas dissolves in the liquid. If this gas dissolution efficiency decreases, there will be a shortage of gas, which is fatal to the generation of micro-nano bubbles, and this will lead to a shortage of micro-nano bubbles.

[0073] After examining the liquid-to-gas ratio to determine whether it increases the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated, we found that a volume ratio of 60% liquid to 40% gas in the gas-liquid mixing vessel is the ideal balance. To automatically control the ratio, the buoyancy of the liquid in the float 21 is used to discharge excess gas through the excess gas outlet 26 of the float receiver 25. This automatic adjustment of the gas volume optimizes the mixing of the dissolved gas and liquid, stabilizes the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated, and increases the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated. To increase the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated, it is preferable to control the volume ratio of liquid to gas in the gas-liquid mixing vessel within a range of 50:50 to 95:5, with a higher liquid ratio. The float 21 can be installed not only inside the gas-liquid mixing vessel 3 but also outside it. In this case, the volume ratio of liquid to gas present inside the gas-liquid mixing vessel 3 can be controlled by connecting the inside and outside of the vessel 3 with a connecting pipe or other means. [Example]

[0074] Below, we will explain an example of the present invention, which uses a liquid hair care agent that combines purified water containing micro-nano bubbles produced from oxygen and having the particle size distribution shown in Figure 24 with a pharmaceutical product, quasi-drug, medicated cosmetic, or cosmetic, such as minoxidil, but the present invention is not limited to this description. Various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

[0075] To confirm the effectiveness of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, the following experiment was conducted using 13 subjects (8 men and 5 women) aged 34 to 68 years old as monitors. The ages of the 13 subjects, the dates on which photographs of their heads were taken before and after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and the period between the days before and after application are shown in Table 1 below.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] A liquid containing a 15% minoxidil solution and purified water containing oxygen micro-nano bubbles generated by the micro-nano bubble generating system described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 in a 1:1 volume ratio was directly applied to the scalp of each of the 13 subjects shown in Table 1 using a spray bottle. The liquid hair care agent of the present invention can be applied to the scalp in any manner, including as a shower. The pressure and flow rate of the shower-type liquid hair care agent can be increased or decreased as long as it does not damage the scalp and is not uncomfortable for the showerer. As long as it is not particularly uncomfortable, a stronger pressure and a higher flow rate are preferred. The application time of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention to the scalp per application can be adjusted as appropriate, taking into account factors such as scalp condition and hair growth, and can be 10 to 20 seconds, 30 to 60 seconds, 1 to 2 minutes, 3 to 5 minutes, or even longer. The hair growth care agent of the present invention may be applied to the scalp once, twice, three times, four times, or more times per day. It is preferable to continue application until the desired effect is achieved, which usually occurs within several weeks to several months, for example, about 3 to 4 months.

[0078] The micro-nano bubbles in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention are preferably small in size and abundant in quantity. This is because applying a large amount of small micro-nano bubbles to the scalp allows them to penetrate deep into the pores and remove more waste products. Figure 24 shows the particle size distribution of micro-nano bubbles in a liquid containing a 15% minoxidil solution and purified water containing oxygen micro-nano bubbles generated by the micro-nano bubble generating system in a 1:1 volume ratio, which was applied directly to the scalps of 13 subjects (see Table 1). The horizontal axis of Figure 24 represents particle size (nm), and the vertical axis represents the number of particles. These micro-nano bubbles contain very small particles with diameters of approximately 1 to 5 nm, so they were measured using dynamic light scattering. Particles undergo Brownian motion in liquid; Brownian motion is faster for small particles and slower for larger particles. When these particles are irradiated with laser light, the intensity of the scattered light fluctuates due to this Brownian motion. Therefore, a fast-changing fluctuation signal is obtained from small particles, and a slow-changing fluctuation signal is obtained from large particles. Dynamic light scattering is the method of calculating particle diameter by analyzing this fluctuation signal. When measuring with dynamic light scattering, the scattered light intensity (It) is obtained using a highly sensitive detector such as a photomultiplier tube, and the scattered light intensity is expressed in the form of a correlation function as shown in equation (1) below. Q=<I(t)·I(t+γ)> =C1[1+C2exp(-2Γγ)] (1) Q is the scattering vector, t is the time, γ is the time difference, Γ is the decay constant, and C1 and C2 are constants. Γ is related to the diffusion coefficient D of particles undergoing Brownian motion and is expressed in the form of the following equation (2), and the scattering vector g is expressed in the form of the following equation (3). Γ=D·Q 2 (2) g=(4πn / λ0)sin(θ / 2) (3) λ0 is the wavelength of the laser light, and θ is the scattering angle. The diffusion coefficient D can be calculated from equations (1), (2), and (3). Then, the particle diameter can be calculated from the diffusion coefficient D using the Stokes-Einstein equation, expressed as equation (4) below. D=kT / (3πηx) (4) where k is the Boltzmann constant, T is the absolute temperature, η is the viscosity, and x is the particle diameter.

[0079] FIG. 24 shows the particle size distribution of the micro-nano bubbles contained in the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, with approximately 85% having a diameter in the range of 1 to 5 nm, approximately 90% having a diameter in the range of 1 to 10 nm, and no bubbles exceeding 55 nm. In the examples of the present invention, micro-nano bubbles that correspond to this particle size distribution and are produced from oxygen are referred to as oxygen micro-nano bubbles.

[0080] The temperature of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention may be within a temperature range that does not cause discomfort to the person taking a shower, and can be, for example, 25 to 30°C, 30 to 33°C, 33 to 36°C, 36 to 39°C, or 40 to 42°C.

[0081] For the 13 subjects shown in Table 1, a liquid containing a 15% minoxidil solution and purified water containing oxygen micro- and nanobubbles in a 1:1 ratio was sprayed onto the scalp of each subject using a sprayer. The amount was approximately 0.2-0.5cc per application, for approximately 20 seconds per application, once or twice per day (for subjects who applied the liquid twice, there was a gap of approximately 6-10 hours between the first and second applications). The subject who applied the liquid twice showed results just 25 days after application (a 63-year-old woman in Table 1, see Figure 22). The oxygen micro- and nanobubbles were generated in a gas-liquid mixing chamber with a volume ratio of 60% liquid to 40% gas.

[0082] (a) in each of Figures 11 to 23 is a photograph of the monitor's head before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, and (b) in each of Figures 11 to 23 is a photograph of the monitor's head at a specified date and time after application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention. A comparison of the head before application (photograph on the left) and the head after application (photograph on the right) in each figure is as follows.

[0083] As can be seen from Figure 11, the amount of hair around the crown of the head is increasing.

[0084] As can be seen from Figure 12, there is no change in the amount of hair.

[0085] As can be seen from Figure 13, the amount of hair around the crown of the head has increased significantly.

[0086] As can be seen from Figure 14, there is no change in the amount of hair.

[0087] As can be seen from Figure 15, the amount of hair around the crown of the head has increased.

[0088] As can be seen from Figure 16, there is a slight increase in the amount of hair around the crown of the head.

[0089] As can be seen from Figure 17, there is a slight increase in the amount of hair around the crown of the head.

[0090] As can be seen from Figure 18, the amount of hair around the crown of the head has increased significantly.

[0091] As can be seen from Figure 19, the area of ​​the circular hairless area just above the right ear that was present before application of the liquid hair care agent of the present invention has decreased, and the amount of hair has increased slightly.

[0092] As can be seen from Figure 20, the amount of hair around the crown of the head has increased significantly.

[0093] As can be seen from Figure 21, the amount of hair around the whorl of the head has increased.

[0094] As can be seen from Figure 22, the amount of hair around the whorl of the head has increased.

[0095] As can be seen from Figure 23, the amount of hair around the crown of the head has increased significantly.

[0096] The observation results of Figures 11 to 23 are summarized below. Among the men, two subjects showed no change in hair volume, two subjects showed a slight increase in hair volume, two subjects showed an increase in hair volume, and two subjects showed a significant increase in hair volume. Among the women, one subject showed a slight increase in hair volume, two subjects showed an increase in hair volume, and two subjects showed a significant increase in hair volume. Thus, the liquid hair care agent of the present invention was found to be effective in promoting hair growth in approximately 85% (11 / 13) of the subjects.

[0097] In addition, after interviewing all the monitors, 3 men and 3 women felt that their hair had become shinier, while 5 men and 2 women felt that there was no change in hair shininess. Furthermore, 3 men and 2 women felt that their hair had become moisturized.

[0098] As described above, by using the liquid hair care agent of the present invention, which is made by blending purified water containing extremely fine oxygen micro-nano bubbles, none of which have a diameter exceeding 55 nm, with a pharmaceutical product, quasi-drug, medicated cosmetic, or cosmetic, such as minoxidil, it is clear that hair volume increases, hair becomes lustrous, and hair feels moisturized.

[0099] In the liquid hair care agent of the present invention shown in the above examples, minoxidil was blended with purified water containing oxygen micro-nano bubbles at a volume ratio of 1:1, but the same effects can be achieved if the volume ratio of the former to the latter is 1 to 5:1. Preferably, the volume ratio of the 15% minoxidil solution to purified water containing oxygen micro-nano bubbles is 1 to 3:1, more preferably 1 to 2:1, and most preferably 1:1.

[0100] Instead of minoxidil, pidocydil can be used, or the drugs, quasi-drugs, medicated cosmetics, or cosmetics described in paragraphs 0020 to 0049 can also be used. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The liquid hair care agent of the present invention can be widely applied in the fields of healthcare industry and cosmetics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Bellows Cylinder Pump 2 Pump Controller 3 Gas-liquid mixing tank 4 Pressure Sensors 5 Micro / nano bubble generating nozzle attachment part 6 Liquid suction tube 7 Gas suction port 8 Gas suction adjustment valve 11 Outer case 12 Outer case 13 volts 14 Nut 15 High-speed jet liquid injection nozzle 15a Small hole for flow path 15b Nozzle part 16 High-speed jet liquid injection nozzle 16a Small hole for flow path 16b Nozzle part 17 Center pin 18 Locating pin 19 Locating pin 21 Float 21a Float tip 21b Reinforcement rib 21c Stopcock 22 Gas-liquid injection pipe 23 Gas-liquid injection pipe 24 Teflon sidewall 25 Float holder 26 Excess gas outlet

Claims

1. A liquid hair care product containing micro-nano bubbles that is used to promote hair growth.

2. The liquid hair care agent according to claim 1, which comprises a pharmaceutical product, a quasi-drug, a medicated cosmetic, or a cosmetic.

3. 3. The liquid hair care agent according to claim 2, wherein the pharmaceutical product, quasi-drug, medicated cosmetic, or cosmetic is a drug having a vasodilatory effect.

4. 4. The liquid hair care agent according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the micro-nano bubbles are produced from one or more gases selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and air.

5. The liquid hair care agent according to claim 4, which comprises one or more liquids selected from water and ethanol.

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