Absorbent article for absorbing menstrual blood

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article improved in absorbency of menstrual blood.SOLUTION: An absorbent article for absorbing menstrual blood, comprising a functional substance, wherein the functional substance has a function of inhibiting a factor that acts on blood coagulation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles for absorbing menstrual blood. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent articles commonly used for absorbing menstrual blood, particularly sanitary napkins, are configured to absorb menstrual blood mainly based on a hydrophilic gradient, a density gradient, and capillary force, but may not be able to fully absorb menstrual blood when the menstrual blood is highly viscous. Developments have been made to further improve the functionality of absorbent articles for absorbing menstrual blood.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article having a topsheet containing a blood modifying agent with specific physical properties. According to this document, this blood modifying agent has the effect of reducing the viscosity and surface tension of blood.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article equipped with a liquid-permeable sheet (hemaggregating sheet) containing a hemagglutinating agent. According to this document, this hemagglutinating sheet has the effect of agglutinating red blood cells in blood upon contact with the blood. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-63245 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-217066 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventional absorbent articles may not be able to fully absorb depending on the state of menstrual blood. In particular, menstrual blood may contain highly viscous menstrual blood (so-called "thick menstrual blood"). Highly viscous menstrual blood is, for example, solid, liver-like, gel-like, or gel-like, and therefore is difficult to diffuse and absorb into the densely structured sheet of an absorbent article. When highly viscous menstrual blood is not diffused and absorbed and accumulates on the surface of the absorbent article, problems such as leakage, leakage anxiety, stickiness on the skin, and an unpleasant appearance can occur. Furthermore, when the diffusion and absorption of menstrual blood is hindered by highly viscous menstrual blood in the absorbent article, problems such as leakage and stickiness can occur.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide absorbent articles with improved menstrual blood absorption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention according to the present disclosure is An absorbent article for absorbing menstrual blood, comprising a functional substance, The functional substance has a function of inhibiting factors that act on blood coagulation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article with improved menstrual blood absorption. In particular, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce "highly viscous menstrual blood" in the absorbent article, thereby facilitating the diffusion and absorption of menstrual blood in the absorbent article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a sanitary napkin 1 as an absorbent article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a photograph showing the napkin according to Example 2 and simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood placed thereon. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a photograph of the napkin according to Example 2 after simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was allowed to stand on the napkin. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the napkin according to Example 4 and actual highly viscous menstrual blood placed thereon. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a photograph of the napkin according to Example 4 after highly viscous menstrual blood was allowed to stand on the napkin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present inventors have focused on the fact that "highly viscous menstrual blood" occurs as blood coagulation progresses in menstrual blood, and have arrived at the present invention.

[0012] During menstruation, the functional layer of the endometrium develops. Just before menstruation, necrosis of the functional layer of the endometrium progresses, and during menstruation, the functional layer is shed from the uterus and becomes menstrual blood. Menstrual blood (menstrual blood) contains endometrium and blood.

[0013] Without intending to be limited by theory, just before menstruation, the endometrial blood changes to an environment that inhibits blood clotting, and the amount of plasmin in particular increases. Plasmin plays a role in maintaining menstrual blood in a liquid state by degrading fibrin, which promotes blood clotting. Due to necrosis of the functional layer of the endometrium just before menstruation, blood clotting factors in menstrual blood promote clotting. However, the increased amount of plasmin just before menstruation usually inhibits blood clotting and / or liquefies the clotted blood. Furthermore, due to this blood clotting and the inhibitory effect of plasmin, a significant decrease or deficiency of blood clotting factors (especially activated factor XIII) occurs in menstrual blood, making blood clotting even more difficult. However, when the amount of plasmin is relatively low due to constitution or physical condition, or when the amount of menstrual blood is relatively large, it is thought that fibrin degradation by plasmin is insufficient, resulting in highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0014] The absorbent article according to the present disclosure contains a functional substance that has the function of inhibiting factors that promote blood clotting, thereby reducing the amount of coagulated blood in menstrual blood, and as a result, effectively reducing the amount of highly viscous menstrual blood in menstrual blood.

[0015] The present disclosure includes the inventions according to the following aspects.

[0016] <Aspect 1> The invention according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure is An absorbent article for absorbing menstrual blood, comprising a functional substance, The functional substance has a function of inhibiting a factor that acts on blood coagulation. absorbent articles, is.

[0017] The absorbent article according to aspect 1 contains a functional substance that has the function of inhibiting factors that act on blood clotting. Since "highly viscous menstrual blood" occurs as blood clotting progresses in menstrual blood, this absorbent article can reduce "highly viscous menstrual blood" in the absorbent article when menstrual blood is excreted in the absorbent article, and / or can suppress the occurrence of high-viscosity menstrual blood in the absorbent article.

[0018] <Aspect 2> The invention according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to the above-mentioned aspect 1, wherein the functional substance has a function of inhibiting blood coagulation in the menstrual blood and / or a function of promoting a decrease in viscosity of coagulated blood contained in the menstrual blood. is.

[0019] The absorbent article according to aspect 2 contains a functional substance that inhibits factors that promote blood coagulation, and this functional substance can suppress the coagulation of blood in menstrual blood and / or promote the reduction of the viscosity of the coagulated blood contained in menstrual blood. Therefore, when menstrual blood is excreted into the absorbent article, this absorbent article can reduce "highly viscous menstrual blood" in the absorbent article and / or can suppress the occurrence of highly viscous menstrual blood in the absorbent article.

[0020] In particular, reducing the viscosity of clotted blood means that the solubility of the clotted blood is increased or that the clotted blood is liquefied. The reduced-viscosity clotted blood exhibits improved diffusibility and / or mobility in the absorbent article.

[0021] <Aspect 3> The invention according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, wherein the functional substance contains an enzyme having fibrin-decomposing ability.

[0022] Without intending to be limited by theory, fibrin (particularly fibrin polymers and stabilized fibrin) present in blood forms a mesh-like membrane, which aggregates red blood cells, platelets, etc., causing the blood to clot. The absorbent article according to aspect 3 contains an enzyme with fibrin-degrading ability (fibrinolytic ability), and therefore when menstrual blood is excreted into the absorbent article, it can decompose fibrin in the menstrual blood, thereby promoting a reduction in the viscosity of the clotted blood contained in the menstrual blood and inhibiting blood coagulation, thereby eliminating or reducing problems caused by highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0023] <Aspect 4> The invention according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to the above-mentioned aspect 3, further comprising an auxiliary component capable of improving the fibrin-decomposing ability of the enzyme.

[0024] The absorbent article according to aspect 4 further contains an auxiliary component capable of improving the function of the enzyme having fibrin decomposition ability, and therefore when menstrual blood is excreted into the absorbent article, it can particularly effectively promote a reduction in the viscosity of clotted blood contained in the menstrual blood and inhibit blood coagulation, thereby eliminating or reducing problems caused by highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0025] <Aspect 5> The invention according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure is 5. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the enzyme having fibrin decomposition ability is nattokinase.

[0026] The absorbent article of aspect 5 contains nattokinase, a serine protease that exhibits greater fibrin-degrading ability than plasmin. Therefore, when menstrual blood is excreted into the absorbent article, it can particularly effectively promote a reduction in the viscosity of clotted blood contained in the menstrual blood and inhibit blood coagulation, thereby eliminating or reducing problems caused by highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0027] <Aspect 6> The invention according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 5, wherein the functional substance contains a compound having an antiplatelet effect.

[0028] When platelets present in blood are activated, they aggregate with each other and cause blood to clot. The absorbent article according to aspect 6 contains a compound with antiplatelet activity, and therefore can inhibit blood clotting in menstrual blood when menstrual blood is excreted in the absorbent article, thereby eliminating or reducing problems caused by highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0029] <Aspect 7> The invention according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 6, wherein the functional substance is in a solid or paste form.

[0030] In the absorbent article of aspect 7, the functional substance is present in a solid or paste form, so the functional substance is less likely to move within the absorbent article than, for example, when it is in liquid form. Furthermore, if the solid or paste functional substance contains an enzyme or the like, after contact with menstrual blood, the enzyme or the like dissolves in the liquid component contained in the menstrual blood, allowing the substance to exhibit its function well.

[0031] <Aspect 8> The invention according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article is the one described in any one of the above aspects 1 to 7, wherein, when the absorbent article is worn, the functional substance contained in the absorbent article is arranged in the excretory opening contact area.

[0032] The part of an absorbent article that faces the wearer's excretory opening is the part that comes into contact with the largest amount of menstrual blood earliest. The absorbent article according to aspect 8 has the above-mentioned functional substance in the excretory opening-contacting region, and therefore can quickly reduce highly viscous menstrual blood contained in the excreted menstrual blood to promote absorption of the menstrual blood into the absorbent article, and / or can suppress the occurrence of highly viscous menstrual blood in the absorbent article at an early stage.

[0033] <Aspect 9> The invention according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet and an absorbent core, At least one of the top sheet and the absorbent core contains the functional material. The absorbent article is the one according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0034] The absorbent article according to aspect 9 has the above-mentioned functional substance in at least one of the top sheet and the absorbent core, and therefore has improved permeability and / or absorbency for highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0035] <Aspect 10> The invention according to aspect 10 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to the above-mentioned embodiment 9, wherein the top sheet comprises the functional material.

[0036] In the absorbent article according to aspect 10, since the top sheet contains the above-mentioned functional substance, highly viscous menstrual blood in the top sheet is reduced, thereby promoting the diffusion of menstrual blood on and in the top sheet and / or the movement of menstrual blood from the top sheet toward the absorbent core.

[0037] <Aspect 11> The invention according to aspect 11 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article according to aspect 9 or 10, wherein the absorbent core comprises the functional substance.

[0038] In the absorbent article of aspect 11, the absorbent core contains a functional substance, which reduces highly viscous menstrual blood in the absorbent core, thereby promoting the diffusion (and absorption) of menstrual blood on and within the absorbent core.

[0039] <Aspect 12> The invention according to aspect 12 of the present disclosure is The absorbent article further includes a second sheet between the top sheet and the absorbent core, The absorbent article according to any one of the above-mentioned aspects 9 to 11, wherein the second sheet contains the functional substance.

[0040] In the absorbent article of aspect 12, the second sheet contains a functional substance, which reduces highly viscous menstrual blood in the second sheet, thereby promoting the diffusion of menstrual blood on and in the second sheet and / or the movement of menstrual blood from the second sheet toward the absorbent core.

[0041] The invention and its components are described in further detail below.

[0042] <Factors that affect blood clotting> Factors that affect blood coagulation have the function of clotting blood and / or maintaining the coagulated state of coagulated blood, particularly in menstrual blood. Examples of factors that affect blood coagulation include fibrin (particularly fibrin monomer, fibrin polymer, and / or stabilized fibrin), blood coagulation factors, platelets, and platelet aggregation promoters. Examples of blood coagulation factors include thrombin, activated factor II, activated factor VII, activated factor IX, activated factor X, and activated factor XIII. Examples of platelet aggregation promoters include TXA2 and cAMP.

[0043] <Functional substances> The functional substance according to the present disclosure has the function of inhibiting factors that act on blood coagulation, and examples of such functional substances include enzymes with fibrin-decomposing ability, substances (particularly compounds) with antiplatelet activity, factors that promote plasmin activation, and coagulation inhibitors.

[0044] Among the above, fibrinolytic enzymes and factors that promote plasmin activation mainly have the effect of promoting the reduction of viscosity of coagulated blood, while substances with antiplatelet activity and coagulation inhibitors mainly have the function of suppressing blood coagulation.

[0045] <Fibrin-degrading enzyme> The fibrin-degrading enzyme may be a protease, in particular a serine or cysteine ​​protease, capable in particular of cleaving fibrin polymers and / or stabilized fibrin.

[0046] Without intending to be limited by theory, in menstrual blood, blood coagulation factors including a series of molecules act to produce fibrin monomers from fibrinogen, polymerize the fibrin monomers, and crosslink (stabilize) the fibrin, resulting in blood clotting. Fibrin polymers and stabilized fibrin form a mesh-like structure, which aggregates red blood cells, platelets, and the like, causing blood clotting. Enzymes with fibrinolytic properties can inhibit blood clotting, particularly by degrading fibrin polymers and stabilized fibrin, and can also promote the reduction of viscosity of clotted blood by degrading the fibrin polymers and stabilized fibrin that have formed a mesh-like structure.

[0047] Enzymes with fibrin-degrading activity include plasmin, nattokinase, DFE27, Subtilisin DFE, Subtilisin QK-2, bromelain, and serrapeptase.

[0048] (plasmin) Plasmin is an enzyme (serine protease) that has the ability to degrade fibrin (fibrinolytic ability) and is normally present in menstrual blood. Plasmin can degrade fibrin. When plasmin degrades fibrin, a degradation product called D-dimer and other degradation products are generated.

[0049] (Nattokinase) Nattokinase is an enzyme (serine protease) capable of degrading fibrin. Nattokinase is generally contained in natto and can be produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Nattokinase can degrade fibrin primarily into DD (175 kDa) and LD (110 kDa) fragments. Without intending to be limited by theory, nattokinase has a three-dimensional structure suitable for degrading fibrin and is thought to degrade fibrin by a mechanism similar to that of plasmin. It has been reported that the specificity constant of nattokinase for fibrin is approximately six times that of plasmin. This indicates that nattokinase has a stronger fibrinolytic activity than plasmin.

[0050] Without intending to be limited by theory, nattokinase exhibits particularly high activity at temperatures of 30 to 40°C and pH of 6 to 9. Because absorbent articles, particularly sanitary napkins, reach a temperature of around 35°C due to body temperature when worn, and the pH of menstrual blood is around 7, it is believed that nattokinase functions particularly well under the conditions in which absorbent articles are used to absorb menstrual blood.

[0051] Furthermore, without intending to be limited by theory, simulation results on the binding mode between fibrinogen and nattokinase suggest that nattokinase interacts with fibrinogen via eight amino acid residues (Gly61, Ser63, Thr99, Phe189, Leu209, Tyr217, Asn218, and Met222) and degrades fibrin primarily via Ser221. By utilizing this detailed knowledge of the mechanism of action of nattokinase, it is believed possible to further improve the blood coagulation inhibitory and blood coagulation liquefaction effects of the absorbent article of the present invention. Specifically, for example, nattokinase could be immobilized on a substrate to facilitate contact of the active site of nattokinase with highly viscous menstrual blood.

[0052] Nattokinase is highly safe for the human body. Therefore, when nattokinase is used as a functional substance in absorbent articles, the absorbent articles can be obtained with particularly excellent safety.

[0053] Nattokinase is commercially available in powder form, for example. For example, Nattokinase (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) in granular form of 15 to 35 μm is commercially available.

[0054] (DFE27) DFE27 is an enzyme (serine protease) capable of decomposing fibrin. DFE27 is generally contained in Douchi and can be produced by B. subtilis DC27.

[0055] (Subtilisin DFE) Subtilisin DFE is an enzyme (serine protease) that has the ability to degrade fibrin. Subtilisin DFE is generally contained in Douchi and can be produced by B. amyloliquefaciens DC-4.

[0056] (Subtilisin QK-2) Subtilisin QK-2 is an enzyme (serine protease) capable of degrading fibrin. Subtilisin QK-2 is generally contained in fermented soybeans and can be produced by B. subtilis QK02.

[0057] (bromelain) Bromelain is an enzyme (cysteine ​​protease) that has the ability to decompose fibrin. Bromelain is found in pineapples and other fruits.

[0058] (serrapeptase) Serrapeptase is an enzyme capable of degrading fibrin. It is generally found in silkworms and can be produced by the non-pathogenic bacterium Serratia marcescens E15.

[0059] (auxiliary ingredient) Supplementary ingredients that can improve the fibrinolytic ability of fibrinolytic enzymes include fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms, crushed vegetables, EPA, DHA, spices, and zinc ions (Zn 2+ ), manganese ions (Mn 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), potassium ions (K + ) are listed.

[0060] Fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms are particularly capable of improving the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. Fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms are preferably used in a ratio of 4 to 12 mg / 2000 FU relative to nattokinase.

[0061] Ground vegetables, EPA, and DHA, in particular, can improve the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. Ground vegetables include, for example, onion powder.

[0062] Spices, in particular chili peppers (especially in powder form), can enhance the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase.

[0063] Zinc ion (Zn 2+ ) can particularly improve the fibrinolytic ability of nattokinase. 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), and potassium ions (K + ) can particularly improve the fibrinolytic ability of the protease derived from Douchi.

[0064] (coating) Enzymes (e.g., nattokinase) applied to absorbent articles can be coated. In this case, the fibrinolytic ability of the enzyme with fibrinolytic activity can be better maintained. Furthermore, such coating treatment can adjust the behavior, properties, shape, etc. of the enzyme, which can result in the maintenance of the fibrinolytic ability as well as the effects of sustained release, moisture absorption inhibition, deterioration prevention, and stickiness prevention. Examples of coatings include oil-based coatings and ceramic coatings.

[0065] (Fixed) The activity of the enzyme can be further improved by immobilizing the enzyme to the absorbent article (especially the material that constitutes the absorbent article) using a substance that promotes the immobilization of the fibrinolytic enzyme in the absorbent article. Examples of such immobilization promoting substances include amphiphilic molecules.

[0066] <Factors that promote plasmin activation> A factor that promotes plasmin activation can also be used as a functional substance. Plasmin is usually present in menstrual blood and can decompose fibrin, so using a factor that promotes plasmin activation can help reduce the viscosity of highly viscous menstrual blood. Factors that promote plasmin activation include factors that have the effect of inhibiting the activity of the lysis inhibitor PAI-1. Examples of factors that have the effect of inhibiting the activity of the lysis inhibitor PAI-1 include the above-mentioned nattokinase. Bromelain and DFE27 also have the effect of promoting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin.

[0067] When the lytic promoter t-PA is activated, plasmin is generated from plasminogen. t-PA is inactivated by binding to the lytic inhibitor PAI-1. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is thought that inhibiting the activity of the lytic inhibitor PAI-1 suppresses the inactivation of t-PA, thereby promoting the generation of plasmin from plasminogen by t-PA. Furthermore, plasmin is inactivated in vivo by binding to a plasmin inhibitor (antiplasmin).

[0068] <Compounds with antiplatelet activity> Examples of compounds with antiplatelet activity include bromelain, acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin (trademark) and Bufferin (registered trademark)), PGI2 derivative beraprost, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and NO-related preparations (such as nitroglycerin). Other examples of compounds with antiplatelet activity include clopidogrel sulfate, prasugrel hydrochloride, ticlopidine hydrochloride, ticagrelor, cilostazol, and sarpogrelate hydrochloride.

[0069] Generally, platelet aggregation occurs when platelets are activated in the blood due to factors such as damage to the blood endothelium or contact with collagen. Platelet aggregation is a reversible reaction. It is believed that blood coagulation can be inhibited by using compounds with antiplatelet activity.

[0070] Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that acetylsalicylic acid irreversibly inactivates cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of TXA2, a substance that promotes platelet aggregation, thereby exerting its antiplatelet effect.

[0071] Furthermore, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the PGI2 derivative beraprost inhibits platelet aggregation by increasing the synthesis of PGI2, a substance that inhibits platelet aggregation.

[0072] Furthermore, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that EPA and / or DHA cause platelets to produce TXA3, which does not have platelet aggregation activity, and as a result, platelet aggregation is inhibited.

[0073] Fibrin degradation products produced by fibrinolytic enzymes (particularly nattokinase) also have the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation. Examples of fibrin degradation products produced by nattokinase include DD (175 kDa) and LD (110 kDa).

[0074] <Coagulation inhibitors> Coagulation inhibitors having fibrin production inhibitory activity can also be used as functional substances, including bromelain, EDTA, heparin, sodium citrate, warfarin, and sodium fluoride.

[0075] Without intending to be limited by theory, coagulation in menstrual blood is promoted by blood coagulation factors. For example, among blood coagulation factors, thrombin generates fibrin monomers from fibrinogen. Also, among blood coagulation factors, activated factor XIII stabilizes the fibrin structure by cross-linking fibrin polymer molecules, thereby generating stabilized fibrin.

[0076] Coagulation inhibitors can inhibit blood clotting by inhibiting the action of blood clotting factors.

[0077] Without intending to be limited by theory, for example, bromelain is believed to inhibit the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by causing a significant prolongation of the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

[0078] Also, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that, for example, EDTA inhibits the activation of thrombin, which is necessary for fibrin production, by chelating calcium ions necessary for thrombin activity. Sodium citrate is also believed to work by a similar mechanism.

[0079] Furthermore, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that, for example, warfarin inhibits vitamin K, which is necessary for the action of blood coagulation factors Factors II, VII, IX, and X, which activate thrombin, thereby suppressing the activation of thrombin, which is necessary for the production of fibrin.

[0080] Furthermore, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that, for example, heparin enhances the action of antithrombin, which inhibits thrombin, thereby suppressing the activation of thrombin, which is necessary for the production of fibrin.

[0081] Nattokinase and serrapeptase also have fibrin production inhibitory effects. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that nattokinase present in blood exerts its fibrin inhibitory effect by reducing activated factor XIII, which crosslinks fibrin, and / or by inhibiting thrombin activity, which is necessary for fibrin production.

[0082] Absorbent articles The absorbent article according to the present disclosure has a function of absorbing menstrual blood, and is, for example, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or a tampon. Materials constituting the absorbent article include a top sheet, a back sheet, a second sheet, and an absorbent core.

[0083] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a sanitary napkin 1 as an absorbent article according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a view observed from the skin side of the top sheet 2. The sanitary napkin 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet (not shown), and an absorbent core 3 disposed therebetween. The sanitary napkin 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a pair of side flaps 4 on both longitudinal sides thereof for fastening the sanitary napkin 1 to the wearer's clothing, such as shorts. The excretion outlet contact area is an area defined by four embossments 6' within the functional substance application area 7, and the entire excretion outlet contact area of ​​the top sheet 2 has the functional substance application area 7.

[0084] It should be noted that although the sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a side sheet 5 and a plurality of embossments 6, absorbent articles according to other embodiments of the present disclosure do not have a side sheet and / or embossments.

[0085] In the sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIG. 1, at least the excretory opening contact area of ​​the top sheet 2 contains the functional substance according to the present disclosure.

[0086] <Top sheet> As the liquid-permeable top sheet, any material commonly used in the art can be used without any particular restrictions, and for example, a sheet-like material having a liquid-permeable structure, such as an apertured film, a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric, can be used.

[0087] The fibers constituting the woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers and chemical fibers. Natural fibers include, for example, cellulose such as ground pulp and cotton. Chemical fibers include, for example, regenerated cellulose such as rayon and fibril rayon, semi-synthetic cellulose such as acetate and triacetate, thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers, and thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers that have been subjected to a hydrophilization treatment.

[0088] Examples of the thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers include monofilaments of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., and fibers made of graft polymers of PE and PP.

[0089] Examples of the nonwoven fabric include air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point-bond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, needle-punched nonwoven fabric, melt-blown nonwoven fabric, and combinations thereof (for example, SMS).

[0090] <Absorbent core> Constituents of the absorbent core include, for example, hydrophilic fibers, for example, cellulose such as ground pulp and cotton, regenerated cellulose such as rayon and fibril rayon, semi-synthetic cellulose such as acetate and triacetate, particulate polymers, fibrous polymers, thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers, and thermoplastic hydrophobic chemical fibers that have been hydrophilically treated, as well as combinations thereof, etc. Constituents of the absorbent core also include particulate superabsorbent polymers, for example, sodium acrylate copolymers and the like.

[0091] The absorbent core may be covered with a core wrap. The core wrap is not particularly limited as long as it is liquid-permeable and has barrier properties that prevent the absorbent polymer from passing through, and examples thereof include woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics. Examples of the woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers, chemical fibers, tissues, etc.

[0092] The absorbent core may be formed from an absorbent sheet or a polymer sheet, and its thickness is preferably 0.3 to 5.0 mm. The absorbent sheet and polymer sheet may be any sheet that is normally used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, without any particular limitation.

[0093] <Back seat> The absorbent article according to the present disclosure may further comprise a liquid-impermeable backsheet. Examples of the backsheet include films containing PE, PP, etc., breathable resin films, nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond or spunlace to which breathable resin films are bonded, and multilayer nonwoven fabrics such as SMS. Considering the flexibility of the absorbent article, for example, a backsheet having a basis weight of about 15 to about 30 g / m 2 Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films are preferred.

[0094] <Second seat> The absorbent article according to the present disclosure may further include a second sheet between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The second sheet may be liquid permeable. Examples of the second sheet include those similar to those described above for the liquid permeable top sheet.

[0095] <Absorbent article having functional substance> As described above, the absorbent article according to the present disclosure contains a functional substance. In particular, the top sheet, absorbent core, and / or second sheet constituting the absorbent article may contain the functional substance.

[0096] (Application area) The functional substance can be present in any location in the planar direction of the top sheet, absorbent core, and / or second sheet, for example, over the entire surface, in a central region near the vaginal opening, etc. Preferably, when the absorbent article according to the present disclosure is worn, the functional substance contained in the absorbent article is disposed in the excretory opening contact region.

[0097] (Applicability) When the liquid-permeable topsheet is formed from a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric, it is preferable that the functional substance does not block the voids between the fibers of the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, and the functional substance can, for example, be attached in the form of droplets or particles to the surface of the fibers of the nonwoven fabric, or cover the surface of the fibers. On the other hand, when the liquid-permeable topsheet is formed from an apertured film, it is preferable that the functional substance does not block the pores in the apertured film, and the functional substance can, for example, be attached in the form of droplets or particles to the surface of the apertured film. If the functional substance blocks the voids between the fibers of the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric or the pores in the apertured film, the diffusion and / or movement of liquid in the absorbent article may be inhibited.

[0098] In particular, the functional material is present in the absorbent article in a solid or paste form. For example, an amphiphilic molecule can be used as a solvent for making the functional material into a paste. The functional material preferably has a large surface area, and a particulate functional material preferably has a small particle size.

[0099] (Amount applied) The amount of the functional substance applied to the absorbent article can be appropriately set depending on the type of functional substance, etc. For example, when the functional substance is an enzyme having fibrin decomposition properties (e.g., nattokinase), the functional substance is applied to the surface of the top sheet in an amount of 0.1 to 200 g / m 2 , 0.5~100g / m 2 , 1.0~75g / m 2 , 2.0~50g / m 2 , or 5.0 to 25 g / m 2 If the amount of the functional substance is too small, the effect of the functional substance on blood coagulation may be insufficient, and if the amount of the functional substance is too large, the absorbency of the absorbent article may decrease.

[0100] When the material to which the functional substance is applied, such as a top sheet, is a nonwoven fabric or perforated film made of synthetic resin, it is preferably hydrophilized by being coated with or mixed with a hydrophilic agent. If the original material is hydrophilic, then a highly organic and lipophilic modifier having an IOB of about 0.00 to about 0.60 is applied, resulting in lipophilic and hydrophilic regions coexisting sparsely. This is thought to enable a certain level of absorption performance for menstrual blood, which is composed of hydrophilic components (such as plasma) and lipophilic components (such as blood cells).

[0101] <Manufacture of absorbent articles> The absorbent article according to the present disclosure can be manufactured by a method including a step of applying a functional material to the absorbent article. The manner in which the functional material is applied to the absorbent article is not particularly limited, and the functional material can be applied, for example, by coating or spraying a paste-like functional material, or a functional material prepared as a solution or dispersion, onto the absorbent article. A powder-like functional material may also be placed directly on the materials constituting the absorbent article.

[0102] (Solvent / Dispersion Medium) The solvent or dispersion medium for dissolving or dispersing the functional substance when applying the functional substance to the absorbent article can be appropriately selected depending on the properties of the functional substance, and it is preferable that the solvent or dispersion medium does not inhibit the function of the functional substance. Examples of such solvents or dispersion media include water and physiological saline.

[0103] After application of the functional material to the absorbent article, drying may be carried out, if desired, for example at room temperature, thereby removing, for example, the solvent or dispersion medium.

[0104] The method for applying the functional substance is not particularly limited. The functional substance may be applied by, for example, dipping or gravure coating, with heating if necessary. The functional substance can be applied using a non-contact coater, such as a spiral coater, curtain coater, spray coater, or dip coater, or a contact coater, such as a roll coater or gravure coater. Non-contact coaters are preferred because they ensure uniform dispersion of the functional substance throughout the coating and avoid damaging the substrate. The functional substance can also be applied using a control seam HMA gun. By increasing the air pressure of the control seam HMA gun, a solution or dispersion of the finely divided functional substance can be applied. When applying the functional substance, if heating is performed for a relatively long period of time (e.g., 30 minutes or more), it is preferable to use a relatively low heating temperature (e.g., 50°C or below), which allows the functionality of the functional substance to be particularly well maintained.

[0105] The functional substance can be applied (e.g., coated or sprayed) when producing the top sheet material (e.g., nonwoven fabric), or can be applied in the production line for producing absorbent articles. From the viewpoint of reducing capital investment, it is preferable to apply the functional substance in the production line for absorbent articles, and in order to prevent the functional substance from falling off and contaminating the line, it is preferable to apply the functional substance in a downstream process in the production line, specifically, immediately before the product is enclosed in individual packaging. [Example]

[0106] The present disclosure will be described below using examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. Example 1 In Example 1, the ability of a functional substance to liquefy coagulated blood was evaluated. In Example 1, solid menstrual blood containing coagulated blood and endometrial fragments was used. A solution of plasmin (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as a functional substance was added dropwise to this solid menstrual blood and allowed to stand for 20 minutes. The plasmin solution had a concentration of 2 mg / mL, and the solvent used was "100 mmol / L sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.3) (containing 1 mmol / L 6-aminohexanoic acid and 25% glycerol)." As a result, the solid menstrual blood was liquefied. Fragments believed to be endometrial cells were observed in the liquefied menstrual blood. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0107] Comparative Example 1 An experiment was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1 above, except that saline was used instead of the plasmin solution. Even after 20 minutes had passed since the instillation of the saline solution, the solid menstrual blood did not liquefy and no change was observed. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109] The results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 show that the viscosity of coagulated blood can be reduced by using a substance that has the effect of decomposing fibrin, a coagulation factor substance.

[0110] Examples 2 and 3, Comparative Example 2 In Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Example 2, simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was used as the coagulated blood contained in menstrual blood to evaluate the performance of the functional substance.

[0111] (Simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood) High-viscosity simulated menstrual blood can be created by mixing fibrinogen and thrombin in a liquid (especially saline) to generate fibrin. Because it is not easy to obtain high-viscosity menstrual blood from actual human menstrual blood, the use of high-viscosity simulated menstrual blood allows for efficient verification of the dissolution and decomposition of high-viscosity menstrual blood.

[0112] <Example 2> (Drop test) In Example 2, 4 mL of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was prepared in a petri dish by mixing fibrinogen (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and thrombin (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) in physiological saline as a solvent. Granular nattokinase (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., particle size 15-35 μm) as a functional substance was dissolved in physiological saline at a concentration of 6% to prepare a solution. Then, 2 mL of this solution was dropped onto the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood in the petri dish, allowed to stand, and the time until the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was completely liquefied was measured. The time required for the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood to liquefy was found to be 10 minutes. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0113] (Napkin test) A 27% solution of nattokinase in saline was sprayed uniformly onto a 3cm x 3cm area in the center of the top sheet of a sanitary napkin (Bodyfit Regular (trade name), manufactured by Unicharm Corporation). The amount of nattokinase sprayed onto the top sheet was 12 gsm (= 12 g / m). 2 The napkins sprayed with the solution were left to dry at room temperature for 120 minutes to prepare test napkins.

[0114] 2.5 mL of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was placed on the area of ​​the surface of the test napkin where Nattokinase had been sprayed. The photograph in Figure 2 shows the state immediately after placement.

[0115] The napkin was then left to stand for 40 minutes at a temperature of 35°C and humidity of 60%. The appearance of the napkin after standing is shown in Figure 3. The amount of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remaining on the napkin was measured, and was found to be 0.03 g. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0116] Example 3 (Drop test) A dropping test was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2, except that a physiological saline solution of Plasmin (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used instead of Nattokinase. As a result, it took 40 minutes for the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood to become liquefied. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0117] <Comparative Example 2> (Napkin test) The napkin test was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2, except that nattokinase was not sprayed onto the sanitary napkin. As a result, the residual amount was 0.85 g. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0118] [Table 2]

[0119] As can be seen from Table 2, when the absorbent article of Example 2, which contains nattokinase as a functional substance, was used, the solid content of the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood dissolved, and almost no simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remained on the surface of the napkin. On the other hand, when the absorbent article of Comparative Example 2, which does not contain nattokinase, was used, the solid content of the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood did not change, and it was confirmed that the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remained on the surface of the napkin. It is believed that Example 2 exhibited excellent absorbency as a result of the promotion of liquefaction of the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood by the functional substance nattokinase.

[0120] Furthermore, as can be seen from Table 2, when nattokinase or plasmin was used as the functional substance (Examples 2 and 3), the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was able to be liquefied. In particular, when nattokinase was used as the functional substance, the simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood was able to be liquefied four times faster than when plasmin was used as the functional substance. This indicates that nattokinase has a higher fibrinolytic ability than plasmin.

[0121] Example 4 and Comparative Example 3 In Example 4 and Comparative Example 3, experiments were carried out using actual highly viscous menstrual blood collected from a human.

[0122] Example 4 In Example 4, 10 gsm nattokinase mixed with the amphiphilic molecule PPG-10 methyl glucose was applied to the top sheet of an absorbent article (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation, product name: Center-in Happy Catch) and dried. Highly viscous menstrual blood was then placed on the nattokinase application site and allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 hours. As a result, liquefaction of the highly viscous menstrual blood was observed. Figure 4 is a photograph of the napkin surface immediately after the highly viscous menstrual blood was placed on the napkin. Figure 5 is a photograph of the napkin surface after it had been left standing at room temperature for 2 hours.

[0123] Furthermore, when an actual wear test was conducted using the absorbent article (n=2) of Example 4 to which nattokinase was applied, no problems such as itching occurred, and good absorbency was confirmed.

[0124] <Comparative Example 3> When highly viscous menstrual blood was placed on the top sheet of an absorbent article (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation, product name: Center-in happy catch) that had not been coated with nattokinase, no liquefaction of the highly viscous menstrual blood was observed even after it was left undisturbed at room temperature for 6 hours.

[0125] Examples 5 to 7 In Examples 5 to 7, the relationship between the amount of nattokinase applied to the absorbent article and the absorption performance of the absorbent article was investigated.

[0126] Specifically, in Example 5, the absorption rate (s) of an absorbent article (trade name: Bodyfit Regular) coated with nattokinase and having a basis weight of 1 gsm was measured when 3 mL of horse blood was absorbed, and the absorption rate (s) of an additional 3 mL of horse blood was measured. The rewet rate was also measured.

[0127] The rewet rate was calculated by measuring the absorption rate, placing a filter paper (Advantic Toyo Kaisha, qualitative filter paper No. 0.2) on the area where horse blood was dropped, and measuring 30 g / m 2 A load of 10 ...

[0128] As a result, Example 5 showed an absorption speed of 4 seconds or less and a rewet rate of 20% or less, which was equivalent to the absorption performance of an absorbent article to which nattokinase was not applied.

[0129] In Examples 6 and 7, the experiments were carried out in the same manner as in Example 5 above, except that nattokinase was applied at basis weights of 7 gsm and 12 gsm, respectively. Rewet rates were also measured.

[0130] Examples 6 and 7 also exhibited an absorption rate of 4 seconds or less and a rewet rate of 20% or less.

[0131] In addition, when the experiment was performed in the same manner as in Examples 5 to 7, using "Hadaomoi" (trade name, manufactured by Unicharm Corporation) instead of "Bodyfit Regular" (trade name, manufactured by Unicharm Corporation) as the absorbent article, the same results were obtained.

[0132] Examples 8 and 9 After absorbing the same volume of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood (Example 8) or horse blood (Example 9), an experiment was conducted in the same manner as in Example 7 (basis weight: 12 gsm). As a result, Examples 8 and 9 confirmed an absorption rate of 4 seconds or less and a rewet rate of about 20%.

[0133] Examples 10 and 11 In Examples 10 and 11, tests were carried out using nattokinase that had been heat-treated under specific temperature conditions.

[0134] An absorbent article using nattokinase that had been heat-treated at 40°C for one week (Example 10) and an absorbent article using nattokinase that had not been heat-treated (Example 11) were evaluated in the same manner as the napkin test described above for Example 2. In both cases, the amount of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remaining on the absorbent article was less than 0.10 g. This result indicates that good absorbent article performance can be obtained even when nattokinase stored at a relatively high temperature is used.

[0135] Examples 12 to 14 In Examples 12 to 14, after the nattokinase solution was applied (coated) to the absorbent article, a drying treatment or various heat treatments were performed, and the performance of the absorbent article was evaluated.

[0136] When the absorbent article was brought into contact with a metal plate at 150°C for 5 seconds immediately after coating (Example 12), when the absorbent article was brought close to a metal plate at 150°C with a clearance of 1 mm for 1 minute immediately after coating (Example 13), and when the absorbent article was dried at 25°C after coating (Example 14), the results were evaluated in the same manner as the napkin test described above for Example 2. In all cases, the amount of simulated high-viscosity menstrual blood remaining on the absorbent article was less than 0.25 g. This result indicates that good absorbent article performance can be obtained even when nattokinase is applied by methods involving high temperatures, such as hinge roll and HMA coating. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1 sanitary napkin 2 Topsheet 3 absorbent core 4 Side flaps 5 Side seats 6,6' embossed 7 Application areas of functional materials

Claims

1. An absorbent article for absorbing menstrual blood, comprising a functional substance, The functional substance has a function of inhibiting factors that act on blood coagulation.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the functional substance has a function of inhibiting coagulation of blood in the menstrual blood and / or a function of promoting a decrease in viscosity of coagulated blood contained in the menstrual blood.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional substance contains an enzyme having fibrin-decomposing ability.

4. The absorbent article of claim 3 further comprising an auxiliary component capable of improving the fibrin decomposition ability of the enzyme.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the enzyme having fibrin-decomposing ability is nattokinase.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional substance contains a compound having an antiplatelet effect.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional substance is in a solid or paste form.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the functional substance contained in the absorbent article is disposed in an excretory opening contact area when the absorbent article is worn.

9. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet and an absorbent core, At least one of the top sheet and the absorbent core contains the functional material. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The absorbent article of claim 9 , wherein the topsheet comprises the functional material.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the absorbent core comprises the functional material.

12. The absorbent article further includes a second sheet between the top sheet and the absorbent core, The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second sheet comprises the functional substance.

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