Dry non-woven antibacterial items

Abstract

To provide a dry antimicrobial article that is dispersible in water, has a long shelf life, is easily transportable, and can be produced at an attractive cost. [Solution] A dry antimicrobial article is provided which comprises at least a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer made of bound carded dispersible fibers. The dry antimicrobial article is characterized in that unprotected dry bacterial spores, selected to inhibit the growth of pathogens upon reactivation, are dispersed on and / or within the dispersible nonwoven fabric layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of personal hygiene, particularly the disinfection of non-woven products.

Background Art

[0002] There is an increasing need for solutions to control the hygiene of public places, particularly public toilets. Individuals want to be able to confirm for themselves that their hygiene standards are being met.

[0003] Some toilets provide access to disinfectant sprays or chemical gels that can be applied to wipes or toilet paper and spread on the toilet seat to sterilize it. However, these solutions have several drawbacks. Firstly, the disinfectant liquid spray or gel can leak from the wipe onto the user's fingers, which can irritate the skin. Secondly, toilet maintenance, which is carried out at more or less long intervals, can lead to a shortage of wipes and / or disinfectant sprays or gels in the toilet. Finally, such products do not meet the increasing expectations for sustainability and environmental considerations.

[0004] Disinfectant wet wipes sold in sealed packages that individuals can easily transport are also widely available on the market. However, these are not easily biodegradable once flushed away. Indeed, since they are formulated in a wet state, they should not deteriorate in the presence of moisture. Furthermore, if the packet is not properly resealed after a wipe is removed, the remaining wipes tend to dry out and are therefore no longer usable. Therefore, the shelf life of these types of wipes is limited.

[0005] Disposable, biodegradable, dry disinfectant wipes for rinsing are also described in Patent Document 1. These wipes consist of two layers, with a first layer of biodegradable paper attached to a second layer of nonwoven material on which microcapsules containing a cleaning agent are dispersed. The paper layer is the user handling surface. The nonwoven layer is the cleaning surface. The microcapsules are expected to burst upon friction, releasing the cleaning agent in liquid form. However, encapsulating cleaning agents, whether chemicals or probiotics, is technically difficult, and the costs associated with manufacturing microcapsules are quite high. Furthermore, dispersing such microcapsules in the nonwoven layer is also technically difficult, as sufficient adhesion of the microcapsules to the nonwoven material during transport is not easily achieved. These microcapsules are also fragile and may degrade during the dispersion step or during product packaging and storage.

[0006] Therefore, it is truly necessary to provide the market with solutions to the aforementioned shortcomings of existing hygiene products. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 171343 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to propose a dry disinfectant wipe that is dispersible in water, has a long shelf life and is easily transportable, can be produced at an attractive cost, and offers simplicity of use to individuals who wish to control sanitary conditions in public places such as public restrooms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a dry antimicrobial article comprising at least a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer, wherein unprotected dry bacterial spores are spread within the nonwoven fabric layer, and the spores are selected to specifically inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria upon reactivation.

[0010] The articles of the present invention are preferably washable.

[0011] Advantageously, the dry antimicrobial article also includes a dispersible handling layer.

[0012] The present invention also relates to the use of the dry antibacterial article by a user for cleaning hard surfaces, The user picks up the dry antibacterial item, The steps include: humidifying the dried antibacterial material to initiate spore reactivation; The user wipes the hard surface with an object, causing spores to be released onto the hard surface. This concerns use, including the step of the user disposing of the item.

[0013] The present invention further relates to a dispenser for wipes made of the dried article of the present invention, wherein the dispenser is A dry section containing at least one wipe, A wet area containing an aqueous liquid, A means configured to dispense an aqueous liquid onto a wipe, Includes dispensing output, The dispenser in question is a dispenser configured to humidify wipes.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a dried antibacterial article of the present invention, A step of carding the dispersible fibers in one direction, The steps include spreading the spores onto the carded fibers, The method includes the step of heat-treating carded fibers with spores attached to them to melt the fibers into a nonwoven fabric material.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the dry antibacterial article of the present invention, comprising: carding the dispersible fibers in one direction; heat-treating the carded fibers to bond the fibers to a non-woven fabric material; and spreading spores onto the non-woven fabric.

[0016] The dry antibacterial article of the present invention, its method of use, the dispenser enabling its use, and its manufacturing method are of course tied together by a single inventive concept of the present invention. Effective use of the article of the present invention requires humidification enabled by a specific dispenser and appropriate release of the dispersed spores herein guaranteed by its manufacturing method.

[0017] Spores are the shed dormant forms that bacteria, mainly Gram-positive bacteria, can reduce themselves when placed in situations where nutrients are lacking. Other species such as fungi can also form spores, but these are outside the scope of the present invention. Spores can remain dormant for a long time, even for centuries, because they are resistant to harsh conditions such as high temperature, freezing, chemical disinfectants, and ultraviolet irradiation. When the environment becomes more favorable, for example, in the presence of humidity and nutrients, spores are reactivated into metabolically active cells. In the case of Bacillus bacteria, spores are formed from internal vesicles and are thus called endospores. The terms endospores and spores are used interchangeably here when related to Bacillus.

[0018] Spores are here selected to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria upon reactivation. Pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that can cause infections, especially in humans. Some types of pathogenic bacteria are often found in public toilets, and the most abundant are the genera Escherichia, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella, each of which has several species. These pathogenic bacteria are usually affected by the presence of lactate or lactic acid and cause spoilage.

[0019] Therefore, the spores are here selected and prepared from lactic acid-producing bacteria. They can in particular be endospores from non-pathogenic Bacillus. Lactic acid bacteria are also of interest for use, but to date, spores could not be prepared / identified from these bacteria. When reactivated, the spores of these bacteria produce lactate or lactic acid, which can inhibit the growth of pathogens and / or even kill pathogens. The spores also need to be selected based on the shortest possible revival time.

[0020] Unprotected dried spores mean that the spores are not encapsulated in microcapsules like the cleaning agent of Patent Document 1 and are thus not surrounded by moisture. They are in direct contact with the non-woven material in which they are dispersed.

[0021] The dry antibacterial article of the present invention can be manufactured as a large sheet, probably as a roll, or even as a pre-cut roll, as is standard practice in the non-woven material industry. The large sheet can be cut into smaller sizes, or the article of the present invention may be manufactured directly in a size suitable for forming wipes.

[0022] Washable here has the meaning disclosed in the official guidelines from wastewater agencies such as Edana or Inda, which means the specific behavior of the article under specific conditions, as will be explained below.

[0023] A wipe refers to an article that has a size in the centimeter range, usually square or rectangular, but in some cases of any desired shape. A wipe generally refers to a single-use disposable product.

[0024] The dispersible non-woven layer is a thin layer of non-woven material having the ability to decompose in water. In particular, the dispersible non-woven layer needs to be suitable for disposal in the toilet drain without clogging the drain pipe or interfering with the sewage pump. The fibers of the dispersible article need to loosen and gradually solubilize within seconds or minutes after immersion.

[0025] The dispersible handling layer is preferably made of a material that is impermeable to spores and / or moisture, at least during the article's use, but disintegrates when immersed in a large amount of water. Thus, the user holding the wipe of the present invention by its handling layer never comes into contact with any substance present in the nonwoven layer, whether it be spores or other substances adsorbed by the nonwoven during use.

[0026] Advantageously, some dry antimicrobial articles, when manufactured as wipes, can be provided in dispensers. A dispenser refers to a hard or soft package with an opening or dispensing outlet that can be opened to remove the articles and then closed to ensure the integrity of the articles over time. Dispensers are configured to facilitate the removal of one article at a time. Advantageously, if the articles are intended to be portable personal hygiene items, the dispenser may be a small box or package, e.g., smaller than wallet size, containing a limited number of wipes. The wipes can be neatly folded within the dispenser so that they can be easily removed from the dispenser, and after the first wipe has been taken, the second wipe can also be easily removed. For example, the wipes may be stored in the dispenser in a so-called Z-fold.

[0027] The spores that spread within the wipes enable a very long shelf life. Problems such as loss of activity over time, which often occur when wet wipes are stored in improperly sealed packaging, are not expected.

[0028] During use, immediately after humidification, spores may be present in the item at different stages of "life," meaning that dormant spores, spores in the reactivation stage, and spores reactivated against bacteria may coexist. Spores released during use may exhibit one, some, or all of these forms.

[0029] The aqueous liquid may be pure water, or water containing additives such as nutrients or salts suitable for increasing the rate of spore reactivation. Other possible additives include, for example, essential oils or fragrances.

[0030] Humidification of an article can be carried out by various methods. For example, an aqueous liquid can be sprayed onto a nonwoven fabric layer. The article may be equipped with a bottle of aqueous liquid to be sprayed onto the article. Alternatively, an aqueous liquid can be sprayed directly onto a hard surface for cleaning, and when wiped, the nonwoven fabric layer will absorb the liquid.

[0031] A clever solution is to provide articles in a dispenser of the present invention, wherein a humidifying means is positioned to humidify the articles as they are drawn from the dispenser. This is particularly interesting when the dispenser is intended to be easily transportable.

[0032] An acceptable level of moisture deposited on a hard surface is high enough to allow spore migration / release and reactivation, but low enough for user comfort, such as on a toilet seat. For example, it has been found that 0.05 mL to 0.5 mL of water containing 0.9% salt deposited on a standard toilet seat before wiping with a non-woven cloth leaves a moisture level low enough not to cause discomfort to the toilet user while sitting, while ensuring proper spore reactivation.

[0033] The present invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the following description of some examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This shows a cross-section of the dried antibacterial article of the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows a wiping pattern related to the method of use of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a three-dimensional representation of a wipe made from the dried antibacterial article of the present invention. [Figure 4a]This is a cross-sectional view of a full dispenser according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] Figure 4a shows the extraction of wipes from the dispenser. [Figure 5] Another dispenser of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] To be easily transportable and easy to use, the wipes according to the present invention are advantageously packaged in a dispenser, allowing for long-term storage of the wipes in a dry state and humidification of the wipes immediately before use, thereby activating spores dispersed in the nonwoven fabric layer.

[0036] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the dispenser 12 is divided into a dry section 13 containing six wipes 14, each horizontally stacked and comprising a handling layer 9 and a nonwoven fabric layer 10 containing spores, and a wet section 15 filled with an aqueous liquid. The dry section 13 is connected to the wet section 15 by a cylindrical roll 17 whose axis is positioned in the same horizontal plane as the wipes 14. The cylindrical roll 17 is positioned adjacent to an opening or dispensing output 18 between the dry section 13 and the outside of the dispenser 12. The opening is here comprised of a hinge 16 having an axis parallel to the axis of the cylindrical roll 17. A mechanical pusher 16 is also positioned at the base of the dispenser, with part located on the outside of the dispenser and part located inside the dry section 13, and both parts connected via a rail opening (not shown) along the base side of the dispenser 12. Here, the holding system is installed inside the drying compartment 13, which consists of a plate 19 that contacts the wipe 14 at the top of the pile, and two springs 20 that connect the plate 19 to the upper inner side wall of the drying compartment 13 of the dispenser.

[0037] Since the dispenser can be carried or used along any direction, positioning attributes such as "top," "base," and "horizontal" should be understood as relative attributes between the elements of the dispenser 12.

[0038] When not in use, the dispenser 12 is in a closed configuration, as shown in Figure 4a, and the pusher 16 is located at the base opposite the opening 18, which is in the closed position.

[0039] When the user needs a wipe, they move the pusher 16 laterally toward the dispensing output 18. This causes a section of the pusher 16 located inside the dispenser 12 to push the bottom wipe 14 toward the opening 18. The wipe 14 pushes open the opening 18 by inducing rotation of the opening 18 around the hinge 16. Thus, the wipe 14 can slide out of the dispenser 12, as shown in Figure 4b.

[0040] As the wipe 14 slides out, it comes into contact with the cylindrical roll 17, inducing a rolling motion of the roll 17. This rolling motion induces the displacement of the aqueous liquid around the roll 17 and the transfer of the liquid to the roll 17 onto a portion of the nonwoven fabric layer 10 of the wipe 14 that is in contact with the roll 17. As the wipe slides out, the entire surface of the wipe comes into contact with the roll, so the entire surface of the wipe receives some aqueous liquid and is therefore humidified.

[0041] The pusher 16 can either push the wipe 14 until it is completely outside the dispenser, or only partially. In the latter case, the user can pull the wipe 14 out of the dispenser 12. In either case, the wipe 14 slides back onto the rolling cylinder 17 and is humidified.

[0042] Once the wipe 14 is fully extended, the opening 18 closes by reversing its hinge 16. The user can push the pusher 16 back to its initial position. Alternatively, a mechanism, for example with a spring, can be arranged to automatically return the pusher 16 to its position.

[0043] The retaining system compensates for the removed wipe by releasing tension from the spring 20 on the plate 19, thereby pushing the pile of wipe 14 toward the base.

[0044] Pusher 16 is just one example of a means of forcibly removing or extracting wipes from the dispenser. Several other solutions can be used to move wipes out of the dispenser.

[0045] Other configurations of the dispenser can be envisioned, for example, a larger, refillable dispenser 21 for home use, as shown in Figure 5. The container base 22 is divided into a dry compartment 23 large enough to accommodate a number of dry antibacterial wipes, and a wet compartment 24 for accommodating aqueous liquids, which here has two humidifying sections 27, here with a spongy material at the interface between the wet compartment 24 and the outside of the base compartment 22. The lid 25 is configured with a pull-out opening 26.

[0046] In the open position, the wipes of the articles of the present invention can be inserted into the dry compartment 23, preferably as a pack of wipes having a Z-fold arrangement, or in the form of a pre-cut roll that allows for the separation of a single wipe when pulled. Ideally, the wet compartment includes an opening to allow for filling with an aqueous liquid. The first wipe can be pulled slightly so that a portion of the wipe is visible outside the dispenser when the lid 25 is closed.

[0047] When the lid 25 is closed, the humidification section 27 is covered, thus preventing drying.

[0048] In the closed position, when the user needs a wipe, they pull the apparent portion of the wipe coming out of the dispenser 21 by sliding it at least partially over the humidifying section 27. The user then wipes the hard surface to be cleaned and discards the wipe.

[0049] The means for dispensing some aqueous liquid onto the wipe, whether those described in the above embodiments or other means obvious to those skilled in the art, are preferably configured to dispense an optimal amount of liquid in order to optimize spore reactivation while simultaneously depositing an allowable amount onto the hard surface during wiping. These means typically ensure that the wetting compartment remains sealed when the wipe is not exiting the dispenser and allow the aqueous liquid to be released onto the wipe when the wipe is exiting the dispenser. One can consider a rotating brush in which rotation is induced at the wipe exit, a roll dispenser as described above, or a type commonly used for deodorants or liquid adhesives.

[0050] The dispenser described above is convenient for using the articles of the present invention. The user takes a dry antibacterial article from the dispenser and holds it in their hand. The article is just being humidified while it is coming out of the dispenser. Next, the user wipes a hard surface to be cleaned with a layer of the humidified article, releasing spores onto the hard surface, and then discards the article.

[0051] Now that the dispenser has been disclosed, the wipes from articles according to the present invention, their manufacture, and their use will be described.

[0052] As disclosed in Figure 1, the dried antimicrobial article 1 includes a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer made from fibers 2 in which unprotected dried spores 3 are dispersed.

[0053] The articles of this invention apply the principle of beneficial bacteria that target pathogenic bacteria, which is widely used in our own bodies, on the skin surface, and in the intestines. The challenge in applying this principle to sheet materials such as nonwoven wipes is to ensure that beneficial bacteria are reliably activated upon use. Therefore, there are technical constraints regarding shelf life, storage conditions, and manufacturing processes.

[0054] In reality, moist wipes containing bacteria cannot be stored for indefinite periods of time without bacterial overgrowth affecting the moisture level of the wipe, which in some cases leads to the death of beneficial bacteria themselves.

[0055] The applicant cleverly conceived of using bacteria in different forms, particularly their dry spores, to overcome the storage problems of wet wipes. A new problem arose from the use of spores, specifically the need to reactivate them at the appropriate time, for example, immediately before use. This problem was overcome by monitoring the humidifying solution for spore reactivation.

[0056] Spore selection and preparation Here, we will describe a process for selecting and preparing spores suitable for the article of the present invention.

[0057] The inventors of this invention, • Forms spores, • Reactivated by bacteria in a short time, • Inhibitory activity against pathogens We have undergone extensive research to select the appropriate bacteria for this purpose.

[0058] Unidentified samples, potentially containing several types of bacteria, were grown in a strictly aerobic environment. When typical growth of each Bacillus species appeared, pure cultures were prepared using standard methods. The pure cultures were analyzed by 16S rDNA Sanger sequencing (universal primer 27F-1492R), a standard method well-known to those skilled in the art for identifying bacterial strains.

[0059] To induce spore formation, each pure bacterial culture was initially grown overnight in LB (24 hours, aerobic, 37°C). Once a steady culture was obtained, a salt mixture was added to obtain final concentrations of 0.1% KCl, 0.012% MgSO4, 1 mM Ca(NO3)2, 0.01 mM MnCl2, and 1 μM FeSO4. The cultures were incubated overnight under the same conditions. Spores, if present, were collected by centrifugation of each culture.

[0060] The spores were sequenced. The following four different species were identified. • Bacillus amyloricephasiensis • Bacillus licheniformis ·Bacillus subtilis Bacillus pumilus

[0061] For each strain, a sufficient quantity of spores for further testing was generated using methods well known in the art.

[0062] A mixture of Bacillus bacteria containing these four species as active bacteria will also be prepared for further testing.

[0063] The bacterium Lactobacillus omnosus GG was also selected for further testing, despite the fact that it does not form spores. It was used as a control. It can also be applied to the articles of the present invention, for example, in combination with spores.

[0064] Next, the antipathogenic activity of the selected bacterial strains is evaluated. For this purpose, the following four species were selected from among the most frequently occurring pathogens found in public restrooms that are likely to cause gastrointestinal diseases. • Escherichia coli (LMG2093) • Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype tiphimurum ATCC14028 • Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228) • Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213)

[0065] Several tests were conducted to simulate different environments. The well diffusion assay simulates conditions under which beneficial bacteria can continuously release antipathogenic substances, while the streakline assay and spot assay simulate conditions under which beneficial bacteria release antipathogenic substances when in direct contact with pathogenic bacteria.

[0066] Well diffusion assay 500 μl of pathogenic strain was inoculated into molten agar. After the agar solidified, four wells were made and filled with 100 μl of cell-free supernatant from either the Bacillus mixture or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The assay was repeated for each pathogenic strain. After incubation (24 hours, 37°C), the inhibition zone of pathogen growth was measured.

[0067] The observed inhibition zones, measured in millimeters and averaged from three experiments, are shown in Table 1 below.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Streakline assay Colonies of Bacillus mixture or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were inoculated in a straight line from top to bottom onto a solid agar plate. The colonies were grown in incubation (24 hours, 37°C). After overnight incubation, pathogenic strains were inoculated in a vertical line. The pathogenic strains were grown in incubation (24 hours, 37°C). After incubation, inhibition of pathogenic strain growth was measured. The assay was repeated for each pathogenic strain.

[0070] The observed inhibition zones, measured in millimeters and averaged from three experiments, are shown in Table 2 below.

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] Spot assay First, single colonies of either a Bacillus mixture or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were grown on solid LB agar after incubation (overnight, 37°C). Then, 500 μl of pathogenic bacteria were inoculated into molten agar and poured over the colonies. After incubation (24 hours, 37°C), the inhibition zone of pathogenic bacterial growth was measured. The assay was repeated for each pathogenic strain.

[0073] The observed inhibition zones, measured in millimeters and averaged from three experiments, are shown in Table 3 below.

[0074] [Table 3]

[0075] The experiment demonstrated that both Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the Bacillus mixture effectively inhibited the growth of three of the selected pathogens. However, the Bacillus mixture under consideration did not inhibit Salmonella. The selection of Bacillus species in the mixture could most likely be optimized to also demonstrate inhibition of Salmonella.

[0076] For the intended use of the article of the present invention, • The user picks up the dry antibacterial item, • The user wipes the hard surface with an object, causing spores to be released onto the hard surface. • The user disposes of the item. Here, the dry antimicrobial material is humidified immediately before wiping the hard surface to initiate spore reactivation.

[0077] This method ensures the best antibacterial effect of articles on hard surfaces.

[0078] The use of an article of the present invention made from only one nonwoven fabric layer for cleaning a toilet seat is shown below with reference to Figure 2. The use of another article of the present invention further including a paper handling layer is shown below with reference to Figure 3.

[0079] Immobilization and release of Bacillus and Lactobacillus onto nonwoven fabrics A suspension of bacteria (Bacillus: 7.22 × 10⁷ cfu; Lactobacillus: 1.69 × 10¹¹), PVA (3%), and water (2.5 ml) was prepared. This mixture was then placed on a nonwoven fabric (313 cm²). 2 It was sprayed onto the surface and then dried in an oven (5 seconds, 180°C).

[0080] After heat treatment, the samples were tested for the presence of bacteria. 25 cm 2 Pieces were cut out and immersed in 10 ml of PBS. Next, the bacterial titer of this PBS was determined. Less than 1% of Lactobacillus could be recovered, and 18.6% of Bacillus species were still viable on the nonwoven fabric.

[0081] Two nonwoven fabric materials were used: PET nonwoven fabric and PVA-PLA nonwoven fabric.

[0082] The release onto the toilet seat was subsequently evaluated under various humidity conditions.

[0083] Referring to Figure 2, the toilet seat 7 was pre-sterilized with 70% ethanol. Next, as previously prepared, 25 cm 2 The wipe was applied in a circular motion. The wiping process was carried out under the following three conditions: i. No transfer solution was used. ii. To enable the wipe to function as a humidifier, 0.1 mL of water was added as a droplet to the toilet seat where the wiping motion began. Then, iii. Before wiping, three drops of mineral oil were placed around the sterilized toilet seat.

[0084] Sampling was performed at three locations on the toilet seat by placing paper filters (VWR 516-0812, 55 mm) soaked in PBS at each location. These locations are at the start 4, middle 5, and end 6 of the wiping motion of the toilet seat 7. The PBS-soaked filters were removed immediately after placement and incubated in solid LB growth medium (24 hours at 37°C).

[0085] Regarding condition i, it was confirmed that the presence of bacteria was limited at the start and during the wiping process, indicating that some form of transcription occurred.

[0086] For condition ii, extensive growth of Bacillus was observed after incubation of the three samples, indicating that the bacteria were transferred very well to the toilet seat along with the overall wiping action.

[0087] Regarding condition iii, a substantial presence of bacteria was confirmed at the start of the wiping action, but only a limited presence of bacteria was observed throughout the rest of the wiping action. Furthermore, after use, the toilet seat was covered with an oily residue, which was unpleasant for the user.

[0088] Therefore, it has been demonstrated that humidifying the wipe immediately before use ensures optimal transfer of bacteria to the toilet seat.

[0089] Efficiency of a two-layer article made from a dispersible nonwoven fabric wiping layer and a dispersible paper handling layer. Referring to Figure 3, the dry antibacterial wipe 8 comprises a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer 10 on which the spores of the selected Bacillus spores are dispersed, and a dispersible handling paper layer 9, as prepared above.

[0090] To produce a limited number of such wipes, a large sheet of dried nonwoven material is sprayed with a spore suspension, and the sheet measures 25 cm. 2 The paper was cut into pieces. Daymark Technologies' heat-sealable, water-soluble paper was cut into pieces of the same size, placed on top of the nonwoven fabric pieces, and sealed over them by applying heat using a household iron. A metal grid was placed between the paper layer and the iron during heating to emboss the pattern onto the handling surface 11 of the wipe 8.

[0091] Three toilet seats were first sterilized and contaminated with the above-mentioned pathogens. Two hours later, immediately after moistening the wipes with 0.5 mL of PBS, two toilet seats were each wiped with wipe 8 following the same wiping pattern as before (Figure 2). The third toilet seat was left uncleaned as a control.

[0092] Samples were taken from each toilet seat at three locations: paper filters (VWR 516-0812, 55 mm) soaked in PBS were placed at the start 4, middle 5, and end 6 points of the wiping motion on the toilet seat 7 (see Figure 2). The PBS-soaked filters were removed immediately after placement and placed in sealed Falcon tubes containing 10 mL of PBS. The tubes were shaken for 20 minutes to suspend all cells. Two samples were taken from each Falcon tube and heated at 80°C for 15 minutes to kill all vegetative cells, leaving only spores. Dilution arrays of these two samples were plated and incubated. This allowed us to evaluate the amount of pathogen present at each location on each toilet seat, as Bacillus colonies exhibited morphologies distinct from pathogen colonies.

[0093] After using Wipe 8, the presence of pathogens on the toilet seat was significantly reduced, while the presence of Bacillus significantly increased, demonstrating both good transfer of spores to the toilet seat and the immediate effect of these spores. On uncleaned toilet seats, no Bacillus colonies were observed, and the presence of pathogens was reduced to a lesser extent than on cleaned toilet seats, likely due to the spontaneous death of pathogens in the dry environment.

[0094] It has also been demonstrated that even several days after using the wipes, the presence of Bacillus can still be observed on the toilet seat, even if the surface has dried. These certainly have the ability to alternate between vegetative cells under favorable conditions and spores under unfavorable conditions.

[0095] Wipe rinsing properties Wipes made from the articles of the present invention are single-use wipes suitable for disposal, particularly for flushing in toilets. Therefore, the wipes need to disperse easily so as not to damage any components of the drainpipe or toilet excretion system. Verification of the flushability properties of wipes made from the articles of the present invention is detailed below.

[0096] The distinction between washable and non-washable nonwoven fabrics follows strict guidelines established by wastewater agencies such as Edana in Europe and INDA in the United States. Technical washability assessments include the following seven tests: • Toilet and drainage clearance test (FG501): Determines the product's ability to properly clean toilets and building drainage systems. • Slosh box collapse test (FG502): Evaluates the likelihood of a product collapsing when subjected to mechanical agitation in water or wastewater. • Household pump test (FG503): Evaluate the compatibility of the product with household sewage discharge pump systems and confirm that the product does not clog, accumulate internally, or otherwise interfere with normal system operation under heavy usage conditions. • Sedimentation test (FG504): Evaluates whether the product settles in sedimentation chambers associated with sewer tanks, septic tanks, on-site aerobic systems, and pumping stations and urban wastewater treatment facilities. • Aerobic biodegradation / biodegradation test (FG505): Evaluates the potential for a product to biologically decompose under aerobic conditions typically found in sewer systems and on-site and urban wastewater treatment systems. • Anaerobic biodegradation / biodegradation test (FG506): Evaluates the potential for the product to biologically decompose under anaerobic conditions typically found in sewer systems and on-site and urban wastewater treatment systems. • Urban Sewer Pump Test (FG507): Evaluates product compatibility with small-scale urban sewer pump systems.

[0097] Descriptions and methods for each of these tests are available at www.edana.org / industry-initiatives / flushability.

[0098] 25cm prepared in advance 2 Each test was conducted using the wipes. The results are summarized in Table 4, showing that the wipes are acceptable for claiming washability.

[0099] [Table 4]

[0100] When an item is used to clean a toilet seat, the item can be conveniently flushed away, i.e., disposed of in the toilet water.

[0101] A small-scale manufacturing method for wipes made from the dried antibacterial article according to the present invention has been described as a simple manufacturing process starting from a nonwoven fabric material that has already been manufactured.

[0102] The adhesion of spores to the nonwoven fabric layer in the dry article, along with their release ability when humidified, is a crucial feature for obtaining the desired antimicrobial activity. These features have been optimized by the applicant by establishing an innovative manufacturing process.

[0103] Referring to Figure 6, in the first step, the raw fibers contained in the bale opener 28 are introduced into a carding machine, where they are carded into a web in one direction. The web is then moved along the line by a conveyor belt 30. In the second step, spores are dispersed onto the web of carded fibers by a spraying device 31. In a further step, the fibers of the web are bonded in an oven 32 before passing through a cooling zone 33. The nonwoven material is finally wound up by a winding device 34. Optional needling using module 35 is inserted here between the carding step and the spraying step.

[0104] Apart from the step of spraying spores with apparatus 31, the manufacturing process disclosed in Figure 6 includes a step using apparatus well known to those skilled in the art. However, inserting such apparatus into an existing manufacturing line is not always straightforward. Space constraints, as well as speed constraints for synchronizing various steps, also apply.

[0105] According to the manufacturing process of the present invention, spores are applied to carded fibers prior to the bonding step that leads to the production of the nonwoven material. This process cleverly utilizes the spores' resistance to heat treatment in order to disperse the spores during the production of the nonwoven material itself. This means a significant increase in the time in the process, as well as better dispersion of the spores in the nonwoven, compared to conventional processes in which spores are applied to the nonwoven material after its production.

[0106] Depending on the expected thickness of the nonwoven material, several layers of carded fibers of the same or different composition can be layered before spore dispersion using techniques and equipment well known to those skilled in the art. Using several carding machines (usually up to three) in parallel allows for high-speed operation. The resulting webs are then layered before bonding or, if implemented in a process, before needling. This also offers the advantage of combining different properties of several fiber blends.

[0107] Needling results in entanglement or mixing of fibers and is especially recommended when multiple carding machines are used. It allows for better adhesion of the web layer by entangling the fibers. Hydro-entanglement can also be used instead of or in addition to needling.

[0108] The spores can be dispersed onto carded fibers by wet spraying, and the process then includes a step of dissolving the spores immediately before spraying. Next, spraying is performed immediately before heat treatment, i.e., a few milliseconds to one minute before, so as not to give the spores enough time to reactivate. The heat treatment then has a dual effect: drying the spores and melting the fibers into the nonwoven material.

[0109] Spores can also be dispersed onto carded fibers in a dry form by powder scattering, for example, using powder spraying commercialized by WEKO. In this case, since there is no moisture, the timing of spore dispersion is not as critical, and the risk of spore reactivation is eliminated.

[0110] Applying spores by spraying or powder scattering ultimately yields the same nonwoven fabric product in which the spores are dispersed.

[0111] Any technology commonly used to coat nonwoven fabrics, particularly WEKO systems such as the "WEKO-Fluid-Application-System (WFA)," can be used to coat spores.

[0112] The bonding of fibers to complete the nonwoven layer can be carried out using different techniques, such as mechanical or chemical bonding. In this case, bonding preferably includes a step of thermal bonding, either alone or in combination with another technique. Preferably, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention is a dry-laid thermal-bonded nonwoven fabric (via bonded air).

[0113] Thermally coupled ovens are available on the market, such as the flat belt ovens, tumble ovens, or omega ovens manufactured by WEKO, for example. Such ovens can even integrate a spray unit at their inlet.

[0114] The heat treatment typically applied to carded fibers is in the range of 30°C to 250°C, preferably 130°C to 140°C, depending on the properties of the fibers and the temperature required for bonding, as well as the line speed and temperature required to evaporate the spore-lysing solution in the case of wet spraying.

[0115] The residence time of the material layer in the oven ranges from one second to several minutes, depending on the speed of the production line, which allows the moisture introduced during the spraying step to evaporate.

[0116] In manufacturing processes that result in the production of continuous layers of nonwoven material, the nonwoven layer may be wound up when it reaches the end of the production line, whether or not it is bonded to a handling layer. Optionally, the nonwoven layer may be pre-cut into smaller entities before being wound up. Alternatively, a continuous nonwoven layer may be cut into smaller pieces and arranged as stacked packs.

[0117] In some cases, it may not be possible to insert the spraying device before the binding oven. In other cases, it may be interesting to spray some live bacteria that cannot withstand heat treatment during binding onto the nonwoven fabric, in addition to spores. Then, as shown in Figure 7, the spraying step can be carried out after the binding of the nonwoven fabric.

[0118] In that case, the spraying device 131 is installed after the cooling zone 33. For wet spraying, an additional drying step is required in a further drying zone 36. The characteristics of the other pieces of the device remain the same as above. This order of steps may result in slightly less spore dispersion than if the spores were dispersed before binding, however, it results in a product with the above-described wiping and disinfecting qualities.

[0119] In some cases where spore spraying cannot be carried out at the same manufacturing location as the nonwoven fabric, it is possible to unroll the nonwoven fabric, disperse the spores onto the nonwoven fabric, roll up the nonwoven fabric containing the dispersed spores, or even readjust it in an appropriate manner.

[0120] The process of the present invention may include a further step of bonding the nonwoven fabric layer to at least another material layer, particularly a handling layer. Bonding can be achieved by mechanical means using an adhesive intermediate. Assembling the spore-containing nonwoven fabric layer with the handling layer can be carried out on the same production line, on a separate line, or even in different facilities.

[0121] The nonwoven fabric layer, prepared as a roll, can be further processed, cut, and / or re-formed into any suitable form for the purposes of the present invention, whether or not it is bonded to a handling layer.

[0122] The fibers used for the purposes of the present invention may consist of one type or a blend of several types of fibers. At least one of these fibers should have a melting temperature within the heat treatment temperature range to ensure proper bonding and resistance of the nonwoven layer.

[0123] This process is applicable to many types of fibers. For example, to produce a dispersible nonwoven layer, blends can be used that include synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to, polyolefins, polyesters, polylactates, polyvinyl alcohols, and viscose, and / or natural fibers or bio-component fibers such as, but not limited to, cellulose.

[0124] The fiber decitex can vary between 0.3 dt and 64 dt, preferably between 2.2 dt and 6.7 dt.

[0125] The dispersible handling layer can be made from, for example, water-soluble paper, water-soluble plastic PVA, water-soluble polyester, a water-soluble coating such as graphene film resin, or a reusable injection-molded part, but is not limited to these. The handling layer is preferably impermeable.

[0126] Interestingly, single-layer or multi-layer paper can be used as a handling layer. Depending on the type and thickness of paper used, paper can impart a certain degree of rigidity to the article. Paper is also printable, which is advantageous for aesthetic purposes. Biodegradable paper is readily available at low cost. However, other dispersible materials with similar properties can also be used as a handling layer.

[0127] Specific examples of the present invention are shown below. (1) A dry antimicrobial article comprising at least a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer, A dried antimicrobial article characterized in that unprotected dried bacterial spores are spread within a nonwoven fabric layer, and the spores are selected to specifically inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria upon reactivation. (2) The articles described in (1) that are washable. (3) The article according to (1) or (2), comprising a dispersible handling layer. (4) Articles as rolls as any one of items (1) to (3). (5) The roll is the article described in (4), which is pre-cut into wipes. (6) Any article specified in any one of items (1) to (3) as a wipe. (7) The article described in any one of items (1) to (3) as a roll configured to be cut into wipes. (8) The article according to any one of items (1) to (7), wherein the spore is a spore of a Bacillus bacterium. (9) The article according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the nonwoven fabric layer comprises at least one fiber from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyester, polylactate, polyvinyl alcohol, viscose, and cellulose. (10) The dry antibacterial article according to (3), wherein the handling layer is a paper layer. (11) A dry antimicrobial article described in any one of items (1) to (10), which also disperses bacteria. (12) Use by a user of any one of the items (1) to (11) for cleaning hard surfaces, The step of the user taking the dried antibacterial article in their hand, The steps include: humidifying the dried antibacterial article to initiate the reactivation of the spores; The user wipes the hard surface with the article, causing spores to be released onto the hard surface. Use, including the step of the user disposing of the article. (13) Use of the dry antimicrobial article as described in 10, further comprising the step of taking a dry antimicrobial wipe from the dispenser. (14) A dry section containing at least one wipe, A wet area containing an aqueous liquid, A means configured to dispense an aqueous liquid onto the wipe, Includes dispensing output, A wipe dispenser according to any one of (5) to (7), wherein the dispenser is configured to humidify the wipe with the output of the dispenser. (15) The means for dispensing an aqueous liquid is a dispenser according to (14), which is located between the drying compartment and the dispensing output. (16) The dispenser according to (14) or (15), further comprising means for extracting the wipes from the dispenser. A method for producing a dried antimicrobial article as described in any one of paragraphs (17)(1) to (11), A step of carding the dispersible fibers in one direction, The steps include spreading the spores onto the carded fibers, A method comprising the steps of heat-treating the carded fibers with spores attached to them to bond the fibers to a nonwoven fabric material. (18) The method of (17), wherein the spores are spread by spraying a solution of spores onto the carded dispersible fibers, and the heat treatment further evaporates the liquid of the sprayed solution. (19) The method according to (18), comprising the step of lysing the spores immediately before spraying. (20) Spraying is performed immediately before the heat treatment, according to the method of (18) or (19). (21) The method according to (17), wherein the spores are spread by scattering them in powder form. (22) The method according to any one of (17) to (21), further comprising the steps of needling and / or hydroentangling. A method for producing a dried antibacterial article as described in any one of paragraphs (23)(1) to (11), A step of carding the dispersible fibers in one direction, The steps include heat-treating the carded fibers to bond them to a nonwoven fabric material, A method comprising the step of spreading spores onto the nonwoven fabric. (24) The method according to (13), comprising the subsequent step of spreading the spores by spraying a solution of spores onto the nonwoven fabric material and drying the sprayed nonwoven fabric material. (25) The method according to (24), comprising the step of lysing the spores immediately before spraying. (26) The method according to (23), wherein the spores are spread by scattering them in powder form. (27) The method of any one of (23) to (26), further comprising the steps of needling and / or hydroentangling.

Claims

1. A dry antimicrobial article comprising at least a dispersible nonwoven fabric layer made of bonded carded dispersible fibers, A dried antimicrobial article characterized in that unprotected dried bacterial spores, selected to inhibit the growth of pathogens upon reactivation, are dispersed on and / or within the dispersible nonwoven fabric layer.

2. The dried antimicrobial article according to claim 1, wherein the dried bacterial spores are not encapsulated in microcapsules.

3. A dry antimicrobial article according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dispersible handling layer.

4. The dry antibacterial article according to claim 3, wherein the dispersible handling layer is a water-soluble layer.

5. The dry antibacterial article according to claim 4, wherein the dispersible handling layer is a layer of paper.

6. The dry antimicrobial article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispersible nonwoven fabric layer comprises at least one fiber from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyester, polylactate, polyvinyl alcohol, viscose, and cellulose.

7. The dry antibacterial article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the decitex titer of the dispersible fibers is between 0.3 dt and 64 dt.

8. The dried bacterial spores are selected from lactic acid-producing bacteria, as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, for the dried antimicrobial article.

9. The dried antimicrobial article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dried bacterial spores are spores of Bacillus bacteria.

10. The dried antimicrobial article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dried bacterial spores are in direct contact with the nonwoven fabric material.

11. A dry antimicrobial article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is washable in accordance with Edana or Inda guidelines.

12. A dry antibacterial article as a roll, according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A dry antimicrobial article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, as a roll configured to be cut into wipes.

14. A dry antibacterial article according to claim 1 or claim 13, as a wipe.

15. A user's use of a dry antibacterial article according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for cleaning a hard surface, The step of the user taking the dried antibacterial article in their hand, The steps include: humidifying the dried antibacterial article to initiate the reactivation of the spores; The user wipes the hard surface with the dry antibacterial article, causing spores to be released onto the hard surface. Use, including the step of the user disposing of the dried antibacterial article.

16. The use of the dry antimicrobial article according to claim 15, further comprising the step of removing a dry antimicrobial wipe from a dispenser.

17. A drying section comprising at least one wipe according to claim 14, A wet area containing an aqueous liquid, A humidifying means configured to release an aqueous liquid onto the wipe, Includes dispensing output, A wipe dispenser, wherein the dispenser is configured to humidify the wipes when they are dispensed from the dispenser.

18. The dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the humidifying means for dispensing an aqueous liquid is located between the drying section and the dispensing output.

19. The dispenser according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising means for extracting the wipe from the dispenser.

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