Foaming composition, method for extending foam duration, and sterilization method

Abstract

In foaming compositions, even when containing a high concentration of ethanol, sufficient foam duration is ensured. [Solution] The foaming composition consists of ethanol, a surfactant, water, and water-soluble dietary fiber. It contains.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foaming composition, a method for extending the duration of foam, and a sterilization method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a composition containing 30 to 60% by mass of high-concentration ethanol and a polyol as a composition that is discharged in a foamed state from a former container and used. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a foaming aqueous composition containing more than 50% by mass of ethanol and a water-soluble polymer.

[0003] Foaming compositions containing high-concentration ethanol such as those in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are useful for sterilization or disinfection. In particular, being in a foamed state allows for uniform application to fingers and the like, enhancing the sterilization or disinfection effect.

[0004] Surfactants are blended as foaming agents in this type of composition. However, since ethanol has a defoaming effect, there is a problem that the foam disappears immediately as it is. Therefore, in order to improve the foam retention, it has been proposed to blend polyols or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and its purpose is to ensure sufficient foam duration even when the foaming composition contains a high concentration of ethanol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Through diligent research, the inventors of this invention have discovered that by incorporating water-soluble dietary fiber into a composition containing a high concentration of ethanol, the duration of foam can be extended.

[0009] A foaming composition according to one aspect of this disclosure contains ethanol, a surfactant, water, and water-soluble dietary fiber.

[0010] With this composition, the inclusion of water-soluble dietary fiber ensures that the foam formed by the action of the surfactant lasts for a sufficient duration, even when high concentrations of ethanol are present.

[0011] The water-soluble dietary fiber may be, for example, inulin. By incorporating inulin into the foaming composition, the effect of extending the duration of the foam is further enhanced.

[0012] The foaming composition may contain 20% to 40% by weight of the ethanol. This enables sterilization and disinfection by the foaming composition.

[0013] The foaming composition may further contain a polyether. The polyether may be polyethylene glycol. This further enhances the foaming properties of the foaming composition.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure may involve a method for extending the duration of foam, which can be achieved by incorporating water-soluble dietary fiber into a foaming composition containing ethanol. For example, the foaming composition containing the water-soluble dietary fiber can be contained in a foaming container, and the foaming composition can be dispensed from the foaming container in a foamy form, thereby extending the duration of the foam dispensed from the foaming container.

[0015] In yet another aspect of this disclosure, a sterilization method using ethanol may be assumed. In this sterilization method, a foaming composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber is contained in a foaming container, and the foaming composition is dispensed from the foaming container in a foamy form and adhered to the object to be sterilized. As a result, the foam persists for a long time even when it is attached to the object to be sterilized, so that the sterilizing effect of ethanol is sufficiently obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As explained above, since the foaming composition contains water-soluble dietary fiber, even when it contains a high concentration of ethanol, the duration of the foam formed by, for example, a foaming container can be sufficiently ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a foaming container containing a foaming composition. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the difference in foaming between the comparative example and the example. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the difference in foam retention between the comparative example and the example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a former container 1 containing a liquid foaming composition according to an embodiment of the present invention. The former container 1 containing the foaming composition can be referred to as, for example, a foaming product, a foam product, or the like.

[0020] The former container 1 is configured to be able to discharge the liquid foaming composition in a foamed state and includes a pump-type foam generator. The pump-type former container 1 includes, for example, a bottle 2, a pump 3, an operation unit 4, and a discharge pipe unit 5. The bottle 2 is a portion for containing the liquid foaming composition and is made of, for example, plastic or the like. The pump 3 has a suction pipe 3a for sucking the foaming composition contained in the bottle 2. The suction pipe 3a extends to near the bottom of the bottle 2. The operation unit 4 is a portion for operating the pump 3. By pressing the operation unit 4 downward, the pump 3 operates to suck the foaming composition from the suction pipe 3a and mix air into the sucked foaming composition to make it foamed. Such a structure of the pump 3 has been well-known conventionally.

[0021] The discharge pipe unit 5 is a portion for discharging the foamed foaming composition flowing out from the pump 3 to the outside. The foamed foaming composition flowing out from the pump 3 circulates inside the discharge pipe unit 5 and is then discharged from a discharge port 5a formed at the tip of the discharge pipe unit 5.

[0022] The structure of the former container 1 is not limited to the above-described structure, and any structure that can foam and discharge the liquid foaming composition may be used. Although not shown in the drawings, for example, an aerosol-type former container in which a liquid foaming composition is stored together with a propellant in a pressure-resistant container, and by pressing down the stem provided on the pressure-resistant container, the foaming composition is foamed by the propellant and sprayed may also be used. The device for foaming the foaming composition is not limited to the former container 1, and the foaming composition can also be foamed using a foaming device other than the former container 1.

[0023] The foaming composition may be, for example, a cleaning and sterilizing composition for cleaning and sterilizing fingers, feet, etc. The foaming composition is suitable for use on the human body, but the objects to be sterilized are not limited to fingers and feet, and may be, for example, dishes, doorknobs, handles, desks, chairs, etc.

[0024] (Foaming composition) The foaming composition according to the present embodiment contains ethanol, a surfactant, a water-soluble dietary fiber, a polyether, and water. The water may be any of, for example, tap water, ion-exchanged water, purified water, etc. Any two or more of tap water, ion-exchanged water, purified water, etc. may be mixed.

[0025] (Ethanol) Ethanol is formulated as an active ingredient for sterilization. The concentration of ethanol is 20% by weight or more from the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient sterilizing effect. Also, since it is difficult to form foam when the concentration of ethanol is too high, it is 40% by weight or less. The concentration of ethanol may be 25% by weight or more, and by containing 25% by weight or more of ethanol, a high sterilizing effect can be obtained. The concentration of ethanol may be 35% by weight or less, and by setting the content of ethanol to 35% by weight or less, it becomes easier to form foam with the former container 1. (Surfactant) Surfactants are incorporated as foaming agents and cleaning components that target sterilization. While anionic surfactants are suitable in terms of foaming properties, the surfactants contained in foaming compositions are not limited to anionic surfactants; any surfactant with foaming properties is acceptable.

[0026] Examples of surfactants include N-acyl-N-methylglycine salts, sodium alkyl sulfonates, sodium alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether carboxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Of these, any one may be included as the surfactant in the foaming composition, or any multiple may be mixed and included as the surfactant in the foaming composition.

[0027] Furthermore, when the foaming composition is used on the human body, from the viewpoint of cleansing properties against sebum and other dirt, the foaming composition may further contain nonionic surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants contained in the foaming composition include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid glyceryl, polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene alkenyl ethers. Of these, only one may be included as a nonionic surfactant, or any multiple may be mixed and included as a nonionic surfactant. (Water-soluble dietary fiber) Water-soluble dietary fiber is added to extend the duration of foam formed by a foaming container 1 or the like. In other words, the duration of foam can be extended by adding water-soluble dietary fiber to a foaming composition containing ethanol, and this method is a method for extending the duration of foam.

[0028] Water-soluble dietary fiber refers to water-soluble carbohydrates found in food that are difficult to digest and absorb in the human digestive system. Examples of usable water-soluble dietary fiber include inulin, indigestible dextrin, polydextrose, agar, sodium alginate, gum arabic, beet fiber, xanthan gum, guar gum, guar gum hydrolysate, indigestible starch, indigestible polysaccharides such as pullulan, and indigestible oligosaccharides such as fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, and gentiooligosaccharides. The foaming composition may contain only one of these as water-soluble dietary fiber, or it may contain a mixture of any multiple types as water-soluble dietary fiber.

[0029] In foaming compositions, it is sometimes preferable to include inulin as a water-soluble dietary fiber, considering factors such as the duration of foam formation and the user experience.

[0030] The water-soluble dietary fiber content is specified as 0.01% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less. When the water-soluble dietary fiber content is less than 0.01% by weight, the foam duration tends to be shorter compared to when it is 0.01% by weight or more; therefore, the water-soluble dietary fiber content is set at 0.01% by weight or more. In some cases, it is preferable to have a water-soluble dietary fiber content of 0.1% by weight or more and 1% by weight or less. By keeping it within this range, the effect of extending the foam duration is further enhanced.

[0031] (Polyether) Polyethers are components that improve foaming. Examples of polyethers that can be included in a foaming composition include polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. Only one of these may be included, or two may be included in a mixture.

[0032] From the standpoint of foam quality and discharge from foamer container 1, polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) with a molecular weight of approximately 20,000 may be preferred. The polyether content is set to 0.01% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less. If the polyether content is less than 0.01% by weight, foaming tends to be worse compared to when it is 0.01% by weight or more, so the polyether content is set to 0.01% by weight or more. If the polyether content exceeds 10% by weight, the viscosity of the foaming composition may become too high, making it difficult to discharge from foamer container 1, so the polyether content is set to 10% by weight or less. In some cases, it is preferable for the polyether content to be 0.1% by weight or more and 8% by weight or less. (Other ingredients) In addition to ethanol, the foaming composition may also contain bactericidal and antibacterial components. Examples of such components include isopropylmethylphenol (IPMP) and benzalkonium chloride. Only one of these may be included, or a mixture of two may be included.

[0033] Furthermore, if necessary, fragrances, preservatives, thickeners, pH adjusters, etc., can be added to the foaming composition.

[0034] (How to use) The foaming composition according to this embodiment can be used, for example, as a cleaning and disinfecting composition for washing and disinfecting hands, feet, etc. The foaming composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber is contained in a foamer container 1, the foaming composition is dispensed from the foamer container 1 in a foamy form, and the duration of the foam dispensed from the foamer container 1 is extended by the water-soluble dietary fiber.

[0035] The specific usage method will now be explained. First, operate the control unit 4 to dispense the foaming composition from the foamer container 1, and receive the foamed composition dispensed in the palm of your hand.

[0036] Next, the foamy foaming composition received in the palm of the hand is spread and adhered to the fingers, toes, or other areas to be sterilized. In other words, a foaming composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber is contained in a foamer container 1, and the foaming composition is dispensed from the foamer container 1 in a foamy form and adhered to the area to be sterilized.

[0037] In this embodiment, the foaming composition has good foam retention (the foam lasts for a long time), so the foam persists even while it is being spread on the object to be sterilized. This prevents the foaming composition from running off the hands and feet while being spread, thus increasing the contact time of the composition with the hands and feet, and as a result, a sufficient sterilizing effect by ethanol is obtained. After spreading the foaming composition thoroughly, the foaming composition adhering to the hands and feet is washed off with water or lukewarm water. Since the sterilizing effect by ethanol and the cleaning effect by the surfactant are obtained at the same time, there is no need to wash separately with detergent.

[0038] The foaming composition dispensed from the foamer container 1 may be applied directly to the hands or feet, or it may be received on a towel or the like before being applied to the hands or feet.

[0039] Furthermore, the foaming composition dispensed from the foamer container 1 may be applied to objects other than the human body. In this case as well, because the foam lasts for a long time, the foaming composition is less likely to drip, and the foaming composition can be kept in contact with the object for an extended period of time. [Examples]

[0040] The following describes examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0041] The foaming compositions of the examples of the present invention and the compositions of the comparative examples were prepared as shown in Tables 1 to 3. Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention are shown in Table 1, and comparative examples 1 to 10 and comparative examples 11 to 19 are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively.

[0042] [Table 1]

[0043] [Table 2]

[0044] [Table 3]

[0045] The foaming compositions of Examples 1-3 and the compositions of Comparative Examples 1-19 were each placed in a foamer container 1 as shown in Figure 1. In the table, PEG-400 is polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 20,000, and PEG-65M is high-polymer polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 2,900,000.

[0046] In Tables 1-3, "Foaming" refers to the evaluation of the foaming of the composition dispensed from Foamer Container 1. A "○" indicates that foam was formed well, while a "×" indicates that no foam was formed or only a small amount was formed.

[0047] In Tables 1-3, "foam retention" refers to the duration of the foam from the composition dispensed from Foamer Container 1. "◎" indicates that most of the foam remains for more than 1 minute and 30 seconds after dispensing from Foamer Container 1; "○" indicates that most of the foam disappears between 1 minute and 1 minute and 30 seconds; "△" indicates that most of the foam disappears between 30 seconds and 1 minute; and "×" indicates that most of the foam disappears within 30 seconds.

[0048] As shown in Table 1, the foaming composition of Example 1 produced good foam when dispensed from the foamer container 1 (see Example 1 in Figure 2), and most of the foam remained for 2 minutes (see Example 1 in Figure 3). The foaming compositions of Examples 2 and 3 were similar, and the density of the foam improved as the amount of inulin increased.

[0049] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, as shown in Figure 2, although the foaming when dispensed from Foamer Container 1 was not bad, the volume of foam was clearly less than in Example 1. Also, in Comparative Example 1, as shown in Figure 3, a large amount of foam disappeared within 30 seconds after being dispensed from Foamer Container 1. In other words, when ethanol is included at 30%, the foam retention is not good even when an anionic surfactant (sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphate) is added as a foaming agent.

[0050] Furthermore, in Comparative Example 2, because it contained 10% by weight of PEG-400, the viscosity of the composition was too high to be dispensed from Foamer Container 1. Comparative Examples 3 to 6 produced good foam, but the foam retention was worse compared to the Examples. In other words, while the foam retention can be improved by adding a predetermined amount of PEG-400 (polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of approximately 20,000), increasing the amount of PEG-400 did not further improve the foam retention.

[0051] In Comparative Examples 7 and 8, foam could not be dispensed from Foamer Container 1 because they contained Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide. In Comparative Examples 9 and 10, PEG-65M was contained, and these resulted in a thick, viscous foam. Thus, increasing the degree of polymerization of polyethylene glycol did not improve foam retention; on the contrary, it made it impossible to dispense the foam.

[0052] Comparative Examples 11-15 had extremely poor usability due to a strong residue when spread on the skin. Comparative Examples 16-19 had good lathering, but the foam retention was worse compared to the examples.

[0053] Compared to the compositions of these comparative examples, the foaming compositions of Examples 1 to 3 showed further improved foam retention due to the inclusion of inulin in addition to PEG-400. Furthermore, it was found that the denser the foam and the better the user experience, the higher the amount of inulin included. Similarly, when water-soluble dietary fiber other than inulin was included, the foaming was good and the foam retention was sufficient. Moreover, even when the type of surfactant was changed, the presence of water-soluble dietary fiber resulted in similarly good foaming and sufficient foam retention.

[0054] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] As explained above, this disclosure can be used, for example, for disinfecting and cleaning hands, feet, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 Foamer container 2 bottles 3 pumps 4 Control section 5 Discharge pipe section

Claims

1. Ethanol and, Surfactants and Water and, A foaming composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber.

2. In the foaming composition according to claim 1, A foaming composition wherein the water-soluble dietary fiber is inulin.

3. In the foaming composition according to claim 1, A foaming composition containing 20% ​​by weight or more and 40% by weight or less of the aforementioned ethanol.

4. In the foaming composition according to claim 3, A foaming composition further containing polyether.

5. In the foaming composition according to claim 4, A foaming composition wherein the polyether is polyethylene glycol.

6. A method for extending the duration of foam generated in a foaming container, which involves blending water-soluble dietary fiber with a foaming composition containing ethanol.

7. In the method for extending the duration of foam according to claim 6, The foaming composition containing the aforementioned water-soluble dietary fiber is placed in the foaming container. The foaming composition is dispensed from the foamer container in a foamy state. A method for extending the duration of foam discharged from the foaming container.

8. A sterilization method using ethanol, A foaming composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber is placed in a foaming container. A sterilization method comprising dispensing the foaming composition from the foamer container in a foamy form and adhering it to a target for sterilization.

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