Biofilm remover and biofilm removal method

Abstract

To provide biofilm removers excellent in biofilm removing performance and low in loads to human bodies.SOLUTION: The biofilm remover of the invention comprises water and fatty acid potassium, where the fatty acid potassium is at least one selected from the group consisting of: (A) potassium oleate; and (B) potassium laurate and potassium caprate, and the content of the fatty acid potassium is 6 mass% or more and 34 mass% or less of the biofilm remover, the pure content of the ingredient (A) to the total of pure content of (A) ingredient and pure content of (B) ingredient is 6 mass% or more and 85 mass% or less, and the total of the pure content of (A) ingredient and the pure content of (B) ingredient is 75 mass% or more of the total amount of the fatty acid potassium.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a biofilm removal agent and a biofilm removal method. [Background technology]

[0002] A biofilm is a structure formed by microorganisms. When a biofilm is formed, it can cause harm caused by the microorganisms and have various effects on the human body. Furthermore, microbial control agents such as disinfectants tend to be less effective against microbial aggregates that have formed biofilms than they are against microorganisms that are dispersed and suspended in water systems.

[0003] Therefore, techniques relating to skin cleansing compositions and the like that can remove this biofilm have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, the skin cleanser composition described in Patent Document 1 and the biofilm remover described in Patent Document 3 have the problem of being relatively irritating to the skin and placing a heavy burden on the human body. On the other hand, the skin cleanser composition described in Patent Document 2 is still not necessarily sufficient in terms of biofilm removal performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-241740 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-124229 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-185036 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a biofilm removing agent that has excellent biofilm removing performance and imposes little burden on the human body, and a biofilm removing method using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following biofilm removing agent and biofilm removing method. That is, the biofilm remover of the present invention is a biofilm remover comprising water and fatty acid potassium, wherein the fatty acid potassium contains (A) potassium oleate and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium laurate and potassium caprate, and the content of the fatty acid potassium is 6% by mass or more and 34% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the biofilm remover, the content of the pure content of the (A) component is 6% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the pure content of the (A) component and the (B) component, and the total amount of the pure content of the (A) component and the (B) component is 75% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the fatty acid potassium.

[0007] The biofilm removing agent of the present invention preferably does not contain an organic solvent.

[0008] The biofilm removal method of the present invention is a biofilm removal method using the biofilm remover, and is characterized by comprising the steps of applying the biofilm remover to a workpiece, and washing the workpiece to which the biofilm remover has been applied, thereby removing the biofilm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a biofilm removing agent that has excellent biofilm removing performance and imposes little burden on the human body, and a biofilm removing method using the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the biofilm removing agent and biofilm removing method of the present invention will be described. [Biofilm remover] First, the biofilm removing agent of this embodiment will be described. The biofilm remover of this embodiment is composed of water and fatty acid potassium, which will be described below. The biofilm remover of this embodiment preferably consists of only water and fatty acid potassium. Biofilm removal performance can be ensured by this fatty acid potassium alone. Furthermore, the biofilm remover of this embodiment does not require the use of any other biofilm removal components other than the fatty acid potassium. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of not using unnecessary components, the biofilm remover of this embodiment preferably does not contain any components other than the fatty acid potassium (for example, organic solvents (such as alcohols), antibacterial agents, etc.).

[0011] The biofilm removing agent of this embodiment preferably consists only of water and fatty acid potassium, and contains substantially no other components than these components. The water used in the biofilm remover of this embodiment is preferably purified water. Examples of purified water include reverse osmosis (RO) water, deionized water, and distilled water. Furthermore, purified water that complies with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia or the standards for quasi-drug ingredients is more preferred.

[0012] The fatty acid potassium salt used in this embodiment must contain (A) potassium oleate and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium laurate and potassium caprate. The combination of component (A) and component (B) can improve the liquid stability of the biofilm remover, and also improve foaming and foam retention.

[0013] The component (A) used in this embodiment is the potassium salt of oleic acid, a fatty acid that occurs in extremely large amounts in nature, and has been confirmed to be low in burden on the human body. The potassium oleate used in this embodiment is obtained from raw materials, oleic acid and a potassium compound (potassium hydroxide, etc.). The raw material, oleic acid, usually contains impurities. These impurities are mostly linoleic acid, but also include stearic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, etc.

[0014] The component (B) used in this embodiment is a potassium salt of lauric acid or capric acid, which are naturally occurring fatty acids in extremely large amounts, and has been confirmed to be low in burden on the human body. The potassium laurate used in this embodiment is obtained from raw materials, lauric acid and a potassium compound (such as potassium hydroxide). The raw material, lauric acid, usually contains trace amounts of impurities, such as capric acid and myristic acid. The potassium caprate (potassium decanoate) used in this embodiment is obtained from capric acid as a raw material and a potassium compound (potassium hydroxide, etc.). Capric acid as a raw material usually contains trace amounts of impurities, such as caprylic acid and lauric acid.

[0015] Impurities other than components (A) and (B) include potassium caprylate, potassium myristate, potassium palmitate, potassium stearate, potassium palmitoleate, potassium linoleate, potassium linolenate, potassium arachidate, and potassium behenate.

[0016] In this embodiment, the content of fatty acid potassium must be 6% by mass or more and 34% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the biofilm remover. If the content of fatty acid potassium is less than 6% by mass, the foaming and foam retention of the biofilm remover will be insufficient. On the other hand, if the content of fatty acid potassium is more than 34% by mass, the biofilm remover will become gel-like. From the viewpoint of improving foaming and foam retention, the content of fatty acid potassium is preferably 7% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 15% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the biofilm remover. The content of fatty acid potassium is preferably 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the biofilm removing agent, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of the liquid state.

[0017] In this embodiment, the content of the pure component (A) must be 6% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the pure components (A) and (B). If the content of the pure component (A) is less than 6% by mass, the foaming and foam retention of the biofilm remover will be insufficient. On the other hand, if the content of the pure component (A) is more than 85% by mass, the liquid stability will decrease, and the foaming and foam retention of the biofilm remover will be insufficient. From the viewpoint of improving foaming and foam retention, the content of the pure component of component (A) is preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 15% by mass or more, of the total amount of the pure components of component (A) and component (B). From the viewpoint of improving the liquid stability and improving foaming and foam retention, the content of the pure content of component (A) is preferably 70 mass % or less, more preferably 60 mass % or less, and particularly preferably 50 mass % or less, of the total amount of the pure content of component (A) and component (B).

[0018] In this embodiment, the total amount of the pure contents of components (A) and (B) must be 75% by mass or more based on the total amount of fatty acid potassium. If the total amount of the pure contents of components (A) and (B) is less than 75% by mass, the liquid stability of the biofilm remover will be insufficient. From the viewpoint of improving the stability of the liquid state, the total amount of the pure contents of the (A) component and the (B) component is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 85% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 90% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the fatty acid potassium salt. From the viewpoint of ease of production from natural materials, the total amount of the pure components (A) and (B) is preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 92% by mass or less, based on the total amount of potassium fatty acid.

[0019] The biofilm remover of this embodiment may contain an additive within a range that does not impair the object of the present invention. The additive may be at least one selected from the group consisting of a pH adjuster and a chelating agent. More specifically, the additive may be at least one selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, phytic acid, or salts thereof. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned additive is used, the biofilm remover of this embodiment preferably consists of water, fatty acid potassium, and the above-mentioned additive.

[0020] The biofilm remover of this embodiment can be produced by blending water and fatty acid potassium salt in the above-mentioned predetermined ratio and stirring and mixing them.

[0021] [Biofilm removal method] Next, the biofilm removal method of this embodiment will be described. The biofilm removal method of this embodiment is a biofilm removal method using the biofilm remover of this embodiment, and is a method including an application step and a removal step, which will be described below.

[0022] In the application step, the biofilm remover is applied to the object to be treated. Here, the biofilm removing agent is preferably in a foam form. A conventionally known method using a whisk or the like can be used to convert a liquid biofilm removing agent into a foam biofilm removing agent. The biofilm removing agent may be foamed after being applied to the object to be treated. The object to be treated may be a human body (hands, arms, face, head, neck, torso, waist, legs, etc.), an animal, or an object. The application method can be any conventionally known method for applying a biofilm remover, specifically, (i) a method in which a biofilm remover is extruded from a container, foamed, and applied, or (ii) a method in which the biofilm remover is rubbed with hands and foamed. The temperature of the biofilm removing agent is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 15°C or higher and 45°C or lower. The amount of the biofilm remover to be applied is not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately depending on the area from which the biofilm is to be removed.

[0023] In the removal step, the object to be treated is washed to remove the biofilm. When washing the object to be treated, water is usually used, and examples of water include purified water, saline, and tap water. From the viewpoint of a temperature suitable for humans, the temperature of the water is preferably 15°C or higher and 40°C or lower, and more preferably 25°C or higher and 35°C or lower.

[0024] As described above, the biofilm removal method of this embodiment allows biofilms to be removed using a biofilm removing agent. Furthermore, since the biofilm removing agent of this embodiment places little strain on the human body, the biofilm removal method of this embodiment allows biofilms to be removed in a manner that places little strain on the human body. [Example]

[0025] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0026] [Example 1] 78.7 g of purified water was added to a reaction vessel, followed by 4.2 g of potassium hydroxide (100% by mass). The reaction vessel was then placed in a warm bath at 70°C, and while stirring with a stirrer, 7.9 g of oleic acid (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., pure content: 87% by mass) and 9.2 g of lauric acid (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., pure content: 99% by mass or more) were added and reacted. The mixture was then cooled to obtain a biofilm remover (80% by mass of water, 20% by mass of potassium fatty acid). In the obtained biofilm remover, the content of fatty acid potassium was 20% by mass relative to the total amount of the biofilm remover. The content of pure component (A) was 41.5% by mass relative to the total amount of pure components (A) and (B). The total amount of pure components (A) and (B) was 94% by mass relative to the total amount of fatty acid potassium. The content of fatty acid potassium, the content of pure component (A), and the total amount of pure components (A) and (B) in Example 1 are shown in Table 1. The fatty acid potassium in Example 1 potassium Composition (each fatty acid potassium fatty acids potassium The blending ratio of each component to the total amount is shown in Table 1.

[0027] [Example 2~ 11、13~15、 Comparative Examples 1 to 13 , and Reference Examples A to C ] A biofilm remover was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of fatty acid potassium, the content of the pure content of component (A), and the total amount of the pure contents of component (A) and component (B) were set as shown in Table 1. In Example 9, potassium caprate was used as component (B), while in Examples 1 to 8 and 10 to 18, potassium laurate was used as component (B). In addition, a biofilm removal agent was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of fatty acid potassium, the content of the pure content of component (A), and the total amount of the pure content of component (A) and component (B) were each as shown in Table 2. In addition, Examples 2 to 11、13~15、 Comparative Examples 1 to 13 , and Reference Examples A to C The following fatty acids were used in the examples. 11, 13-15 and Reference Examples A-C Fatty acids in potassium The compositions are shown in Table 1. The fatty acids in Comparative Examples 1 to 13 potassium The composition is shown in Table 2. Oleic acid (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., pure content: 87% by mass) Lauric acid (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., purity: 99% by mass or more) Capric acid (decanoic acid, Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., purity: 98% by mass) Palmitic acid (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., purity: 99% by mass or more)

[0028] [Evaluation of biofilm removers] The biofilm removers were evaluated (biofilm removal ability, foaming and foam retention, liquid stability, stability over time, and skin irritation) using the following methods. The results obtained for the examples are shown in Table 1. The results obtained for the comparative examples are shown in Table 2. (1) Biofilm removal Using the biofilm remover as a sample, the biofilm removal rate was measured by the following test method. Then, based on the biofilm removal rate, the biofilm removal ability was evaluated according to the following criteria. ○: Biofilm removal rate is 75% or more. ×: The biofilm removal rate is less than 75%. (Creation of biofilm) Subcultured slant (OJ-1, ATCC No. BAA-2856) was precultured in TSA (Trypticase soy agar) slant medium at 37°C for 24 hours. Next, bacteria were scraped from the TSA slant medium and diluted with TSB (Tryptic Soybean Broth) to obtain a bacterial solution with an absorbance of 0.1 at 600 nm. Next, 1 mL of the bacterial solution was dispensed into wells (Corning 12-well cell culture plate for cultured cells). Static culture was then performed at 37°C for 24 hours to allow biofilm formation. Wells were also prepared in which the bacterial solution was not dispensed (these wells were used to calculate the removal rate). (Biofilm removal) The supernatant of the biofilm was removed, and 1 mL of sterile saline was dispensed and removed (hereinafter referred to as washing). Next, 1 mL of sample, which had just been vortexed for a few seconds, was dispensed into each well. The wells were then left to stand at room temperature for 1 minute. The test substance was then removed, and the wells were washed three times with 1 mL of sterile saline. The same procedure was repeated for each sample, with N=3. Note that sterile saline was dispensed instead of the sample and used as a negative control (these wells were used to calculate the removal rate). (Measurement of biofilm removal rate) 0.5 mL of 0.1% by weight crystal violet aqueous solution was dispensed into each well and allowed to stand for 1 hour. The supernatant was then removed, and the wells were washed twice with 1 mL of sterile saline. Then, 2 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol was dispensed into each well. The insolubilized deposits at the bottom of the wells were scraped off with a plastic Corning rod and allowed to stand for 1 hour to extract the crystal violet. The wells were then transferred to a new plate, and the absorbance at 570 nm was measured using a plate reader. The absorbance of the wells after contact with sterile saline (Ac), the absorbance of the wells cultured without bacterial solution (Ab), and the absorbance of the wells after contact with the sample (As) were measured. From these measurements, the biofilm removal rate was calculated using the following formula (F1).

[0029]

number

[0030] (2) Foaming and foam retention Approximately 0.5g of the biofilm remover was used as a sample, and after pre-washing, the sample was placed on pre-washed hands, and the sample was lathered using the same procedure as when washing hands normally, and the state of the lather was observed. The lathering and lather retention were then evaluated according to the following criteria. Good: Sufficient foam is produced and foam retention is good. △: The amount of foam is small, but foam is generated and it is usable. ×: Not enough foam. (3) Liquid stability The condition of the biofilm remover was visually confirmed when it was prepared and 24 hours after preparation, and the stability of the liquid was evaluated according to the following criteria. Good: No precipitate formed, and the product is liquid and fluid. △: Some gelation occurs, but after 24 hours it becomes liquid and can be used. ×: Fatty acid potassium precipitates, or the whole or part of the product gels and does not become liquid even after 24 hours. (4) Stability over time Using the biofilm remover as a sample, 2.5 g of the sample was placed in a glass vial, and the appearance of the sample stored in an incubator at 60°C for 3 days was visually compared with that of the sample stored in an incubator at 1°C for 3 days. The stability of the liquid was then evaluated according to the following criteria. ○: The appearance of each sample is the same or there is a slight change in color tone. △: A clear change in color tone is observed, but it is still usable. ×: The color changed significantly. (5) Skin irritation Approximately 0.5 g of the biofilm remover was used as a sample. After pre-washing, the sample was placed in pre-washed hands and lathered using the same procedure as when washing hands. The hands were then thoroughly rinsed with tap water at approximately 35°C and wiped dry. Skin irritation was then evaluated according to the following criteria. 〇: No irritation to the skin is felt within 1 minute after wiping off the moisture. ×: Irritation to the skin is felt within 1 minute after wiping off the moisture.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] [Table 2]

[0033] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the biofilm removers obtained in Examples 1 to 17 were found to be excellent in biofilm removal, foaming and foam retention, liquid stability, stability over time, and skin irritation. This confirms that biofilm removers containing potassium oleate have excellent biofilm removal performance and are low in burden on the human body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0034] The biofilm removing agent of the present invention is useful as a technique for removing biofilms.

Claims

1. A biofilm remover consisting of only water and fatty acid potassium, The fatty acid potassium salt contains (A) potassium oleate and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium laurate and potassium caprate, The content of the fatty acid potassium is 6% by mass or more and 34% by mass or less with respect to the total amount of the biofilm remover, The content of the pure content of the component (A) is 6% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less with respect to the total amount of the pure contents of the component (A) and the component (B), The total amount of the pure contents of the (A) component and the (B) component is 89% by mass or more based on the total amount of the fatty acid potassium salt. A biofilm remover characterized by:

2. A method for removing a biofilm using the biofilm remover according to claim 1, Applying the biofilm remover to a treatment object; A step of washing the object to be treated to which the biofilm remover has been applied to remove the biofilm; A biofilm removal method comprising:

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