Simulated animal organ and method for producing the same

Abstract

To provide a simulated animal organ similar to an animal organ and a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: A simulated animal organ is composed of a gelatinous molded article containing mannan, bean powder, and water. The molded product has an altered layer on a surface.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulated animal organ that resembles an animal organ and a method for producing the simulated animal organ. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, animal organs such as those from pigs have been widely used for surgical training and medical equipment evaluation in medical schools and medical institutions. However, from the viewpoint of animal welfare and management, there has been a strong demand for the development of substitutes for simulated organs. On the other hand, simulated animal organs that are mainly composed of chemically synthesized products such as rubber do not contain water, and therefore are often used in surgical procedures for cancer removal, etc., but have the problem that they cannot be used with electric scalpels that explode water to make incisions.

[0003] Conventionally, there has been known a simulated animal organ as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing a simulated animal organ, which is characterized by having a molding step of mixing a raw material mainly composed of mannan with water, gelatinizing the mixture, and molding the mixture to obtain a molded body, and a low-temperature step of freezing at least the outer surface of the molded body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6856927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional simulated animal organs have room for improvement in terms of approximating actual animal organs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of research conducted by the inventors to solve the above-mentioned problems, they have newly discovered that a simulated animal organ consisting of a molded article of a gel containing mannan, bean powder, and water, and having a deteriorated layer on the surface of the molded article, can approximate a real animal organ.

[0007] Various aspects for solving the above problems will be described below. The simulated animal organ of the first embodiment is characterized in that it is made of a molded article of a gel containing mannan, bean powder, and water, and has a deteriorated layer on the surface of the molded article.

[0008] In a second aspect, in the simulated animal organ according to the first aspect, the bean powder is at least one type of powder selected from beans having an edible portion containing 19% by mass or more of protein. In a third aspect, in the simulated animal organ according to the first or second aspect, the bean powder is defatted.

[0009] A fourth aspect is the simulated animal organ according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the simulated animal organ is used for training using an electric scalpel. The manufacturing method of the simulated animal organ of aspect 5 is characterized by including a step of swelling a mixture containing mannan, bean powder, and water, a step of deacetylating the mixture and then molding it to obtain a molded product, and a step of modifying the surface of the molded product.

[0010] A sixth aspect is the method for producing a simulated animal organ according to the fifth aspect, wherein the step of modifying the surface of the molded article includes a step of heat treating the molded article at 80 to 110° C. for 10 to 120 minutes. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The simulated animal organ of the present invention can be made to be closer to a real animal organ. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The simulated animal organ according to the present invention is made of a molded gel containing mannan, bean powder, and water. (Mannan) The mannan may be, for example, glucomannan, galactomannan, or a naturally derived raw material containing them. An example of a naturally derived component is konjac flour. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0013] (Bean powder) The bean powder is used as a raw material for forming a molded gelled product. As the material for the bean powder, the edible parts of beans with a high protein content are used. As the beans, beans with a protein content of 19% or more in the edible parts are preferably used. Examples of types of beans include soybeans, peanuts, mung beans, adzuki beans, cowpeas, kidney beans, peas, broad beans, chickpeas, lentils, bamboo adzuki beans, and lilies. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, soybeans are more preferable from the viewpoint of excellent elasticity such as gel strength of the simulated animal organs.

[0014] The bean powder material may be degreased to increase the protein content and improve the gel strength of the simulated animal organ. In particular, soybeans are preferably degreased because they have a high fat content. The bean powder material is preferably heat-treated to improve the gel strength of the simulated animal organ. The heating temperature of the material is preferably 100°C or higher, more preferably 200°C or higher.

[0015] (Manufacturing method) The manufacturing method of the simulated animal organ of this embodiment includes a step of swelling a mixture containing mannan, bean powder, and water, a step of deacetylating the mixture and then molding it to obtain a molded product, and a step of modifying the surface of the molded product.

[0016] The blending ratio of the raw materials mannan and bean powder is preferably 1:0.2 to 5, and more preferably 1:0.5 to 2. By specifying the blending ratio within this range, it is possible to obtain a deteriorated layer having a gel strength and epidermis hardness closer to those of an actual animal organ.

[0017] The content ratio of water to the solid content consisting of mannan and bean powder in the mixture is preferably 20 to 40 g of solid content per 1000 mL of water, more preferably 25 to 35 g of solid content per 1000 mL of water. By specifying the content within this range, it is possible to obtain a gel strength closer to that of an actual animal organ.

[0018] The mixture is prepared by gradually adding the raw materials to water while stirring using a stirrer, etc. Thereafter, the mixture is left to stand at room temperature for preferably 30 minutes to 2 hours, more preferably 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, to allow it to swell.

[0019] Next, the konjac paste is deacetylated to obtain a konjac paste, which is then molded to obtain a molded product. Deacetylation can be carried out by a known method, for example, by making the mixture alkaline. More specifically, deacetylation can be carried out by blending an alkaline agent as a coagulant into the mixture. Specific examples of alkaline agents include calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium or sodium phosphate, etc.

[0020] In order to achieve a uniform deacetylation reaction, it is preferable to add and mix an aqueous solution in which an alkaline agent is dissolved at a concentration of 0.5 to 2% by mass in an amount of 5 to 15 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the mixture.

[0021] The process of obtaining a molded product by molding can be performed according to the shape, size, and other objectives of each organ, organ, or tissue of a desired animal. For example, a method of pouring konjac paste into a mold of a predetermined shape can be mentioned. After pouring the konjac paste into the mold, it is left for a predetermined time, for example, 10 to 20 minutes, to allow it to blend.

[0022] Thereafter, the molded article is gelled by heat treatment, preferably at a temperature of 90°C or higher, more preferably at 95°C or higher. The heating time is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 30 minutes, more preferably 15 to 25 minutes. The heat treatment can be carried out by a method such as immersion in hot water. The heat treatment gives a molded article as a gel having elasticity. After the heat treatment, the molded article may be cooled to room temperature by a cooling treatment or by natural cooling.

[0023] Next, a process is carried out to modify the surface of the obtained molded article. Modification is a process in which a modified layer is formed on the surface of the molded article by heating or drying the surface of the molded article. The heating process changes physical properties such as protein denaturation and gelation promotion. The drying process also changes physical properties such as an increase in gel density. As a result, a modified layer with improved gel strength is formed on the surface of the molded article compared to the interior. The modified layer formed on the surface of the molded article forms an epidermis layer with film strength similar to that of actual skin.

[0024] When the surface of the molded article is heated, the heating temperature is not particularly limited, but is preferably 80 to 110°C, more preferably 90 to 110°C. The heating time is appropriately set depending on the heating temperature, the surface hardness of the target organ, the epidermis thickness, etc., but is preferably 10 to 120 minutes, more preferably 20 to 60 minutes. The heat treatment can be performed using a known device such as an incubator. A deteriorated layer may be formed on the surface of the molded article by drying the surface of the molded article using a dryer, air dryer, etc. without performing the heat treatment.

[0025] The thickness of the deteriorated layer is appropriately set depending on the type of the target simulated animal organ. To increase the thickness of the deteriorated layer, it can be adjusted by increasing the drying temperature or prolonging the drying time.

[0026] (Usage form) The simulated animal organ is preferably used for training purposes using medical instruments such as electric scalpels in medical educational institutions, medical institutions, etc., and for evaluating medical equipment, etc. In this embodiment, the animal organ includes organs, internal organs, tissues, etc.

[0027] (action) The simulated animal organ of this embodiment is made of a gelled product containing mannan, bean powder, and water, and has a deteriorated layer on the surface of the product. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a simulated organ that is closer to a real animal organ in terms of flexibility, elasticity, etc. In particular, since the simulated animal organ contains water, it is possible to use an electric scalpel in the same way as a real animal organ, and the cutting condition can be similar to that of a real animal organ.

[0028] In addition, the simulated animal organ has a deteriorated layer on the surface of the molded product, and has surface strength or membrane strength similar to that of the epidermis of a real animal organ, so that operations such as suturing can be performed in the same way as with a real animal organ. In addition, the simulated animal organ has appropriate flexibility and elasticity, and has appropriate surface strength or membrane strength due to the deteriorated layer, so that it is possible to practice using an ultrasonic inspection device.

[0029] In addition, the simulated animal organ contains protein derived from bean powder. Therefore, when an electric scalpel is used, irreversible discoloration can be produced, so that an action similar to that of a simulated animal organ can be obtained. In addition, no unpleasant odor is produced when the electric scalpel is used.

[0030] The effects of the simulated animal organ and the manufacturing method thereof according to this embodiment will be described. (1) The simulated animal organ of this embodiment is made of a molded product of a gel containing mannan, bean powder, and water, and has a modified layer on the surface of the molded product. This allows the appearance, texture, etc. to be similar to that of an animal organ, and also allows the use of an electric scalpel, making it possible to obtain a simulated organ that is closer to a real animal organ.

[0031] In addition, since food ingredients are used, the raw materials are easy to obtain and storage and disposal are also easy. (2) When beans containing 19% by mass or more of protein in the edible part are used as the bean powder, the gel strength of the simulated animal organ can be improved, making it possible to make it closer to a real animal organ.

[0032] (3) When using raw materials that have been defatted as bean powder, the protein content can be increased, thereby further improving the gel strength of the simulated animal organs. (4) The method for producing the simulated animal organ of this embodiment includes a step of swelling a mixture containing mannan, bean powder, and water, a step of deacetylating the mixture and then shaping the mixture to obtain a molded product, and a step of modifying the surface of the molded product. Therefore, the simulated animal organ can be easily produced as a food manufacturing process.

[0033] The above embodiment may be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs. The simulated animal organs in the above embodiment are formed from gelatinized material containing mannan, bean powder, and water. Other additives such as colorants, preservatives, gelling agents, etc. may be added within the scope of the present invention, so long as the effects of the present invention are not adversely affected. EXAMPLES

[0034] The configuration and effects of the present invention will be specifically described below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. <Test Example 1: Examination of grain powder raw materials> A simulated animal organ was produced using the raw materials shown below and was evaluated as a simulated animal organ.

[0035] First, 7.5 g of konjac glucomannan and 7.5 g of grain flour shown in each example in Table 1 were added to 350 mL of distilled water at 42 ° C., and the mixture was stirred with a whisk for 5 minutes to obtain a mixture, and then left at room temperature for 1 hour to swell. In addition, the soybean powder in Example 1 was a defatted raw material that was pretreated (heat-treated) at 200 ° C. In addition, 15 g of konjac glucomannan was used in Comparative Example 1. Next, an aqueous solution obtained by mixing 0.5 g of calcium hydroxide and 40 mL of distilled water was added to the mixture and stirred to perform a deacetylation treatment to obtain konjac paste. The obtained konjac paste was filled into a bat of a specified capacity as a mold. After leaving it for 15 minutes, the mold was placed in a water bath at 95 ° C. and heat-treated for 20 minutes. The molded product as a gelled product that had been heat-treated and hardened was removed from the mold and allowed to cool at room temperature. After cooling, the molded article was transferred to an incubator and dried at 105° C. for 30 minutes to obtain a simulated animal organ having a deteriorated layer formed on the surface of the molded article.

[0036] Using each of the simulated animal organs obtained, a doctor (surgeon) from a hospital in Gifu Prefecture actually performed electric scalpel and suturing procedures. The doctor's impressions are shown in Table 1. In addition, each of the simulated animal organs was comprehensively evaluated based on the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0037] ·comprehensive evaluation 5: The elasticity and flexibility of the skin are very good, and there are no problems with the electrical scalpel or suturing procedures. 4: The elasticity and flexibility of the material are good, and there are no problems with treatments such as electric scalpel and suturing. 3: The elasticity and flexibility of the material is similar to, but slightly inferior to, animal organs. Also, there is no practical problem with the use of electric scalpels and suturing, but it is slightly inferior. 2: The elasticity and flexibility of the material are poor, or there are practical problems with the use of electric scalpels and suturing. 1: The elasticity and flexibility of the skin is very poor, or there are serious problems with treatments such as electric scalpel and suturing.

[0038] [Table 1] Examples 1 and 2, in which beans were used as the grain flour, received an overall rating of 4 or higher.

[0039] Comparative Example 1, which did not contain grain flour, did not discolor after use of the electric scalpel, resulting in practical problems. Comparative Examples 2 and 3, which used grain flour other than beans, had problems when using the electric scalpel.

[0040] <Test Example 2: Examination of pretreatment and blending ratio of soybean powder> The simulated animal organs were produced by varying the pretreatment and blending ratio of soybean powder shown below, and were evaluated as such.

[0041] The total amount of glucomannan and soybean powder used in each example was 15 g, and the blending ratio of glucomannan and soybean powder was changed as shown in Table 2. The soybean powder used was a defatted raw material pretreated at 100°C or 200°C. The manufacturing method and evaluation method of the simulated animal organ were the same as in Test Example 1. The impressions and overall evaluation are shown in Table 2.

[0042] [Table 2] As shown in Table 2, Example 7, in which glucomannan and soybean powder were used in a 1:1 ratio and the soybean powder was pretreated at 200°C, achieved the highest overall evaluation.

[0043] <Test Example 3: Examination of drying time> Simulated animal organs were produced by varying the drying time shown below, and were evaluated as such.

[0044] Except for the drying time and drying temperature, the simulated animal organs were produced in the same manner as in Example 1. The drying temperature and drying time for each example are as shown in Table 3. The production method and evaluation method for the simulated animal organ were the same as in Test Example 1. Impressions and overall evaluation are shown in Table 3.

[0045] [Table 3] As shown in Table 3, when the drying time was 30 minutes or more, the thickness of the altered surface layer and the film strength were most similar to those of animal organs, and it was confirmed that the cutting performance of the electric scalpel was also excellent.

Claims

1. A simulated animal organ comprising a molded article of a gel containing mannan, bean powder, and water, the molded article having a deteriorated layer on the surface thereof, The simulated animal organ, wherein the blending ratio of the mannan and the bean powder in the gel is 1:0.2 to 5 by mass.

2. 2. The simulated animal organ according to claim 1, wherein the bean powder is at least one kind of powder selected from beans containing 19% by mass or more of protein in the edible part.

3. The simulated animal organ according to claim 1 , wherein the bean powder is defatted.

4. The simulated animal organ according to claim 1 , which is used for training using an electric scalpel.

5. A method for producing a simulated animal organ, comprising the steps of: swelling a mixture containing mannan, bean powder, and water; deacetylating the mixture and then molding the mixture to obtain a molded product; and modifying the surface of the molded product, A method for producing a simulated animal organ, wherein the blending ratio of the mannan to the bean powder in the mixture is 1:0.2 to 5 by mass.

6. 6. The method for producing a simulated animal organ according to claim 5, wherein the step of modifying the surface of the molded article includes a step of heat treating the molded article at 80 to 110° C. for 10 to 120 minutes.

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