Microorganisms having deodorizing and antibacterial capabilities, and deodorants, antibacterial agents, deodorizing methods, and antibacterial methods using the same

Abstract

To provide a deodorization method capable of achieving safety property to a bad odor generated in daily life, a bad odor generated by a pet or generated in a toilet room, and a bad odor based on sulfur such as hydrogen sulfide generated by garbage or the like, and achieving an effect to a corner of a space to be deodorized, an antibacterial method, microbe powder, a microbe-containing liquid agent, a microbe-containing gelator, and a powder deodorization agent.SOLUTION: There are provided: a deodorization method for decomposing an odor component in a non contact manner, by a component generated from microbes; and an antibacterial method for suppressing growth of fungus existing in a space. The microbes generating an active component can be used as microbe powder which is acquired by carrying the microbes on a microbe carrier and then drying the carried microbes, as a microbe-containing liquid agent, a microbe-containing gelator obtained by causing a water absorptive polymer to perform water absorption, or the microbe powder can be directly peppered.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microorganism capable of decomposing odorous components present in a space and inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and to a deodorizing method and an antibacterial method using the same, as well as a deodorizer and an antibacterial agent. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of deodorizers, antibacterial agents, and antifungal agents have been developed and used. Among the malodors generated by toilets and pets, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans are particularly difficult to eliminate.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe methods using chemical treatments and adsorbents, while Patent Document 4 describes a biological treatment method using microorganisms.

[0004] The method of physically adsorbing odorous components using an adsorbent such as activated carbon works by adsorbing odorous components into micropores, but there are differences in the adsorption capacity per unit weight, and there is also the problem that odorous components that have been adsorbed can be desorbed.

[0005] The so-called microbiological deodorization method, which uses a specific group of microorganisms to decompose odorous components, is based on the principle of microorganisms decomposing the odorous substances that are the source of bad odors. In this method, the decomposing microorganisms are live bacteria, and the odorous substances are decomposed by their metabolic action. For this reason, it is necessary to create conditions (temperature, humidity, culture medium, etc.) that allow the microorganisms to be active.

[0006] There is a technology that solves these problems by using volatile substances emitted by microorganisms to deodorize (Patent Document 5). This is expected to suppress the growth of fungi and to be effective in deodorizing amines and ammonia, but it is not very effective against malodors such as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-519 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-522 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157706 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 2810308 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-149963 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Conventional antibacterial and deodorizing methods work by using active ingredients that directly adsorb and decompose bacteria and odorous components. However, since the ingredients are only effective against bacteria and odorous components in the area where they are applied, they rarely reach every corner of the target space. In addition, common antibacterial methods, such as antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and deodorizers that use synthetic compounds or heavy metals, often have safety issues. Furthermore, even antibacterial and deodorizing methods that utilize volatile substances from microorganisms that overcome these problems are not very effective against sulfur-based odors such as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a deodorizing method, an antibacterial method, a deodorizing agent, and an antibacterial agent that are highly safe and can provide antibacterial and deodorizing effects in every corner of a space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research, the inventor discovered that a substance produced by the novel microorganism he discovered has the effect of inhibiting the growth of fungi and decomposing odorous components through the air, which led to the invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention is characterized by utilizing microorganisms, and further characterized by suppressing the growth of fungi present in a space not only in areas where the fungi are in direct contact, but also in a non-contact state using substances produced by the fungi.

[0011] Its antibacterial range also includes various bacteria that cause mold contamination indoors, such as the genera Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, and Penicillium.

[0012] Furthermore, bacteria with the above-mentioned ability are also characterized by their deodorizing ability, making it possible to deodorize not only the area where the bacteria or the culture solution of the bacteria come into contact, but also the surrounding space.

[0013] Furthermore, these effects are also exhibited when the microorganisms are in spore form, making it possible to achieve antibacterial and deodorizing effects in a wide range of environments, regardless of the range of microbial activity.

[0014] The microorganism that can be used is a novel Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus belonging to the genus Bacillus (a novel microorganism deposited with the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NIET) International Patent Organism Depositary Center and received on March 11, 2022, under the accession number NITE P-03621). This microorganism has the characteristics of decomposing odorous components and inhibiting the growth of fungi.

[0015] The deodorizing method of the present invention is characterized in that it decomposes odorous components present in a substantially sealed space not only in a contact state but also in a non-contact state.

[0016] According to the present invention, volatile components emitted from microorganisms are adsorbed through the air onto fungi and odorous components present in a substantially sealed space, thereby suppressing fungal growth and decomposing odorous components, so that the effects can be achieved in every corner of the space simply by placing the microorganisms in a substantially sealed space, without the need for spraying or applying with a brush, etc. Moreover, because it is highly safe, it can be used continuously in an environment where people live.

[0017] The microbial powder of the present invention is a dried product obtained by cultivating a culture solution of a microorganism, particularly a novel microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has the characteristic of inhibiting the growth of fungi present in a substantially sealed space or decomposing odorous components, or two or more types of microorganisms including said microorganism, and supporting the culture solution on a microbial carrier.

[0018] Here, the term "microbial culture medium" refers to a liquid for culturing microorganisms. This liquid contains components necessary for culturing microorganisms, such as peptones, extracts, and minerals. Organic acids may also be added to the liquid.

[0019] Specific examples of peptones include casein peptone, meat peptone, myocardial peptone, gelatin peptone, and soybean peptone. Examples of extracts include yeast extract, meat extract, malt extract, and heart infusion. Examples of minerals include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, calcium chloride, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, and potassium nitrate. Examples of organic acids include acetic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid.

[0020] Here, the term "microbial carrier" refers to a material capable of retaining microorganisms. Specific examples include particulate carriers such as porous glass, ceramics, metal oxides, activated carbon, kaolinite, bentonite, zeolite, silica gel, alumina, anthracite, and perlite; gel carriers such as starch, agar, chitin, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, alginic acid, polyacrylamide, carrageenan, agarose, and gelatin; ion-exchange resins, cellulose derivatives, glutaraldehyde, polyacrylic acid, and urethane polymers. Natural and synthetic polymeric compounds are also effective, including paper made from cellulose-based materials such as cotton, hemp, and pulp, as well as polymeric acetates modified from natural materials. Fabrics made from synthetic polymers such as polyester and polyurethane can also be used. These materials are preferred for their ability to support microorganisms and for their fine pores. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use fine materials that can easily penetrate during injection.

[0021] According to the present invention, microorganisms that have the characteristics of inhibiting the growth of fungi present in a substantially sealed space or decomposing odorous components, particularly novel microorganisms belonging to the genus Bacillus, or two or more types of microorganisms including said microorganisms, can be handled as powder.Therefore, for example, by simply filling the microbial powder of the present invention into fabrics such as woven or nonwoven fabrics and placing it in a substantially sealed space, or by filling it into a container and placing it there, the effect can be felt in every corner of the space, making it easy to handle.

[0022] Furthermore, by mixing microorganisms with an aqueous calcium oxide solution, a microorganism-containing liquid agent that can be used as an antibacterial agent or a deodorizing agent can be obtained. Furthermore, by allowing this microorganism-containing liquid agent to be absorbed into a water-absorbent polymer, a microorganism-containing gelling agent that can be used as an antibacterial agent or a deodorizing agent can be obtained.

[0023] Here, the water-absorbing polymer is not particularly limited, and any known material can be used, such as a starch-based polymer material, a cellulose-based polymer material, a synthetic polymer, etc. In order to increase the adhesion area of ​​microorganisms, it is preferable to use a granular water-absorbing polymer.

[0024] By mixing a solution containing microorganisms with an aqueous calcium oxide solution, the microorganism-containing solution and the water-absorbent polymer that has absorbed this solution can decompose acidic odorous components such as formaldehyde through the action of calcium oxide. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to inhibiting the growth of fungi and decomposing odorous components in a substantially sealed space, the environment within the space can also be further improved by decomposing formaldehyde, which is believed to be a causative agent of sick building syndrome. The aqueous calcium oxide solution can be, for example, an aqueous solution using powder obtained by calcining shells.

[0025] Furthermore, by mixing the microbial powder with a porous substance and / or plant material, an antibacterial and deodorizing powder can be produced that can be used as an antibacterial agent or deodorizer. Furthermore, by sprinkling this antibacterial and deodorizing powder directly on sources of bad odors such as food waste, it is possible to suppress the spread of bad odors while providing antibacterial and deodorizing effects.

[0026] The porous material is not particularly limited as long as it has air permeability and / or water retention, and various materials used for the microbial carriers can be used. As the plant material, wood chips, sawdust, peat moss, rice husks, coconut shells, and other plant-derived materials can be used.

[0027] The antibacterial deodorant powder may contain other ingredients such as organic acids, lime, fragrances, etc. to improve performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, the volatile components generated by microorganisms can suppress the growth of fungi present in a space and decompose odorous components including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in a non-contact manner, resulting in a highly safe antibacterial and deodorizing method that does not use synthetic compounds or heavy metals. Furthermore, because these antibacterial and deodorizing effects are exerted even when the microorganisms are in a spore state, the method can be used in a wide range of environments. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way. [Example]

[0030] Example 1 In the examples described below, a novel microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, accession number NITE P-03621 (hereinafter referred to as "the present microorganism 1"), was used as a microorganism that inhibits the growth of fungi or produces volatile components that decompose odorous components.

[0031] 1-1:Mycological properties Tables 1, 2, and 3 show the mycological properties of the present bacterium 1 used in this example. (+: positive, -: negative)

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] [Table 2]

[0034] [Table 3]

[0035] 1-2: Isolation method The present bacterium 1 was isolated as follows. First, samples were collected from over 400 soil samples and diluted with sodium thiosulfate and cultured at 30°C for 48 hours. Platinum wires were then used to remove bacterial cells from the culture medium where colonies had formed, yielding over 1,000 bacterial isolates. These isolates were evaluated for their ability to deodorize hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and other substances, as well as their antifungal effects. Genetic analysis and tests for hemolytic toxins were then conducted, and strains lacking pathogenic factors were selected, yielding the present strain 1.

[0036] 1-3: Quantitative test method for deodorizing effect A 10L Baron box was prepared and the odor to be tested was generated inside. 20ml of culture solution of this bacteria 1 was sprayed into this Baron box and the concentration of the test substance was observed. A similar test was conducted using 20ml of water as a control (blank). The Gastec detector tube method was used for observation. Table 4 shows the changes in the test substance concentration.

[0037] [Table 4]

[0038] As shown in Table 4, excellent deodorizing ability was confirmed, reducing hydrogen sulfide in a short period of time.

[0039] Example 2 2-1: Microbial powder manufacturing method Living microorganisms and microbial cultures are difficult to store and transport due to their microbial activity, making them difficult to handle as products. Microorganisms belonging to the genus Bacillus form spores when exposed to conditions unsuitable for survival, such as dryness, making them suitable for storage and resistant to drying and temperature changes. Taking advantage of this, microbial cultures can be impregnated into porous materials and then dried to promote spore formation, creating a form suitable for storage and transportation. 200 g of perlite, which was used as a porous powder carrier, was impregnated with 400 ml of microbial culture solution of the present bacterium 1. The carrier carrying the microorganism was then placed in a room temperature, low humidity environment and dried to a moisture content of 10% or less, to obtain microbial powder 1.

[0040] 2-2: Quantitative test method for deodorizing effect. A 10L Baron box was prepared and placed in a cabinet adjusted to 25°C, and the odor to be tested was generated inside. 1.0 g of microbial powder of this strain 1 was placed in a nonwoven bag, sealed, and hung inside the Baron box so as not to touch the wall, and the test sample concentration was observed. As a control (blank), 1.0 g of unimpregnated perlite was placed in a similar nonwoven bag, sealed, and the same test was performed. The Gastec detector tube method was used for observation. Table 5 shows the changes in test sample concentration.

[0041] [Table 5]

[0042] As shown in Table 5, an effect of reducing hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan was observed. Although the detailed mechanism behind this has not yet been clarified, it is thought that this bacterium 1 produces some kind of deodorizing substance externally.

[0043] A microbial powder was prepared in the same manner as described above using a microbial strain (a Bacillus microorganism with accession number NITE P-02127) that has similar deodorizing properties for ammonia and amines, and this was mixed 1:1 with microbial powder 1 to obtain mixed microbial powder 1. 1.0 g of this powder was also tested according to the quantitative test method for deodorizing effect described above. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0044] [Table 6]

[0045] The deodorizing effect was confirmed for all odors tested. By mixing microbial powders, it is possible to deal with a wide range of unpleasant odors without canceling out each other's deodorizing effects.

[0046] 2-3: Quantitative testing method for non-contact antibacterial effect The test bacteria used in this test are shown in Table 7. As shown in Table 7, all of them are environmental bacteria that are commonly found in general indoor environments.

[0047] [Table 7]

[0048] 2-4: Quantitative test of antibacterial effect of microbial powder The test bacteria listed in Table 7 were cultured in PDA medium, and spores were collected and diluted with phosphate buffer to prepare a spore suspension. This spore suspension was inoculated into a petri dish of PDA medium to prepare test medium 1. Additionally, 0.5 g of microbial powder 1 was spread on a petri dish of standard agar medium to prepare test medium 2. Test medium 1 and test medium 2 were placed in a 2 L sealed plastic container and cultured at room temperature. The culture period was 7 days (hereinafter referred to as the "treatment group").

[0049] Meanwhile, petri dishes containing test medium 1 and standard agar medium without any coating were placed in the same sealed plastic container as above and cultured at room temperature. As above, the culture period was 7 days (hereinafter referred to as the "control group"). For both the treatment group and the control group, the number and size of colonies of the test bacteria that had grown and the presence or absence of spores were measured, and the degree of growth inhibition was calculated.

[0050] 2-5: Quantitative test results The results of the quantitative test are shown in Table 8. In addition, Figure 1 shows the results for the filamentous fungi Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Photographs of the control and treated test containers are shown in Table 8. As shown in Table 8, strong antibacterial activity was observed against all fungi.

[0051] [Table 8]

[0052] As shown in Table 8, extremely strong antibacterial activity was observed against all the tested bacteria. In addition to these strains, Trichophyton rubrum, the causative agent of tinea fungi, was also found. A similar test was conducted over a two-week period, and although colonies did appear, their growth was inhibited compared to the control group. While the detailed mechanism behind these results has yet to be clarified, it is surmised from the test method that volatile components emitted from the present bacterium 1 inoculated onto the medium were absorbed via the air onto the test bacterium smeared onto the agar medium, thereby inhibiting the growth of the test bacterium. In other words, the use of the present bacterium 1 can inhibit the growth of target fungi without direct contact with the fungi. Therefore, simply placing the present bacterium 1 in a substantially sealed space makes it possible to inhibit the growth of fungi, such as filamentous fungi, throughout the space.

[0053] 2-6: Analysis of volatile substances A nonwoven bag containing 2 g of microbial powder 1 was used. A nonwoven bag containing 2 g of sterile perlite was used as a blank. Each was placed in a 5 L flex sampler, filled with dry air, and left in an incubator at 32°C for 72 hours. GC / MS analysis was then performed to analyze the volatile components that were generated.

[0054] As a result, the generation of 3-methylbutanol, dimethyl sulfide, nonanal, dimethylchirisulfide, benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, and salicylaldehyde was confirmed. All of these substances have been reported to have deodorizing and antibacterial properties.

[0055] From the above test results, it is clear that this fungus 1 can inhibit the growth of fungi. It can also be said that it is useful for decomposing the causative components.

[0056] Example 3 3-1: Manufacturing method of microbial granules It is also possible to prepare particles using zeolite balls or the like as a carrier in the same manner as in 2-1 above. 100 g of zeolite balls with a diameter of approximately 1 cm were impregnated with 200 ml of microbial culture solution of the present bacterium 1. The carrier carrying the microorganisms was then placed in a room temperature, low humidity environment and dried to a moisture content of 5% or less, to obtain microbial granules 1.

[0057] 3-2: Quantitative test method for deodorizing effect. A 10L Baron box was prepared and placed in a cabinet adjusted to 25°C, and the odor to be tested was generated inside. 10.0 g of microbial particles of this bacterium 1 was placed in a nonwoven bag, sealed, and hung inside the Baron box so as not to touch the wall, and the test sample concentration was observed. The Gastec detector tube method was used for the observation. Table 9 shows the changes in test sample concentration.

[0058] [Table 9]

[0059] table 9 As shown in the figure, microbial granules 1 were found to have the same effect of reducing hydrogen sulfide as microbial powder.

[0060] Example 4 Method for producing a liquid preparation containing microorganisms A microorganism-containing liquid was obtained by mixing 97% calcined calcium solution with 3% microbial culture solution. This allows the microbial components to decompose odorous components, while the action of the calcined calcium solution also decomposes odorous components such as acidity, resulting in a synergistic effect.

[0061] Example 5 Method for producing a gelling agent containing microorganisms An appropriate amount of the microorganism-containing liquid preparation prepared in Example 3 was impregnated into a granular water-absorbent polymer, thereby obtaining a bead-like gel that was easy to handle.

[0062] (Example 6) 6-1: Manufacturing method of antibacterial deodorant powder Sawdust was prepared as the plant material, and perlite as the porous material and the mixed microbial powder 1 of Example 1 were added thereto in amounts of 10% or less, respectively, to obtain antibacterial deodorizing powder 1. This antibacterial deodorizing powder 1 can be sprinkled directly on sources of bad odors such as food waste, thereby suppressing the spread of bad odors while providing antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

[0063] 6-2: Test method for deodorizing effect. A 10L plastic bucket with a lid was prepared and mixed ingredients (100g of makunouchi bento lunch box, 200g of hot pot vegetable set (Chinese cabbage, Enoki mushroom, leeks, carrots, and mizuna)) were placed inside. 3.0g of antibacterial and deodorizing powder 1 was sprinkled on top of the ingredients. A control was also placed in the same bucket with the ingredients but nothing sprinkled on it. The plastic bucket was then covered and left at room temperature of approximately 20°C. Every 24 hours, three adult males were asked to rate the odor inside the bucket on a 6-point scale. The odor rating results are shown in Table 10. The 6-point scale indicates the following: 0: No odor, 1: Barely detectable odor, 2: Weak odor that is recognizable, 3: Easily detectable odor, 4: Strong odor, 5: Overpowering odor.

[0064] [Table 10]

[0065] As shown in Table 10, the antibacterial deodorizing powder 1 sprinkled on the food suppressed the generation of putrid odors and also suppressed the original odor of the food. This means that it is effective against the odor of food waste when food is discarded. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The present invention can be used as an antibacterial and deodorizing method that is highly safe and effective in every corner of a target space.

Claims

1. A novel microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, accession number NITE P-03621, that is safe and does not have opportunistic pathogenicity or hemolytic toxins, and is capable of suppressing the growth of fungi present in air using components produced by the microorganism.

2. 2. A safe microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which is free of opportunistic pathogenicity and hemolytic toxins, as described in claim 1, and which is capable of suppressing fungi belonging to the genera Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Rhodotorula, Trichosporon, and Trichophyton present in a space by components generated from the microorganism.

3. 3. The safe microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which is free from opportunistic pathogenicity and hemolytic toxins, according to claim 1, wherein hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans are both included in the deodorizing range.

4. 4. A safe microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which is free of opportunistic pathogenicity and hemolytic toxins, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, capable of deodorizing an enclosed space in a non-contact manner by the components it generates, and which also includes hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in its deodorizing range.

5. A safe microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which is free of opportunistic pathogenicity and hemolytic toxins, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and which remains in a spore state and is capable of inhibiting the growth of fungi present in a space and deodorizing the space.

6. An antibacterial deodorant containing the microorganism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The antibacterial deodorant according to claim 6, wherein the microorganisms are supported on a microorganism carrier and the microorganisms are used as a powder.

8. A microorganism-containing liquid agent containing microorganisms and calcium oxide, or a liquid agent absorbed in a water-absorbing polymer 7. The antibacterial deodorant according to claim 6, which is a water-containing gel containing microorganisms.

9. An antibacterial deodorizing powder comprising a porous substance and the antibacterial deodorizing agent according to claim 7.

10. An antibacterial deodorizing powder comprising a plant material and the antibacterial deodorizing agent according to claim 7.

11. An antibacterial and deodorizing method using the microorganism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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