Sterilization method and sterilizing agent composition

Abstract

To provide a novel sterilization method and a novel sterilizer composition which exhibit superior sterilizing effect on both of Methylobacterium microbes and Cladosporium microbes.SOLUTION: A hard surface sterilizing method includes bringing a sterilizer composition including the following (a) component and water, with the concentration of the (a) component being 1 ppm or more and 20,000 ppm or less and its pH being 6 or more and 12 or less at 20°C, into contact with a hard surface for 10 seconds or longer and 3,600 seconds or shorter, thereby sterilizing Methylobacterium microbes and Cladosporium microbes. The (a) component is polyoxyethylene alkyl amine having a C8-14 alkyl group or alkenyl group, with an average number of moles of added oxyethylene groups being 1 or more and 9 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization method and a sterilizing agent composition.

Background Art

[0002] Japan has a hot and humid climate, and in areas around water such as kitchens, kitchens, and bathrooms, the humidity is high, creating an environment where mold and pink bacteria easily multiply. Once mold multiplies, it is difficult to remove with ordinary detergents. General bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can be prevented from multiplying by using a bactericide such as a cationic surfactant, but mold is less effective with general bactericides and it is difficult to prevent its multiplication. Also, slimy stains caused by bacteria can be troublesome stains that are difficult to remove. Among microorganisms, it is known that microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium cause typical stains that occur around water, such as pink slimy stains, and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium cause black dot-like stains. Therefore, it is generally done to kill these microorganisms with a strong bactericide such as hypochlorite, but the generation of chlorine etc. is a concern and it has a unique odor, so it is difficult to use easily. Also, because it is strongly alkaline, there is a concern about irritation to the skin. For this reason, there is a strong demand for a technology that is neutral with little irritation to the skin, suppresses reproduction by killing mold spores, and suppresses the occurrence of stains such as mold.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fungicidal detergent composition for hard surfaces that contains a water-soluble inorganic salt and a nonionic bactericide and exhibits an excellent fungicidal effect against mold. Also, an aqueous composition containing a predetermined alkylamine compound as an active ingredient against organisms has been proposed. Patent Document 2 discloses an algicidal detergent for terrestrial-growing algae that contains a predetermined ethylene oxide-added amine compound or an acid adduct thereof. Patent Document 3 discloses a disinfecting, deodorizing, antibacterial, and antifungal composition that contains a predetermined alkylamine compound as an active ingredient.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-151734 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-143008 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-273403 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention provides a novel sterilization method and a sterilizing agent composition that exhibit excellent bactericidal effects against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium. In particular, the present invention provides a sterilization method and a sterilizing agent composition that exhibit excellent bactericidal effects against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium, even when used in a foam-based washing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing hard surfaces, wherein a disinfectant composition containing the following component (a) and water, wherein the content of component (a) is 1 ppm or more and 20,000 ppm or less, and the pH at 20°C is 6 or more and 12 or less, is brought into contact with the hard surface for 10 seconds or more and 3,600 seconds or less to kill microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium. (a) Component: Polyoxyethylene alkylamine having an alkyl or alkenyl group with 8 to 14 carbon atoms and an average number of added oxyethylene groups of 1 to 9.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bactericide composition containing the above-mentioned component (a) and water, wherein the content of component (a) is 1 ppm or more and 20,000 ppm or less, the pH at 20°C is 6 or more and 12 or less, and which has a bactericidal effect against microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel sterilization method and a sterilizing agent composition can be provided that exhibit excellent bactericidal effects against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Fungicide composition> The bactericidal composition of the present invention contains the above-mentioned component (a) and water, and the concentration of component (a) at the time of use is 1 ppm or more and 20,000 ppm or less, and the pH at 20°C is 6 or more and 12 or less, and it is a bactericidal composition that has a bactericidal effect against microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium, in particular mold spores. Hereinafter, when the term "bactericidal effect" is used in the present invention, unless otherwise specified, it means a bactericidal effect against microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium. Furthermore, in the present invention, bactericidal effect includes the bactericidal effect on microorganisms, the bactericidal effect on mold, and the bactericidal effect on mold spores.

[0010] (a) The component is a polyoxyethylene alkylamine having an alkyl or alkenyl group with 8 to 14 carbon atoms and an average number of added moles of oxyethylene groups of 1 to 9. (a) The component is preferably a compound having one alkyl group or alkenyl group with 8 to 14 carbon atoms. (a) The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group or alkenyl group of component (a) is 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and 14 or less, from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect. (a) The average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the component is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, and 9 or less, preferably 7 or less, more preferably 5 or less from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect.

[0011] From the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, the component (a) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (a).

[0012] [Chemical formula]

[0013] [In the formula, R 1a is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, EO is an ethylene oxide group, m and n are the average number of moles added, and are independently numbers of 0 or more and 9 or less, and m + n is a number of 1 or more and 9 or less. ]

[0014] In the above general formula (a), R 1a is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and 14 or less carbon atoms from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect. Further, R 1a is preferably an alkyl group. From the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, m and n are such that m + n is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, and 9 or less, preferably 7 or less, more preferably 5 or less.

[0015] As the component (a), from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, polyoxyethylene alkylamine having an alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 1 to 9 [hereinafter referred to as component (a1)] is preferable. The bactericidal composition of the present invention preferably contains the component (a1) as the component (a). In the present invention, the proportion of the component (a1) in the component (a) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, still more preferably 70% by mass or more, and preferably 100% by mass or less.

[0016] The bactericidal composition of the present invention has R in the above general formula (a)1a It can contain a compound having an alkyl group or alkenyl group with 16 to 20 carbon atoms and m + n being 1 to 9 (hereinafter referred to as component (a')). When the fungicide composition of the present invention contains component (a'), caution is required because it may impair the solubility of component (a) in water and may impair the effects of the present invention. When the fungicide composition of the present invention contains component (a) and component (a'), the mass ratio (a) / (a') of the content of component (a) to the content of component (a') is preferably 7 / 3 or more, preferably 8 / 2 or more. Also, when the fungicide composition of the present invention contains component (a1) and component (a'), the mass ratio (a1) / (a') of the content of component (a1) to the content of component (a') is preferably 7 / 3 or more, preferably 8 / 2 or more.

[0017] In the fungicide composition of the present invention, the content of component (a) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, still more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, even more preferably 3% by mass or less. The composition with this content is suitable as a composition to be diluted with water and used.

[0018] Furthermore, the disinfectant composition of the present invention may have a concentration of component (a) at the time of use that is, for example, 1 ppm or more, more precisely 5 ppm or more, more precisely 10 ppm or more, more precisely 15 ppm or more, more precisely 20 ppm or more, more precisely 30 ppm or more, more precisely 40 ppm or more, more precisely 50 ppm or more, more precisely 100 ppm or more, more precisely 200 ppm or more, more precisely 300 ppm or more, more precisely 500 ppm or more, more precisely 1000 ppm or more, and 20,000 ppm or less, more precisely 10,000 ppm or less, more precisely 5,000 ppm or less, more precisely 3,000 ppm or less, more precisely 1000 ppm or less, and more precisely 500 ppm or less. The disinfectant composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (a) is within this range, and in that case, it is suitable as a composition that can be used as is without dilution with water. In this invention, ppm is a unit representing a proportion of mass (the same applies to ppm below).

[0019] The bactericidal composition of the present invention has sufficient bactericidal activity against both Methylobacterium and Cladosporium microorganisms, even at very dilute concentrations of component (a) at the time of use, such as 1 ppm or more, 5 ppm or more, 10 ppm or more, 20 ppm or more, 30 ppm or more, 40 ppm or more, and even at very dilute concentrations such as 500 ppm or less, 400 ppm or less, and 300 ppm or less. In particular, it can obtain satisfactory bactericidal activity against Cladosporium microorganisms, which are difficult to kill even with hypochlorite salts, which are known as powerful bactericidal agents. The bactericidal composition of the present invention can kill both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium, as well as spores of microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium, even at such extremely dilute concentrations. The bactericidal composition of the present invention is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact and costs because it has excellent bactericidal activity even at such dilute concentrations.

[0020] The disinfectant composition of the present invention is effective on hard surfaces in wet areas such as kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms. However, such surfaces often have hardness components from tap water and dirt such as sebum and oil adhering to them, which can impair the disinfectant effect. Therefore, from the viewpoint of removing such dirt and obtaining an effective disinfectant action, the composition may optionally contain (b) a chelating agent [hereinafter referred to as component (b)]. (b) Component is preferably one or more compounds selected from aminocarboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, hydroxyphosphonic acids, and salts thereof. (b) Component is more preferably one or more compounds selected from aminocarboxylic acids and salts thereof.

[0021] Examples of aminocarboxylic acids and their salts include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DPTA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), aspartic acid diacetic acid (ASDA), glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA), and one or more selected from these salts. Preferably, the aminocarboxylic acid and its salt are one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and its salts, methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts, and L-glutamic acid diacetic acid and its salts. As hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, compounds selected from aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts are preferred. Examples of hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts include compounds selected from malic acid, citric acid, and their salts. Examples of hydroxyphosphonic acid and its salts include compounds selected from 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and its salts. Examples of chelating agents include alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, and amine salts. Preferably, they are alkali metal salts, and more preferably, sodium salts or potassium salts.

[0022] (b) Component is preferably one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), citric acid, malic acid, and salts thereof, more preferably one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), citric acid, and salts thereof, and even more preferably one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), and salts thereof.

[0023] The bactericidal composition of the present invention preferably contains 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less. A composition with this content is suitable for use after dilution with water.

[0024] Furthermore, the disinfectant composition of the present invention has a concentration of component (b) at the time of use that is preferably 100 ppm or more, more preferably 500 ppm or more, even more preferably 1,000 ppm or more, even more preferably 2,000 ppm or more, and preferably 10,000 ppm or less, more preferably 8,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 5,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 4,000 ppm or less, from the viewpoint of removing scale where bacteria hide. The disinfectant composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (b) is within this range, in which case it is suitable as a composition that can be used as is without dilution with water.

[0025] The bactericidal composition of the present invention may optionally contain (c) an anionic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (c)]. (c) As for the component, from the viewpoint of cleaning properties, foaming properties and bactericidal effect, an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group with 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 16 or less, preferably alkyl, is preferred, and one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkylaryl sulfonic acid type surfactants, sulfate ester type surfactants, alkane sulfonic acid type surfactants, olefin sulfonic acid type surfactants, and sulfo fatty acid ester type surfactants are preferred.

[0026] If the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (c), the bactericidal composition of the present invention has a mass ratio (c) / (a) of 0.3 or less, which is the mass ratio of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) in the composition. (c) / (a) is preferably 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, and 0 or more, and may be 0. By limiting the content of component (c) in this way, the present invention provides foaming properties and excellent bactericidal effects against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium, even when used in a foam-based washing method.

[0027] In this invention, the content of component (c) in the composition can be selected while satisfying this mass ratio. The bactericidal composition of the present invention preferably contains 5% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, even more preferably 1% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and 0% by mass or more, and may also contain 0% by mass. Compositions with this content are suitable for use after dilution with water.

[0028] The disinfectant composition of the present invention has a concentration of component (c) at the time of use that is preferably less than 5,000 ppm, more preferably 2,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 1,000 ppm or less, even more preferably 800 ppm or less, even more preferably 500 ppm or less, even more preferably 200 ppm or less, and even 0 ppm or more, from the viewpoint of cleaning properties, foaming properties, and disinfectant effect. The disinfectant composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (c) is within this range, in which case it is suitable as a composition that can be used as is without dilution with water.

[0029] The disinfectant composition of the present invention is effective on hard surfaces in wet areas such as kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms. However, such surfaces often have hardness components from tap water and dirt such as sebum and oil adhering to them, which can impair the disinfectant effect. Therefore, from the viewpoint of removing such dirt and obtaining an effective disinfectant effect, it is preferable to include a surfactant other than component (a) and component (c) [hereinafter referred to as component (d)].

[0030] (d) The component may be one or more surfactants selected from (d1) cationic surfactants [hereinafter referred to as component (d1)], (d2) nonionic surfactants other than component (a) [hereinafter referred to as component (d2)], and (d3) amphoteric surfactants [hereinafter referred to as component (d3)].

[0031] Component (d1) is a cationic surfactant. Examples of component (d1) include quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants. Examples of quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants in which one or two of the groups bonded to the nitrogen atom are hydrocarbon groups having 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and the remaining group is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and arylalkyl groups (such as benzyl groups). Among these, quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants having bactericidal properties are preferred, and from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants having a benzyl group are preferred.

[0032] (d1) Component is preferably a cationic surfactant obtained by converting the counterions of dialkyl (8 to 16 carbon atoms) dimethylammonium halide, benzalkonium chloride (having an alkyl group with 8 to 16 carbon atoms), benzethonium chloride, or other anions, from the viewpoint of cleanliness, stability of the composition, and bactericidal effect, with benzalkonium chloride (having an alkyl group with 8 to 16 carbon atoms) being more preferred.

[0033] When the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (d1), the content of component (d1) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less. A composition with this content is suitable for use after dilution with water.

[0034] When the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (d1), the concentration of component (d1) at the time of use is preferably 200 ppm or more, more preferably 500 ppm or more, and preferably 10,000 ppm or less, and more preferably 5,000 ppm or less. The bactericidal composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (d1) is within this range, in which case it is suitable as a composition to be used as is without dilution with water.

[0035] The bactericidal composition of the present invention has a mass ratio (d1) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (d1) in the composition, which is preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, and preferably 5.0 or less, and more preferably 2.0 or less.

[0036] Component (d2) is a nonionic surfactant other than component (a). Examples of component (d2) include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ethers having an alkenyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters having a fatty acid group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms, alkyl glycosides having an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, alkyl polyglycosides having an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, sucrose fatty acid esters having a fatty acid group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and alkyl polyglyceryl ethers having an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Among these, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 16 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1 to 30 are preferred from the viewpoint of cleaning properties.

[0037] Furthermore, if the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (d2), the content of component (d2) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less. A composition with this content is suitable for use after dilution with water.

[0038] When the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (d2), the concentration of component (d2) at the time of use is preferably 200 ppm or more, more preferably 500 ppm or more, and preferably 10,000 ppm or less, and more preferably 5,000 ppm or less. The bactericidal composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (d2) is within this range, and in that case, it is suitable as a composition to be used as is without dilution with water.

[0039] The (d3) component is an amphoteric surfactant. Examples of the (d3) component include amine oxides such as alkylamine oxide, betaines such as alkylaminoacetic acid betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, and alkylhydroxysulfobetaine, and amide amino acids (imidazoline betaine). The (d3) component may contain one or more selected from these. From the viewpoint of cleaning properties and composition stability, amine oxide and / or betaine are preferred as the (d3) component.

[0040] When the bactericidal composition of the present invention contains component (d3), the content of component (d3) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less. A composition with this content is suitable for use after dilution with water.

[0041] Furthermore, if the bactericide composition of the present invention contains component (d3), the concentration of component (d3) at the time of use is preferably 200 ppm or more, more preferably 500 ppm or more, and preferably 10,000 ppm or less, and more preferably 5,000 ppm or less. The bactericide composition of the present invention may be a composition in which the concentration of component (d3) is within this range, and in that case, it is suitable as a composition that can be used as is without dilution with water.

[0042] The disinfectant composition of the present invention may optionally contain components such as solvents, fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and antioxidants (excluding components (a) to (d)) as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0043] The disinfectant composition of the present invention preferably contains water. That is, the remainder other than component (a) and optional components such as components (b) to (d) may be water. The same applies to the composition at the time of use. The disinfectant composition of the present invention preferably contains water in an amount of 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less. A composition with this content is suitable as a composition to be used after dilution with water. Deionized water, sterile deionized water, tap water, etc., can be used as the water.

[0044] From the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, the bactericidal composition of the present invention has a pH of 4 or higher, preferably 5 or higher, and 14 or lower, preferably 11 or lower, and more preferably 10 or lower at 20°C. The pH can be measured by the glass electrode method.

[0045] Furthermore, the bactericidal composition of the present invention may be used after dilution, and when diluted, the pH at 20°C should be 6 or higher, preferably 7 or higher, and 12 or lower, preferably 11 or lower, more preferably 10 or lower, and even more preferably 9 or lower.

[0046] The bactericidal composition of the present invention has a bactericidal effect against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium. For example, in a bactericidal test using the suspension test method, for example, in the evaluation method of bactericidal and fungicidal properties using the suspension test method under the conditions of the examples described later, if the logarithmic reduction value of the number of viable cells (ΔLog viable cells) for microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium is 1.6 or higher, 1.8 or higher, and 2 or higher, respectively, after contact for 300 seconds or more and 600 seconds or more, then it can be determined that the bactericidal composition has a bactericidal effect against both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium.

[0047] The disinfectant composition of the present invention may be for hard surfaces, and more specifically for hard surfaces to which dirt containing microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium is attached. The disinfectant composition of the present invention is suitably used for cleaning hard surfaces such as bathroom facilities, bathrooms, bathtubs, washbasins, tiles, dressing rooms, washstands, mirrors, kitchen sinks, countertops, plumbing fixtures, food processing equipment, and cooking equipment, and is particularly suitably used for bathrooms. Here, "for bathroom facilities" or "for bathrooms" refers not only to bathrooms, but also to other hard surfaces such as bathtubs, washbasins, floors, walls, workbenches, and ceilings within bathroom facilities or bathrooms. The present invention is preferably intended for use with bathroom facilities. Furthermore, the disinfectant composition of the present invention may be for foam cleaning. The disinfectant composition of the present invention is preferably applied to hard surfaces in a foamy form.

[0048] <Methods for sterilizing hard surfaces> The present invention provides a method for sterilizing hard surfaces, which involves contacting a disinfectant composition containing component (a) and water, wherein the content of component (a) is 1 ppm to 20,000 ppm and the pH at 20°C is 6 to 12, with the hard surface for 10 seconds to 3,600 seconds to sterilize microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium. Furthermore, the hard surface sterilization method of the present invention may be a method for sterilizing a hard surface to which dirt containing microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and microorganisms of the genus Cladosporium is attached is brought into contact with foam produced using the disinfectant composition of the present invention. The sterilization method of the present invention may be appropriately applied to the matters described in the description of the bactericidal composition of the present invention. Furthermore, specific examples and preferred embodiments of components (a) to (d) are also the same.

[0049] In the method for sterilizing hard surfaces of the present invention, it is preferable to use the disinfectant composition of the present invention which contains each component in the amounts described above for use.

[0050] In other words, the disinfectant composition that comes into contact with the hard surface may have a concentration of component (a) of, for example, 1 ppm or more, more than 5 ppm or more, more than 10 ppm or more, more than 15 ppm or more, more than 20 ppm or more, more than 30 ppm or more, more than 40 ppm or more, more than 50 ppm or more, more than 100 ppm or more, more than 200 ppm or more, more than 300 ppm or more, more than 500 ppm or more, more than 1000 ppm or more, and 20,000 ppm or less, more than 10,000 ppm or less, more than 5,000 ppm or less, more than 3,000 ppm or less, more than 1000 ppm or less, and more than 500 ppm or less.

[0051] The disinfectant composition that comes into contact with a hard surface has sufficient bactericidal activity against both Methylobacterium and Cladosporium microorganisms, even at very dilute concentrations of component (a), such as 1 ppm or more, 5 ppm or more, 10 ppm or more, 20 ppm or more, 30 ppm or more, 40 ppm or more, and even 500 ppm or less, 400 ppm or less, and 300 ppm or less. In particular, it can obtain satisfactory bactericidal activity against Cladosporium microorganisms, which are difficult to kill even with hypochlorite, which is known as a powerful disinfectant. The present invention's method for sterilizing hard surfaces can sterilize both microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium, as well as spores of both microorganisms, even at such extremely dilute concentrations. The present invention's method for sterilizing hard surfaces is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact and costs, because it exhibits excellent sterilization power even at such dilute concentrations.

[0052] Furthermore, the pH of the disinfectant composition in contact with the hard surface at 20°C is 6 or higher, preferably 7 or higher, and 12 or lower, preferably 11 or lower, more preferably 10 or lower, and even more preferably 9 or lower.

[0053] In the present invention, it is preferable to bring the foam generated by foaming the disinfectant compound of the present invention using a foaming device into contact with the hard surface. Examples of foaming devices include a foam gun or a trigger sprayer.

[0054] In the present invention, the disinfectant composition of the present invention can be diluted with water to, for example, 1x or more, further 5x or more, further 8x or more, and 100x or less, and further 60x or less, and effervescent. In this case, it is preferable to use the disinfectant composition of the present invention, which contains each component in the above-mentioned suitable amounts for use as a diluted composition, for dilution.

[0055] The foam gun is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention, but examples include a foam gun having an aspirator structure in which a mesh of a predetermined coarseness, for example, a mesh with a mesh number and wire diameter defined by JIS G3555(2004) of 40 mesh or more, 60 mesh or less, and 0.15 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less, is attached to the nozzle. The material of the mesh is not particularly limited, but examples include metal, resin, ceramics, glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc. Examples of metals include stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum. Examples of resins include nylon, PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, and Teflon (registered trademark). Examples of stainless steel include SUS304, SUS316, SUS316L, SUS310S, SUS420J2, etc., with SUS304 being preferred in terms of chemical resistance.

[0056] The mesh attached to the nozzle of the foam gun has a mesh count of 40 mesh or more and 60 mesh or less, as defined by JIS G3555(2004). Furthermore, the wire diameter of the mesh attached to the nozzle of the foam gun has a wire diameter of 0.15 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less, as defined by JIS G3555(2004). The nozzle diameter (inner diameter) is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, and then 50 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. The shape and size of the mesh can be appropriately selected to match this nozzle diameter.

[0057] The foam gun may have an aspirator structure. Examples of foam guns with an aspirator structure include the Hydro Foamer Series formers from Hydro Systems Company (e.g., Model 481, 482, etc.).

[0058] The foam gun comprises, for example, a container for the disinfectant composition of the present invention, means for mixing the disinfectant composition in the container with water from the outside, means for foaming the mixture of disinfectant composition and water, and an opening for spraying the foamed mixture. The aspirator structure functions as part of the means for mixing the disinfectant composition with water from the outside. The mesh functions as part of the means for foaming the mixture of disinfectant composition and water. Furthermore, the foam gun comprises a water channel, a water channel, a water channel for the mixture of water and disinfectant composition, and means for supplying air from the outside. The foam gun is equipped with a mechanism for circulating water, and it is preferable that the water channel constitutes the aspirator structure.

[0059] In this invention, it is preferable to place the undiluted disinfectant composition into the undiluted liquid container (container) of a foam gun having an aspirator structure, connect the undiluted liquid intake pipe of the aspirator to a water tap with a hose, and use the water pressure from the tap to flow the liquid and generate foam.

[0060] In the present invention, the amount of water flowing through the foam gun is, for example, 1 L / min or more and 20 L / min or less, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and sterilization effect, and the dilution ratio is, for example, 8 times or more and 100 times or less. The amount of water flowing through the foam gun is preferably 18 L / min or less, and more preferably 16 L / min or less. The fluctuation in the amount of water during cleaning is preferably within the range of 10-20% of the above amount of water. The dilution ratio is preferably 100 times or less, more preferably 80 times or less, more preferably 60 times or less, and more preferably 40 times or less. This dilution ratio is preferably the dilution ratio of the sterilizing agent composition of the present invention, which contains each component in a suitable content as described above for use after dilution.

[0061] In the present invention, the method of applying the disinfectant composition to the target object with a foam gun may be continuous, intermittent, or halting. (Cleaning area: 1 m²) 2 From the viewpoint of cleaning properties and bactericidal effect, the amount of disinfectant composition applied per unit is preferably, for example, 3g or more, more preferably 5g or more, more preferably 7g or more, and then 80g or less, more preferably 50g or less, and more preferably 30g or less.

[0062] In this invention, after bringing the foam into contact with a hard surface, it may be held for a certain period of time. From the viewpoint of workability, cleanability, and sterilization effect, the holding time is preferably 10 seconds or more, more preferably 30 seconds or more, more preferably 60 seconds or more, more preferably 120 seconds or more, and more preferably 3,600 seconds or less, more preferably 2,400 seconds or less, more preferably 1,800 seconds or less, and more preferably 1,200 seconds or less. It is preferable to leave the foam undisturbed while it is being held, but it is also possible to add a small amount of water or the like.

[0063] In this invention, it is preferable to bring foam into contact with the hard surface and then rinse the hard surface with water. The temperature of the water used for rinsing is, for example, 10°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and 70°C or lower. Tap water can be used as the rinsing water, and it may be heated to the above-mentioned preferred water temperature. Generally, rinsing is performed manually using a hose or the like.

[0064] The hard surfaces to which dirt containing microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium is attached, which are targeted by the sterilization method of the present invention, include the hard surfaces described in the disinfectant composition of the present invention. Specifically, these include hard surfaces of facilities such as bathhouses, food processing facilities, and cooking facilities, with hard surfaces of bathhouses being preferred. The hard surfaces may include structures such as floors, walls, workbenches, and ceilings of these facilities, as well as hard surfaces of items such as equipment and tools used in these facilities. The present invention preferably targets bathhouses. Generally, bathhouses are equipped with large bathtubs that can be used by a relatively large number of bathers at the same time, and may also be equipped with smaller bathtubs that can be used by a relatively small number of bathers. Bathhouses are often used as so-called communal baths, and because of the large scale of the bathtubs, floors, walls, and ceilings, cleaning them is time-consuming. In this invention, dirt containing microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium can be efficiently removed by cleaning with foam using a foaming device such as a foam gun, thereby dramatically improving work efficiency. [Examples]

[0065] <Composition ingredients> [(a) component] a-1: Cocoalkylamine EO adduct (EO2) a-2: Cocoalkylamine EO adduct (EO5) a-3: Laurylamine EO adduct (EO1) a-4: Laurylamine EO adduct (EO2) a-5: Laurylamine EO adduct (EO7) a-6: Decylamine EO adduct (EO2) a-7: Laurylamine EO adduct (EO5) a-8: Myristylamine EO adduct (EO2) a-9: Octylamine EO adduct (EO2) EO stands for ethylene oxide, and the number following EO is the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the amine (and so on).

[0066] [(a') component (comparative component of (a) component)] a'1-1: Hexadecylamine EO adduct (EO2) a'1-2: Hexadecylamine EO adduct (EO5) a'1-3: Cocoalkylamine EO adduct (EO15) a'1-4: Oleylamine EO adduct (EO20) a'1-5: Hydrogenated beef tallow amine EO adduct (EO2) a'1-6: Hydrogenated beef tallow amine EO adduct (EO9.1) a'2-1: Benzalkonium chloride (alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms) a'2-2: Trimethylcocoalkylammonium chloride a'2-3: Sodium hypochlorite a'3-1: Trimethyldecylammonium chloride a'3-2: Trimethyltetradecylammonium chloride b-1: EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Kirest 400, manufactured by Chubu Kirest Co., Ltd.) b-2: Citric acid (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) c-1:LAS:Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (Neoperex G-25, manufactured by Kao Corporation) d-1:BAC:Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (Sanisol B-50, manufactured by Kao Corporation) d-2: Alkyl glycoside (Mydol 12, manufactured by Kao Corporation) d-3: Lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine (Anchitol 20BS, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0067] <Example 1, Comparative Example 1> The disinfectant compositions shown in Table 1 were prepared using the aforementioned ingredients. In each disinfectant composition in Table 1, the remainder was water. The following evaluations were performed using these compositions. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0068] <Method for evaluating fungicidal activity> Cladsporium sp. PA-4, an environmental isolate of the Cladosporium genus, a filamentous fungus that prefers the living environment, was cultured on CP-added potato dextrose agar plate (manufactured by Kojin Bio Co., Ltd.) at 25°C for 7 days. 5 mL of spore recovery solution (0.05% Tween 80 solution manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., prepared with physiological saline manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was dropped onto the agar plate, and the bacterial suspension was collected by gently rubbing with a Conlarger rod (manufactured by Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). The collected bacterial suspension was then filtered using Miracross (manufactured by CALBIOCHEM) to remove hyphae, and the resulting liquid was centrifuged (8,000 rpm, 25°C, 5 min), with the supernatant removed. These steps were repeated 2-3 times to prepare the OD=40 spore solution for the test spores.

[0069] The bactericidal compositions shown in Table 1 were used as test solutions. 2 mL of the test solution was mixed with 20 μL of the prepared test spore solution, and after contact at 25°C for the treatment time shown in Table 1, 200 μL of this mixture was taken and suspended in 1800 μL of LP dilution (prepared according to the instructions for Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) to inactivate the test solution. This was further diluted with physiological saline, spread onto CP-added potato dextrose agar plates (manufactured by Kojin Bio Co., Ltd.), and cultured at 25°C for 4 days. The ΔLog viable cell count was calculated from the number of colonies obtained.

[0070] <Method for evaluating bactericidal activity> Environmental isolate Methylobacterium fujisawaense GP-1 of the genus Methylobacterium was cultured with shaking at 30°C for 1 day in potato dextrose broth (prepared according to the instructions using Becton Dickinson's Potato Dextrose Broth reagent). The bacterial suspension was then centrifuged (4,000 rpm, 25°C, 10 min), and the supernatant was removed. Physiological saline (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was then added for redispersion, followed by centrifugation. These steps were repeated twice, and the OD was adjusted to 0.1 with physiological saline to prepare the test bacterial suspension.

[0071] The bactericidal compositions shown in Table 1 were used as test solutions. 160 μL of the prepared test spore solution was mixed with 2 mL of the test solution and allowed to come into contact at 25°C for the treatment time shown in Table 1. Then, 200 μL of this mixture was taken and suspended in 1800 μL of LP dilution (prepared according to the instructions for Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) to inactivate the test solution. This was further diluted with physiological saline and then spread onto potato dextrose agar (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd.). The culture was performed at 25°C for 4 days, and the ΔLog viable cell count was calculated from the number of colonies obtained. In Table 1, "-" indicates that bactericidal activity was not evaluated.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] <Examples 2-3, Comparative Examples 2-3> The fungicide compositions shown in Tables 2 and 3 were prepared using the aforementioned components in the same manner as in Example 1. In each of the fungicide compositions in Tables 2 and 3, the remainder was water. The fungicidal and bactericidal properties of the fungicide compositions in Tables 2 and 3 were evaluated as test solutions in the same manner as in Example 1. Specifically, the test solutions and test spore solutions were brought into contact at 25°C for the treatment time shown in Tables 2 or 3 to evaluate fungicidal and bactericidal properties. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. In Table 2, "-" indicates that fungicidal or bactericidal properties were not evaluated.

[0074] [Table 2]

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] The results in Tables 2 and 3 show that the sterilization method for hard surfaces of the present invention exhibits excellent mycicidal activity (fungicidal spores) at low concentrations. Therefore, it can be said that this disinfectant is easy to rinse after sterilization, reduces discharge into the environment, and thus reduces the environmental burden.

[0077] <Example 4, Comparative Example 4> The fungicide compositions shown in Table 4 were prepared using the same method as in Example 1, with the aforementioned components. In each of the fungicide compositions in Table 4, the remainder was water. The fungicidal and bactericidal properties of the fungicide compositions in Table 4 were evaluated as test solutions in the same manner as in Example 1. Specifically, the test solutions and test spore solutions were brought into contact at 25°C for the treatment times shown in Table 4 to evaluate their fungicidal and bactericidal properties. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0078] [Table 4]

[0079] <Example 5, Comparative Example 5> The fungicide compositions shown in Table 5 were prepared using the same method as in Example 1, with the aforementioned components. In each of the fungicide compositions in Table 5, the remainder was water. The fungicidal and bactericidal properties of the fungicide compositions in Table 5 were evaluated as test solutions in the same manner as in Example 1. Specifically, the test solutions and test spore solutions were brought into contact at 25°C for the treatment times shown in Table 5 to evaluate the fungicidal and bactericidal properties. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0080] [Table 5]

[0081] Hypochlorous acid, known as a powerful disinfectant, raises concerns about its effects on the skin due to its odor and strong alkalinity resulting from the generation of chlorine and other substances. However, the fact that component (a) of the present invention is odorless, neutral, and exhibits higher disinfecting power than hypochlorous acid is a remarkable result. Furthermore, while mold spores can only be killed with strong hypochlorous acid, even when using hypochlorous acid, the concentrations listed in Table 5 were insufficient to kill mold spores. In contrast, as shown in the results in Table 5, component (a) of the present invention can kill mold spores in a shorter time than hypochlorous acid.

[0082] <Example 6, Comparative Example 6> In Example 6 and Comparative Example 6, disinfectant compositions containing the components listed in Table 6 were prepared using the aforementioned components. Each disinfectant composition was prepared with a concentration of 2,000 ppm of component (a) or (a') and a pH as shown in Table 6. Lactic acid and a 1 / 10 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were used to adjust the pH of the disinfectant compositions. In each disinfectant composition in Table 6, the remainder was water. This fungicide composition was used as a test solution, and its fungicidal and bactericidal properties were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Specifically, the test solution and the test spore solution were brought into contact at 25°C for 600 seconds to evaluate their fungicidal and bactericidal properties. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0083] [Table 6]

[0084] [Table 7] The bactericidal compositions in each example shown in Table 7 can significantly improve the bactericidal effect on hard surfaces where hydrophobic dirt such as sebum is present.

Claims

1. A method for disinfecting hard surfaces of bath facilities or bathrooms, comprising: disinfecting a disinfectant composition for bath facilities or bathrooms containing the following component (a) and water, wherein the concentration of component (a) is 20 ppm or more and 3,000 ppm or less, and the pH at 20°C is 6 or more and 12 or less; contacting the hard surface for 60 seconds or more and 3,600 seconds or less; thereby disinfecting microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium. (a) Component: Compound represented by the following general formula (a) 【Chemistry 1】 [In the formula, R １ａ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms, EO is an oxyethylene group, m and n are the average number of moles added, independently between 0 and 5, and m+n is between 1 and 5.

2. A method for disinfecting a hard surface according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant composition is brought into contact with the hard surface and then rinsed.

3. A disinfectant composition for hard surfaces in bath facilities or bathrooms, comprising the following component (a) and water, wherein the concentration of component (a) at the time of use is 20 ppm or more and 3,000 ppm or less, the pH at 20°C is 6 or more and 12 or less, and it has a bactericidal effect against microorganisms of the genus Methylobacterium and Cladosporium. (a) Component: Compound represented by the following general formula (a) 【Chemistry 2】 [In the formula, R １ａ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms, EO is an oxyethylene group, m and n are the average number of moles added, independently between 0 and 5, and m+n is between 1 and 5.

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