Methods for preventing odors caused by microorganisms

Abstract

To provide a deodorant method of odor derived from microbes which deodorizes by decomposing or inactivating an odorous compound that microbes produce or an enzyme relating to the production of the odorous compound.SOLUTION: A deodorant method of odor derived from microbes has the following step 1 and step 2: <Step 1> by contacting a treating solution containing the following (a) component with microbes to take the (a) component into a microbe body, under the presence of iron (III) ion present in a protein structure constituting the microbes in a microbe body, a reaction of generating hydrogen peroxide by the (a) component and dissolved oxygen in the microbe to generate hydrogen peroxide, and a reaction generating iron (II) ion by the (a) component and the iron (III) ion, where (a) component is one kind or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid, and ascorbic acid derivatives; <Step 2> in the microbe body, the hydrogen peroxide obtained in the step 1 and iron (II) ion derived from the microbe are reacted to generate a hydroxy radical to decompose or inactivate an odorous compound that the microbe produce or an enzyme relating to the production of the odorous compound.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a method for preventing odors originating from microorganisms. [Background technology]

[0002] In daily life, unpleasant odors that occur when using textile products include body odor, urine odor, and fecal odor. For example, in nursing care settings, while textile products do not smell after washing, urine that adheres to them after wearing can cause a urine odor, which becomes a problem as it causes discomfort to the wearer and those around them in daily life. This is because microorganisms (β-glucuronidase-active bacteria) attached to textile products decompose odorless urine odor precursors (glucuronide conjugates) contained in urine that adheres to the textile product using enzymes (β-glucuronidase) during the metabolic process, producing urine odor substances (phenol compounds such as p-cresol). Thus, there is a need for technology that decomposes or inactivates odor compounds produced by microorganisms attached to textile products, or enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds, which are considered to be the cause of unpleasant odors that occur when textile products are worn or used, in order to reduce unpleasant odors.

[0003] Non-patent document 1 discloses the correlation between the structure of ascorbic acid and its bactericidal activity. Non-patent document 2 discloses the antibacterial activity of ascorbic acid fatty acid esters. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Akira Murata et al., Vitamin Vol. 83, No. 2 (February issue), 2009, pp. 49-52. [Non-Patent Document 2] Written by Shoko Kato et al., Shokuei Magazine, Vol.29, No.5, p.331~335 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In daily life, unpleasant odors can arise from human urine and sweat, or from pet odors caused by pets, which are increasingly interacting with humans. These odors are caused by the conversion of precursors of odor compounds from humans and pets into odor compounds through the metabolism of microorganisms. While many methods have been considered for sterilizing and disinfecting microorganisms, methods that involve direct contact between peroxides and hydroxyl radicals and microorganisms may be effective, but their impact on the human body and the environment cannot be ignored.

[0006] The present invention provides a method for preventing odors originating from microorganisms by applying compounds that have little impact on the human body or the environment to microorganisms, thereby generating hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals within the microorganisms, and decomposing or inactivating odor-causing compounds produced by the microorganisms or enzymes involved in the production of odor-causing compounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for preventing odors originating from microorganisms, comprising the following steps 1 and 2. <Process 1> The process involves bringing a treatment solution containing the following component (a) into contact with microorganisms, allowing the microorganisms to take in component (a), and then carrying out a reaction within the microorganisms in the presence of iron(III) ions present in the protein structures that make up the microorganisms, in which hydrogen peroxide is produced by the reaction of component (a) with dissolved oxygen in the microorganisms, and a reaction in which iron(II) ions are produced by the reaction of component (a) with iron(III) ions. (a) Components: One or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives. <Process 2> A step in which hydrogen peroxide obtained in step 1 is reacted with iron(II) ions derived from the microorganism within the microorganism to generate hydroxyl radicals, thereby decomposing or inactivating odor compounds produced by the microorganism or enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a method for preventing odors originating from microorganisms is provided, which involves applying a compound that has little impact on the human body or the environment to the microorganisms, thereby decomposing or inactivating odor-causing compounds produced by the microorganisms or enzymes involved in the production of odor-causing compounds. By using the method for preventing odors originating from microorganisms of the present invention, for example, it is possible to decompose the enzyme (β-glucuronidase) metabolized by microorganisms (β-glucuronidase-active bacteria) attached to textile products, thereby suppressing the generation of urine odor substances (phenol compounds such as p-cresol) and suppressing urine odor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The mechanism by which the odor-preventing method of the present invention works—by generating hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals within microorganisms, and decomposing or inactivating odor compounds produced by microorganisms or enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds—is not fully understood, but is thought to be as follows. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The deodorizing method of the present invention begins by bringing a treatment solution containing component (a) of the present invention, which has little impact on the human body, the object to be deodorized, and the environment, into contact with microorganisms, thereby allowing component (a) to be taken up into the microorganisms. It is believed that microorganisms contain relatively hydrophobic parts, such as highly structured protein structures, and hydrophilic parts, such as body fluids, which contain a lot of water. Component (a), taken up into the microorganisms, has its own unique hydrophilic / hydrophobic properties due to its structure, and is distributed in a specific ratio between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the microorganisms. Some protein structures in microorganisms are complexed with iron(III) ions or stabilized in the form of iron(III) hydroxide, etc. In step 1 of the present invention, in the hydrophobic parts formed by the protein structures, in the presence of iron(III) ions, component (a) distributed to the hydrophobic parts and dissolved oxygen in the microorganisms undergo an oxygen reduction reaction, catalyzed by the iron(III) ions, generating hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, in this hydrophobic region, iron(III) ions present in the protein structure constituting the microorganism undergo a reduction reaction with component (a) to produce iron(II) ions. Some of these reduced iron(II) ions and hydrogen peroxide, having no particular interaction with the protein structure, move to the hydrophilic region. Next, in step 2, the hydrogen peroxide and iron(II) ions produced in step 1 undergo a Fenton reaction in the hydrophilic region to produce hydroxyl radicals. In this reaction, the iron(II) ions are oxidized to iron(III) ions, but these iron(III) ions then undergo a reduction reaction with component (a) distributed in the hydrophilic region to become iron(II) ions. Since the reduced iron(II) ions can react with the hydrogen peroxide further produced in step 1, the hydroxyl radical generation reaction in step 2 can continue. These generated hydroxyl radicals exhibit a deodorizing effect by decomposing or inactivating odor compounds produced by microorganisms or enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds.As described above, the deodorizing method of the present invention is important because the two steps occur almost simultaneously, even though they start in different environments within the microorganisms, with the starting point being the generation of hydrogen peroxide in step 1; iron(III) ions are present in the hydrophobic region; and for this reaction to occur continuously, component (a) is incorporated and present in both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Therefore, it is considered preferable, in particular, when component (a) has a specific S(Oc) / S(H2O) ratio, because after being incorporated into the microorganisms, it is distributed to the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions in a certain ratio, creating an environment in which steps 1 and 2 occur rapidly.

[0010] <Process 1> Step 1 involves bringing a treatment solution containing component (a) below into contact with microorganisms, allowing component (a) to be taken into the microorganisms, and then carrying out a reaction within the microorganisms in the presence of iron(III) ions present in the protein structures that make up the microorganisms, in which component (a) and dissolved oxygen in the microorganisms produce hydrogen peroxide, and in which component (a) and iron(III) ions produce iron(II) ions. That is the case. (a) Components: One or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives.

[0011] In this invention, microorganisms refer to tiny organisms whose individual presence cannot be identified by the naked eye, and include, for example, prokaryotes such as bacteria and actinomycetes, eukaryotes such as yeast and mold, lower algae, viruses, and the like. As the microorganism to be brought into contact with the treatment liquid of the present invention, any microorganism may be used as long as it contains, as a constituent protein, a protein that forms a higher-order structure in which iron(III) ions, for example, form a complex or are stabilized as iron(III) hydroxide or the like. Specifically, examples include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus such as Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus, Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium, Legionella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Shigella, Ralstonia solanacearum, Sphingobium, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, and Aspergillus. From the viewpoint of the ability of the bacterium to produce an odor, preferably one or more selected from Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus such as Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus, Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Propionibacterium, and Corynebacterium, and more preferably one or more selected from Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus such as Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, it is preferable to perform Step 1 and Step 2 on the microorganisms present in the textile product in the odor prevention method of the present invention.

[0012] By bringing the treatment liquid of the present invention into contact with the microorganism, the component (a) is taken into the microorganism, and in the microorganism, the component (a) reacts with the dissolved oxygen in the microorganism in the presence of iron(III) ions present in the protein structure constituting the microorganism to generate hydrogen peroxide. Separately and in parallel with the above reaction, the iron(III) ions are reduced by the component (a), and iron(II) ions derived from the microorganism are generated in the microorganism. Specific examples of the protein that forms a structure in which iron(III) ions are present include one or more selected from ferritin, methemoglobin, transferrin, and lactoferrin. From the viewpoint of supplying iron(III) ions to the hydrogen peroxide generation reaction, preferably one or more selected from ferritin and methemoglobin, and more preferably ferritin.

[0013] In the present invention, "bringing the treatment liquid of the present invention into contact with microorganisms" refers to the act of directly contacting the microorganisms adhering to the malodor target object (for example, immersing the object to which the microorganisms adhere in the treatment liquid, spraying or applying the treatment liquid, etc.), and after performing treatment such as washing, spraying, or application on the malodor target object in advance using the treatment liquid, drying, etc., and attaching the component (a) to the surface of the object, and then newly attaching microorganisms to the surface of the object, and through moisture such as urine or sweat, the component (a) on the surface of the object dissolves and comes into contact with the newly attached microorganisms. This is a concept that includes such acts, and it is only necessary that the component (a) and the microorganisms can come into contact with each other.

[0014] <Step 2> Step 2 is a step of reacting hydrogen peroxide obtained in Step 1 with iron(II) ions derived from microorganisms in the microorganism body to generate hydroxyl radicals, and decomposing or inactivating the malodor compounds produced by the microorganisms or the enzymes involved in the production of malodor compounds.

[0015] In Step 2, hydrogen peroxide obtained in Step 1 and iron(II) ions derived from microorganisms cause a Fenton reaction in the microorganism body to generate hydroxyl radicals. By decomposing or inactivating the malodor compounds produced by the microorganisms or the enzymes involved in the production of malodor compounds with these hydroxyl radicals, malodor prevention is achieved. The enzymes involved in the production of malodor compounds produced by microorganisms react with malodor compound precursors to generate malodor compounds.

[0016] In the present invention, "iron(II) ions derived from microorganisms" refers to iron(II) ions generated by reducing iron(III) ions present in the protein structure in the microorganism body in Step 1 of the present invention by the component (a), iron(II) ions reduced by the component (a) in the vicinity where iron(III) ions generated by oxidizing iron(II) ions in the hydroxyl radical generation reaction in Step 2 of the present invention are present, and iron(II) ions taken up by the microorganisms from the environment into the body, etc.

[0017] Odor compounds produced by microorganisms include one or more selected from phenols such as p-cresol, indoles such as skatole, fatty acids such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid and 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid, thioalcohols such as 3-mercapto-3-methylhexanol, amines such as ammonia, and steroids such as androstenone. Enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds produced by microorganisms include one or more selected from β-glucuronidase, lipase, aminoacylase, β-lyase, urease, and arylsulfatase.

[0018] Steps 1 and 2 are carried out simultaneously by bringing the treatment solution of the present invention into contact with microorganisms, thereby allowing component (a) to be incorporated into the microorganisms. In other words, the deodorizing method of the present invention may be carried out simultaneously in steps 1 and 2. As a method for bringing the treatment solution of the present invention into contact with microorganisms, when applied to microorganisms present in textile products, one method is to prepare a washing solution by mixing the treatment solution of the present invention with water, and then wash the textile products with this washing solution in a washing machine or the like. After washing, the washed textile products are dried. In this case, steps 1 and 2 are performed during or after washing (during or after drying).

[0019] One method for bringing the treatment solution of the present invention into contact with microorganisms is to spray or apply the treatment solution to the textile product when the treatment is performed on microorganisms present on the textile product. Alternatively, the method for bringing the treatment solution of the present invention into contact with microorganisms may be to spray or apply the treatment solution to the textile product and then bring the microorganisms into contact with the treatment solution when they newly adhere to the textile product. When spraying or applying the treatment solution to the textile product, it is preferable to fill a container with the treatment solution of the present invention with a sprayer and spray the treatment solution onto the textile product to bring the treatment solution into contact with the textile product. Alternatively, the treatment solution of the present invention may be applied to the textile product using an applicator such as a cloth or brush to bring the treatment solution into contact with the textile product. Steps 1 and 2 are performed by spraying or applying the treatment solution of the present invention to the textile product.

[0020] The deodorizing method of the present invention, when the treatment liquid of the present invention is used as a detergent composition for laundry, can be used to wash washable textile products such as clothing, towels, bedding, and textile products for bedding (sheets, pillowcases, etc.). Furthermore, the deodorizing method of the present invention can be used to deodorize textile products that are difficult to wash by washing, such as clothing like suits, sweaters, skirts, and coats, fabrics like curtains, carpets, interior fabrics like sofas, and car seat covers, when the treatment solution of the present invention is sprayed or applied to textile products.

[0021] Furthermore, when the treatment solution of the present invention is sprayed or applied to the nonwoven fabric product in advance, the deodorizing method of the present invention can also be used for deodorizing nonwoven fabric products that are difficult to wash and are used for disposable purposes, such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, nonwoven masks, nonwoven sheets, and pet sheets.

[0022] <Processing solution> The processing solution of the present invention contains component (a). (a) Component is preferably one or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives, wherein the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of the molar concentration S(Oc) in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration S(H2O) in the aqueous phase at 20°C, based on the ascorbic acid skeleton, when all (a) components are dissolved in a mixture of equal amounts of n-octanol and water, is 0.0004 or more and 7000 or less.

[0023] (a) The component distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) is 0.0004 or more, preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, even more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 1 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and 7000 or less, preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 100 or less, even more preferably 50 or less, and even more preferably 25 or less, from the viewpoint of improving deodorization by suppressing the generation of odor compounds derived from microbial metabolism (hereinafter referred to as deodorizing properties) and inhibiting the activity of odor compound-producing enzymes (hereinafter referred to as enzyme activity inhibition).

[0024] (a) The distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of the molar concentration S(Oc) of component in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration S(H2O) in the aqueous phase can be determined by either a method that involves dissolving one or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives in a mixed solution of n-octanol and water at 20°C, and then quantifying the ascorbic acid groups present in the n-octanol phase and aqueous phase, or by a method that involves calculating the ratio from the logP value of one or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives.

[0025] [Method for calculating the amount of ascorbic acid groups present in the n-octanol phase and aqueous phase] The distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of component (a) can be measured by the method based on JIS Z7260-107. Specifically, all components (a) are dissolved in a mixture of equal volumes of n-octanol and water at 20°C to a concentration of 100 mg / L, and the test container is shaken by a shaker or by hand (5 minutes, approximately 100 times). After immersion, phase separation is performed by centrifugation, and the n-octanol phase and aqueous phase are sampled and their concentrations are measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or the like to calculate the concentration. For example, the concentration of component (a) can be measured by HPLC under the following conditions using UV detection at 255 nm. • Eluent A: 1% v / v phosphate aqueous solution (pH 3.0) Eluent B: Methanol / acetonitrile = 1:1 (v / v) mixture • Gradient conditions: 35% eluent B (0-5 min) → 35%-45% eluent B (5-12 min) → 40-90% eluent B (12-15 min), flow rate: 1.5 mL / min, sample injection volume: 20 μL, column: C18-ODS column

[0026] [Method for calculating from the logP values ​​of ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives] (a) The component distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) is calculated for one or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives using the following formula.

[0027]

number

[0028] In the formula, C i is the molar concentration of all (a) components of compound i, and LogP i This is the LogP value of compound i calculated from ChemDraw Professional 17.1 using Crippen's fragmentation method (J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci., 27, 21 (1987)).

[0029] (a) Examples of ascorbic acid derivatives of component (a) include one or more selected from ascorbic acid fatty acid esters, ascorbic acid phosphate esters, ascorbic acid sulfate esters, and ascorbic acid glycosides. Specific examples include ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl caprylate, ascorbyl laurate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl isopalmitate, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl diisopalmitate, ascorbyl stearate, ascorbyl isostearate, ascorbyl distearate, ascorbyl diisostearate, ascorbyl myristate, ascorbyl isomyristate, ascorbyl dimyristate, ascorbyl diisomyristate, ascorbyl 2-ethylhexanoate, and di Examples include alkyl fatty acid esters of ascorbate such as ascorbyl 2-ethylhexanoate, ascorbyl oleate, ascorbyl dioleate, ascorbyl tetrahexyldecanoate, glyceryl ascorbate, and caprylyl ascorbate-2-glyceryl ester, ascorbate-2-phosphate ester, ascorbate-3-phosphate ester, DL-α-tocopherol-2-ascorbate phosphate diester, palmityl ascorbate-2-phosphate ester, ascorbate sulfate esters such as ascorbate-2-sulfate and ascorbate-3-sulfate ester, and ascorbic acid glycosides such as ascorbate-2-glucoside, and one or more of these can be used. The ascorbic acid derivative of component (a) can also be salts thereof, and alkali metal salts such as sodium salt and potassium salt, and alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salt and magnesium salt are preferably used. However, when using these ascorbic acid derivatives, it is preferable that the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of component (a) satisfies the above range. Specifically, the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of component (a) can satisfy the above range by using one or two or more specific ascorbic acid derivatives of ascorbic acid.

[0030] (a) The component is preferably one or more selected from ascorbic acid fatty acid esters from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. The number of carbon atoms in the raw material fatty acid of the ascorbic acid fatty acid ester is preferably 6 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 12 or more, and preferably 26 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less, even more preferably 16 or less, and even more preferably 14 or less. The ascorbic acid fatty acid ester is a monoester, diester, or triester, and is preferably a monoester.

[0031] (a) When the component is one type of ascorbic acid fatty acid ester, the number of carbon atoms in the raw material fatty acid is preferably 6 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 12 or more, and preferably 26 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less, even more preferably 16 or less, and even more preferably 14 or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition.

[0032] (a) When component (a) is used in combination from two or more types of ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters, it is preferable that the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of component (a) as a whole satisfies the above range, and there are no particular restrictions on the combination. When component (a) is used in combination from two types of ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters, the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of one of the ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters is preferably 0.0004 or more, preferably 1 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.1 or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition, and specifically, ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid fatty acid ester having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the raw material fatty acid, with ascorbic acid being preferred from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. The other ascorbic acid fatty acid ester's distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 100 or more, even more preferably 500 or more, and preferably 8000 or less, and even more preferably 1000 or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. Specifically, the number of carbon atoms in the raw material fatty acid is preferably 12 or more, more preferably 14 or more, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 16 or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition.

[0033] The ratio of the two types of ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters added is preferably adjusted so that the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) of the molar concentration S(Oc) in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration S(H2O) in the aqueous phase, calculated by averaging their respective distribution ratios S(Oc) / S(H2O), is 0.0004 or higher, preferably 0.01 or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, even more preferably 0.3 or higher, even more preferably 1 or higher, even more preferably 10 or higher, and 7000 or lower, preferably 1000 or lower, more preferably 100 or lower, even more preferably 50 or lower, and even more preferably 25 or lower, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition.

[0034] In the case of using component (a) of the present invention for the purpose of treating an object in water, variations in the composition of component (a) adsorbed on the surface of the object can lead to variations in the effect, so it is preferable to constitute the treatment solution of the present invention with one type of ascorbic acid fatty acid ester. Furthermore, in the case of using the treatment solution of the present invention by spraying or applying it to the surface of an object, all of component (a) will be fixed to the surface of the object, so it may be one type of ascorbic acid fatty acid ester or two or more types of ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters.

[0035] The treatment solution of the present invention may contain a surfactant as component (b). The deodorizing method of the present invention often uses an aqueous solution of component (a) as the treatment solution. However, depending on the structure of component (a), some may have low solubility in water or poor dispersibility, which can reduce the efficiency of uniform treatment and the movement of component (a) into microorganisms. Therefore, it is preferable to include component (b) in the treatment solution of the present invention in order to improve the solubility of component (a) in the treatment solution and improve the uptake of component (a) into microorganisms, and further to improve the deodorizing effect of the present invention and to provide other values ​​such as cleaning properties. The surfactant is not particularly limited as long as it does not adversely affect the progress of steps 1 and 2 of the present invention or the deodorizing effect of component (a), but examples include one or more selected from (b1) anionic surfactants (hereinafter also referred to as component (b1)), (b2) cationic surfactants (hereinafter also referred to as component (b2)), (b3) nonionic surfactants (hereinafter also referred to as component (b3)), and (b4) amphoteric surfactants (hereinafter also referred to as component (b4)).

[0036] (b1) Examples of anionic surfactants include anionic surfactants having one or more hydrocarbon groups with 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one or more groups selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid groups, sulfate ester groups and carboxylic acid groups. Examples of anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkenylbenzenesulfonic acid or salts thereof with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfate esters or salts thereof with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters or salts thereof with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, internal olefin sulfonic acid or salts thereof with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and fatty acids or salts thereof. The salts of the anionic surfactant are preferably alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts.

[0037] (b2) Examples of cationic surfactants 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 6 or more carbon atoms, preferably 8 or more, and 26 or less, preferably 18 or less, 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). (b2) If it is desired to add bactericidal properties to the treatment solution, a quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactant having a benzyl group is preferred from the viewpoint of bactericidal properties.

[0038] (b3) Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ethers having an alkenyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters having a fatty acid group with 8 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. One or more of these can be used. (b3) The component is preferably a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 2 to 50.

[0039] The component (b3) is preferably a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (b3). R 31b -O-[(C2H4O) s (C3H6O) t ]-H(b3) [In the formula, R 31b (C2H4O) and (C3H6O) may be a C14 alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, and may be a residue derived from a primary or secondary alcohol. s and t are the average number of moles added, where s is 2 or more, preferably 4 or more, more preferably 6 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and 50 or less, preferably 40 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and t is 0 or more, preferably 1 or more, and 5 or less, preferably 3 or less, and t may be 0. (C2H4O) and (C3H6O) may be random polymers or block polymers.

[0040] (b4) Examples of amphoteric surfactants include one or more surfactants selected from betaine-type surfactants and amine oxide-type surfactants. (b4) Specifically, examples of components include one or more surfactants selected from sulfobetaine, carbobetine, and amine oxide.

[0041] Examples of sulfobetaines include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaines in which the alkyl group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-sulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaines in which the alkyl group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms, N-acylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaines in which the alkanoyl group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and N-acylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-sulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaines in which the alkanoyl group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0042] Examples of carboxybetaines include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaines in which the alkyl group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms and compounds represented by the following general formula (b41).

[0043]

Chemical formula

[0044] [In the formula, R 41b represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, R 42b represents a propylene group, and R 43b and R 44b each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ]

[0045] As the amine oxide, a compound of the following general formula (b42) is preferred.

[0046]

Chemical formula

[0048] The treatment solution of the present invention can be a composite treatment solution with other functions by incorporating other compounds, as long as they do not inhibit the deodorizing effect obtained by the deodorizing method of the present invention. Specifically, examples include deodorizing detergent compositions for textile products, softening agent compositions for textile products, spray-type deodorizer compositions for textile products, and deodorizing antistatic agents for textile products.

[0049] The treatment solution of the present invention may contain other optional components as needed to create a composite treatment solution with other functions. Specifically, these include flexible substrates, alkaline agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, polymer-based dispersants, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, enzymes, fluorescent dyes, antioxidants, pigments, fragrances, antimicrobial preservatives, defoaming agents such as silicones, organic solvents having hydroxyl groups, hydrotropes, deodorizing substrates, etc. However, components corresponding to (a) and (b) are excluded from these optional components.

[0050] The treatment solution of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. Furthermore, the treatment solution of the present invention contains an amount preferably 0.0001 mol% or more, more preferably 0.0005 mol% or more, even more preferably 0.001 mol% or more, preferably 0.3 mol% or less, more preferably 0.1 mol% or less, and even more preferably 0.05 mol% or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition.

[0051] The treatment liquid of the present invention preferably contains the component (b) at 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, still more preferably 15% by mass or less from the viewpoints of ensuring the performance as a fiber treatment agent, deodorizing property, and inhibition of enzyme activity.

[0052] In the treatment liquid of the present invention, the mass ratio (a) / (b) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.05 or more, still more preferably 0.1 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 0.8 or less, more preferably 0.6 or less, still more preferably 0.5 or less, even more preferably 0.3 or less from the viewpoints of deodorizing property and inhibition of enzyme activity.

[0053] The treatment liquid of the present invention contains water. As the water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, tap water, water containing 1 mg / kg or more and 5 mg / kg or less of sodium hypochlorite, etc. can be used. The treatment liquid of the present invention may use water as the balance of the components constituting the treatment liquid. Specifically, it preferably contains 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, still more preferably 80% by mass or more, and preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, still more preferably 92% by mass or less.

[0054] The treatment liquid of the present invention can be appropriately set according to its purpose, and the pH at 25°C is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and preferably 12 or less, more preferably 11 or less from the viewpoints of deodorizing property and inhibition of enzyme activity. The pH is a value measured at 25°C using a glass electrode. Specifically, it is measured by the following method. <Method for Measuring pH> The pH electrode (model 6367) of the Horiba D-52 pH meter is calibrated beforehand using phthalate buffer (pH 4.01), phosphate standard solution (pH 6.84), and borate standard solution (pH 9.18), and then thoroughly rinsed with deionized water. The pH electrode, which has been calibrated and washed as described above, is placed in a treatment solution adjusted to a temperature of 25°C, and measurements are taken using the pH meter's AUTO HOLD mode until the measured value becomes constant.

[0055] The viscosity of the processing liquid of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 15 mPa·s or less, more preferably 10 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 5 mPa·s or less, and preferably 1 mPa·s or more, more preferably 1.5 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 2 mPa·s or more, from the viewpoint of suitability for spraying in a container equipped with a sprayer. The viscosity of the processing solution was measured using a Type B viscometer (model BM) manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd., with rotor No. 1 attached. The deodorant composition was filled into a 200 mL tall glass beaker, adjusted to 25 ± 0.3 °C in a water bath, and the rotor speed was set to 60 r / min. The reading was obtained 60 seconds after the start of measurement.

[0056] If the deodorizing method of the present invention is, for example, a method of preparing a washing solution by mixing the treatment solution of the present invention with water and washing textile products with the washing solution in a washing machine or the like, then the content of component (a) in the washing solution is preferably 0.00001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or less, and more preferably 3% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. When component (b) is treated as a cleaning component, the content of component (b) in the cleaning solution is preferably 0.00001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 12% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance, deodorizing properties and enzyme activity inhibition. The mass ratio (a) / (b) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) in the cleaning solution is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.05 or more, even more preferably 0.1 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 0.8 or less, more preferably 0.6 or less, even more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.3 or less, from the viewpoint of deodorizing effect and enzyme activity inhibition.

[0057] The cleaning solution is preferably prepared by diluting the treatment solution of the present invention with water so that the content of each component falls within this range. The specific dilution ratio may be preferably 5 times or more, more preferably 50 times or more, even more preferably 500 times or more, even more preferably 800 times or more, and preferably 5000 times or less, and more preferably 3000 times or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity and other properties of the treatment solution of the present invention and the workability when washing clothes.

[0058] In the case of the odor-preventing method of the present invention, which involves mixing the treatment solution of the present invention with water to prepare a washing solution and washing textile products with the washing solution in a washing machine or the like, the value of the bath ratio, which is expressed as the ratio of the mass of the textile product (kg) to the amount of washing solution (liters), i.e., the value of the amount of washing solution (liters) / mass of clothing (kg) (hereinafter, this ratio may also be referred to as the bath ratio), is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, and preferably 400 or less, and more preferably 300 or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring washing performance.

[0059] If the deodorizing method of the present invention involves mixing the treatment solution of the present invention with water to prepare a washing solution, and then washing textile products with the washing solution in a washing machine or the like, the washing time for the textile products is preferably 1 minute or more, more preferably 2 minutes or more, even more preferably 3 minutes or more, and preferably 12 hours or less, more preferably 8 hours or less, even more preferably 6 hours or less, even more preferably 3 hours or less, and even more preferably 1 hour or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring cleanability. After washing the textile products, rinse them with water. For rinsing, rinse water can be used with the textile products in the same ratio as the washing solution. The rinsing time can also be within the same range as the washing time.

[0060] If the deodorizing method of the present invention is a method of deodorizing by spraying or applying the treatment solution of the present invention to a textile product, it is preferable to fill a container with the treatment solution of the present invention with a sprayer and spray the treatment solution onto the textile product to bring it into contact with the textile product. Alternatively, the treatment solution of the present invention may be applied to the textile product using an applicator such as a cloth or brush to bring it into contact with the textile product. [Examples]

[0061] The following evaluations were performed using the following components.

[0062] <Composition ingredients> (a) component • Ascorbyl caprylate: Synthetic product, LogP -0.39 • Ascorbyl laurate: Synthetic product, LogP 1.28 • Ascorbyl palmitate: Manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., LogP 2.95 • Ascorbyl stearate: Manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., LogP 3.79 Ascorbic acid: Manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., LogP -3.36

[0063] Ascorbyl caprylate and ascorbyl laurate were synthesized according to J Am Oil ChemSoc 54: 308-312 (1977).

[0064] <Synthesis of ascorbyl laurate> L-ascorbic acid (8.0 mmol) and lauric acid (10 mmol) were dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid (25 mL) and stirred at 25°C for 24 hours to carry out the esterification reaction. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water (150 mL), extracted with diethyl ether, and the solvent was removed by evaporation to obtain the crude product. The obtained crude product was purified by washing with hexane. The reaction process and compound identification were performed by measuring TLC and NMR spectra, and a purity of 98% or higher was confirmed.

[0065] <Synthesis of ascorbyl caprylate> Caprylic acid ascorbyl was synthesized in the same manner as ascorbyl laurate, except that lauric acid was replaced with caprylic acid. The reaction process and compound identification were performed by measuring TLC and NMR spectra, and a purity of 98% or higher was confirmed.

[0066] The distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O), which is the molar concentration in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration in the aqueous phase relative to the ascorbic acid skeleton at 20°C when component (a) of each test solution in Tables 1-4 is dissolved in a mixture of equal volumes of n-octanol and water, was calculated using the following formula.

[0067]

number

[0068] In the formula, C i is the molar concentration of all (a) components of each compound i, and LogP i This is the LogP value of each compound i calculated from ChemDraw Professional 17.1 using Crippen's fragmentation method (J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci., 27, 21 (1987)).

[0069] (b) Component • Nonionic surfactant 1: Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether obtained by sequentially adding ethylene oxide (average 9), propylene oxide (average 2), and ethylene oxide (average 9) to lauryl alcohol. • Nonionic surfactant 2: Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (Softanol 70H, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.) obtained by adding an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide to a secondary alcohol with 12 to 14 carbon atoms. • Cationic surfactant 1: N,N-didecyl-N-ethyl-N-methylammonium sulfate ethyl salt (Cotamine D10-ES, manufactured by Kao Corporation) • Cationic surfactant 2: N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyltetradecylammonium sulfate ethyl salt (Cotamin 40ES, manufactured by Kao Corporation) • Polyoxyethylene (10) lauryl ether: In general formula (b3), R 31b A compound in which C12 is an alkyl group, s is 10, and t is 0.

[0070] Other ingredients • Ferritin: Ferritin (derived from horse spleen) (100 mg / 1 mL) (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), a model protein that possesses iron(III) ions. • BSA: Albumin, derived from bovine serum (BSA), protease-free (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), a model protein that does not possess iron(III) ions. ·DPBS:Dulbecco`s Phosphate-BufferedSaline(DPBS,calcium, magnesium, Thermo FisherScientific) • 0.1M Phosphate Buffer (pH 6.0): 0.1 mol / L phosphate buffer, pH 6.0 (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0071] <(a) Confirmation of the location of the component> The test solutions shown in Table 1 were prepared and allowed to stand at 25°C for 2 hours. After standing, ferritin was removed by ultrafiltration using AmiconUltra 100K Devices. The filtrate was diluted 10-fold with methanol to prepare the measurement solution. Next, the components (a) used were diluted with methanol one by one to prepare calibration solutions at concentrations of 0.1 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 1.0 ppm, 5.0 ppm, and 10.0 ppm. The prepared calibration solutions were quantified using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (hereinafter abbreviated as LCMS) under the following conditions to create a calibration curve. Next, the measurement solution was quantified using the LCMS, and the concentration of component (a) in the measurement solution (aqueous phase) was determined from the calibration curve. Then, the concentration of component (a) in ferritin was determined using the following formula. The results are shown in Table 1. Concentration of component (a) in ferritin = (Total concentration of component (a) in the test solution (25 ppm)) - (Concentration of component (a) in the measurement solution)

[0072] • LCMS system: Shimadzu Corporation LCMS2020 (ESI detection) • Measurement mode: SIM • Measured ions: Ascorbic acid: m / z(-)=175.0, Ascorbyl caprylate: m / z(-)=301.0, Ascorbyl laurate: m / z(-)=357.0, Ascorbyl myristate: m / z(-)=413.2, Ascorbyl stearate: m / z(-)=441.2 • Column: Imtakt Unison UK-C18 HT (50*2 mm) 3 μm • Eluent A: 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution Eluent B:methanol:acetonitrile = 1:1 • Gradient conditions: 50% eluent B (0-2 min) → 50%-90% eluent B (2-3.3 min) → 90% eluent B (3.3-5.3 min) → 90%-50% eluent B (5.3-6.0 min) → 90% eluent B (6.0-8.0 min), flow rate: 0.6 mL / min, sample injection volume: 5 μl, column temperature: 40°C

[0073] [Table 1]

[0074] As shown in Table 1, component (a) is distributed in a specific ratio between the structure formed by ferritin, which acts as a hydrophobic site in the test solution, and the aqueous phase. The distribution ratio does not necessarily coincide with the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) value used as an indicator in this invention because ferritin and n-octanol have different degrees of hydrophobicity. However, since the trend matches between the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) value and the measured distribution rate for ferritin, the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H2O) value serves as a measure of the distribution behavior of component (a) to hydrophobic and hydrophilic sites in cells. Furthermore, ferritin is a model of a protein structure that possesses iron(III) ions and forms hydrophobic sites within microorganisms. The prepared test solution, under a phosphate buffer atmosphere, serves as a model of hydrophilic sites within microorganisms, and as a whole, it serves as a model of the inside of a microbial cell.

[0075] <Analysis of hydrogen peroxide production (Step 1)> Using the above components, the test solutions shown in Table 2 were prepared. To the prepared test solutions, a fluorescent probe BES-H2O2-Ac (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to a concentration of 20 μM for the detection of hydrogen peroxide, and the solutions were incubated at 25°C for 30 minutes. The fluorescence intensity (Ex / Em: 485 / 515) of the reaction solution was measured using a microplate reader Infinite(R)200PRO (Tecan). The fluorescence intensity ratio, with Comparative Example 1 set to 1, was calculated as the amount of hydrogen peroxide generated. The results are shown in Table 2. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe reacts immediately with hydrogen peroxide and emits fluorescence. Since no decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or other reactions occur, the hydrogen peroxide production process in step 1 is shown.

[0076] <Analysis of iron(II) ion production (Step 1)> Using the above components, the test solutions shown in Table 2 were prepared. The test solutions were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. To detect iron(II) ions, 1 μL of a 1 mM DMSO solution of the fluorescent probe FerroOrange (Dojin Chemical) was added to 500 μL of the test solution and reacted at 25°C for 30 minutes, then the solution was analyzed using a microplate reader Infinite. TMThe fluorescence intensity (Ex / Em: 543 / 580) of the reaction solution was measured using a 200PRO (Tecan). The fluorescence intensity ratio, with Comparative Example 1 set to 1, was calculated as the amount of iron(II) ions generated. Note that the aforementioned fluorescent probe reacts specifically with iron(II) ions and emits fluorescence.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] Table 2 shows that in Examples 6-10, where component (a) was reacted with ferritin, a model protein containing iron(III) ions, hydrogen peroxide was produced compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, which were reacted without component (a). On the other hand, in Comparative Example 3, where component (a) was reacted with BSA, a model protein that does not contain iron(III) ions that make up microorganisms, no hydrogen peroxide was produced. Furthermore, in Examples 6-10, it can be seen that a reaction to produce iron(II) ions from component (a) and iron(III) ions occurred simultaneously with the production of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, ferritin is a model of a protein structure that possesses iron(III) ions and forms hydrophobic sites within microorganisms. The prepared test solution, under a phosphate buffer atmosphere, serves as a model of hydrophilic sites within microorganisms, and as a whole, it serves as a model of the inside of a microbial cell.

[0079] <Analysis of hydroxyl radical production (steps 1 and 2)> Using the above components, the test solutions shown in Table 3 were prepared. To the prepared test solutions, a fluorescent probe HPF reagent (Hydroxyphenyl Fluorescein (manufactured by Goryo Chemical Co., Ltd.)) for hydroxyl radical detection was added to a concentration of 10 μM, and the mixture was incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The fluorescence intensity (Ex / Em: 492 / 525) was measured using a microplate reader Infinite(R)200PRO (Tecan). The amount of hydroxyl radical generation was calculated from the fluorescence intensity ratio, with Comparative Example 4 set to 1, using the following formula. The results are shown in Table 3. Furthermore, since the fluorescent probe selectively reacts only with hydroxyl radicals and does not react with hydrogen peroxide, the hydroxyl radical production process in step 2 is shown, utilizing the hydrogen peroxide generated in step 1.

[0080]

number

[0081] [Table 3]

[0082] Table 3 shows that in Examples 11-16, where component (a) was reacted with ferritin, a model protein containing iron(III) ions, hydroxyl radicals, which are reactive oxygen species, were generated compared to Comparative Example 4, where the reaction was carried out without component (a). From the above results and the results in Table 2, it can be said that in Examples 11-16, steps 1 and 2 were performed and hydroxyl radicals were generated. Furthermore, ferritin is a model of a protein structure that possesses iron(III) ions and forms hydrophobic sites within microorganisms. The prepared test solution, under a phosphate buffer atmosphere, serves as a model of hydrophilic sites within microorganisms, and as a whole, it serves as a model of the inside of a microbial cell.

[0083] <Evaluation of odor-resistant properties> (1) Evaluation of inhibition of enzymes involved in urine odor production The test solution described in Table 4 (833 ppm), ferritin (100 ppm), a model protein that contains iron(III) ions as iron(III) hydroxide in its protein structure, p-nitrophenyl-β-glucuronide (1 mM), a precursor of odor model substances, and β-glucuronidase (0.5 units / mL), an enzyme involved in the production of odor compounds produced by microorganisms, were mixed with phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) and reacted for 24 hours at 37°C. 160 μL of the reaction solution was added to the wells of a 96-well plate pre-dispensed with 40 μL of 1 M glycine buffer (pH 10.4). Using a microplate reader Infinite200PRO (registered trademark, Tecan), the absorbance at a wavelength of 405 nm, which is the characteristic peak value for the odor model substance p-nitrophenol, was measured. In addition, when ion-exchanged water was used instead of the test solution (Comparative Example 2), the absorbance was measured in the same manner. From the obtained measurement values, the relative enzyme activity inhibition rate of β-glucuronidase was calculated using the following formula. β-glucuronidase, an enzyme involved in the production of odor compounds produced by β-glucuronidase-active microorganisms, decomposes p-nitrophenyl-β-glucuronide, a precursor of the odor model substance, to generate p-nitrophenol, the odor model substance. The higher the relative enzyme activity inhibition rate of β-glucuronidase, the more effectively the generation of p-nitrophenol, the odor model substance, is suppressed, thus indicating better odor control. The results are shown in Table 4. Furthermore, ferritin contains iron(III) ions that form hydrophobic sites within the microbial body. This model represents a protein structure. The prepared test solution, under a phosphate buffer atmosphere, serves as a model of the hydrophilic region within a microbial cell, and the entire system acts as a model of the intracellular environment of a microbial cell. Furthermore, it is believed that in this reaction system, step 1 proceeds simultaneously in the hydrophobic region, and step 2 proceeds simultaneously in the hydrophilic region.

[0084]

number

[0085] Furthermore, calibration solutions at 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM were prepared by diluting p-nitrophenol, a model odor substance, with water. Similarly, the absorbance at a wavelength of 405 nm, which is the characteristic peak value of p-nitrophenol, was measured, and a calibration curve was created. From the prepared calibration curve, the amount of p-nitrophenol (nmol / mL) in each reaction solution was calculated. It can be said that the lower the amount of p-nitrophenol, the better the deodorizing effect. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0086] (2) Deodorizing effect by washing Sheets collected from a nursing care facility were cut into 6cm x 6cm (0.4g) pieces to prepare test cloths. A turgotometer (manufactured by Ueshima Seisakusho) was used for the washing procedure. Tap water from Wakayama City was used for washing. The test solutions listed in Table 4 were mixed with tap water to obtain a washing solution at a concentration of 833 ppm. 0.6L of the washing solution and three test cloths were placed in a 1-liter stainless steel beaker for the washing test. The temperature of the washing solution was 20°C. The test cloths were washed with a turgotometer at 85 rpm for 10 minutes. After washing, the cloths were spun dry for 1 minute in a twin-tub washing machine PS-H35L (Hitachi). The spun-dry test cloths were placed in 0.6L of tap water and rinsed with a turgotometer at 85 rpm for 3 minutes. After rinsing the test cloth and dehydrating it again, 200 μL of a 50 ppm aqueous solution of p-cresol-glucuronide, a precursor of urine odor substances, was applied as a model urine sample. The cloth was then sealed and left to stand in a 30°C constant temperature bath for 6 hours. The odor intensity of the sample cloth after standing was evaluated by six panelists according to the six-level odor intensity scale in the evaluation criteria below. The average results of the six panelists are shown in Table 4. 5: The foul odor is extremely strong. 4: A strong, unpleasant odor is detected. 3: The odor is somewhat strong. 2: The odor is perceived as weaker. 1: The odor is barely noticeable. 0: No odor at all

[0087] [Table 4]

[0088] (3) Deodorization evaluation by spray treatment Sheets collected from nursing care facilities were cut into 6cm x 6cm (0.4g) pieces to create test cloths. Using a spray vial No. 5 (manufactured by Maruemu), 0.4g of the test solution shown in Table 5 was sprayed onto the test cloth. Then, 200μL of a 50ppm aqueous solution of p-cresol-glucuronide, a precursor of urine odor substances, was applied as a model urine sample, and the cloths were left to stand in a sealed state in a 30°C constant temperature bath for 6 hours. The odor intensity of the test cloths after standing was evaluated by six panelists according to the six-level odor intensity scale in the evaluation criteria below, and the average results of the six panelists are shown in Table 5. 5: The foul odor is extremely strong. 4: A strong, unpleasant odor is detected. 3: The odor is somewhat strong. 2: The odor is perceived as weaker. 1: The odor is barely noticeable. 0: No odor at all

[0089] [Table 5]

Claims

1. A method for preventing odors of microorganism origin, comprising the following steps 1 and 2. <Process 1> The process involves bringing a treatment solution containing the component (a) below into contact with microorganisms, allowing the component (a) to be taken into the microorganisms, and then carrying out a reaction within the microorganisms in the presence of iron(III) ions present in the protein structures that make up the microorganisms, in which hydrogen peroxide is produced by the reaction of component (a) with dissolved oxygen in the microorganisms, and a reaction in which iron(II) ions are produced by the reaction of component (a) with iron(III) ions. (a) Component: One or more compounds selected from ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid fatty acid esters, wherein when all (a) components are dissolved in a mixture of equal amounts of n-octanol and water, the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H₂O) of the molar concentration S(Oc) in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration S(H₂O) in the aqueous phase, based on the ascorbic acid skeleton at 20°C, or the distribution ratio S(Oc) / S(H₂O) of the molar concentration S(Oc) in the n-octanol phase and the molar concentration S(H₂O) in the aqueous phase, based on the ascorbic acid skeleton calculated from the logP value of (a), is 0.01 or more and 100 or less, and is a compound (except for ascorbic acid alone). <Process 2> A step in which hydrogen peroxide obtained in step 1 is reacted with iron(II) ions derived from the microorganism within the microorganism to generate hydroxyl radicals, thereby decomposing or inactivating odor compounds produced by the microorganism or enzymes involved in the production of odor compounds.

2. A method for preventing odors of microorganism origin according to claim 1, wherein steps 1 and 2 are performed simultaneously.

3. (a) The method for preventing odors of microorganism origin according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the raw material fatty acid of the ascorbic acid fatty acid ester component has 6 or more carbon atoms and 26 or less carbon atoms.

4. The method for preventing odors of microorganism origin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protein containing iron(III) ions in the structure is ferritin.

5. A method for preventing odors of microorganism origin according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein steps 1 and 2 are performed on microorganisms present in a textile product.

6. The method for preventing odors of microorganism origin according to claim 5, wherein steps 1 and 2 are performed during or after washing the textile product.

7. The method for preventing odors derived from microorganisms, wherein steps 1 and 2 are performed on microorganisms present in a textile product, and the enzymes metabolized by microorganisms attached to the textile product are decomposed to suppress the generation of urine odor substances and suppress urine odor, as described in Claim 5 or 6.

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