Coronavirus inactivator

Abstract

To provide SARS-CoV-2 inactivating agents showing excellent SARS-CoV-2 inactivating effect.SOLUTION: Provided is a SARS-CoV-2 inactivating agent containing a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average molar addition number of ethylene oxide of 8 or less, as an active ingredient, the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether being 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inactivator for SARS coronavirus-2.

Background Art

[0002] SARS coronavirus-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus, similar to SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and is a SARS-related coronavirus that causes acute respiratory disease (COVID-19). The first occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in the vicinity of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in 2019, and thereafter, it has caused a global pandemic of COVID-19.

[0003] In response to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, in order to prevent infection by inactivating the virus by cleaning and disinfecting hands, fingers, clothing, various instruments and members that may be attached with the virus, the effectiveness of disinfectants such as ethanol, surfactants, and hypochlorous acid water against SARS-CoV-2 has been evaluated. Regarding surfactants, as a result of verification tests by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (0.1% or more), alkyl glycoside (0.1% or more), alkylamine oxide (0.05% or more), benzalkonium chloride (0.05% or more), benzethonium chloride (0.05% or more), dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (0.01% or more), polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (0.2% or more), potassium fatty acid (0.24% or more), and sodium fatty acid (0.22% or more), a total of 9 types, have been reported to have an inactivating effect on SARS-CoV-2 (Non-Patent Document 1). The numerical values in the parentheses are the minimum effective concentrations of the respective surfactants.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "We have compiled a final report on the effectiveness evaluation of disinfection methods against the novel coronavirus. ~It can be used for disinfecting items~", [online], [searched September 18, 2020], Internet<URL:https: / / www.nite.go.jp / information / osirase20200626.html> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention relates to providing a SARS-CoV-2 inactivator that exhibits excellent SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Conventional verification tests have shown that polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers have an inactivating effect on SARS-CoV-2 at concentrations of 0.2% or higher. However, the inventors have found that polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers with 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of added moles of ethylene oxide of 8 or less exhibit an inactivating effect on SARS-CoV-2 at even lower concentrations.

[0007] The present invention relates to the following 1) to 20). 1) A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 8 or less, A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator having a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 2) A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator having a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 3) A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 8 or less, A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 4) A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3-6, or 8. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 5) Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less for the production of a SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 6) Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 for the production of a SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 7) Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 8 or less for the production of a prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 8) Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 for the production of a prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 9) A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether for use in inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, having a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, with an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less. 10) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers for use in inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 11) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers for use in the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection, having a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, with an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less. 12) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers for use in the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection, having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 13) Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 14) Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 15) Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 8 or less, for the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 16) Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. 17) A method for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, comprising using a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, at a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, applied to the target in which it is required. 18) A method for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, comprising using a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, applied to the target in which it is required. 19) A method for preventing SARS coronavirus-2 infection, comprising applying a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 8 or less, at a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, to the target in need. 20) A method for preventing SARS coronavirus-2 infection, comprising applying a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, to the target in need. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated even when surfactants are used at low concentrations, thereby preventing or reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In this invention, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added (EO) of 8 or less is used as an active ingredient for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2. Hereinafter, in this specification, "polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added (EO) of 8 or less" may be simply referred to as "polyoxyethylene alkyl ether".

[0010] The polyoxyethylene alkyl ether used in the present invention has 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less. This polyoxyethylene alkyl ether may be used alone or in combination with other polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers. Polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers are commercially available. They can also be chemically synthesized by conventional methods.

[0011] The average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 8 or less, but from the viewpoint of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, it is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, and also preferably 8 or less, and more preferably 6 or less. The average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is preferably 1 to 8, more preferably 2 to 8, and even more preferably 3 to 6.

[0012] Even if the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is purified to a high purity, it may be used with a distribution in the number of moles of ethylene oxide added. However, from the perspective of inactivating SARS-CoV-2, those with a distribution in the number of moles of ethylene oxide added are preferred. From a similar perspective, the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether preferably contains, in total, 30% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more of low-addition mole species with 1 to 6 moles of ethylene oxide added. Also, the upper limit of the total amount of the low-addition mole species with 1 to 6 moles of ethylene oxide added is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70% by mass or less. The number of moles of ethylene oxide added can be analyzed by gas chromatography analysis. (Gas Chromatography Measurement Conditions) Measuring instrument: Agilent6850 Column: 100% dimethyl polysiloxane non-polar capillary column 15m Carrier gas: Helium INJ temperature: 300 °C DET temperature: 350 °C Column temperature: 60 °C to 350 °C Detector: FID Injection volume: 1 μl

[0013] In the present invention, from the perspective of inactivating SARS-CoV-2, the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm (mass ppm, the same hereinafter) or more, preferably 250 ppm or more, more preferably 270 ppm or more, and still more preferably 300 ppm or more. Also, from the perspectives of cost and damage to the inactivation target, it is less than 2000 ppm, preferably 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 1000 ppm or less, and still more preferably 500 ppm or less. The concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, preferably 250 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, more preferably 250 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, still more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1000 ppm or less, and still more preferably 300 ppm or more and 500 ppm or less.

[0014] In the present invention, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 showed an inactivating effect on SARS-CoV-2 at a lower concentration of 100 ppm. Therefore, from the viewpoint of inactivating SARS-CoV-2, the concentration of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 is 100 ppm or more, preferably 150 ppm or more, more preferably 200 ppm or more, still more preferably 250 ppm or more, even more preferably 270 ppm or more, and even more preferably 300 ppm or more. Also, from the viewpoints of cost and damage to the inactivation target, it is less than 2000 ppm, preferably 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 1000 ppm or less, and still more preferably 500 ppm or less. The concentration of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, preferably 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, more preferably 200 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, still more preferably 250 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, even more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 300 ppm or more and 500 ppm or less. The quantification of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether in this specification shall follow the qualitative and quantitative methods of nonionic surfactants in JIS K 3362:2008 Test Methods for Household Synthetic Detergents.

[0015] As shown in the following examples, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 8 or less shows an inactivating effect on SARS-CoV-2 in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 verification test even at a low surfactant concentration. In this specification, SARS-CoV-2 is a SARS-related coronavirus that causes acute respiratory disease (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with a viral genome of approximately 29,903 base pairs. Its viral particles (virions) are about 50-200 nm in size. Like common coronaviruses, it is composed of RNA and four proteins known as the spike protein, nucleoprotein, endogenous membrane protein, and envelope protein. The nucleoprotein binds to the RNA to form a nucleocapsid, and the lipid-bound spike protein, endogenous membrane protein, and envelope protein surround it to form an envelope (A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin. Nature. 2020 Mar;579(7798):270-273., A new coronavirus associated with human respiratory disease in China. Nature. 2020 Mar;579(7798):265-269.).

[0016] The spike protein is a large type I transmembrane protein consisting of two subunits, S1 and S2. S1 mainly contains a receptor-binding domain (RBD) that recognizes receptors on the cell surface, while S2 contains elements necessary for membrane fusion. Known receptors that bind to S1 include ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), APN (aminopeptidase N), CEACAM (carcinoembryonic antigen-associated cell adhesion molecule 1), and O-ac Sia (O-acetylated sialic acid). It has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 infects human respiratory epithelial cells via human ACE2 (Structure, Function, and Antigenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Cell. Volume 181, Issue 2, 16 April 2020, Pages 281-292.e6).

[0017] The anti-SARS-CoV-2 validation tests described herein are performed using a system in which SARS-CoV-2 treated with the inactivating agent under evaluation is infected into Vero C1008 or E6 / TMPRSS2 cells. Details are described below. In this specification, inactivation is defined as the near-complete inactivation of the inoculated virus (to below the detection limit) in the validation tests.

[0018] Therefore, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less exhibit a SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effect and can therefore be used as SARS-CoV-2 inactivators. They can also be used to manufacture SARS-CoV-2 inactivators. By inactivating SARS-CoV-2, infection with the virus can be prevented, and SARS-CoV-2 infection can be prevented or mitigated. Here, "use" refers to use in a living organism (human or non-human animal), and may be either therapeutic or non-therapeutic. "Non-therapeutic" is a concept that does not include medical procedures, that is, methods that do not include surgery, treatment, or diagnosis of humans, and more specifically, methods that do not include surgery, treatment, or diagnosis performed on humans by a physician or a person under the direction of a physician.

[0019] In this specification, SARS-CoV-2 infection refers to the acute respiratory disease (COVID-19) caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2. Its symptoms are not specific and range from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. Typical symptoms and signs include fever, dry cough, fatigue, sputum, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, and loss of smell, but the present invention is not limited to these symptoms. Furthermore, "prevention" refers to preventing, suppressing, or delaying SARS-CoV-2 infection in an individual, or reducing the risk of developing the disease. "Improvement" means the alleviation of SARS-CoV-2 infection or symptoms, prevention or delay of worsening symptoms, or reversal, prevention, or delay of the progression of symptoms, and includes "treatment."

[0020] The SARS-CoV-2 inactivator of the present invention may be in the form of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 8 or less used alone, or, depending on the manner of use, may be in the form of a composition containing these and other components such as solvents and pharmaceutical additives as appropriate. The composition may be in an undiluted form or in a diluted form. The undiluted form is used for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in the target of treatment without dilution. The diluted form is used for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in the target of treatment after being diluted with a suitable medium such as water so that the concentration after dilution at the recommended dilution concentration is the concentration of the active ingredient described above in which the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effect is exhibited by the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 8 or less. Preferably, the SARS-CoV-2 inactivator is used in products or formulations for cleaning hands and fingers, foods such as vegetables and fish, hard surfaces of inanimate objects, fibers and textile products, etc., where SARS-CoV-2 contamination is a concern; or it is used in such products or formulations as a material for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. Examples of hard surfaces include beverage and food packaging, as well as floors, walls, windows, doors, food processing equipment, medical equipment, various furniture, appliances, tools, and fixtures in homes and businesses, such as restrooms, toilets, bathrooms, washrooms, showers, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Materials for hard surfaces include, for example, plastic (including silicone resin), metal, ceramics, wood, glass, or combinations thereof. Examples of textiles and textile products include clothing, towels, masks, sofas, cushions, bedding, curtains, shoes, and bags.

[0021] To inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the SARS-CoV-2 inactivator of the present invention should be brought into contact with the object to be treated. From the viewpoint of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, the contact time should be 10 seconds or more, preferably 1 minute or more, more preferably 10 minutes or more, and from the viewpoint of workload, 24 hours or less, preferably 1 hour or less, more preferably 30 minutes or less. The means of contact are not particularly limited and include coating or spraying, immersion, washing, adding, volatilization, etc.

[0022] The form of the above-mentioned products and formulations can be appropriately selected depending on the application, and can be, for example, liquid, gel, paste, or solid. Furthermore, the material can be provided in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric made of paper, natural fibers, regenerated fibers (such as rayon), and / or synthetic fibers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester), coated with or impregnated with a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less. Specific product and formulation forms include, for example, skin cleansers such as hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, household cleaner, toilet cleaner, bath cleaner, contact lens cleaner and storage agent, paper products, wet wipes, air spray products, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and filters for air conditioners and air purifiers.

[0023] The above-mentioned products and formulations can be prepared according to standard methods by appropriately combining the active ingredient of the present invention, or other ingredients other than the active ingredient, within a range that does not inhibit the effects of the present invention. Examples of such other ingredients include chelating agents, water-soluble solvents, oils, higher fatty acids, silicones, alkaline agents, pH adjusters, water softeners, metal sequestering agents, dispersants, stabilizers, enzymes, fluorescent whitening agents, bleaching agents, humectants, thickeners, suspending agents, preservatives, antibacterial agents, defoaming agents, powder components, pigments, fluorescent dyes, fragrances, and other surfactants. Other surfactants include ionic surfactants (anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants), nonionic surfactants, and polymeric surfactants, other than polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers with 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less.

[0024] The content of the active ingredient of the present invention in the SARS-CoV-2 inactivator of the present invention can be appropriately determined depending on the form of the composition. In products and formulations intended for dilution, a suitable content is 150 ppm to 20% by mass of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, more preferably 250 ppm to 20% by mass of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and even more preferably 270 ppm to 10% by mass of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether. For products and formulations that are not intended to be diluted, a suitable content is 150 ppm to 20% by mass of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, more preferably 250 ppm to 20% by mass of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and even more preferably 300 ppm to 10% by mass of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether.

[0025] With regard to the embodiments described above, the present invention further discloses the following aspects.

[0026] <1> A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 8 or less, A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator having a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <2> A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3-6, or 8. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator having a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <3> A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less as the active ingredient, A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <4> A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

[0027] <5> Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less for the production of a SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <6> Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 for the production of a SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <7> Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less for the production of a preventive agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <8> Use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8 for the production of a prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

[0028] <9> A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, with a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, for use in inactivating SARS coronavirus-2. <10> A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, with a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, for use in inactivating SARS coronavirus-2. <11> A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether with an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, with a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, for use in the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection. <12> A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 12 carbon atoms and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, with a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, for use in the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection.

[0029] <13> Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <14> Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3 to 6, or 8, for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <15> Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, for the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm. <16> Non-therapeutic use of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 1, 3-6, or 8, for the prevention of SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

[0030] <17> A method for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, comprising using a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 8 or less, at a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, applied to the target in which it is required. <18> A method for inactivating SARS coronavirus-2, comprising applying a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3-6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm to the target in which it is required. <19> A method for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, comprising applying a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 8 or less, at a concentration of 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, to the target group requiring it. <20> A method for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, comprising applying a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3-6, or 8, at a concentration of 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, to the target in need.

[0031] <21> <1> ~ <20> In this case, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, and also preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less, and also preferably 1 to 8, more preferably 2 to 8, and even more preferably 3 to 6. <22> <1> ~ <20> In this product, the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether contains a total of low addition molars of ethylene oxide, with an addition molar number of 1 to 6, preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and preferably 70% by mass or less. <23> <1> ~ <20> In this, the concentration of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more, preferably 250 ppm or more, more preferably 270 ppm or more, even more preferably 300 ppm or more, and also less than 2000 ppm, preferably 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 500 ppm or less, and also 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, preferably 250 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, more preferably 250 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, even more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, even more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 300 ppm or more and 500 ppm or less. <24> <2> , <4> , <6> , <8> , <10> , <12> , <14> , <16> , <18> or <20> In this, the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, in which the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8, is 100 ppm or more, preferably 150 ppm or more, more preferably 200 ppm or more, even more preferably 250 ppm or more, even more preferably 270 ppm or more, and even more preferably 300 ppm or more, and also less than 2000 ppm, preferably 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 1000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 500 ppm or less, and also 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, preferably 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, more preferably 200 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, even more preferably 250 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less, even more preferably 270 ppm or more and 1000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 300 ppm or more and 500 ppm or less. <25> <17> ~ <20> In this context, the target is preferably hands or fingers, food, hard surfaces of inanimate objects, fibers or textile products, or air, where SARS-CoV-2 contamination is a concern. [Examples]

[0032] [Evaluation solution] • Polyoxyethylene (1E.O.) lauryl ether: average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 1, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles) is 48.5% by mass, active ingredient is 99% by mass or more. • Polyoxyethylene (2E.O.) lauryl ether: average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 2, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles) is 63.3% by mass, active ingredient is 99% by mass or more. Polyoxyethylene (1E.O.) lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (2E.O.) lauryl ether were synthesized by addition polymerization of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol (purity of 98% by mass or higher) under high temperature and pressure. KOH was used as a catalyst for synthesis, and acetic acid was used for neutralization.

[0033] Polyoxyethylene (3E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 103, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 3, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles): 68.8% by mass, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (4E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 105, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 4, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles): 66.2% by mass, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (5E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 106, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 5, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles): 60.0% by mass, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (6E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 108, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 6, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles): 50.0% by mass, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 99% by mass or more Polyoxyethylene (8E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 508K-S90, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 8, total amount of low-molar ethylene oxide additions (1-6 moles): 32.6% by mass, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 90% by mass • Polyoxyethylene (9E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 109P, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 9, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (10E.O.) lauryl ether: Emulgen 110L, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 10, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient content: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (4E.O.) oleyl ether: Emulgen 404, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 4, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient content: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (4E.O.) cetyl ether: BC-4SY, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 4, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd., active ingredient content: 99% by mass or more • Polyoxyethylene (5E.O.) cetyl ether: BC-5SY, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 5, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd., active ingredient content: 99% by mass or more

[0034] Examples 1-5, Comparative Examples 1-3 [Anti-SARS-CoV-2 validation test] The following is an overview of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 validation test. (material) SARS-CoV-2:JPN / TY / WK-521 Cell: Vero E6 / TMPRSS2(JCRB1819) Culture medium: 500 mL DMEM (High Glucose) (Nacalai Tesque, 08459-64) 10mL G 418 Disulfate Aqueous Solution (Nacalai Tesque, 09380-44) 5mL Penicillin-Streptomycin (10,000U / mL)(Gibco,15140122) FBS:biosera,FB-1365 / 500,Lot10259 Deactivation at 56°C for 30 minutes Add to 5% culture medium during normal culture. Added to 2% culture medium at the time of infection. Trypsin: TrypLE (registered trademark) Select Enzyme (1X), no phenol red (Gibco, 12563011) RT-qPCR:SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit -N2 set-(Toyobo, NCV-302)

[0035] (protocol) 1. Spread Vero E6 / TMPRSS2 onto a 96-well plate until 100% confluence is achieved. 2. Dilute the surfactant with autoclaved tap water to prepare the evaluation solution. 3. Mix 27 μL of evaluation solution with 3 μL of SARS-CoV-2 solution (equivalent to approximately 300,000 viruses). 4. React at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add 270 μL of 5.2% FBS medium to stop the reaction. Add and mix 20 μL of solution 6.5 into 180 μL of 2% FBS medium in a Vero E6 / TMPRSS2 96 plate that has been pre-mixed. Infection for 1 hour under 7.37℃ / 5%CO2 conditions. Wash twice with 200 μL of 8.2% FBS DMEM. Cultured for 3 days at 9.37℃ / 5%CO2. 10. Determining SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by viral cytopathic effect and RT-qPCR. SARS-CoV-2 was deemed inactivated if no cytopathic effects by the virus were observed using a microscope (IX73, Olympus Corporation) and the viral genome could not be detected by RT-qPCR of the culture supernatant. Virus replication was determined if the Ct (Threshold Cycle) value in RT-qPCR was less than 30.

[0036] [Test Results] The results are shown in Table 1. Samples showing SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are marked with "○", and samples showing no SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are marked with "×".

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] Examples 6-12, Comparative Examples 4-6 [Anti-SARS-CoV-2 validation test] The following is an overview of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 validation test. (material) SARS-CoV-2:JPN / TY / WK-521 Cell: Vero C1008 (ATCC CRL-1586) Culture medium: 500 mL MEM (Sigma-Aldrich, M4655) 5mL Penicillin-Streptomycin (10,000U / mL)(Gibco,15140122) FBS:biosera,FB-1365 / 500,Lot10259 Deactivation at 56°C for 30 minutes Add to 10% culture medium during normal culture. Added to 2% culture medium at the time of infection. Trypsin: TrypLE (registered trademark) Select Enzyme (1X), no phenol red (Gibco, 12563011) RT-qPCR:SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit -N2 set-(Toyobo, NCV-302) (protocol) 1. Spread Vero C1008 onto a 96-well plate until 100% confluence is achieved. 2. Dilute the surfactant with autoclaved tap water to prepare the evaluation solution. 3. Mix 27 μL of evaluation solution with 3 μL of SARS-CoV-2 solution (equivalent to approximately 1 million viruses). 4. React at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add 270 μL of 5.2% FBS medium to stop the reaction. 6.5. Add 20 μL of solution to 180 μL of 2% FBS medium in a VeroC1008 96 plate, which has been pre-mixed with the medium. Infection for 1 hour under 7.37℃ / 5%CO2 conditions. Wash twice with 200 μL of 8.2% FBS DMEM. Cultured for 3 days at 9.37℃ / 5%CO2. 10. Determine SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by RT-qPCR. SARS-CoV-2 was considered inactivated if the viral genome could not be detected by RT-qPCR of the culture supernatant. Virus replication was considered to have occurred if the Ct (Threshold Cycle) value in RT-qPCR was less than 30.

[0039] [Test Results] The results are shown in Table 2. Samples showing SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are marked with "○", and samples showing no SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are marked with "×".

[0040] [Table 2]

[0041] As shown in Tables 1 and 2 above, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers with 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 8 or less showed SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effects at low concentrations. For polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers with 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 1, 3-6, or 8, SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effects were confirmed at an even lower concentration of 100 ppm. In contrast, no SARS-CoV-2 inactivation effect was observed with polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of 9 or 10 moles of ethylene oxide added; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of 4 or 5 moles of ethylene oxide added; and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and an average number of 4 moles of ethylene oxide added.

Claims

1. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1 to 6 or 8. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

2. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8. A SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

3. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1 to 6 or 8. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 150 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

4. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection comprising a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as an active ingredient, wherein the alkyl group has 12 carbon atoms and the average number of ethylene oxide addition moles is 1, 3 to 6, or 8. A prophylactic agent for SARS coronavirus-2 infection, wherein the concentration of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 100 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm.

5. The SARS coronavirus-2 inactivator or SARS coronavirus-2 infection preventive agent according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether contains a total of 30% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less of low addition molars of ethylene oxide having an addition molar number of 1 to 6.

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