Color-absorbing material for animal litter.

Abstract

A colorimetric absorbent material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal waste is provided, the colorimetric absorbent material comprising a benzidine-based compound, an organic hydroperoxide, an oxidoreductase, a peroxidase, a pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof, and a polysaccharide matrix, the polysaccharide matrix comprising about 10% to about 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose, about 25% to about 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to about 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to about 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to about 15% by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and 0% to about 10% by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field generally relates to color-absorbing materials, and more specifically to color-absorbing materials for the detection of blood and / or glucose in animal excrement. [Background technology]

[0002] Feline urinary tract disease (URT) can be a serious condition for cats. In feline URT, magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals can precipitate in the cat's urinary tract, potentially causing obstruction. If left untreated, the obstruction can cause severe pain and often lead to death within days. In some cases, when cat owners observe symptoms of feline URT (e.g., blood in the urine and discomfort or tension during urination), they often consult a veterinarian who can provide treatment that may be expensive. However, many cats with feline URT show no obvious symptoms, which is why the disease has been called a "silent killer."

[0003] Another serious condition in cats is diabetes. Diabetes affects approximately 1 in 400 cats and is becoming increasingly common. The symptoms of diabetes in cats are similar to those in humans, with about 80% to 95% of diabetic cats experiencing symptoms similar to type 2 diabetes in humans. Cats with diabetes are usually severely insulin-dependent by the time their condition is diagnosed. In cats with type 2 diabetes, early treatment can lead to remission, in which case the cat no longer requires insulin injections. If left untreated, this condition will weaken the cat, leading to malnutrition, ketoacidosis, and / or dehydration, and ultimately death.

[0004] Therefore, early detection of diseases or conditions in animals or humans is crucial for facilitating treatment, reducing the likelihood of serious complications or exacerbations, and lowering treatment costs.

[0005] Several color-absorbing materials are known for use in animal litter to detect blood and / or glucose in animal excrement. However, challenges remain in this field. [Overview of the project]

[0006] In one embodiment, a color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement, wherein this color-absorbing material is Benzidine compounds and, Organic hydroperoxides for catalyzing the oxidation of benzidine compounds in the presence of hemoglobin, The first enzyme is an oxidoreductase that generates hydrogen peroxide in situ in the presence of glucose, A second enzyme, which is a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof, for catalyzing the oxidation of benzidine compounds during the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide, It is a polysaccharide matrix, Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to approximately 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to approximately 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and It contains a polysaccharide matrix comprising 0% to approximately 10% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0007] In another embodiment, a color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement, wherein the color-absorbing material is Benzidine compounds and, Organic hydroperoxides for catalyzing the oxidation of benzidine compounds in the presence of hemoglobin, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is The first enzyme is an oxidoreductase that generates hydrogen peroxide in situ in the presence of glucose, and A second enzyme comprising a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof, for catalyzing the oxidation of a benzidine compound during the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide, Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and It comprises a polysaccharide matrix containing chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose and pregelatinized starch (PGS). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a scheme of the reaction pathway occurring in a color-absorbing material for detecting glucose (left) and blood (right) according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The materials, methods, and techniques described herein relate to color-absorbing materials and their use for detecting blood (hemoglobin) and / or glucose in animal excrement.

[0010] Chromogenic absorbent materials for detecting either blood or glucose in animal excrement have been previously developed and are described, for example, in the International Patent Application Publications No. 2015 / 127528, 2016 / 049765, and 2017 / 165953, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, the chromogenic absorbent materials described in the above patent applications only enable the detection of either blood or glucose by relying on a chromogenic detection system incorporated within a polysaccharide matrix.

[0011] For blood (hemoglobin) detection, a polysaccharide matrix was impregnated with a color-developing solution containing cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to form impregnated polysaccharide particles. The impregnated polysaccharide particles were then dried to form granules containing CHP and TMB. TMB turned blue in the presence of hemoglobin and CHP. For glucose detection, a polysaccharide matrix was impregnated with a color-developing solution containing a catalyst system made from glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), as well as TMB, to form impregnated polysaccharide particles. The impregnated polysaccharide particles were then dried to form granules containing GOx, HRP, and TMB. The presence of glucose triggered the in-situ formation of hydrogen peroxide, which subsequently caused TMB to turn blue.

[0012] Due to the potential reactivity between cumene hydroperoxide and the GOx / HRP catalytic system, it was initially thought impossible to produce a chromogenic absorbent that could detect blood and glucose using a single chromogenic solution. In fact, early attempts to produce such chromogenic absorbents were unsuccessful because the chromogenic solution itself or the chromogenic absorbent would irreversibly turn blue (false positive), even in the absence of glucose or hemoglobin.

[0013] However, surprisingly, it was found that by selecting an appropriate polysaccharide matrix, it is possible to avoid false-positive blue staining and instead obtain a chromogenic absorbent that can detect blood and glucose using a single chromogenic solution. In some scenarios, the HRP and CHP content can be adjusted so that the components do not react together to produce false positives. The resulting chromogenic substances and various components are schematically shown in Figure 1.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present specification, various embodiments of such a color-developing absorbent material are provided. Other aspects of the present specification further outline additional modifications made to the color-developing absorbent material.

[0015] The term "animal excrement" as used herein refers to urine or fecal matter excreted by an animal. The animal may be a cat, a dog, a rodent, a horse, a cow, or any other domestic animal. Alternatively, the animal may be a human.

[0016] As used herein, the term "color-developing absorbent material" refers to an absorbent polysaccharide matrix capable of absorbing water, urine, an aqueous solution, or an organic solution containing water (e.g., an acetone solution containing some water) impregnated with a color-developing solution.

[0017] Particles of the color-developing absorbent material can be obtained, for example, as granules, and can be used as an independent color-developing absorbent material or in combination with animal litter (for example, the color-developing absorbent material can be dispersed on the surface of animal litter). The animal litter may comprise any suitable type of animal litter, such as clay-based litter, cellulose-based litter, perlite-based litter, silica-based litter, corn-based litter, paper-based litter, wheat-based litter, or any other organic litter, or combinations thereof. For example, the clay-based litter can be bentonite litter and / or montmorillonite litter.

[0018] In one aspect of the present specification, the color-developing absorbent material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement is a color-developing indicator, and a first oxidizing agent that reacts to peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and a catalyst system, wherein the catalyst system comprises a first catalyst compound for in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts to peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, wherein the color indicator reacts with the first oxidizing agent and the second oxidizing agent, and the second catalyst compound reacts with the first oxidizing agent and the second oxidizing agent. It contains a polysaccharide matrix.

[0019] In another aspect of this specification, a color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement is, Color indicator, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is A first catalytic compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidative / pseudo-peroxidative activity in animal excrement, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, comprising at least one such compound. It contains a polysaccharide matrix, The color indicator reacts with the first oxidizing agent and the second oxidizing agent.

[0020] The first oxidizing agent reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and the first catalytic compound situ generates the second oxidizing agent. The second oxidizing agent also reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement.

[0021] The term "peroxidase activity" refers to the ability of a catalytic compound to drive a reaction between a hydroperoxide and a colorless chromogenic electron donor, and to become fluorescent or visibly colored after oxidation.

[0022] It should be understood that the term "pseudoperoxidase activity" refers to the ability of a peroxidase or non-peroxidase catalytic compound to drive a reaction between a hydroperoxidase and a colorless chromoelectron donor that becomes fluorescent or visibly colored after oxidation. Certain transition metals and their ions, as well as hemoproteins, are known to possess pseudoperoxidase activity. Basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells synthesize endogenous peroxidases that can be visualized at the ultrastructural level in the secretory machinery of immature cells. Erythrocytes and hematin-containing compounds have iron as part of their heme group, which can catalyze the oxidation of chromoelectron donors. This pseudoperoxidase activity can be inhibited by strong H2O2 solutions, sodium azide, and methanol-H2O2 solutions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first oxidizing agent is an organic hydroperoxide of the general formula ROOH, where the R group is an aryl, alkyl, or acyl group. For example, but not limited to, the organic hydroperoxide may be cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first oxidizing agent may be a hydroperoxide precursor such as sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate is a chemical adduct of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide of the formula 2Na2CO3·3H2O2. When sodium percarbonate comes into contact with an aqueous solution, for example, it decomposes into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide.

[0024] The second oxidizing agent is not initially added to the color absorber, but is generated in situ by the first catalytic compound. The phrase "generated in situ" should be understood as meaning that the second oxidizing agent is synthesized directly from a precursor within the color absorber. For example, the first catalytic compound could be an enzyme such as oxidoreductase. A non-limiting example of oxidoreductase is glucose oxidase (GOx). In this case, the second oxidizing agent could be hydrogen peroxide. A second catalytic compound also exists to enable the oxidation of the color indicator in the presence of glucose. A non-limiting example of a suitable second catalytic compound is horseradish peroxidase.

[0025] In some embodiments, the oxidative activity of the first and / or second oxidizing agent is triggered by the presence of peroxidase activity / pseudoperoxidase activity in the animal excrement. Thus, the first and / or second oxidizing agent oxidizes the color indicator, which then changes color. More specifically, the color indicator may be an electron donor, i.e., a reducing agent that changes color when it loses electrons.

[0026] In some embodiments, the color indicator is a benzidine compound, which is the compound represented by formula I.

[0027] [ka]

[0028] In Formula I, R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different, and may be hydrogen, a halogen, a lower alkyl or alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a (C1-C4)-dialkylamino group, an acetylamino group, a nitro group, or an optionally substituted aromatic group.

[0029] Optionally, the color indicator may be a compound represented by formula II.

[0030] [ka]

[0031] In Formula II, groups R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different and represent hydrogen, halogens, and lower alkyl or alkoxy groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, (C1-C4)-dialkylamino groups, acetylamino groups, nitro groups, or optionally substituted aromatic groups. R5 and R6 may be the same or different and represent water-soluble groups such as hydroxyl groups, amino groups, acidic groups, disulfonyl groups, ether groups, halogens, lower alkyl or alkoxy groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, (C1-C4)-dialkylamino groups, acetylamino groups, or nitro groups.

[0032] Therefore, the water-soluble benzidine-based color indicator of formula II reacts in the presence of hydroperoxide and peroxidase by changing its light absorption capacity, which is due to a chemical conversion to the compound shown in formula III.

[0033] [ka]

[0034] It is understood that different types of benzidine-based color indicators may be used.

[0035] Optionally, the benzidine compound may be 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). TMB is a colorless agent that turns blue upon oxidation. Peroxidase and / or pseudoperoxidase catalysts can catalyze the oxidation of TMB by the first and / or second oxidizing agent according to the following oxidation reaction.

[0036] [ka]

[0037] The polysaccharide matrix can be selected so that the first oxidizing agent and catalyst system do not react with each other and do not produce false positives. Most of the polysaccharide matrices used for glucose or hemoglobin detection, as described in the examples in International Publication Nos. 2015 / 127528, 2016 / 049765, and 2017 / 165953, which contain at least 35% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), consistently produced false positive results when contacted with a dye gene solution containing both cumene hydroperoxide and a catalyst system containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and glucose oxidase (GOx).

[0038] Surprisingly, when the polysaccharide matrix contained less than approximately 35% by weight (preferably less than 32.5% by weight) of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, no false positive results were obtained, and it was found that both glucose and hemoglobin could be detected using a single granule containing both an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic system comprising horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and glucose oxidase (GOx), which can situ produce hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glucose.

[0039] Furthermore, surprisingly, it was found that when the polysaccharide matrix contained at least about 10% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), the surface of the granules exhibited more uniform coloration when the color indicator was activated. This remarkable effect was observed with color-absorbing materials capable of detecting hemoglobin alone, glucose alone, or both hemoglobin and glucose.

[0040] Furthermore, surprisingly, it was found that when the polysaccharide matrix did not contain anionic polymers (e.g., no anionic polysaccharides and no anionic superabsorbent polymers), no colored halo was observed on aggregated cat litter particles adjacent to the chromogenic absorbent granules. This surprising effect was observed with chromogenic absorbent materials capable of detecting hemoglobin alone, glucose alone, or both hemoglobin and glucose.

[0041] In this specification, the expression "chromogenic absorbent material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement" is understood to mean that the chromogenic absorbent material can detect hemoglobin alone, glucose alone, and hemoglobin and glucose simultaneously in animal excrement. The chromogenic absorbent material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose comprises two chromogenic detection systems. The two chromogenic detection systems can utilize the same chromogenic indicator (e.g., a benzidine compound).

[0042] In this specification, the expression “chromogenic absorbent for the detection of hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excrement” is understood to mean that the chromogenic absorbent can detect hemoglobin alone, glucose alone, and hemoglobin and glucose simultaneously in animal excrement. The chromogenic absorbent for the detection of hemoglobin and / or glucose may include a single chromogenic system for glucose detection, a single chromogenic system for hemoglobin detection, or two chromogenic systems for hemoglobin and glucose detection. When two chromogenic detection systems are used, the same chromogenic indicator (e.g., a benzidine compound) may be used for both systems.

[0043] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises about 10% to about 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 15% to about 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 20% to about 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 25% to about 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 10% to about 30% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose. In some embodiments, the chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose comprises microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises about 10% to about 32.5% by weight of MCC, or about 15% to about 32.5% by weight of MCC, or about 20% to about 32.5% by weight of MCC, or about 25% to about 32.5% by weight of MCC, or about 10% to about 30% by weight of MCC, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of MCC, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of MCC, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of MCC.

[0045] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises about 10% to about 32.5% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 15% to about 32.5% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 20% to about 32.5% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 25% to about 32.5% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 10% to about 30% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of fibrous cellulose, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of fibrous cellulose.

[0046] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix consists of approximately 0% to approximately 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), or approximately 10% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 20% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 25% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 30% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 40% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 50% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 60% to approximately 70% by weight of PGS, or approximately 65% ​​to approximately 70% by weight of PGS. Includes PGS, or approximately 10% to 60% by weight of PGS, or approximately 10% to 50% by weight of PGS, or approximately 10% to 40% by weight of PGS, or approximately 10% to 30% by weight of PGS, or approximately 25% to 35% by weight of PGS, or approximately 55% to 60% by weight of PGS, or approximately 40% to 60% by weight of PGS, or approximately 45% to 55% by weight of PGS.

[0047] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises 0% to about 20% by weight of guar gum, or 0% to about 15% by weight of guar gum, or 0% to about 10% by weight of guar gum, or 0% to about 5% by weight of guar gum, or about 5% to about 20% by weight of guar gum, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of guar gum, or about 15% to about 20% by weight of guar gum. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix does not contain guar gum.

[0048] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises 0% to about 25% by weight of methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC), or 0% to about 20% by weight of MHEC, or 0% to about 15% by weight of MHEC, or 0% to about 10% by weight of MHEC, or 0% to about 5% by weight of MHEC, or about 5% to about 25% by weight of MHEC, or about 10% to about 25% by weight of MHEC, or about 15% to about 25% by weight of MHEC, or about 20% to about 25% by weight of MHEC, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of MHEC, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of MHEC, or about 12.5% ​​to about 17.5% by weight of MHEC, or about 15% to about 20% by weight of MHEC. Preferably, the polysaccharide matrix comprises at least about 10% by weight of MHEC, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of MHEC, or about 12.5% ​​to about 17.5% by weight of MHEC. In some embodiments, the MHEC is Tylose®, for example, Tylose MH 60000 P6.

[0049] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises 0% to about 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), or 0% to about 10% by weight of HEC, or 0% to about 5% by weight of HEC, or about 5% to about 15% by weight of HEC, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of HEC, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of HEC.

[0050] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix comprises 0% to about 10% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or 0% to about 5% by weight of CMC, or about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of CMC. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix does not contain CMC.

[0051] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), Approximately 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to approximately 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to approximately 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and Contains 0% to approximately 5% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0052] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, Contains 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0053] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, Contains 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0054] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 35% PGS by weight, Approximately 15% to 20% by weight of guar gum, and It consists of approximately 15% to 25% by weight of MHEC.

[0055] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 55% to 60% by weight of PGS, and It consists of approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC.

[0056] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MCC, Approximately 65% ​​to 70% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, It consists of approximately 5% to 10% by weight of HEC.

[0057] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 50% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, It consists of approximately 0% to 10% HEC by weight.

[0058] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide matrix is Chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose, Pregelatinized starch (PGS), and It contains at least 10% by weight of methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC), preferably 10% to about 20% by weight of MHEC.

[0059] In some embodiments, the chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose is either microcrystalline cellulose or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose such as fibrous cellulose. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline cellulose has an average particle size measured by laser diffraction of about 25 μm to about 200 μm. In some embodiments, the mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose may have an average particle size measured by laser diffraction of about 50 μm to about 80 μm and a bulk density of about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL. In some embodiments, the mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose may have an average fiber length of about 150 μm to about 250 μm, or about 180 μm to about 220 μm, or up to 220 μm. In some embodiments, mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose can have a bulk density of about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL, or about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.30 g / mL, or about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.25 g / mL, or about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.20 g / mL, or about 0.10 g / mL to about 0.15 g / mL, or about 0.11 g / mL to about 0.145 g / mL.

[0060] In some embodiments, the color-absorbing material includes anionic surfactants such as alkylaryl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, aryl sulfonate surfactants, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Surprisingly, it was found that when the color-absorbing material contained an alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant such as dodecylbenzenesulfonate (e.g., sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), the coloration of the color-absorbing material was more stable and did not shift after several hours. This remarkable effect was observed with color-absorbing materials capable of detecting hemoglobin alone, glucose alone, or both hemoglobin and glucose.

[0062] In some embodiments, the alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate such as dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Non-limiting examples of dodecylbenzenesulfonates include sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

[0063] In some embodiments, the color-absorbing material may change to blue upon contact with excrement containing at least trace amounts of blood (and therefore having peroxidase / pseudopersidase activity) and / or glucose. It should be understood that "blue" refers to any shade of blue. The color-absorbing material may require sufficient contact time with the excrement to allow coloration. In any embodiment, the particles may change to blue after contact times ranging from about 10 seconds to about 30 minutes, or from about 10 seconds to about 1 minute, depending on the properties of the polysaccharide matrix. In some embodiments, the color-absorbing material may change to different shades of blue depending on the blood and / or glucose concentration in the excrement. The intensity of the blue hue may be proportional to the blood or glucose concentration in the animal excrement.

[0064] In some embodiments, the color-developing composition may further contain a color enhancer. Optionally, it may also contain a buffer, stabilizer, metal scavenger, or a combination thereof. The color enhancer may optionally be methoxyquinoline such as 6-methoxyquinoline, lepidine (4-methylquinoline), phenol derivatives, nitrobenzene, N-methylpyrrolidone, ethylene carbonate, or any combination thereof. The buffer may optionally include citrate, sodium citrate, phosphate, acetate, or any combination thereof. The stabilizer may optionally be dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), uric acid, ascorbic acid, ammonium molybdate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, or derivatives thereof, or a combination thereof. The metal scavenger may optionally be EDTA, NTA, DTPA, STPP, or salts thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments, depending on the polysaccharide matrix, the color-absorbing material is approximately 0.20 g / cm³. 3 ~Approx. 0.39g / cm 3 , about 0.20g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.35g / cm 3 , about 0.25g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.35g / cm 3 , or approximately 0.30 g / cm³ 3 ~Approx. 0.35g / cm 3 It may have a density of .

[0066] In some embodiments, depending on the polysaccharide matrix, the color-absorbing material may have a total porosity of about 65% to about 85%, or about 70% to about 80%. Total porosity is understood to refer to the percentage of bulk material volume (V) not occupied by solid matter. If the volume of solid is Vs and the pore volume is Vpore = V - Vs, then total porosity can be expressed by the following formula 1.

[0067]

number

[0068] Total porosity can be measured, for example, by placing a known volume of color-absorbing particles in a container, coating the particles with a liquid, and measuring the volume of liquid (Vc) required to coat the particles. The total porosity is then expressed as the ratio of the volume of the added liquid (Vc) to the volume of the particles (V).

[0069] In some implementations, depending on the absorbent material, the particles of the color-absorbing material have an effective porosity of approximately 0.5 mL / g to approximately 2.0 mL / g, approximately 0.6 mL / g to approximately 1.5 mL / g, approximately 0.8 mL / g to approximately 1.2 mL / g, or approximately 0.9 mL / g to approximately 1.1 mL / g. Effective porosity (also called linked porosity or true porosity) is understood to be defined as the ratio of the volume of linked pores to the total bulk volume. Effective porosity can be measured, for example, by placing color-absorbing particles of a known mass (m) in a container, covering the particles with a liquid, measuring the volume of liquid required to cover the particles (Vc), removing the immersed particles from the container, measuring the volume of liquid remaining in the container (Vr), and calculating the volume of liquid absorbed by the color-absorbing particles (Va = Vc - Vr). The effective porosity can then be obtained as shown in Equation 2 below.

[0070]

number

[0071] In some implementations, the color-absorbing material has a free swelling capacity (FSC) of over 900% or over 1000%. FSC is a measure used to measure the absorption properties of a material. FSC measurement is performed by immersing the material to be tested in the liquid to be absorbed (in this case, water) for a given time and weighing the material after the liquid has been absorbed. In some embodiments, the color-absorbing material has a higher FSC compared to the cat litter material. For example, the color-absorbing material may have an FSC about 1.5 to 2 times higher than that of the cat litter material.

[0072] Depending on the absorbent material, the particles of the color-absorbing material may have a pore density of, for example, more than 20%, more than 25%, or about 27% to about 33%. The pores of the particles of the color-absorbing material have an equivalent diameter of more than 20 μm, or about 20 μm to about 40 μm, or about 20 μm to about 30 μm.

[0073] The particles of the color-absorbing material are produced through the following process, namely, To provide a water-absorbing polysaccharide matrix, To provide a color-developing solution comprising a color indicator and at least one of a first oxidizing agent and a catalyst system, wherein the catalyst system comprises a first catalytic compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and a second catalytic compound for catalyzing the oxidation of the color indicator during the in-situ generation of the second oxidizing agent. The process involves impregnating a polysaccharide matrix with a color-developing solution to obtain solution-impregnated, moist particles. It can be manufactured by drying solution-impregnated wet particles to obtain a color-absorbing material, and using [a specific method / tool].

[0074] The color-developing solution may contain additional components as described herein.

[0075] In some embodiments, a color-developing solution is poured onto a polysaccharide matrix (e.g., dropwise in the form of discrete droplets) to impregnate the polysaccharide matrix and form corresponding discrete solution-impregnated wet particles. Optionally, the solution-impregnated wet particles may be recovered by sieving a mixture of the solution-impregnated wet particles and the remaining polysaccharide matrix. The drying process may be carried out under vacuum and / or at various temperatures in the range of about 15°C to about 80°C. By using a low-shear method such as those described herein, it is possible to obtain particles of the color-absorbing material as granules with lower density and higher porosity compared to other types of particles obtained by methods such as extrusion or pressing. The granules are typically quasi-spherical, and a portion of the surface of the granules may have a concave shape.

[0076] This specification also provides the following embodiments: 1. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, preferably an organic hydroperoxide for catalyzing the oxidation of benzidine compounds in the presence of hemoglobin, The catalyst system includes, and the catalyst system is, A first catalyst compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, preferably the first catalyst compound being an oxidoreductase for the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glucose. A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, preferably a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a mixture thereof for catalyzing the oxidation of a benzidine compound during the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. A color indicator that reacts with a first oxidizing agent and a second oxidizing agent, preferably a benzidine compound, and It contains a polysaccharide matrix, and the polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a combination thereof. Approximately 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to approximately 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to approximately 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and It contains carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in an amount of 0% to approximately 10% by weight, or 2.5% to approximately 7.5% by weight, or 0% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0077] 2. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 1, containing 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0078] 3. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 2, comprising 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0079] 4. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 35% PGS by weight, Approximately 15% to 20% by weight of guar gum, and A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 3, comprising approximately 15% to 25% by weight of MHEC.

[0080] 5. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 55% to 60% by weight of PGS, and A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 3, comprising approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC.

[0081] 6. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MCC, Approximately 65% ​​to 70% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 3, comprising approximately 5% to 10% by weight of HEC.

[0082] 7. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 50% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 3, comprising approximately 0% to 10% by weight of HEC.

[0083] 8. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 1, containing approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0084] 9. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 40% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 8, containing approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0085] 10. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 40% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 9, containing approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0086] 11. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 45% to 55% PGS by weight, Approximately 12.5% ​​to 17.5% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 9, comprising approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0087] 12. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose includes microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0088] 13. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 12, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose has an average particle size of approximately 25 μm to approximately 200 μm as determined by laser diffraction, and the fibrous cellulose has an average fiber length of up to approximately 220 μm.

[0089] 14. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 12 is a mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose having an average particle size of about 50 μm to about 80 μm by laser diffraction and a bulk density of about 0.20 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL, which is chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose.

[0090] 15. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising an anionic surfactant.

[0091] 16. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 15, wherein the anionic surfactant is an alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant.

[0092] 17. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 16, wherein the alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0093] 18. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 17, wherein the alkylbenzene sulfonate is dodecylbenzene sulfonate.

[0094] 19. The dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or a combination thereof, the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 18.

[0095] 20. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excrement, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, preferably an organic hydroperoxide for catalyzing the oxidation of benzidine compounds in the presence of hemoglobin, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is A first catalyst compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, preferably an oxidoreductase for the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glucose, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, preferably comprising at least one second catalyst compound which is a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a mixture thereof for catalyzing the oxidation of a benzidine compound during the in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide, A color indicator that reacts with a first oxidizing agent and a second oxidizing agent, preferably a benzidine compound, Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and A color-absorbing material comprising a polysaccharide matrix containing chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose and pregelatinized starch (PGS).

[0096] 21. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to approximately 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to approximately 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 20, comprising 0% to approximately 10% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0097] 22. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 21, containing approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0098] 23. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 40% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 21, containing approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0099] 24. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 40% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 23, comprising approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0100] 25. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose. Approximately 45% to 55% PGS by weight, Approximately 12.5% ​​to 17.5% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 23, comprising approximately 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

[0101] 26. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 21 to 25, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a mixture thereof.

[0102] 27. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 26, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose has an average particle size of approximately 25 μm to approximately 200 μm as determined by laser diffraction, and the fibrous cellulose has an average fiber length of up to approximately 220 μm.

[0103] 28. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 21 to 25, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose is mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose having an average particle size of about 50 μm to about 80 μm by laser diffraction and a bulk density of about 0.20 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL.

[0104] 29. The dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or a mixture thereof, the color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 21 to 28.

[0105] 30. A color-developing absorbent material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the first catalytic compound is glucose oxidase (GOx) and the second catalytic compound is horseradish peroxidase (HRP).

[0106] 31. The benzidine compound is a color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 30, comprising 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine.

[0107] 32. The color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 31, wherein the organic hydroperoxide is cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide, or a combination thereof.

[0108] 33. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 32, further comprising a buffer, stabilizer, metal scavenger, color enhancer, or a combination thereof.

[0109] 34. The color enhancer is a color-absorbing material of Embodiment 33, comprising 6-methoxyquinoline, lepidin, a phenol derivative, nitrobenzene, N-methylpyrrolidone, or ethylene carbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0110] 35. The color-developing absorbent material according to embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the buffer comprises citrate, sodium citrate, phosphate, acetate, or a combination thereof.

[0111] 36. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the stabilizer comprises dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), uric acid, ascorbic acid, ammonium molybdate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, derivatives thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0112] 37. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the metal trapping agent comprises Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA), an EDTA sodium salt, or a combination thereof.

[0113] 38. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 1 to 37, having a density of from about 0.20 g / cm 3 to about 0.39 g / cm 3 .

[0114] 39. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, which is a material having an effective porosity of from about 0.5 mL / g to about 2.0 mL / g.

[0115] 40. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39, comprising pores having an equivalent diameter of more than about 20 μm.

[0116] 41. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, having a free swelling capacity of greater than about 900%.

[0117] 42. The color-developing absorbent material according to any one of embodiments 1 to 41, having a pore density of more than about 20%.

[0118] 43. A color-developing absorbent material for detecting hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excreta, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is A first catalytic compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, comprising at least one such compound. A color indicator that reacts with a first oxidizing agent and a second oxidizing agent, It contains a polysaccharide matrix, and the polysaccharide matrix is Chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose, Pregelatinized starch (PGS), and A color-absorbing material containing at least 10% by weight of methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC).

[0119] 44. The polysaccharide matrix further comprises hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) in the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 43.

[0120] 45. A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose.

[0121] 46. ​​A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose is mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose having an average particle size of about 50 μm to about 80 μm by laser diffraction and a bulk density of about 0.20 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL.

[0122] 47. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 46, wherein the polysaccharide matrix contains 10% to about 20% by weight of MHEC.

[0123] 48. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 47, further comprising an alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant.

[0124] 49. The alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is alkylbenzene sulfonate, the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 48.

[0125] 50. The alkylbenzene sulfonate is dodecylbenzene sulfonate, the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 48.

[0126] 51. The dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, according to Embodiment 50, as a color-absorbing material.

[0127] 52. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excrement, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is A first catalytic compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, comprising at least one such compound. A color indicator that reacts with a first oxidizing agent and a second oxidizing agent, Alkylaryl sulfonate surfactants, A color-absorbing material containing a polysaccharide matrix.

[0128] 53. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), Approximately 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, 0% to approximately 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to approximately 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 52, comprising 0% to approximately 5% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0129] 54. The polysaccharide matrix is Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 53, containing 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0130] 55. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 70% PGS by weight, 0% to approximately 20% by weight of guar gum, MHEC of 10% to approximately 25% by weight, A color-absorbing material according to embodiment 54, comprising 0% to approximately 10% by weight of HEC.

[0131] 56. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 25% to 35% PGS by weight, Approximately 15% to 20% by weight of guar gum, and A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 55, comprising approximately 15% to 25% by weight of MHEC.

[0132] 57. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 55% to 60% by weight of PGS, and A color-absorbing material according to embodiment 55, comprising approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC.

[0133] 58. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MCC, Approximately 65% ​​to 70% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to embodiment 55, comprising approximately 5% to 10% by weight of HEC.

[0134] 59. The polysaccharide matrix is ​​essentially, Approximately 25% to 32.5% by weight of MCC, Approximately 50% to 60% PGS by weight, Approximately 10% to 15% by weight of MHEC, A color-absorbing material according to embodiment 55, comprising approximately 0% to 10% by weight of HEC.

[0135] 60. The polysaccharide matrix is Chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose, Pregelatinized starch (PGS), and A color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 52, comprising at least 10% by weight of methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC).

[0136] 61. The polysaccharide matrix further comprises hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) in the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 60.

[0137] 62. A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose.

[0138] 63. A color-absorbing material of Embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose is mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose having an average particle size of about 50 μm to about 80 μm by laser diffraction and a bulk density of about 0.20 g / mL to about 0.35 g / mL.

[0139] 64. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the polysaccharide matrix contains 10% to about 20% by weight of MHEC.

[0140] 65. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 52 to 64, wherein the alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0141] 66. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 65, wherein the alkylbenzene sulfonate is dodecylbenzene sulfonate.

[0142] 67. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 66, wherein the dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

[0143] 68. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excrement, A first oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and At least one of the catalyst systems, the catalyst system is A first catalytic compound for the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent that reacts with peroxidase / pseudoperoxidase activity in animal excrement, and A second catalyst compound for catalyzing the oxidation of a color indicator during the in-situ generation of a second oxidizing agent, comprising at least one such compound. A color indicator that reacts with a first oxidizing agent and a second oxidizing agent, This is a color-absorbing material containing a polysaccharide matrix that does not contain anionic polymers.

[0144] 69. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 68, wherein the alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0145] 70. The alkylbenzene sulfonate is dodecylbenzene sulfonate, the color-absorbing material of Embodiment 69.

[0146] 71. The dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, according to Embodiment 70, as a color-absorbing material.

[0147] 72. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 72, wherein the first oxidizing agent comprises an organic hydroperoxide.

[0148] 73. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 72, wherein the organic hydroperoxide is cumene hydroperoxide, or diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide, or a combination thereof.

[0149] 74. The first catalytic compound contains an oxidoreductase enzyme, The second catalytic compound comprises a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof. The second oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, in the color-absorbing material of any one of embodiments 43 to 73.

[0150] 75. The color-absorbing material of Embodiment 74, wherein the first catalytic compound is glucose oxidase (GOx) and the second catalytic compound is horseradish peroxidase (HRP).

[0151] 76. The color indicator is a color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 75, comprising a benzidine compound.

[0152] 77. The benzidine compound is a color-absorbing material of Embodiment 76, comprising 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine.

[0153] 78. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 77, further comprising a buffer, stabilizer, metal scavenger, color enhancer, or a combination thereof.

[0154] 79. The color enhancer is a color-absorbing material of Embodiment 78, comprising 6-methoxyquinoline, lepidin, a phenol derivative, nitrobenzene, N-methylpyrrolidone, or ethylene carbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0155] 80. The buffering agent is a color-absorbing material according to Embodiment 78 or 79, comprising a citrate, sodium citrate, phosphate, or acetate, or a combination thereof.

[0156] 81. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 80, wherein the stabilizer comprises dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT), uric acid, ascorbic acid, ammonium molybdate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, or derivatives thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0157] 82. A color-absorbing material according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 81, wherein the metal scavenger comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), EDTA sodium salt, or a combination thereof.

[0158] 83.About 0.20g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.39g / cm 3 A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 82, having a density of .

[0159] 84. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 82, which is a material having an effective porosity of approximately 0.5 mL / g to approximately 2.0 mL / g.

[0160] 85. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 84, having pores with an equivalent diameter greater than approximately 20 μm.

[0161] 86. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 85, having a free swelling capacity greater than approximately 900%.

[0162] 87. A color-absorbing material according to any one of embodiments 43 to 86, having a pore density of more than approximately 20%. [Examples]

[0163] Urine sample The cat urine used in this evaluation was generously provided by Proanima (Boucherville). Urine characteristics, particularly leukocytes, nitrites, proteins, ketones, urobilin, and bilirubin, were evaluated using Roche Chemstrips®9. pH and USG were accurately measured using a pH meter and refractometer, respectively.

[0164] For this evaluation, we used urine from typical healthy cats that was glucose and blood-free, with a pH of 6.3 and a USG of 1.030 g / mL.

[0165] glucose solution A D-glucose stock solution was prepared in the urine of healthy cats at a concentration of 1000 mg / dL. Subsequent glucose solutions were prepared by adding glucose stocks at final concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, and 300 mg / dL to the urine of healthy cats.

[0166] Hemoglobin solution A concentrated aqueous bovine hemoglobin (Hb) stock was first prepared in desalted water. A secondary stock was prepared by diluting this aqueous stock with the urine of healthy cats. Subsequent hemoglobin solutions were prepared by adding the urinary Hb stock to the urine of healthy cats at final concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90, 150, and 300 RBC / mL (RBC = red blood cells). The addition of aqueous Hb solution to the hemoglobin solution was kept below 2% of the total volume to avoid altering the intrinsic composition of the biological matrix.

[0167] Granule performance evaluation Hemoglobin detection evaluation: For each hemoglobin concentration, a set of three granules was placed on mineral-based cat litter. Three drops (approximately 150 μL) of hemoglobin solution were applied to each granule for each RBC concentration level. Dry control granules were also tested under the same conditions to confirm that no spontaneous color change (false positive) occurred throughout the evaluation period.

[0168] Glucose detection evaluation: For each glucose concentration, a set of three granules was placed on mineral-based cat litter. Three drops (approximately 150 μL) of sample were applied to each granule for each glucose concentration level. Dry control granules were also tested under the same conditions to confirm that no spontaneous color change (false positive) occurred throughout the evaluation period.

[0169] Digital images were captured at specific points in time, particularly at 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes, as well as at 1, 2, and 24 hours. All images in this study were taken using a Sony digital camera (Mod ILCE-6000L) within an LED lightbox (Photo Studio, Model 2×15-200-16-05, Output: 2×0.3A). The acquisition parameters and settings were identical for all photographs, consisting of a 37mm zoom, ISO 100, shutter speed of 1 / 13 second, and a 20mm focal aperture.

[0170] Example 1 (Comparative Example) As described in International Publication Nos. 2017 / 165953, 2016 / 049765, and 2015 / 127528, experiments were conducted to prepare and evaluate granules made from previous-generation polysaccharide matrices by combining them with previous-generation chromogenic solutions for hemoglobin and glucose detection.

[0171] The composition of the test color-developing solution is shown in Table 1A.

[0172] [Table 1]

[0173] The composition of the tested polysaccharide matrix is ​​shown in Table 1B.

[0174] [Table 2]

[0175] For both polysaccharide matrices 1a and 1b, color-developing granules were prepared by directly dropping color-developing solution 1A onto a uniformly prepared powder bed of either polysaccharide matrix 1a or 1b. This yielded moist, semi-spherical granules. The moist granules were immediately transferred to a strainer to sift out excess powder matrix, and then dried in an oven at 70°C. The resulting granules were then tested for glucose detection using a glucose solution and for hemoglobin detection using a hemoglobin solution.

[0176] In granules formed from polysaccharide matrix 1a, a blue coloration that increased in intensity with increasing hemoglobin concentration between 30 and 300 RBC / μL was observed, and a blue coloration that increased in intensity with increasing glucose concentration between 25 and 300 mg / dL was observed. However, false positive results were observed when desalted water was poured onto the granules (hemoglobin concentration = 0 RBC / μL, glucose concentration = 0 mg / dL), and

[0177] In granules formed from polysaccharide matrix 1b, a blue coloration that increased in intensity with increasing hemoglobin concentration between 30 and 300 RBC / μL was observed, and a blue coloration that increased in intensity with increasing glucose concentration between 25 and 300 mg / dL was observed. However, false positive results were observed when desalted water was poured onto the granules (hemoglobin concentration = 0 RBC / μL, glucose concentration = 0 mg / dL).

[0178] Neither polysaccharide matrix 1a nor 1b, when combined with colorimetric solution 1A, could produce granules that could be used to detect both hemoglobin and glucose in cat urine.

[0179] Example 2 Experiments were conducted to produce and evaluate granules containing less than 35% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose using the color-developing solutions shown in Table 2A.

[0180] [Table 3]

[0181] The composition of the tested polysaccharide matrix is ​​shown in Table 2B.

[0182] [Table 4]

[0183] For both polysaccharide matrices 2a and 2b, color-developing granules were prepared by directly dropping color-developing solution 2A onto a uniformly prepared powder bed of either polysaccharide matrix 2a or 2b. This yielded moist, semi-spherical granules 2a and 2b. The moist granules were immediately transferred to a strainer to sift out excess powder matrix, and then dried in an oven at 70°C. The resulting granules were then tested for glucose detection using glucose solution and for hemoglobin detection using hemoglobin solution.

[0184] Hemoglobin detection using granule 2a Granules 2a rapidly showed blue coloration within seconds of application of hemoglobin solution with concentrations of 60–300 RBC / μL. As shown in Table 2A, the coloration lasted for approximately 1 hour when SDBS was not present in the coloring solution, and for at least 24 hours when SDBS was present in the coloring solution. In contrast to the granules obtained in Example 1, no false positive coloration was observed when deionized water was poured onto granules 2a.

[0185] Hemoglobin detection using granule 2b Granules 2b functioned similarly to granules 2a, rapidly exhibiting blue coloration within seconds of application of hemoglobin solutions at concentrations of 90–300 RBC / μL. As shown in Table 2A, the coloration lasted for approximately 1 hour in the absence of SDBS in the coloring solution, and for at least 24 hours in the presence of SDBS. In contrast to the granules obtained in Example 1, no false-positive coloration was observed when deionized water was poured onto granules 2b.

[0186] Glucose detection using granule 2a Granules 2a rapidly exhibited blue coloration within seconds of application of a low-concentration glucose solution of 25 mg / dL, and also showed semi-quantitative characteristics. As shown in Table 2A, the coloration lasted for approximately 1-2 hours when SDBS was not present in the coloring solution, and for at least 24 hours when SDBS was present. In contrast to the granules obtained in Example 1, no false-positive coloration was observed when deionized water was poured onto granules 2a. However, only one side of granules 2a (i.e., the side that first came into contact with the coloring solution during granule formation) showed blue coloration. This phenomenon is referred to herein as the candy effect. Although not bound by theory, the candy effect suggested that glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase did not penetrate the entire granule. Granules exhibiting the candy effect are functional in that the blue coloration is still visible, but it is preferable to minimize or eliminate the candy effect.

[0187] Glucose detection using granule 2b Granules 2b functioned similarly to granules 2a, rapidly exhibiting blue coloration within seconds of application of a low-concentration glucose solution of 50 mg / dL. As shown in Table 2A, the coloration lasted approximately 1–2 hours in the absence of SDBS in the coloring solution, and at least 24 hours in the presence of SDBS. In contrast to the granules obtained in Example 1, no false-positive coloration was observed when deionized water was poured onto granules 2b. Granules 2b also exhibited a candy effect.

[0188] Example 3 Experiments were conducted to produce and evaluate further granular formulations containing methylhydroxyethylcellulose using the color-developing solutions shown in Table 3A.

[0189] [Table 5]

[0190] The composition of the tested polysaccharide matrix is ​​shown in Table 3B.

[0191] [Table 6]

[0192] For all polysaccharide matrices 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, color-developing granules 3a-3e were prepared by directly dropping the color-developing solution from Table 3A onto a homogeneously prepared powder bed of polysaccharide matrices 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, or 3e. This yielded moist, semi-spherical granules 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, or 3e. The moist granules were immediately transferred to a strainer to sift out excess powder matrix, and then dried in an oven at 70°C. The resulting granules were then tested for glucose and hemoglobin detection using hemoglobin and glucose solutions.

[0193] Evaluation of granule 3a: - Granule 3a exhibited a blue coloration during its manufacture, which disappeared during the drying process. - Granule 3a did not induce blue discoloration when desalted water was added (negative control). - Granule 3a reacted rapidly, producing a visible, gradually darker blue color almost instantaneously as the glucose concentration increased. - Granule 3a also effectively detected hemoglobin solution and functioned similarly to glucose detection. - Granule 3a did not exhibit a candy effect even when in contact with a gradually concentrating glucose solution. - Since granules produced from a similar polysaccharide matrix that does not contain methylhydroxyethyl cellulose still exhibited the candy effect, the disappearance of the candy effect was attributed to the use of methylhydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0194] Evaluation of Granule 3b: - Granule 3b functioned similarly to Granule 3a in all of the above aspects, but was capable of detecting hemoglobin at a lower concentration than Granule 3a. This was attributed to the removal of guar gum from the polysaccharide matrix.

[0195] Evaluation of Granule 3c: - Granule 3c functioned similarly to Granule 3b, but the blue coloration was significantly stronger than that of Granule 3b.

[0196] Evaluation of Granule 3d: - Granule 3d functioned similarly to Granule 3b, but began to exhibit very slight signs of non-uniform granule coloring. It was evaluated that reducing the methylhydroxyethyl cellulose content to less than 10% by weight of the polysaccharide matrix reintroduces the candy effect.

[0197] Evaluation of Granule 3e: - Granule 3e functioned similarly to Granule 3a, but the blue coloration was not as strong. Granule 3e demonstrated that by replacing MCC with fibrous mechanically processed cellulose (e.g., Arbocel®, grade BWW 40, having an average fiber length of 200 μm, an average fiber thickness of 20 μm, and a bulk density of 0.11 to 0.145 g / mL) without using MCC, it is possible to obtain granules for the combined detection of hemoglobin and glucose. However, Granule 3e exhibited blue coloration when brought into contact with deionized water, but did not exhibit such coloration when brought into contact with feline urine that does not contain glucose or hemoglobin.

[0198] Example 4 Granules having the same polysaccharide matrix as in Examples 2 and 3 were produced using the following. 1) A coloring solution similar to that outlined in Table 3A, but which does not contain SDBS or any other anionic surfactant. 2) A coloring solution as outlined in Table 3A. 3) A coloring solution similar to that outlined in Table 3A, except that SDBS is replaced with SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate).

[0199] When a coloring solution containing no anionic surfactant was used, the granules exhibited a blue color when brought into contact with a hemoglobin solution and when brought into contact with a glucose solution. However, the blue color typically shifted to army green approximately 3 hours after application of the hemoglobin or glucose solution.

[0200] When an SDBS-containing coloring solution was used, the granules exhibited a blue color upon contact with the hemoglobin solution and upon contact with the glucose solution. The blue color was stable for a long period of time and did not shift to army green for at least 24 hours after application of the hemoglobin or glucose solution.

[0201] When an SDS-containing coloring solution was used, the granules exhibited a pale blue coloration with lower intensity than when SDBS was used. Accordingly, the sensitivity was lower when SDS was used than when SDBS was used.

[0202] This example demonstrated that the use of an arylalkyl sulfonic acid surfactant (e.g., SDBS) stabilizes the blue coloration of the granules after contact with a hemoglobin solution or a glucose solution, and enables an increase in sensitivity.

[0203] Example 5 For granules 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b, when the granules are added to a cat litter material containing metal cations (e.g., bentonite mainly contains Fe 3+When the urine of a healthy cat was applied, a pale blue halo was observed around the aggregates that formed (containing 2-6% iron in its respective form). This effect was hypothesized to be due to the presence of anionic polymers in the respective polysaccharide matrix. For example, granule 1a contains sodium polyacrylate, and granules 1b, 2a, and 2b contain carboxymethylcellulose. Although not bound by theory, one possible explanation is that when the granules are moistened when in contact with bentonite particles, the moistened medium transfers Fe from the bentonite to the granules. 3+ This could enable electrostatic transfer, potentially leading to undesirable oxidation and pale blue discoloration of the TMB. Therefore, it was hypothesized that removing all anionic polysaccharides from the polysaccharide matrix could improve, or even eliminate, this pale blue halo at the edges of the aggregates.

[0204] Granules 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e do not contain anionic polymers (e.g., anionic polysaccharides and anionic superabsorbent polymers) and, in fact, do not feature this pale blue halo when applied to the urine of a healthy cat.

[0205] Example 6 Experiments were conducted to produce and evaluate granules using one of the color-developing solutions shown in Table 6A.

[0206] [Table 7]

[0207] The compositions of the tested polysaccharide matrices are shown in Tables 6B, 6C, and 6D.

[0208] [Table 8]

[0209] [Table 9]

[0210] [Table 10]

[0211] For all of the granules 6.1 to 6.42, colored granules were produced by directly dropping the coloring solutions listed in Tables 6B, 6C, and 6D onto a uniformly prepared powder bed of polysaccharide matrix. When two or more coloring solutions are described in a single table cell (e.g., E, F, G in Table 6D), this means that three separate types of granules each having one individual coloring solution were produced. Thereby, moist quasi-spherical granules were obtained for each of the polysaccharide matrices 6.1 to 6.42. The moist granules were immediately transferred to a strainer to sieve out excess powder matrix, and subsequently placed in an oven to dry at 70°C. The granules thus obtained were then tested for glucose detection using a glucose solution, and for hemoglobin detection using a hemoglobin solution.

[0212] Granules 6.1 to 6.3: - Granules 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 did not show any blue coloration during the manufacturing process. - Granules 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 were reactive to hemoglobin and glucose (i.e., they turned blue when wetted with feline urine containing hemoglobin or glucose). - Granules 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 did not show false positive results when moistened with feline urine that contained neither hemoglobin nor glucose. - Granule 6.3 exhibited a slight blue color when wetted with demineralized water, but was still functional (i.e., changed to a more prominent blue color) when further moistened with feline urine containing hemoglobin or glucose. - Granules 6.1 and 6.2 did not show blue coloration when wetted with demineralized water.

[0213] Granules 6.4 to 6.6: - Granules 6.4-6.6 showed a slight blue discoloration during the manufacturing process, which did not disappear after drying. - Granules 6.4-6.6 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Granules 6.4-6.6 produced false positive results when moistened with desalted water or cat urine containing hemoglobin or glucose.

[0214] Granules 6.7~6.9: - Granules 6.6-6.9 showed a slight blue discoloration during the manufacturing process, which disappeared after drying. - Granules 6.6-6.9 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Increased HEC in the polysaccharide matrix resulted in stronger blue staining for hemoglobin detection. - Granules 6.6-6.9 did not produce false positive results when moistened with cat urine that did not contain hemoglobin or glucose.

[0215] Granules 6.10~6.14: - Granules 6.10-6.14 showed a slight blue discoloration during the manufacturing process, which disappeared after drying. - Granules 6.10-6.14 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Granules 6.10-6.14 did not produce false-positive results when moistened with cat urine that did not contain hemoglobin or glucose. - Granules 6.12, 6.13, and 6.14 containing mechanically processed cellulose (Arbocel, Vitacel 601, Vitacel 611) resulted in a stronger blue coloration for the detection of hemoglobin and glucose. - Using granules 6.10-6.14, it was shown that granules reactive with both hemoglobin and glucose can be produced using various grades of microcrystalline cellulose (e.g., 50 μm average particle size or 100 μm average particle size) and various grades of mechanically treated cellulose (Arbocel, Vitacel 601, Vitacel 611).

[0216] Granules 6.15~6.19: - Granules 6.15-6.19 showed a slight blue discoloration during the manufacturing process, which disappeared after drying. - Granules 6.15-6.19 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Granules 6.15-6.19 did not produce false-positive results when moistened with cat urine that did not contain hemoglobin or glucose. - Using granules 6.15-6.19, it was shown that granules reactive to both hemoglobin and glucose can be generated using various grades of MHEC.

[0217] Granules 6.20~6.23: - Granules 6.20-6.23 showed a slight blue discoloration during the manufacturing process, which disappeared after drying. - Granules 6.20-6.23 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Granules 6.20-6.23 did not produce false-positive results when moistened with cat urine that did not contain hemoglobin or glucose. - Using granules 6.20-6.23, it was shown that granules reactive to both hemoglobin and glucose can be produced even when the HEC content is increased.

[0218] Granules 6.24~6.31: - Granules 6.24-6.31 were reactive with hemoglobin and glucose. - Granules 6.24-6.31 produced false positive results when moistened with desalted water or cat urine containing hemoglobin or glucose.

[0219] Granules 6.32: - Granules 6.32 were reactive to hemoglobin and glucose, producing a homogeneous blue coloration and not producing false positive results when wetted with deionized water or cat urine containing hemoglobin or glucose. The blue coloration did not fade or change to green for at least 24 hours.

[0220] Granules 6.33~6.42: - Granules 6.33-6.42 were prepared using a colorimetric solution solely for glucose detection. - Granules 6.33-6.42 were reactive with glucose. - Reactivity to glucose increased with increasing enzyme concentration when both aqueous glucose and glucose-supplemented urine were moistened. - Granules containing CMC generally showed more pronounced discoloration when in contact with glucose solution. - Granules 6.33-6.42 did not produce false positive results when moistened with glucose-free cat urine or desalted water.

[0221] Example 7 Experiments were conducted to produce and evaluate granules using one of the color-developing solutions shown in Table 7A.

[0222] [Table 11]

[0223] The surfactants listed in Table 7A are added as 10% w / w aqueous solutions. Therefore, the surfactants are present in color-developing solutions 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, and 7I at concentrations of 0% by weight, 0.10% by weight, 0.05% by weight, 0.10% by weight, 0.15% by weight, 0.20% by weight, 0.30% by weight, 0.40% by weight, and 0.50% by weight, respectively, based on the total weight of each color-developing solution.

[0224] The composition of the tested polysaccharide matrix is ​​shown in Table 7B.

[0225] [Table 12]

[0226] Recently, a paper (Li, Meng; Huang, Xiang-Rong; Guo, Yi; Shang, Ya-Zhuo; Liu, Hong-Lai (2017), Chinese Chemical Letters, the entire paper is incorporated herein by reference) reported that the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) may help stabilize the blue coloration of positively charged TMB complexes in solution. Surprisingly, it was found that using an arylalkyl sulfonate (e.g., sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)) instead of alkyl sulfonate SDS yielded a stronger blue color, thereby increasing the sensitivity of hemoglobin and glucose detection.

[0227] Various SDBS concentrations were tested. Granules prepared with surfactant concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 0.50% by weight, based on the total weight of the color-developing solution, showed a significant increase in color intensity and were found not to fade or shift to green for at least 24 hours. Using SDBS concentrations within this range made it possible to achieve detection levels of approximately 10 mg / dl for glucose and approximately 30 RBC / μL for hemoglobin. Using SDS, similar detection levels could be achieved, but the color shifted to green several hours after turning blue.

[0228] Example 8 Experiments were conducted to produce and evaluate granules using one of the color-developing solutions shown in Table 8A.

[0229] [Table 13]

[0230] The surfactants listed in Table 8A are added as 10% aqueous solutions. Therefore, the surfactants are present in color-developing solutions 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and 7G at concentrations of 0% by weight, 0.10% by weight, 0.10% by weight, 0.19% by weight, 0.10% by weight, 0.10% by weight, and 0.034% by weight, respectively, based on the total weight of each color-developing solution.

[0231] The composition of the tested polysaccharide matrix is ​​shown in Table 8B.

[0232] [Table 14]

[0233] An additional surfactant (CTAB) was tested. Due to the low solubility of CTAB, granules were prepared using a color-developing solution without the surfactant, and the surfactant was added to a polysaccharide matrix supplemented with 0.27% or 0.69% by weight of CTAB (w / w).

[0234] The surfactants tested were as follows: - SDS: Sodium dodecyl sulfate - SDBS: Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate - SHS: Sodium Hexanesulfonate - SBS: Sodium benzenesulfonate - TS: Sodium toluene-4-sulfonate - CTAB: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide - Epigen BB: N-(alkylC10~C16)-N,N-dimethylglycine betaine

[0235] Hemoglobin detection: Granules produced using any of the anionic surfactants remained reactive with hemoglobin, exhibiting a clear blue coloration upon contact with hemoglobin solution. However, granules produced using SDBS were the most reactive and sensitive, detecting hemoglobin at a low concentration of 30 RBC / μL, showing stronger coloration, the least shift to green, and resisting fading at LOD levels (approximately 30 RBC / μL for hemoglobin). SDS was nearly as effective as SDBS in stabilizing granule coloration at low hemoglobin concentrations, but could not resist the color shift to green. Finally, SHS, SBS, and TS did not enable stable granule coloration at low hemoglobin concentrations, and the blue color shifted to green after several hours.

[0236] Granules produced using the cationic surfactant CTAB exhibited adverse granular performance. Although reactive, granules containing CTAB lacked sensitivity, showing a shift to green after several hours, and the color faded significantly after several hours (more so than granules without the surfactant).

[0237] Granules prepared using the amphoteric surfactant Empigen BB exhibited a clear blue coloration at a low concentration of 30 RBC / μL. However, the coloration at LOD concentrations began to fade after 1 hour of wetting with the biomarker solution. A shift to green was also observed after several hours.

[0238] Glucose detection: Granules produced using any of the anionic surfactants were reactive and produced a distinct blue color upon contact with glucose solution. Although all granules produced using anionic molecules / surfactants were reactive, sensitive, and resistant to fading over time, only those containing SDBS showed the strongest coloration at glucose LOD levels (10 mg / dl for glucose) and the least shift toward green over time.

[0239] Granules prepared using CTAB were reactive and produced a distinct blue color upon contact with a glucose solution. Granules containing CTAB functioned similarly to those prepared using any of the anionic molecules, except for those containing SDBS. Granules containing CTAB were as reactive and sensitive as those containing SDBS, producing a distinct blue coloration even at glucose LOD levels. This color resisted fading over time but could not withstand a color shift to a green hue after several hours.

[0240] Granules produced using Empigen BB functioned similarly to those containing SDBS, rapidly generating a clear blue color based on glucose LOD levels. However, granules produced using Empigen BB showed a shift to green after several hours.

Claims

1. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and glucose in animal excrement, Benzidine compounds and, An organic hydroperoxide for catalyzing the oxidation of the benzidine compound in the presence of hemoglobin, The first enzyme is an oxidoreductase that generates hydrogen peroxide in situ in the presence of glucose, A second enzyme, which is a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof, for catalyzing the oxidation of the benzidine compound during the in-situ generation of the hydrogen peroxide, It is a polysaccharide matrix, 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS), 0% to 20% by weight of guar gum, 10% to 25% by weight of methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), 0% to 15% by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and A color-absorbing material comprising a polysaccharide matrix containing 0% to 10% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

2. The aforementioned polysaccharide matrix is 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, 25% to 70% by weight of PGS, 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, and The color-absorbing material according to claim 1, comprising 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

3. The aforementioned polysaccharide matrix is 25% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose, 40% to 60% by weight of PGS, 10% to 20% by weight of MHEC, and The color-absorbing material according to claim 2, comprising 2.5% to 7.5% by weight of CMC.

4. The color-absorbing material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose includes microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a combination thereof.

5. The color-absorbing material according to claim 4, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose has an average particle size of 25 μm to 200 μm determined by laser diffraction, and the fibrous cellulose has an average fiber length of up to 220 μm.

6. The color-absorbing material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose having an average particle size of 50 μm to 80 μm determined by laser diffraction and a bulk density of 0.20 g / mL to 0.35 g / mL.

7. A color-absorbing material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an anionic surfactant.

8. The color-absorbing material according to claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant is an alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant.

9. The color-absorbing material according to claim 8, wherein the alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate.

10. The color-absorbing material according to claim 9, wherein the alkylbenzene sulfonate is dodecylbenzene sulfonate.

11. A color-absorbing material for detecting hemoglobin and / or glucose in animal excrement, Benzidine compounds and, Organic hydroperoxides for catalyzing the oxidation of the benzidine compound in the presence of hemoglobin, and At least one of the catalyst systems, wherein the catalyst system is A first enzyme, an oxidoreductase, for situ production of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glucose, and At least one of the following enzymes, which is a peroxidase, pseudoperoxidase, or a combination thereof, for catalyzing the oxidation of the benzidine compound during the in-situ generation of the hydrogen peroxide: Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and 10% to 32.5% by weight of chemically or mechanically treated unfunctionalized cellulose; 25% to 70% by weight of pregelatinized starch (PGS); 0% to 20% by weight of guar gum 10% to 25% by weight of methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC); 0% to 15% by weight of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC); and 0% to 10% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) A polysaccharide matrix containing and a color-absorbing material containing.

12. The color-absorbing material according to claim 11, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), fibrous cellulose, or a combination thereof.

13. The color-absorbing material according to claim 12, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose has an average particle size of 25 μm to 200 μm determined by laser diffraction, and the fibrous cellulose has an average fiber length of up to 220 μm.

14. The color-absorbing material according to claim 11, wherein the chemically or mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose is mechanically treated non-functionalized cellulose having an average particle size of 50 μm to 80 μm determined by laser diffraction and a bulk density of 0.20 g / mL to 0.35 g / mL.

15. The color-absorbing material according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the dodecylbenzenesulfonate is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, triethylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or a combination thereof.

16. The color-absorbing material according to claim 1 or 11, wherein the first enzyme is glucose oxidase (GOx) and the second enzyme is horseradish peroxidase (HRP).

17. The color-absorbing material according to claim 1 or 11, wherein the benzidine compound comprises 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine.

18. The color-absorbing material according to claim 1 or 11, wherein the organic hydroperoxide is cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide, or a combination thereof.

19. A color-absorbing material according to claim 1 or 11, further comprising a buffer, stabilizer, metal scavenger, color enhancer, or a combination thereof.

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