Antibacterial / antiviral fiber, antibacterial / antiviral agent, and methods for producing these

Abstract

Provided are antibacterial / antiviral fibers and an antibacterial / antiviral agent capable of exhibiting antibacterial / antiviral properties while reducing the environmental load. Also provided are methods for producing the fibers and the agent. This method for producing antibacterial / antiviral fibers produces antibacterial / antiviral fibers by fixing an antibacterial / antiviral agent component to a fiber material. This production method comprises: an extraction step for immersing lemon myrtle in hot water to obtain an extract that is free of citral in the lemon myrtle but contains polyphenols in the lemon myrtle; and an extract soaking step for immersing the fiber material in the extract serving as an antibacterial / antiviral agent, to fix the components of the extract to the fiber material.

Description

Antibacterial / antiviral fibers, antibacterial / antiviral agents, and methods for producing them

[0001] The present invention relates to an antibacterial / antiviral fiber, an antibacterial / antiviral agent, and methods for producing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antibacterial / antiviral fiber, an antibacterial / antiviral agent, and methods for producing the same, which use an extract of lemon myrtle.

[0002] Fibers having antibacterial or antiviral properties are known (e.g., Patent Documents 1-3). Patent Document 1 addresses the issue of providing fibers containing antibacterial agents that are applicable to textile processing and have low impact on the human body and the environment (

[0014] , Abstract). To address this issue, Patent Document 1 (Abstract) describes imparting primarily antibacterial and deodorizing effects to fibers by applying a powder or hot water extract of Aloe vera, which is widely used in health foods and cosmetics, to the fiber surface. Because Aloe vera is derived from a natural product, it has low impact on the environment and side effects on the human body. Furthermore, because it is heat-resistant, it is also suitable for dyeing and processing.

[0003] Patent Document 2 addresses the problem of providing an antibacterial fiber that has excellent adhesion durability to fibers and is environmentally and biologically friendly (Abstract). To solve this problem, the antibacterial fiber in Patent Document 2 (Abstract) has a group formed by reacting an aldehyde group (—CHO) of an aliphatic or alicyclic aldehyde compound having 10 to 14 carbon atoms and a terminal carbon-carbon double bond with a hydroxyl group (—OH) in a fiber-forming polymer. That is, it is claimed that by reacting an "aliphatic or alicyclic aldehyde compound having 10 to 14 carbon atoms and a terminal carbon-carbon double bond," which is selected from naturally occurring antibacterial agents as having bonding properties with specific fibers, with the hydroxyl groups of the fiber, it is possible to provide an antibacterial fiber that is excellent in durability and safety (

[0007] ,

[0009] ,

[0013] ).

[0004] Patent Document 3 addresses the problem of providing a fiber that can easily impart both excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties to various fibers and fiber articles, and preferably one in which both antibacterial and antiviral properties are not likely to decrease even after washing the fiber article, and a fiber article containing such a fiber (Abstract). To solve this problem, Patent Document 3 (Abstract) describes an antibacterial and antiviral processing agent that includes a complex containing an ion of at least one metal selected from metals belonging to Period 4, metals in Group 10, metals in Group 11, and metals in Group 12, and a quaternary ammonium ion.

[0005] JP 2008-231593 A JP 2006-225780 A JP 2017-088583 A

[0006] As described above, in Patent Document 1 (abstract), Aloe vera powder or hot water extract is applied to the surface of a fiber to impart antibacterial and deodorizing effects to the fiber. Because Aloe vera is a natural product, it is expected to have minimal environmental impact and minimal side effects on the human body. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider its antiviral properties.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 claims that antibacterial fibers with excellent durability and safety can be provided by reacting a naturally derived antibacterial agent, "an aliphatic or alicyclic aldehyde compound having 10 to 14 carbon atoms and a terminal carbon-carbon double bond," with hydroxyl groups in the fibers (

[0007] ,

[0009] ,

[0013] ). However, Patent Document 2 does not consider antiviral properties.

[0008] Furthermore, in Patent Document 3 (Abstract), the antibacterial and antiviral finishing agent comprises a complex containing an ion of at least one metal selected from metals belonging to Period 4, metals in Group 10, metals in Group 11, and metals in Group 12, and a quaternary ammonium ion. Patent Document 3 mentions a finishing agent having antibacterial and antiviral properties, and fibers and textile products using the finishing agent. However, because the finishing agent in Patent Document 3 is not derived from natural sources, there is room for improvement in terms of environmental impact, etc.

[0009] The above-mentioned problems are not limited to fibers or textile products, but also apply to other applications (for example, antibacterial and antiviral agents and processed products).

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an antibacterial / antiviral fiber, an antibacterial / antiviral agent, and methods for producing the same, which are capable of achieving antibacterial / antiviral properties while reducing the environmental load.

[0011] The method for producing antibacterial and antiviral fiber according to the present invention is a method for producing antibacterial and antiviral fiber by fixing antibacterial and antiviral agent components to a fiber material, and is characterized by comprising: an extraction step of soaking lemon myrtle in hot water to obtain an extract that does not contain citral in the lemon myrtle but contains polyphenols in the lemon myrtle; and an extract soaking step of soaking the fiber material in the extract as an antibacterial and antiviral agent to fix the extract components to the fiber material.

[0012] According to the present invention, a hot water extract of lemon myrtle (hot water extract) is used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Because this extract is naturally derived (from plants), it can impart antibacterial and antiviral properties to textile materials while reducing the environmental impact.

[0013] Furthermore, the extraction of lemon myrtle components using hot water can be carried out using an extraction vessel, a heating device, etc., and the immersion of the fiber material in the extract can be carried out using an immersion vessel, etc. Therefore, compared to component extraction by distillation, for example, it is possible to impart antibacterial and antiviral properties to the fiber material using simpler equipment or devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the lemon myrtle extract is naturally derived, and lemon myrtle is consumed as herbal tea, which reduces the need for special waste disposal treatment (and the associated equipment or devices) when discarding the lemon myrtle extract.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a fiber material is immersed in lemon myrtle extract to fix the extract components to the fiber material, which makes it possible to impart antibacterial and antiviral properties more easily than when a binder resin or a crosslinking agent is used (e.g., Patent Document 2).

[0016] In addition, the inventors have confirmed that lemon myrtle extracts have antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not very dangerous to healthy individuals, but it is highly pathogenic in immunocompromised patients, and efforts to prevent hospital-acquired infections are ongoing. Therefore, antibacterial and antiviral fibers to which lemon myrtle extracts are attached as antibacterial and antiviral agents are thought to have potential value as a means of preventing hospital-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in medical institutions in the future.

[0017] The components of the extract may include hyperoside (hyperin), isoquercetin (isoquercitrin), myricitrin, and gallic acid.

[0018] In the extraction step, the lemon myrtle may be immersed in hot water at 85°C or higher for 10 minutes or longer to remove citral from the lemon myrtle, thereby obtaining the extract.

[0019] In the extract soaking step, the fiber material may be soaked in a solution of the extract and an acid to fix the components of the extract to the fiber material, thereby making it possible to strengthen the fixation of the components of the lemon myrtle extract to the fiber material.

[0020] The type of the fiber material may be natural fiber or chemical fiber, and the form of the fiber material may be thread, woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, cloth, toweling, or sewn product.

[0021] The method may further include a dyeing step of dyeing the antibacterial / antiviral fiber after the extract immersion step, which makes it possible to change the color of the antibacterial / antiviral fiber while realizing the antibacterial / antiviral properties of the lemon myrtle extract components.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral agent that imparts antibacterial and antiviral properties to a textile material, and is characterized by comprising an extraction step of immersing lemon myrtle in hot water to obtain an extract as an antibacterial and antiviral agent that does not contain citral in the lemon myrtle but contains polyphenols (flavonoids) in the lemon myrtle.

[0023] An antibacterial and antiviral fiber according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises an extract of lemon myrtle fixed to an object, and the extract of lemon myrtle includes hyperoside (hyperin), isoquercetin (isoquercitrin), myricitrin, and gallic acid.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antibacterial and antiviral agent in the form of a solution containing water and an extract of lemon myrtle, characterized in that the extract of lemon myrtle includes hyperoside (hyperin), isoquercetin (isoquercitrin), myricitrin, and gallic acid.

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to exert antibacterial and antiviral effects while reducing the environmental load.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall flow of a method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and other known elements or alternative means may be adopted depending on the application, purpose, scale, etc.

[0028] <A. One embodiment> [A-1. Manufacturing method] (A-1-1. Overall flow) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall flow of a manufacturing method for antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52 according to this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 1 is performed (manually) by an operator (not shown). Alternatively, some or all of the steps in Fig. 1 may be performed automatically by a manufacturing device (not shown).

[0029] Before starting step S11 in Fig. 1, the worker performs advance preparations, such as the following: (1) Preparation of the fiber material 50, (2) Preparation of the lemon myrtle 60, (3) Preparation of the acid 34 (for soaking), and (4) Preparation of various facilities and equipment.

[0030] The fiber material 50 is a fiber (target fiber) to which antibacterial and antiviral properties are to be imparted. The type of fiber material 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a fiber that can be immersion processed, and it may be either a natural fiber or a chemical fiber. Examples of natural fibers that can be used include plant fibers (cotton, linen, etc.) and animal fibers (wool, silk, etc.). Examples of chemical fibers that can be used include synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, etc.), regenerated fibers (rayon, etc.), and semi-synthetic fibers (acetate, etc.). The form of the fiber material 50 can be, for example, yarn, woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, cloth, toweling, or sewn product (clothing, etc.).

[0031] In step S11 of FIG. 1 , an operator immerses dried lemon myrtle leaves 60 in hot water 30 to produce an extract 32 (extraction step). The water (hot water 30) can be, for example, tap water or groundwater. The extract 32 (hereinafter also referred to as "lemon myrtle extract 32") functions as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Specifically, water and lemon myrtle 60 are placed in an extraction vessel 10, and the extraction vessel 10 is heated in a first heating device 12 to produce hot water 30. While FIG. 1 shows only one dried leaf, multiple leaves may actually be placed. Furthermore, while FIG. 1 shows the shape of a leaf, it is preferable to use the dried leaves in a crushed form.

[0032] The lemon myrtle 60 is immersed in hot water 30 at a temperature of, for example, 85°C or higher for, for example, 10 minutes or more. This results in an extract 32 obtained in which most or all of the citral contained in the lemon myrtle 60 has been evaporated or removed due to its hydrophobicity. Therefore, the extract 32 contains almost or completely no citral. Instead, the extract 32 contains, for example, hyperoside (hyperin), isoquercetin (isoquercitrin), myricitrin, and gallic acid. Hyperoside (hyperin) and isoquercetin (isoquercitrin) are quercetin glycosides derived from lemon myrtle, and myricitrin is a myricetin glycoside derived from lemon myrtle.

[0033] In step S12, the worker passes the lemon myrtle extract 32 through the filter 14 to separate the lemon myrtle 60 and place it in the soaking container 16 (filtration step).

[0034] In step S13, the worker immerses the textile material 50 in the lemon myrtle extract 32 in the immersion container 16 (immersion step). This causes the components of the extract 32 (antibacterial and antiviral agent) to adhere to the textile material 50, turning it into antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52 (hereinafter also referred to as "fiber 52"), and also dyes the fiber 52.

[0035] In this case, the solution for applying antibacterial and antiviral treatment to the textile material 50 may be the extraction liquid 32 alone, but in this embodiment, a solution 36 obtained by adding an acid 34 to the extraction liquid 32 is used to soak the textile material 50. Adding the acid 34 strengthens the adhesion of the components of the extraction liquid 32 to the textile material 50. Adding the acid 34 preferably brings the pH of the solution 36 into the range of 3.0 to 5.0.

[0036] Citric acid is used as the acid 34. Alternatively, the acid 34 may be an aliphatic organic acid, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, or fumaric acid.

[0037] The bath ratio (weight ratio of the solution 36 to the fiber material 50) can be changed depending on the specifications of the equipment used, such as the immersion container 16 and the second heating device 18. The immersion temperature can be, for example, 60°C or higher, and the immersion time can be, for example, 10 minutes or longer. However, the immersion temperature and immersion time can be adjusted as appropriate depending on, for example, the type of fiber material 50 or the degree of dyeing.

[0038] During the process of fixing the components of lemon myrtle extract 32 (antibacterial and antiviral agent) to the textile material 50, the textile material 50 is dyed light yellow to brown, making it suitable for use as a plant dye. Alternatively, after fixing the components of the extract 32 to the textile material 50, a reactive dye or other process may be applied on top to freely select a color. The antibacterial and antiviral effects are still apparent after dyeing on top of the components of the extract 32. To enjoy the color changes of the plant dye, a metal mordant such as iron, aluminum, or titanium may be applied. In either case, it is possible to obtain a textile material 50 with fixed antibacterial and antiviral effects (the resulting antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52).

[0039] In step S14, the worker cures the antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52 (curing step). Specifically, the antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52 is removed from the soaking container 16 and placed in the curing device 20, where the fiber 52 is heated. This allows the components of the extract 32 to adhere more firmly to the fiber material 50. As a result, the antibacterial and antiviral effects of the fiber 52 can be enhanced. Note that in the case of cotton towels, curing can be omitted.

[0040] In step S15, the worker washes (soaps) the fabric surface of the fibers 52 (soaping step). Specifically, the fabric surface of the fibers 52 is washed with the cleaning liquid 40 (e.g., cold water, lukewarm water, or a surfactant) in the soaping container 22 to remove unwanted matter from the fabric surface of the textile material 50. The unwanted matter here includes, for example, components of the extraction liquid 32 that have not yet adhered to the fibers 52, or dirt. The cleaning liquid is selected, for example, depending on the material of the textile material 50.

[0041] In step S16, the worker dries the fibers 52 (drying process).

[0042] Through the above steps, the antibacterial and antiviral fiber 52 of this embodiment is completed.

[0043] (A-1-2. Additional Information on Lemon Myrtle Extract 32) As described above, in the extraction step (S11 in FIG. 1), dried leaves of lemon myrtle 60 are immersed in hot water 30 to obtain extract 32 (antibacterial and antiviral agent).

[0044] Lemon myrtle is rich in citral in its leaves and stems. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of citral are widely known, especially in Australia, where it originated, and it is used in foods, teas, detergents, etc. The oil obtained by distilling the dried leaves contains over 90% citral, making lemon myrtle the most citral-containing plant oil.

[0045] Citral is highly volatile and evaporates even at room temperature. Furthermore, citral is almost insoluble in water. Therefore, it is difficult to extract citral into an aqueous solution. In this embodiment, dried lemon myrtle leaves 60 are immersed in hot water 30 to remove citral by promoting volatilization or hydrophobicity, thereby obtaining an extract 32 (antibacterial and antiviral agent). That is, in this embodiment, citral in lemon myrtle 60 is removed, and other extracted components contained in lemon myrtle 60 are used as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. As described above, the other extracted components include hyperoside (hyperin), isoquercetin (isoquercitrin), myricitrin, and gallic acid.

[0046] Although citral has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, its distinctive scent can cause unpleasant or harmful effects to the human body. In this embodiment, hot water extraction is used to intentionally remove (or not include) the citral contained in lemon myrtle 60, thereby lowering its concentration. This makes it possible to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

[0047] Lemon myrtle has also been consumed as herbal tea since ancient times. This means that hot water extracts of lemon myrtle are safe to ingest. Furthermore, such hot water extracts pose a low risk of environmental pollution and do not require special disposal procedures. Therefore, when used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent for textiles, lemon myrtle hot water extracts can be used to produce textile products that are friendly to both people and the earth.

[0048] [A-2. Examples of Components of Lemon Myrtle Extract 32] (A-2-1. Examples of Component Analysis Results) Table 1 shows an example of the component analysis results of lemon myrtle extract 32.

[0049]

[0050] According to Table 1, when extracted for 10 to 60 minutes, lemon myrtle extract 32 contains 24 to 28 parts by weight of isoquercitrin (isoquercetin), 81 to 88 parts by weight of myricitrin, and 33 to 52 parts by weight of gallic acid per 100 parts by weight of hyperoside. Here, the values ​​of isoquercitrin, myricitrin, and gallic acid are divided by the value of hyperoside, and the minimum value is rounded down to the nearest whole number, while the maximum value is rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, in the case of isoquercitrin, the minimum of 24.6 parts by weight is rounded down to 24, and the maximum of 27.5 is rounded up to 28, among the following: 24.6 (= 100 × 16 / 65), 26.1 (= 100 × 17 / 65), 27.5 (= 100 × 22 / 80), and 24.6 (= 100 × 20 / 81).

[0051] Among the above extract components, quercetin is expected to be effective against, for example, Staphylococcus aureus, drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and influenza virus. Hyperoside (Hyperin) is expected to be effective against, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Isoquercitrin is expected to be effective against, for example, Staphylococcus aureus and influenza virus. Myricetin, myricitrin, and gallic acid are expected to be effective against, for example, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[0052] (A-2-2. Test Conditions) The component analysis results in Table 1 were obtained under the following conditions.

[0053] (A-2-2-1. Sample) A solution obtained by adding 2 g of crushed dried lemon myrtle (LM) leaves to 100 ml of hot water and then filtering the mixture (four patterns were prepared for each extraction time).

[0054] (A-2-2-2. Analysis method) Liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (LC / MS) LC device: Waters ACQUITY UPLC MS device: Waters SYNAPT G2-S Column: Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (internal diameter 2.1 mm, length 100 mm) Column temperature: 40°C Mobile phase A: 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution Mobile phase B: acetonitrile %B: 5 (0-2 min) → 65 (13.5 mm) → 100 (15-20 min) Flow rate: 0.4 mL / min Detector: MS Ionization method, polarity: electrospray ionization (ES I), negative Measurement mass range: m / z 50-1200 Extracted ions: See Table 2 Sample injection volume: 0.2 μL Extraction solution: diluted with methanol and then filtered Standard solution: adjusted with water / methanol mixture or methanol

[0055]

[0056] [A-3. Examples] (A-3-1. Outline of Examples) Next, the antibacterial or antiviral properties of Examples 1 to 6 listed below were tested.

[0057] (A-3-1-1. Example 1) 10 g of cotton fabric for dyeing tests is immersed in 40°C water containing 2 ml of Monogen for 20 minutes, then washed in lukewarm water and dried with hot air. 4 g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves is extracted for 10 minutes in 400 ml of hot water (85-100°C). The filtered extract is then added with water to make 400 ml, which serves as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. 20 g of Glauber's salt and 0.55 g of citric acid are added to the antibacterial and antiviral agent obtained above, and the pH is adjusted to 3.1. The test fabric is immersed in the processing solution. The temperature is raised to 80°C, and the fabric is processed for 10 minutes, then hot air dried at 100°C, and ironed at 140-160°C. The fabric is washed in cold water until the color disappears, and then hot air dried. By washing with lukewarm water containing added monogen as described above and drying with hot air, fine dirt and impurities that may be attached to the fibers can be removed in advance before the cotton fabric (fiber) is processed, and the antibacterial and antiviral agents can be fixed uniformly.

[0058] (A-3-1-2. Example 2) 10 g of cotton fabric for dyeing tests is immersed in 40°C water containing 2 ml of Monogen for 20 minutes, then washed in lukewarm water and dried with hot air. 4 g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves is extracted in 400 ml of hot water (85-100°C) for 20 minutes. The filtered extract is then added with water to make 400 ml, which serves as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. 20 g of Glauber's salt and 0.5 g of citric acid are added to the antibacterial and antiviral agent obtained above, and the pH is adjusted to 3.1. The test fabric is immersed in the processing solution. The temperature is raised to 80°C and the fabric is processed for 30 minutes, then hot air dried at 100°C, and ironed at 140-160°C. The fabric is washed in cold water until the color disappears, and then hot air dried.

[0059] (A-3-1-3. Example 3) 10 g of cotton towels were washed in lukewarm water and iron-mordanted in an iron mordanting solution for 20 minutes. 0.7 g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves were extracted in 400 ml of hot water (85-100°C) for 20 minutes, filtered, and then water was added to make a 400 ml solution, which served as the antibacterial / antiviral agent. Cotton towel fabric was immersed in 400 ml of the antibacterial / antiviral agent obtained above, heated to 80°C, and processed for 30 minutes. After rinsing, the fabric was immersed again in the processing solution, heated to 80°C, and processed for 30 minutes. The fabric was washed in cold and hot water until the color disappeared, and then dried with hot air. Iron-mordanting (or metal mordanting) before immersion in the antibacterial / antiviral agent not only allowed for the enjoyment of the color change in the cotton towel, but also strengthened the adhesion of polyphenolic components (flavonoid components) to the cotton towel fabric. Iron mordanting (or metal mordanting) may be done after or during the antibacterial / antiviral soak.

[0060] (A-3-1-4. Example 4) Immerse 20g of cotton fabric for dyeing tests in 40°C water containing 2ml of Monogen for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and dry with hot air. Prepare 8g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves and extract in 800ml of hot water (85-100°C) for 10 minutes. Add water to the filtered extract to make 800ml, and use this as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. Add 16g of Glauber's salt and 1g of citric acid to the antibacterial and antiviral agent obtained above, adjust the pH to 3.1, and use this as the processing solution. Immerse the test fabric in the processing solution, heat to 80°C, and process for 30 minutes. Dry with hot air at 100°C and iron at 140-160°C. Wash in cold and hot water until the color stops bleeding. Dissolve 1g of Remazol in 400ml of water and 28g of Glauber's salt in the dye solution, heated to 60°C, and immerse the fabric in the solution for 30 minutes. Add 8g of soda ash and apply reactive dyeing at 60°C for another 60 minutes. After rinsing with cold water, dissolve 2ml of fixative in 400ml of water, heat the solution to 60°C, immerse the fabric in the solution and fix for 15 minutes. After rinsing, soap with hot water for 10 minutes, then rinse again and dry with hot air.

[0061] (A-3-1-5. Example 5) 10 g of polyester for dyeing tests was immersed in 40°C water containing 2 ml of Monogen for 20 minutes, then washed with lukewarm water and dried with hot air. 8 g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves were extracted with 400 ml of hot water (85-100°C) for 10 minutes. Water was added to the filtered extract, and the resulting solution was used as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. 20 g of Glauber's salt and 1 g of citric acid were added to the antibacterial and antiviral agent obtained above, adjusted to a pH of 3.2, and used as the processing solution. The test fabric was immersed in the processing solution, heated to 126°C, and processed for 60 minutes under a pressure of 140 hPa. It was then dried with hot air at 100°C and ironed at 140-160°C. The fabric was soaped for 10 minutes in 400 ml of 100°C hot water containing a soaping agent, washed with warm and cold water, and dried with hot air.

[0062] (A-3-1-6. Example 6) 20g of nylon for dyeing tests is immersed in 40°C water with 2ml of Monogen added for 20 minutes, then washed with lukewarm water and dried with hot air. 16g of crushed dried lemon myrtle leaves is prepared and extracted for 10 minutes in 800ml of hot water (85-100°C). The liquid is filtered and made up to 800ml with water, and this is used as the antibacterial and antiviral agent. 40g of Glauber's salt and 1g of citric acid are added to the antibacterial and antiviral agent obtained above, and the pH is adjusted to 3.1 to make the processing solution. The test fabric is immersed in the processing solution, heated to 90°C, and processed for 30 minutes, after which it is dried with hot air at 100°C. It is washed with cold and warm water until the color stops coming out, and then dried with hot air.

[0063] (A-3-2. Antibacterial test results) (A-3-2-1. Common conditions) Test method: Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) L1902:2015 Bacterial liquid absorption method Test strain: Staphylococcus aureus NBRC 12732 Washing method: According to the washing method (standard washing method) of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council SEK mark textile products

[0064] (A-3-2-2. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 1) Fiber type: Cotton fabric for color fastness testing according to JIS L 0803 Extraction time: 10 minutes Immersion time: 10 minutes

[0065]

[0066] (A-3-2-3. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 2) Fiber type: Cotton fabric for color fastness testing according to JIS L 0803 Extraction time: 20 minutes Immersion time: 30 minutes

[0067]

[0068] (A-3-2-4. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 3) Fabric type: 100% cotton towel Extraction time: 20 minutes Soaking time: 30 minutes

[0069]

[0070] (A-3-2-5. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 4) Fiber type: Cotton fabric for color fastness testing according to JIS L 0803 Extraction time: 10 minutes Processing time: 30 minutes Dyeing: Reactive dyeing with Remazol for 90 minutes

[0071]

[0072] (A-3-2-6. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 5) Fiber type: Polyester fabric for color fastness testing according to JIS L 0803 Extraction time: 10 minutes Processing time: 60 minutes

[0073]

[0074] (A-3-2-7. Conditions and antibacterial test results for Example 6) Fiber type: nylon 6 taffeta for dyeing test Extraction time: 10 minutes Processing time: 30 minutes

[0075]

[0076] (A-3-3. Antiviral test results) (A-3-3-1. Common conditions) Test method: JIS L1922 plaque measurement method Test virus: Influenza A virus (H3N2) A / Hong Kong / 8 / 68;TC adapted ATCC VR-1679 Host cells: MDCK cells (canine kidney-derived cells) Washing method: According to the washing method (standard washing method) of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council (JETRO) for SEK mark textile products Abbreviations in the table: PFU: plaque forming units Antiviral activity value Mv = lg(Va) - lg(Vc) Reduction value M = lg(Va) - lg(Vb) (Test validity condition: Reduction value M≦1.0) Note: Data from Examples 2 and 5 are not available for this test.

[0077] (A-3-3-2. Conditions and antiviral test results of Example 1) Fiber type: Cotton fabric for color fastness evaluation according to JIS L 0803

[0078]

[0079] (A-3-3-3. Conditions and antiviral test results of Example 3) Fiber type: 100% cotton towel

[0080]

[0081] (A-3-3-4. Conditions and antiviral test results for Example 4) Fiber type: Cotton fabric for color fastness evaluation according to JIS L 0803 Dyeing: After processing with lemon myrtle extract, reactive dyeing with Remazol for 60 minutes

[0082]

[0083] (A-3-3-5. Conditions and antiviral test results of Example 6) Fiber type: nylon 6 taffeta for dyeing test

[0084]

[0085] (A-3-4. Antibacterial test results (other than Staphylococcus aureus)) (A-3-4-1. Common conditions) Test method: JIS L1902:2015 bacterial liquid absorption method Test strains: Klebsiella pneumoniae NBRC 13277 Pseudomonas aeruginosa NBRC 3080 MRSA Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus IID1677 Washing method: According to the washing method (standard washing method) of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council (JETRO) SEK Mark textile products

[0086] (A-3-4-2. Conditions of Example 3 and antibacterial test results (Klebsiella pneumoniae)) Test strain: Klebsiella pneumoniae NBRC 13277 Fabric type: 100% cotton towel Extraction time: 20 minutes Soaking time: 30 minutes

[0087]

[0088] (A-3-4-3. Conditions of Example 3 and antibacterial test results (MRSA)) Test strain: MRSA, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus IID1677 Fabric type: 100% cotton towel Extraction time: 20 minutes Soaking time: 30 minutes

[0089]

[0090] (A-3-4-4. Conditions of Example 6 and antibacterial test results (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)) Test strain: Pseudomonas aeruginosa NBRC 3080 Fiber type: Nylon 6 taffeta for dyeing test Extraction time: 10 minutes Immersion time: 30 minutes

[0091]

[0092] (A-3-5. Antibacterial test results (by processing time)) An investigation into the minimum extraction and soaking processing times required to impart antibacterial effects showed that a sufficiently high effect was obtained with 10 minutes or more for each, and that the product could also be washed durable. Test method: JIS L1902:2015 Bacterial liquid absorption method Test strain: Staphylococcus aureus NBRC 12732 Washing method: According to the washing method (standard washing method) of the Textile Evaluation Technology Council (Inc.) Fiber type: Cotton cloth for color fastness testing, compliant with JIS L 0803 Extraction method: 8g of dried lemon myrtle leaves crushed into 1.6mm cubes were added to 400ml of water, and once the water became hotter than 90°C, extraction was carried out for the respective times, and then filtered. Preparation of extract: Water was added to the above extract to make 400ml, and 20g of Glauber's salt was dissolved in it, followed by the addition of citric acid to adjust the pH of the extract to 3.1. Immersion time: 10g of the above test cloth was placed in the extract and immersed for the specified time at 70°C or higher.

[0093]

[0094] (A-3-6. Antiviral Properties: Effect of Adding Glauber's Sodium and Heat) Test results showed that dissolving Glauber's Sodium during the soaking process enhances the antiviral effect on cotton fabric, and that curing after soaking and before soaping enhances the effect. Extraction Method: 4g of dried lemon myrtle leaves, crushed into 1.6mm cubes, was added to 200ml of water, and after the water reached a temperature of over 90°C, the extract was extracted for 20 minutes and then filtered. Extract Preparation: Case 1: Water was added to the above extract to make 400ml, and citric acid was added to adjust the pH of the extract to 3.1. Case 2: Water was added to the above extract to make 400ml, and after dissolving 20g of Glauber's Sodium, citric acid was added and the pH of the extract was adjusted to 3.2. Case 3: Water was added to the above extract to make a total volume of 400 ml, and after dissolving 20 g of Glauber's salt, citric acid was added and the pH of the extract was adjusted to 3.3. Immersion time: 10 g of the above test cloth was placed in the extract and immersed at 70°C or higher for 30 minutes. Post-immersion treatment: Case 1: The test cloth was washed repeatedly in cold and hot water and dried with hot air. Case 2: The test cloth was washed repeatedly in cold and hot water and dried with hot air. Case 3: The test cloth was dried with hot air and ironed, then washed repeatedly in cold and hot water, dried with hot air again, and ironed. Fiber type: Cotton cloth for color fastness evaluation, conforming to JIS L 0803

[0095]

[0096] Test method: JIS L1922 plaque measurement method Test virus: Influenza A virus (H3N2) A / Hong Kong / 8 / 68;TC adapted ATCC VR-1679 Host cells: MDCK cells (canine kidney-derived cells) Washing method: According to the washing method (standard washing method) of the Textile Evaluation Technology Council SEK mark textile products Abbreviations in the table: PFU: plaque forming units Antiviral activity value Mv = lg(Va)-lg(Vc) Reduction value M = lg(Va)-lg(Vb) (Test validity condition: Reduction value M≦1.0)

[0097] B. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations or methods can be adopted based on the contents of this specification. For example, the following configurations or methods can be adopted.

[0098] In the above embodiment, dried leaves of lemon myrtle 60 were used in the extraction step (S11 in FIG. 1 ). However, for example, if the extracted components of lemon myrtle 60 extracted with hot water are used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent, the present invention is not limited to this, and non-dried leaves may be used instead of dried leaves. Alternatively, dried or non-dried stems may be used.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the filtration step (S12) is performed after the extraction step (S11 in FIG. 1 ). However, this is not limiting, and the filtration step may be omitted if, for example, the components extracted from lemon myrtle 60 using hot water are used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.

[0100] In the immersion step (S13 in FIG. 1 ) of the above embodiment, immersion was performed using the immersion container 16 shown in FIG. 1 . However, other immersion methods or immersion devices may be used, for example, if the hot water extract of lemon myrtle 60 is used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. For example, a device commonly used for dyeing (dyeing device) may be used as the immersion device. Examples of such dyeing devices include a wince dyeing machine, a jigger (jigger dyeing machine), or a jet dyeing machine. Alternatively, a device that performs a pad-steam method, a pad-dry-steam method, or a pad-dry-bake method may be used in the immersion step.

[0101] 10: Extraction vessel 12: First heating device 14: Filter 16: Soaking vessel 18: Second heating device 20: Curing device 22: Soaping vessel 30: Hot water 32: Lemon myrtle extract 34: Acid 36: Soaking solution 40: Cleaning solution 50: Fiber material 52: Antibacterial and antiviral fiber 60: Lemon myrtle

Claims

1. A method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral fiber by fixing an antibacterial and antiviral agent component to a fiber material, comprising: an extraction step of soaking lemon myrtle in hot water to obtain an extract that does not contain citral in the lemon myrtle but contains polyphenols in the lemon myrtle; and an extract soaking step of soaking the fiber material in the extract as an antibacterial and antiviral agent to fix the extract component to the fiber material.

2. The method for producing antibacterial and antiviral fibers according to claim 1, wherein the components of the extract include hyperoside, isoquercetin, myricitrin and gallic acid.

3. The method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral fiber according to claim 1, wherein in the extraction step, the lemon myrtle is immersed in hot water of 85°C or higher for 10 minutes or more to remove the citral in the lemon myrtle and obtain the extract.

4. A method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that in the extract immersion step, the fiber material is immersed in a solution in which an acid is added to the extract, thereby fixing the components of the extract to the fiber material.

5. A method for producing antibacterial and antiviral fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that the type of fiber material is natural fiber or chemical fiber, and the form of the fiber material is thread, woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, fabric, toweling, or sewn product.

6. The method for producing an antibacterial and antiviral fiber according to claim 1, further comprising a dyeing step of dyeing the antibacterial and antiviral fiber after the extract immersion step.

7. An antibacterial and antiviral fiber having an extract of lemon myrtle fixed to a fiber material, the extract of lemon myrtle not containing citral but containing hyperoside, isoquercetin, myricitrin and gallic acid.

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