Method for delivering chemical agent to inside of three-dimensional structure using chemical-agent-containing steam, chemical agent used for said method, and steam supply device

Abstract

[Problem] To deliver a chemical agent to a wide variety of application objects such as clothing, bed mattresses, carpets, sofas, or vehicle seats, to impart performances such as antibacterial, disinfection, bactericidal, insect repellence, etc.　[Solution] The present invention includes a first procedure for supplying water and a chemical agent 200 to a steam supply device 100 having a function of injecting steam and a second procedure for placing a steam injection port of the steam supply device 100 against an application object 300 and injecting steam containing the chemical agent 200, generated by the steam supply device 100. The present invention applies the chemical agent 200 into the application object 300 via the steam injected using the steam supply device 100.

Description

Drug delivery method into three-dimensional structures using drug-containing steam, drug used in the method, and steam supply device

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug delivery method for applying a drug to a three-dimensional structure. The drug delivery described here includes not only applying the drug to the surface of the three-dimensional structure, but also spraying the drug into the interior of the three-dimensional structure. Three-dimensional structures include futons, bed sheets, bed mats, blankets, sheets, rugs, mattresses, tatami mats, carpets, clothing (including clothes, coats, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, and gloves), linens, textile bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed toys, and vehicle seats. Examples of drugs include allergen deactivators, antiviral agents, antibacterial coating agents, insecticides, and deodorizers.

[0002] Drugs have traditionally been delivered by a variety of methods. Here, instead of direct administration to the human body, such as drugs taken orally by patients, there are a wide variety of methods for delivering allergen deactivators, antivirals, antibacterial coating agents, insecticides, deodorizers, and the like to items that come into contact with the user, such as clothing, and to household goods present in the user's living environment, such as futons, beds, and sofas. In conventional technology, methods for delivering allergen deactivators, antivirals, antibacterial coating agents, insecticides, deodorizers, and the like often involve spray spraying, aerosol spraying, and mist spraying, in which a medicinal solution containing the drug is atomized and sprayed. Furthermore, while mites have traditionally been avoided as pests, sprays, aerosol sprayers, and mist sprayers that spray insecticides with anti-mite effects are increasingly being used.

[0003] For example, a disinfectant ethanol sprayer is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP 6-219904 A). As shown in Fig. 9, this sprayer is a plastic container body 3 that contains disinfectant ethanol 1 and has an opening 2 at its top, and an air pump spray device 6 that sprays the disinfectant ethanol 1 from a nozzle 5 by pressing a nozzle-equipped button 4 provided on the opening 2. The sprayer disclosed in Patent Document 1 maintains a substantially uniform distribution of active agent particles such as ethanol, and is capable of spraying the active agent particles evenly onto a surface without running off when applied.

[0004] For example, an aerosol spray tube is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 (JP 2021-45706 A). As shown in Figure 10, the aerosol spray tube described in Patent Document 2 contains a quaternary ammonium salt, an antistatic agent, in the spray liquid. When droplets of the aerosol composition are sprayed vigorously from an aerosol spray can, they become charged by friction as they pass through a spray valve, etc., but the quaternary ammonium salt, an antistatic agent, contained in the droplets alleviates the charging of the droplets and the charging during the process of the droplets becoming particles, thereby effectively suppressing the aggregation of particles in the droplets. Patent Document 2 discloses that the aerosol spray tube can reduce the particle size of the aerosol composition agglomerates when the sprayed aerosol composition adheres to the surface of the target object.

[0005] Also, for example, a mist sprayer is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-177889. In Patent Document 3, the space sprayer shown in FIG. 11 is configured to include a tank portion 1 that holds a disinfectant solution, a nozzle portion 2 that sprays the disinfectant solution held in the tank portion 1, and an ultrasonic vibrator 3 arranged on the bottom surface of the tank portion 1. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 turns the disinfectant solution held in the tank portion 1 into a mist, and the disinfectant solution in the tank portion 1 is scattered or vaporized by ultrasonic vibrations caused by the ultrasonic vibrator, and the generated fine particles are sprayed in a mist. The mist sprayer described in Patent Document 3 is disclosed as being capable of spraying a disinfectant solution into the air in a mist form at a predetermined disinfection concentration (effective chlorine concentration) with a simple structure.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 4 (JP 2020-132668 A) discloses a method of imparting antibacterial properties to textile products by washing them. According to Patent Document 4, washing textile products aims to impart not only a whitening effect but also an antibacterial effect to the textile products. Patent Document 4 discloses that the use of a diphenyl ether antibacterial coating agent in combination with a surfactant and a specific fluorescent whitening agent not only improves the whitening effect but also provides an antibacterial effect.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-219904 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-045706 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-177889 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-132668

[0008] The techniques described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 of the above-mentioned prior art, i.e., methods using sprays, aerosol sprayers, mist sprayers, etc. that atomize and spray a chemical solution containing a chemical, produce sprayed and dispersed particles of a size of at most several tens of μm to several hundred μm, and although they adhere to and spread on the surface of textiles such as clothing or sofas and futons that people come into contact with, they are not able to sufficiently penetrate deep into the three-dimensional textiles. In other words, even if a large amount of antibacterial and deodorizing solution is sprayed only on the surface, the chemical solution is not delivered to every corner of the interior of the object to be treated. In particular, since dust mites and dust mite allergens are more prevalent deep inside than on the surface, it is clear that conventional treatment methods do not achieve substantial effects. Furthermore, the technique described in Patent Document 4 of the above-mentioned prior art, i.e., a method of imparting antibacterial properties by washing, conversely, limits the size and structural strength of the object to be treated that can be placed in an automatic washing machine to withstand the washing process of the automatic washing machine. In reality, this creates a problem in that it cannot be applied to large three-dimensional structures such as bed mattresses and sofas.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to reliably deliver chemicals to the sponges and substrates inside objects to be treated, which are a wide variety of three-dimensional structures, including not only clothing that comes into contact with the human body, but also bed mattresses, carpets, sofas, and vehicle seats, thereby imparting antibacterial, disinfecting, sterilizing, and insect-repellent properties.

[0010] The drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention is a drug delivery method for administering a drug to an object to be administered, which is a three-dimensional structure, and includes the steps of: the drug-containing steam generator using the drug-containing water stored in the water tank; a steam supply device having a conduit for conducting the generated drug-containing steam to the steam nozzle and having the function of injecting the drug-containing steam from the steam nozzle; the drug-containing steam is generated using the drug-containing steam; the drug-containing steam generated by the steam supply device is injected at a predetermined high-temperature and high-pressure injection pressure; the nozzle of the steam supply device is aimed at the object to be treated in the three-dimensional structure; the drug-containing steam generated by the steam supply device is injected at the predetermined high-temperature and high-pressure injection pressure and driven into the interior of the object to be treated; and the drug is applied deep inside the object to be treated in the three-dimensional structure.

[0011] Steam irons have been known for some time, but they are used solely for ironing purposes, applying high-temperature steam to the fibers of clothing and other flat objects to smooth out wrinkles on the surface. While the high temperature can also be a secondary benefit in some cases, such as controlling pests like mites and germs on or near the surface, there is no known method for delivering chemicals contained in steam via the steam, as in the configuration of the present invention, by spraying high-temperature, high-pressure steam and delivering the chemicals deep into the three-dimensional object to which they are applied. In other words, there are no products that claim to deliver chemicals by spraying steam from a steam supply device, such as a steam iron.

[0012] The present invention relates to a previously unproposed drug delivery method using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug. The drug is delivered to the interior of an object by using a steam supply device that injects high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the interior of the object, such as steam from a steam iron. Furthermore, a steam injection port is provided on the pressing surface of a pressure plate. While the pressure plate applies pressure to the object, which is a three-dimensional structure, high-temperature, high-pressure steam is injected from the injection port on the pressing surface and driven into the interior of the object, thereby delivering the drug to the interior of the object. For example, even in three-dimensional structures containing a base material such as a sponge or porous resin inside, such as a bed mattress, sofa, or vehicle seat, the drug can be sufficiently distributed throughout the interior. The number of injection ports may be multiple, and the shape of the injection ports is not limited.

[0013] An allergen deactivator is an example of a drug that can be applied to the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention. Prior art techniques for delivering an allergen deactivator to the interior of an object using steam injection from a steam supply device such as a steam iron are unknown. For example, the allergen deactivator may be polyphenol, polyethylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol containing a polyethylene glycol derivative.

[0014] Furthermore, examples of drugs that can be applied to the drug delivery method into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention include antibacterial coating agents, disinfectants, and bactericides. In the prior art, there is no known technology for delivering antibacterial coating agents, disinfectants, or bactericides into the interior of an object to be treated by steam injection from a steam supply device such as a steam iron.

[0015] Furthermore, antiviral agents are applicable to the drug delivery method of the present invention for the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam. Prior art techniques for delivering antiviral agents to the interior of an object to which they are to be applied by steam injection from a steam supply device such as a steam iron are unknown. As an example, polyethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol containing a polyethylene glycol derivative can be used as the antiviral agent.

[0016] In addition, pesticides that can be applied to the method of delivering pesticides into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using pesticide-containing steam of the present invention include insecticides, miticides, and repellents. In the prior art, there is no known technology for delivering pesticides into the interior of an object by using steam injection from a steam supply device such as a steam iron.

[0017] Furthermore, antifungal agents are also applicable to the method of delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. In the prior art, there is no known technology for delivering an antifungal agent to the interior of an object by spraying steam from a steam supply device such as a steam iron.

[0018] Furthermore, deodorants are also applicable to the method of delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. In the prior art, there is no known technology for delivering a deodorant to the interior of an object to be treated by steam injection from a steam supply device such as a steam iron.

[0019] In addition, drugs applicable to the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam are preferably heat-resistant within the steam injection temperature range of the steam supply device. The steam injection temperature of the steam supply device is preferably approximately 50 to 250°C. More preferably, it is approximately 80 to 210°C. Many commercially available steam irons have temperature settings of approximately 80 to 120°C for low temperature settings, approximately 140 to 160°C for medium temperature settings, and 180 to 210°C for high temperature settings. However, the steam injection temperature of the steam supply device is not limited. The steam injection pressure of the steam supply device is often sufficient, for example, but is not limited to, a pressure of approximately 2 to 10 bar. The steam injection rate of the steam supply device is often sufficient, for example, but is not limited to, a rate of approximately 5 to 30 g per minute.

[0020] Next, we will discuss the drug to be applied to the drug delivery method into the three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. The drug preferably has heat resistance of approximately 210°C to 250°C. Furthermore, the drug preferably has properties that allow it to be added to the water tank of the steam supply device, and is preferably water-soluble or emulsifiable oil-soluble and dispersible in water.

[0021] Next, we will describe a steam device applicable to the method of delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. A steam iron is typically used as a steam supply device, but products such as steamers or steam cleaners may also be used. The first step involves pouring water and a drug into the water supply tank of the steam supply device, or attaching a drug cartridge containing water and the drug to the water supply tank of the steam supply device.

[0022] The three-dimensional structure to which the iron is applied may be any object having a certain thickness, and may include objects that are not normally considered to be ironable. Examples include futons, bed sheets, bed mattresses, blankets, sheets, rugs, tatami mats, carpets, clothing (including clothes, coats, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, and gloves), linens, textile bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed toys, and car seats. Objects that are normally considered to be ironable are also included.

[0023] 1 is a diagram showing the procedure for the method of drug delivery into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention, and an image of the drug solution 200 being applied to an object to be treated 300. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the experimental content for comparing the penetration effects of drugs in Example 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the results of the demonstration experiment of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the experimental content (Derf1) for comparing the allergen deactivation effects in Example 2. FIG. 4 is a list showing the results of the demonstration experiment (Derf2) in Example 2 for comparing the allergen deactivation effects. FIG. 5 is a graph summarizing the results of demonstration experiment 4 in Example 2. FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of the disinfectant ethanol sprayer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-219904. FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of the aerosol injection tube disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-045706. FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of the space sprayer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-177889.

[0024] An embodiment of the drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention will be described. Note that the following embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Below, a configuration example of the drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating the steps of the drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. The diagram shows an image of applying a drug solution 200 to an object 300 using a steam iron as an example of a steam supply device 100 and the drug delivery method using steam according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention comprises two steps.

[0025] The first step is to supply water and chemical 200 to a steam supply device 100 that has a steam injection function. Here, the steam supply device 100 may be any device capable of injecting steam from a predetermined outlet, and the right side of FIG. 1 illustrates a typical example using a steam iron. A wide variety of steam irons are available on the market, including commercial steam irons and household steam irons. Commercial steam irons include those used for ironing at dry cleaners and the like. Household steam irons may also be readily available on the market, such as those sold at electronics retailers. Both commercial and household steam irons contain a water tank or similar storage device for storing water, which is the raw material for steam. The first step is to supply water and chemical 200 to the water tank or the like of the steam supply device 100.

[0026] The drug 200 may be any drug containing an active ingredient, and may be provided separately from water in any form, such as solid, powder, liquid, gas, etc. Alternatively, the drug may be in liquid form from the beginning and provided in a cartridge, which may be attached to the water tank of the steam supply device.

[0027] Examples of drugs 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method of the present invention to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam include the following. Examples of drugs 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method of the present invention to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam include allergen deactivators. Known allergen deactivators include Allerbuster. These allergen deactivators are delivered to the surface and inside of the target object by the drug delivery method of the present invention using steam.

[0028] Furthermore, polyethylene glycol-derived substances are also suitable as allergen deactivators for use in the drug delivery method for the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention. Recent research has revealed that polyethylene glycol-derived substances have allergen deactivation efficacy. Furthermore, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups of polyethylene glycol have been substituted have also been confirmed to have allergen deactivation efficacy. For example, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups have been substituted with carbonyl groups are excellent.

[0029] An example of a drug 200 that can be used in the drug delivery method using steam of the present invention is an antiviral drug. The antiviral drug does not have to be one that is taken orally by the patient, but can also be a commercially available drug that is applied to the living environment. A variety of drugs are commercially available, including alcohol-based compounds and hypochlorous acid-based compounds such as sodium hypochlorite.

[0030] Additionally, polyethylene glycol-derived substances are antiviral agents that can be used in the drug delivery method into three-dimensional structures using drug-containing steam of the present invention. Recent research has revealed that polyethylene glycol-derived substances have antiviral efficacy. Furthermore, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups of polyethylene glycol have been substituted have also been confirmed to have antiviral efficacy. For example, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups have been substituted with carbonyl groups are excellent.

[0031] Examples of drugs 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention include antibacterial coating agents and antifungal agents. Commercially available antibacterial coating agents may be used. Examples include alcohol-based compounds, hypochlorous acid compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, titanium oxide-based agents, fluorine-based agents, silver ion-based agents, and silicon silicone resin-based coating agents.

[0032] An example of the drug 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method into the three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention is an insecticide. The insecticide may be commercially available. For example, pyrethroid compounds (pyrethrin, allethrin, dl,d-T80-allethrin, dl,dT-allethrin, d,dT-allethrin, d,d-T80-prallethrin, d,d-T98-prallethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin) are also available. (S-1264), eusurin, empenthrin, profluthrin (S-1846), furamethrin, d-T80-furamethrin, telallethrin, phthalthrin, d-T80-phthalthrin, imiprothrin, S-1880, phenothrin, permethrin, resmethrin, d-T80-resmethrin, tralomethrin, cyphenothrin, d,dT-cyphenothrin, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, del Tamestrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, fluvalinate, kadesrin, propulsrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, bifenthrin, etofenprox, silafluofen), organophosphate compounds (fenitrothion, dichlorvos, azamethiphos, diazinon, prothiofos, malathion, propetamphos, fenthion, trichlorfon, cyafos, pyridafench On, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, acephate, fan sulfoxide, temephos, naled, carclofos, fenclofos, bromophos, iodofenphos, etrimphos), oxadiazole compounds (methoxadiazone), carbamate compounds (fenobucarb, carbaryl, propoxur, bendiocarb), oxadiazine compounds (indoxacarb), phenylpyrazole compounds (fipronil), pyrazole compounds (fenpyrad), neonicotinoid compounds (thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, dinotefuran (S-1638, MTI-446)), acaricides (thiophanate-methyl, bromopropylate, sulfuramide, amidoflumet (S-1955), phenyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, IF-1000, Sunplus), etc. Other insecticides may also be used as long as they have insecticidal effects.

[0033] Furthermore, examples of the drug 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention include insecticides (repellents). Although the difference between an insecticide and an insect repellent is not always clear, if the repellent has the effect of repelling pests due to its odor or other factors, it can function as an insect repellent. In addition to having a repellent effect, if the pests are killed at the destination where they have migrated, it also has an insecticidal effect. Commercially available insect repellents can be used. Examples include repellents (DEET, icaridin), natural repellents (hinokitiol, lemon eucalyptus, eucalyptus oil, Japanese cypress oil, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint), etc. Other substances that have an insect repellent effect can also be used.

[0034] As described above, there are a wide variety of drug 200 that can be applied to the drug delivery method for the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention. However, it is preferable for the drug 200 to be heat-resistant within the steam injection temperature range of the steam supply device 100. Since the drug is delivered via steam, it is desirable for the active ingredient of the drug 200 to have a heat resistance of 100°C or higher. While there is no upper limit, excessively high temperatures may cause the active ingredient to thermally decompose and denature. Therefore, it is considered sufficient for the drug to be heat-resistant within a temperature range of, for example, 100 to 210°C. Many commercially available steam irons have temperature settings of approximately 80 to 120°C at low temperature, approximately 140 to 160°C at medium temperature, and 180 to 210°C at high temperature. Therefore, assuming a household steam iron, a drug with heat resistance of 80 to 210°C is sufficient.

[0035] Furthermore, even substances that are prone to thermal decomposition can be said to be suitable for the drug delivery method into three-dimensional structures using drug-containing steam of the present invention if they are heat-resistant in the temperature range of about 80 to 120°C and the steam iron is set to a low temperature.Incidentally, polyethylene glycol is considered to be a compound that does not undergo thermal decomposition up to around 300°C, even when it has a molecular weight of about 200 to 20,000, so it is a drug that can be used for the drug delivery method into three-dimensional structures using drug-containing steam of the present invention.

[0036] Next, the second step of the method for delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention is to direct the steam nozzle of the steam supply device 100 toward the target object and spray the drug-containing steam generated by the steam supply device 100 at high temperature and high pressure. As described above, the steam temperature sprayed by the steam supply device 100 is considered to be sufficient, for example, as long as it is in the range of 100 to 210°C. Many commercially available steam irons have low temperature settings of approximately 80 to 120°C, medium temperature settings of approximately 140 to 160°C, and high temperature settings of 180 to 210°C. Therefore, assuming a household steam iron, any device capable of spraying steam at 80 to 210°C will suffice. Even so-called steamers and steam cleaners (which appear to be primarily used for cleaning) rather than steam irons are often mechanical devices that spray steam at approximately 80 to 200°C, and therefore many of these are considered to be suitable for use as the steam supply device 100 used in the present invention.

[0037] The drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention involves the first and second steps, followed by the application of the drug 200 to the target object via steam sprayed using the steam supply device 100. The target object 300 may be a three-dimensional structure of various types. These include those made of fibers, those with at least a surface covered with fibers, and those incorporating a fibrous or sponge-like open-cell porous substrate. Examples include futons, bed sheets, mattresses, blankets, bedsheets, rugs, tatami mats, carpets, clothing (including clothing, coats, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, and gloves), linens, textile bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed toys, and vehicle seats. In other words, the target object 300 may be a three-dimensional structure that can be pressed against by a pressure plate and a pressure surface.

[0038] The three-dimensional structure of the application target object 300 is preferably one in which a fibrous or sponge-like porous open-cell structure substrate is filled inside, but any other structure that allows steam to easily penetrate inside may also be used. For example, if the structure is made of resin or wood, it may be sufficient for steam to penetrate through the fibrous surface cover and spread to the surface of the internal structure. For example, tatami mats have a wooden structure inside the rush grass on the surface, but even if steam does not penetrate deep into the wood, simply penetrating the interior near the surface of the wood can provide insect repellent, mildew resistant, and antibacterial properties against dust mites, mold, and various bacteria. Furthermore, for example, vehicle seats may have a resin structure inside a fibrous material, but even if steam does not penetrate deep into the resin structure, simply penetrating the fibrous material can provide insect repellent, mildew resistant, and antibacterial properties against dust mites, mold, and various bacteria.

[0039] [Demonstration Experiment 1] A demonstration experiment was conducted using the method for delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using chemical-containing steam according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows a comparison of the effects of application using the method for delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using chemical-containing steam according to the present invention with the effects of application using a conventional hand spray sprayer. A household steam iron used in an ordinary household was used as the steam supply device 100 used in the demonstration experiment. A commercially available hand mist sprayer for sterilization was used as the control hand spray sprayer in the conventional technology. Commercially available urethane foam was used as the material for the application target 300 used in the demonstration experiment. The chemical 200 used in the demonstration experiment was assumed to be delivered within the range reached by the steam supplied from the steam supply device 100, and steam injection and spray spraying were performed using only water without any chemicals mixed in, for comparison.

[0040] To clearly demonstrate the penetration level of the chemical 200 and the range of steam penetration, a test was conducted using a reagent that reacts with moisture to color the interlayer of multilayered absorbent cotton (the target of application 300). The reagent used was commercially available "water-sensitive paper." Widely available "water-sensitive paper" is a specially coated paper that is initially yellow and changes color from yellow to navy blue upon reaction with water. As shown in Figure 2(a), a test section was created by forming seven layers of urethane foam and inserting water-sensitive paper into the bottom of each layer. As shown in Figure 2(b), experiments were conducted using water alone without chemicals, spraying the urethane foam with a hand sprayer and steaming the urethane foam with a steam iron to examine the changes in the water-sensitive paper.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the results of the above-mentioned demonstration experiment. As shown in Figure 3(a), when applied using a conventional hand sprayer, there are scattered areas on the surface of the urethane foam that are dark blue (dark in the grayscale in the figure), indicating that moisture has spread throughout the surface. However, there are few areas that are dark blue on the backside of the first layer of urethane foam, indicating that the moisture has not penetrated deep into the surface. In other words, when using a conventional hand sprayer, moisture cannot penetrate even one layer of commercially available urethane foam (light in the grayscale in the figure). When using a conventional hand sprayer, the drug delivered via moisture can spread only on the surface of the application target, but cannot be delivered deep into the interior. Note that the test piece below the second layer in the figure is missing when photographed, but moisture has already not penetrated below the first layer, and moisture has not penetrated below the third layer either. It was confirmed that moisture did not penetrate the test piece below the second layer during the demonstration experiment, as well.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3(b), when the drug delivery method of the present invention using drug-containing steam to deliver drugs to the interior of a three-dimensional structure is used, the steam clearly penetrates and breaks through the first, second, and third layers of the urethane foam (the darker grayscale in the figure), and almost all of the fourth layer also penetrates and breaks through (the darker grayscale in the figure), and it appears that the fifth and sixth layers also partially penetrate (the center of the figure is light grayscale, but the darker grayscale can be seen around it). Thus, when the drug delivery method of the present invention using drug-containing steam to deliver drugs to the interior of a three-dimensional structure is used, it can be seen that the steam can penetrate deep into the object to which the drug is applied, and the drug carried by the steam is also delivered deep into the object to which the drug is applied.

[0043] From the above demonstration experiments, it was clearly demonstrated that when applied using the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention, the steam reaches deep into the object of application 300, and the drug mixed into the steam is also delivered deep into the object of application 300, compared to when applied using a hand spray atomizer in conventional technology.

[0044] [Demonstration Experiment 2] Next, the effectiveness of delivering the drug 200 via high-temperature steam in the drug delivery method of the present invention to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam was verified. The drug delivery method of the present invention to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam delivers the drug 200 via high-temperature steam. Therefore, in addition to the medicinal efficacy of the drug, the high-temperature steam can also be expected to have allergen deactivation effects, antiviral effects, antibacterial coating effects, insecticidal effects, and antifungal effects. The allergen deactivation effect was verified in this regard. The allergen deactivation effect was evaluated based on the extent to which typical allergens lurking in the home could be deactivated.

[0045] 4 and 5 show an experiment comparing the allergen deactivation effect of applying the drug to an object 300 using the drug delivery method for a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention to the object 300 and the deactivation effect of ironing the object 300 without using steam. The steam supply device 100 used in the demonstration experiment was a household steam iron used in an ordinary household, generating steam. The control, a conventional steam iron, was used, but only ironing was performed without generating steam. In the verification experiment shown in FIG. 4, the allergen used was Derf1-treated fiber, which is a group 1 allergen of Dermatophagoides pneumoniae. The object 300 used in the demonstration experiment was a commercially available, standard 30 cm square, 13 cm thick cushion, with Derf1-treated fiber placed on the front, center, and back surfaces. The allergen inactivation and removal rate (%) is calculated as 100 - remaining amount of Derf1 (each treatment group) / remaining amount of Derf1 (untreated group) as a percentage. Under the above conditions, the inactivation and removal effect of each allergen was verified for (1) an untreated control, (2) a case where only ironing was performed without steam, and (3) a case where ironing was performed with steam generated based on the method of delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using the drug-containing steam of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 shows the results of the demonstration experiment using the Derf1-processed fibers. Figure 5(a) lists the Derf1 concentration (ng / ml) in the extract, the amount of Derf1 attached to the test material (ng), and the deactivation removal rate (%) for ironing without steam and with steam, which is based on the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention. As shown vertically in the list, for (2) without steam, experiments were conducted on the surface, surface, surface, 30 seconds, center, and backside ironing after 5 seconds of ironing. For (3) with steam, experiments were conducted on the surface, surface, 30 seconds, center, and backside ironing after 5 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after 15 seconds of ironing after 30 seconds of ironing after

[0047] Figure 5(b) shows the inactivation and removal rate (%) of Derf 1. As shown in Figure 5(b), it was confirmed that the allergen inactivation and removal rate with steam (3) was higher than that of the test section without steam (2) in every test section.

[0048] Next, a similar demonstration experiment was conducted using a different allergen. In the demonstration experiment shown in FIG. 6 , the allergen used was Derf2-treated fiber, which is a group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pneumoniae. The target object 300 used in the demonstration experiment was a commercially available, standard 30 cm square, 13 cm thick cushion, with Derf2-treated fiber placed on the front, center, and back surfaces. The steam supply device 100 used in the demonstration experiment was also a commercially available steam iron. Under similar conditions, the allergen inactivation and removal effect of Derf2-treated fiber was verified for (1) an untreated control, (2) simple ironing without steam, and (3) ironing with steam generated based on the method of delivering a drug to the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 shows the results of the demonstration experiment using the above-mentioned Derf2-treated fibers. Similar to Figure 5(a), Figure 7(a) lists the Derf2 concentration (ng / ml) in the extract, the amount of Derf2 attached to the test material (ng), and the deactivation and removal rate (%) for ironing without steam and with steam, which is based on the drug delivery method into the three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention. Figure 7(b) summarizes the deactivation and removal rate (%) of Derf2. As shown in Figure 7(b), it was confirmed that the allergen deactivation and removal rate was higher in all test sections for the test section (3) with steam than the test section (2) without steam.

[0050] The above results of the demonstration experiment using Derf1-treated fiber and Derf2-treated fiber demonstrate that the drug delivery method of the present invention using drug-containing steam to the interior of a three-dimensional structure has a high allergen deactivation effect. Furthermore, since a significant allergen deactivation and removal rate was obtained even in the test section (2) without steam, it can also be seen that a higher allergen deactivation and removal rate was obtained compared to the untreated control (1), which had no allergen deactivation and removal effect. In other words, it can be said that the allergen deactivation effect is achieved by the high heat transmitted to the object to which the ironing is applied.

[0051] It was found that ironing with steam using a steam iron is more effective in deactivating allergens than simple ironing as in the prior art. Furthermore, it was found that the method of delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention, in which the drug 200 is delivered while applying high-temperature steam, has an even greater effect.

[0052] [Demonstration Experiment 3] Next, we verified that when the drug 200 is delivered into the object of application 300 using the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention, the drug can be delivered with minimal degradation of its efficacy due to thermal decomposition. A commercially available, standard 30 cm square, 13 cm thick cushion was used as the three-dimensional structure, or object of application 300, in the above-mentioned Demonstration Experiment 2. The temperature at various points on this cushion was measured when steam was sprayed from a steam iron. The steam supply device 100 used in the demonstration experiment was also a commercially available steam iron. The treatment time was 30 seconds, and the steam spray mode was low-temperature mode. Measurement points were the surface, near the center, and on the back of the cushion. Under the above conditions, the temperature at various points was measured when simply ironing without steam spray from the steam iron and when drug-containing steam was delivered with steam spray from the steam iron.

[0053] The measurement results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0054] As shown in Table 1, the surface of the cushion rose to a temperature of approximately 200°C after 30 seconds of treatment, both when simply ironing without steam injection from a steam iron and when steam was injected. When it came to the center of the cushion, when simply ironing without steam injection, no heat was applied up to the center of the 13 cm thickness, and the temperature remained at approximately 28°C. When steam was injected, steam penetrated up to the center of the 13 cm thickness, and the temperature was heated to approximately 80-100°C. When it came to the back of the cushion, when simply ironing without steam injection, no heat was applied throughout the 13 cm thickness, and the temperature remained at approximately 28°C. When steam was injected, steam penetrated from the 13 cm thickness of the cushion to the back, and the temperature was heated to approximately 70°C.

[0055] From the above demonstration experiments, it was found that even when the drug 200 is delivered into the application object 300 using the drug delivery method using high-temperature, high-pressure steam of the present invention, the temperature rises to approximately 200°C even at the highest surface, and the interior temperature can be at most 100°C or less. It was verified that if the drug 200 has a heat resistance temperature of 100°C or higher, the drug 200 that is delivered by penetrating into the interior together with the steam by steam injection does not thermally decompose, and the drug 200 can be delivered to the interior of the application object 300 with little deterioration in efficacy. Furthermore, since the heat resistance temperature of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives is said to be around 300°C, if the polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol derivatives discovered by the inventors, which have medicinal properties such as allergen inactivation and antiviral effects, are sprayed into the interior of the application object 300 as medicinal substance-containing steam using the drug delivery method into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using medicinal substance-containing steam of the present invention, the medicinal substance 200 can penetrate sufficiently to the interior, and the medicinal substance 200 can be delivered to the interior of the application object 300 in a good condition without thermal decomposition of the medicinal substance 200.

[0056] [Demonstration Experiment 4] Next, we verified whether the efficacy of a drug applied to a three-dimensional structure using the drug-containing steam drug delivery method of the present invention can be sustained. The demonstration experiment consisted of an antibacterial test with the following details: ● Strain Used: Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) ● Test Piece: The strain was cultured to prepare a bacterial solution containing 109-1010 bacteria, which was then diluted 100 times. 100 μL of this solution was filtered through a membrane filter, and 16 membrane test pieces were coated with a bacterial solution containing 105-106 bacteria. ● Drug Used: 5% benzalkonium chloride solution (Zalcon Solution P: Kenei Pharmaceutical: 5% benzalkonium chloride solution) Concentration Used: 0.5% (25 μg / ml) was obtained with a 200-fold solution. ● Test Method: Five 15 cm square, 1 cm thick urethane foam sheets were stacked to form a multilayer structure. A cotton cloth was laid on the surface. Membrane test pieces were sandwiched between the cotton cloth (A), cotton cloth (B), the first layer of urethane foam (C), the third layer of urethane foam (D), and the fifth layer of urethane foam (E). After treatment for each test category was completed, the membranes were collected and the number of bacteria was counted using the dilution plate method. Test categories Category where the agent was sprayed Category where only water was placed in the steam iron tank and steam was injected Category where water and the agent were placed in the steam iron tank and steam was injected

[0057] The test results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0058] The results are shown in a graph in Figure 8. The results shown in Table 2 and Figure 8 reveal the following: In the spray injection section, which is commonly used in conventional chemical application, droplets only directly hit the surface, delivering the chemical only near the surface, with the chemical remaining on the surface and not penetrating deeper. In the steam injection section, where only water is placed in the steam iron tank, high-temperature steam is injected into the target, providing some degree of sterilization and antibacterial effect against bacteria even in the inner layer, but the effect is also weakened in the lower layer. In contrast, in the steam iron tank of the present invention, where water and chemicals are placed in the steam injection section, the chemicals are injected into the target along with the high-temperature steam, allowing the chemicals to penetrate the surface, inner layer, and lower layer, achieving sufficient sterilization and antibacterial effect without losing their efficacy.

[0059] The above has illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam of the present invention, but it will be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

[0060] The method of the present invention for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam can be widely applied to objects that can be ironed.

[0061] 100 Steam supply device 200 Chemical agent 300 Application object

Claims

1. A drug delivery method for applying a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure that is an object of application, comprising: a pressure plate having a pressing surface for pressing the object of application; a steam injection port provided on the pressing surface of the pressure plate; a water tank for storing drug-containing water of a predetermined concentration range by adding moisture and an amount of the drug that is within a predetermined concentration range relative to the amount of the moisture; a drug-containing water vapor generator for generating drug-containing water vapor using the drug-containing water stored in the water tank; and a steam supply device having a conduit for conducting the generated drug-containing water vapor to the steam injection port and having the function of injecting the drug-containing water vapor from the steam injection port, generating the drug-containing water vapor using the steam supply device; and injecting the drug-containing water vapor generated by the steam supply device at a predetermined high-temperature and high-pressure injection pressure. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam, characterized in that the nozzle of the steam supplying device is aimed at the object of application of the three-dimensional structure, and the drug-containing steam generated by the steam supplying device is sprayed at the specified high-temperature, high-pressure spray pressure to be driven into the inside of the object of application, thereby applying the drug deep inside the object of application of the three-dimensional structure.

2. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug as described in claim 1, characterized in that the drug is an allergen deactivator.

3. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 2, characterized in that the allergen deactivating agent is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol.

4. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 3, characterized in that the functional group of the polyethylene glycol in the substance derived from polyethylene glycol is a carbonyl group.

5. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug, as described in claim 1, wherein the drug is an antiviral drug.

6. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing the drug, as described in claim 5, characterized in that the antiviral agent is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol.

7. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 6, characterized in that the functional group of the polyethylene glycol in the substance derived from polyethylene glycol is a carbonyl group.

8. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug, as described in claim 1, characterized in that the drug is an antibacterial coating agent.

9. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing the drug as described in claim 1, characterized in that the drug is an insecticide, acaricide or repellent.

10. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug as described in claim 1, characterized in that the drug is an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent and a deodorant.

11. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 1, characterized in that the steam injection temperature of the steam supply device is in the range of 50 to 250°C.

12. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 1, characterized in that the steam injection pressure of the steam supplying device is in the range of 2 to 10 bar, and the steam injection amount of the steam supplying device is in the range of 5 g to 30 g per minute.

13. A method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the object to which the three-dimensional structure is applied is a futon, bed sheets, bed mattress, blanket, bedspread, rug, tatami mat, carpet, clothing (including clothes, coats, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, and gloves), linen, textile bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed animals, car seats, or other objects that can be ironed.

14. A drug to be applied to the drug delivery method into a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure drug-containing steam as described in claim 13, said drug having heat resistance within the steam injection temperature range of 50 to 250°C from said steam supply device.

15. A steam supplying device used in the method for delivering a drug to the inside of a three-dimensional structure using high-temperature, high-pressure steam containing a drug as claimed in claim 13.

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