Allergen-reducing particles, allergen-reducing coating material, and allergen-reducing product

Abstract

The present invention provides an allergen-reducing agent having an excellent allergen-reducing effect. The present invention provides an allergen-reducing coating material and an allergen-reducing product that use the allergen-reducing agent. Allergen-reducing particles according to the present invention contain resin particles containing aggregated particles obtained by aggregation of primary particles and an allergen-reducing agent that is present on the surface of the resin particles and contains a sulfonic acid compound having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative, allowing the allergen to be captured, the allergen to be effectively inactivated, and an excellent allergen-reducing effect to be achieved.

Description

Allergen-reduced particles, allergen-reduced paints, and allergen-reduced products

[0001] The present invention relates to allergen-reduced particles, allergen-reduced paints, and allergen-reduced products.

[0002] In recent years, many allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic rhinitis have become a problem. The main causes of these allergic diseases are mites that live in homes, particularly allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides typhimurium) that are abundant in house dust, and cedar pollen allergens (Cryj1, Cryj2) that are airborne in large quantities mainly in spring.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can remove allergens from living spaces or inactivate them by denaturing them.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a cellulosic fiber having allergen treatment ability, characterized in that it is loaded with an allergen treatment agent containing, as an active ingredient, a nitrogen-containing compound having a specific chemical structural formula or a solvate thereof.

[0005] JP 2007-31889 A

[0006] However, the allergen treatment ability (allergen reduction effect) of the allergen treatment agent disclosed in Patent Document 1 is insufficient, and an allergen reduction agent that exhibits an excellent allergen reduction effect is desired.

[0007] The present invention provides an allergen-reducing agent having excellent allergen-reducing effects. The present invention also provides an allergen-reducing paint and an allergen-reducing product using the allergen-reducing agent.

[0008] The allergen-reduced particles of the present invention are characterized by containing resin particles including aggregated particles formed by aggregation of primary particles, and an allergen-reducing agent that is present on the surface of the resin particles and contains a sulfonic acid compound having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative.

[0009] The allergen-reduced paint of the present invention is characterized by containing the above-mentioned allergen-reduced particles.

[0010] The allergen-reduced product of the present invention is characterized by comprising a substrate and the allergen-reduced particles contained in the substrate.

[0011] The allergen-reducing particles of the present invention have an allergen-reducing agent containing a sulfonic acid compound present on the surface of resin particles, including aggregated particles, and are therefore able to capture and effectively inactivate allergens, thereby achieving excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0012] The allergen-reduced particles of the present invention allow the allergen-reducing agent to be dispersed in a substrate such as a synthetic resin or a textile product while easily adjusting the size of the allergen-reducing agent, and ensure sufficient contact between the allergen-reducing agent and the allergen. Therefore, the allergen-reduced particles of the present invention exhibit excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0013] In the numerical ranges described in stages in this specification, the upper or lower limit of a certain numerical range can be arbitrarily combined with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range. In the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of the numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in an example or a value that can be unambiguously derived from an example. In this specification, a numerical value connected with "to" means a numerical range that includes the numbers before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits.

[0014] The allergen-reduced particles of the present invention contain resin particles including aggregated particles formed by aggregation of primary particles, and an allergen-reducing agent present on the surface of the resin particles and containing a sulfonic acid compound having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative. That is, the allergen-reduced particles of the present invention contain, on the surface of the resin particles, an allergen-reducing agent containing, as an active ingredient, a sulfonic acid compound having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative.

[0015] The present invention has discovered that by having an allergen-reducing agent present on the surface of resin particles, including aggregated particles, allergen-reduced products obtained using the allergen-reduced particles exhibit excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0016] Although the mechanism is unclear, it is presumed to be due to the following mechanism. In the allergen-reduced particles of the present invention, the allergen-reducing agent is present on the surface of resin particles including aggregated particles. When the allergen-reduced particles are contained in a substrate described below, the aggregated particles are uniformly dispersed in the substrate, which increases the surface area of ​​the allergen-reducing agent and makes it more likely to appear on the surface of the substrate, allowing a large amount of the allergen-reducing agent to be present on the surface of the substrate and come into contact with allergens, thereby achieving an excellent allergen-reducing effect.

[0017] Furthermore, allergens cause allergic diseases due to a portion of the protein they contain. The protein portion that causes allergic diseases (the causative protein portion) is on the order of several nanometers to several tens of nanometers, which is small compared to viruses. Furthermore, the causative protein portion has a complex three-dimensional structure folded into a spiral or sheet shape.

[0018] Various studies were conducted to effectively induce interaction between the allergen reducing agent and the allergen and reduce the allergen, and it was found that, as mentioned above, unlike viruses, the entire allergen does not cause allergic diseases, but rather the causative protein portion contained in it is what causes allergic diseases.Therefore, it is necessary not only for the allergen reducing agent to come into contact with the allergen, but also for the causative protein portion of the allergen to come into effective contact with the sulfonic acid compound of the allergen reducing agent.

[0019] However, the inventors conducted various studies to effectively bring the allergen reducing agent into contact with the protein portion of the allergen and reduce the allergen, and discovered that when the allergen reducing agent is present on the surface of resin particles including aggregated particles, it is possible to effectively bring the allergen reducing agent into contact with the protein portion of the allergen.

[0020] Although the mechanism has not been clearly elucidated, agglomerated particles formed by aggregating primary particles differ from primary particles in that their surfaces form irregularly uneven portions formed by continuously connecting the surfaces of the primary particles. The uneven portions of agglomerated particles are larger than those of the primary particles, and as described above, this, combined with the irregularity of the uneven portions, allows the agglomerated particles to effectively capture allergens of various shapes and sizes.

[0021] Furthermore, compared to primary particles of the same size, aggregated particles have a larger surface area due to the unevenness formed thereon. Furthermore, the uneven surfaces formed on the surfaces of the aggregated particles are oriented in various directions irregularly. Therefore, by having the allergen-reducing agent oriented in various directions on the large surfaces of the aggregated particles and capturing the allergens on the uneven surfaces of the aggregated particles oriented in various directions, the protein moiety that causes the allergen can be effectively brought into contact with the sulfo group and / or sulfo group derivative of the sulfonic acid compound, and it is presumed that the allergen-reducing particles can exhibit an excellent allergen-reducing effect.

[0022] Furthermore, the hydrophilic sulfo group and sulfo group derivatives of the sulfonic acid compound, which is the active ingredient of the allergen reducing agent, have excellent affinity for the similarly hydrophilic allergen, so the sulfonic acid compound of the allergen reducing agent can easily attract the causative protein portion of the allergen, disrupting its three-dimensional structure and denaturing it.

[0023] As such, the allergen-reduced particles of the present invention were developed in consideration of the unique circumstances of allergens, in that allergens, unlike viruses, differ in size from the entire allergen and the size of the causative protein portion that causes allergic diseases.

[0024] That is, the allergen-reducing particles use resin particles containing agglomerated particles as a carrier for the allergen-reducing agent, and the irregular asperities on the surface of the agglomerated particles exert an allergen-capturing effect. Furthermore, the sulfonic acid compound of the allergen-reducing agent present on the irregular asperities on the surface of the agglomerated particles attracts allergens from various directions, thereby denaturing the causative protein portion. Thus, the allergen-reducing particles exhibit an excellent allergen-reducing effect due to the synergistic effect of combining the resin particles containing agglomerated particles and the allergen-reducing agent.

[0025] [Resin Particles] The resin particles on whose surface the allergen-reducing agent is present (preferably attached) are not particularly limited as long as they do not inhibit the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reducing agent. Examples of synthetic resins constituting the resin particles include styrene-based resins, acrylic-based resins, urethane-based resins, vinyl chloride-based resins, ABS resins, and synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), with styrene-based resins being preferred.

[0026] The styrene-based resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include homopolymers or copolymers containing, as monomer units, styrene-based monomers such as styrene, methylstyrene, ethylstyrene, i-propylstyrene, dimethylstyrene, chlorostyrene, and bromostyrene, and copolymers containing, as monomer units, a styrene-based monomer and one or more vinyl monomers copolymerizable with the styrene-based monomer.

[0027] Examples of vinyl monomers copolymerizable with styrene-based monomers include acrylic monomers such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid esters (e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate), methacrylic acid esters (e.g., methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate), maleic anhydride, and acrylamide.

[0028] The synthetic resin constituting the resin particles preferably contains an aromatic ring, which attracts the hydrophobic moiety of the sulfonic acid compound present on the surface of the resin particles and orients the hydrophilic sulfo group and / or sulfo group derivative outward, thereby enabling the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reducing agent to be more effectively exerted.

[0029] The aromatic ring may be a monocyclic aromatic ring, or may be a condensed aromatic ring formed by condensing monocyclic aromatic rings. The aromatic ring is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, a biphenyl, and a phenoxyphenyl, with a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring being preferred. The aromatic ring has one or more hydrogen atoms abstracted from either the aromatic ring or the condensed aromatic ring, and is bonded to other atoms by a covalent bond.

[0030] The resin particles contain agglomerated particles. Agglomerated particles are particles formed by the aggregation and integration of five or more primary particles. Whether or not a particle is an agglomerated particle is determined by taking a magnified photograph (magnification: 500x) of the resin particles using an electron microscope and determining whether or not the primary particles are aggregated and integrated on the photograph. Agglomerated particles are those in which five or more primary particles are aggregated and integrated. When agglomerated particles are formed by the aggregation and integration of primary particles, sufficient irregularities can be formed on the surface of the agglomerated particles, as described above. When sufficient irregularities are formed on the agglomerated particles, the surface area of ​​the agglomerated particles increases, allowing the allergen-reducing agent to be present on the surface of the agglomerated particles so that its surface area increases. This ensures sufficient contact between the allergen-reducing agent and the allergen, allowing the allergen-reducing agent to effectively exert its allergen-reducing effect.

[0031] Furthermore, if the resin particles contain aggregated particles, when the allergen-reduced particles are used in a synthetic resin containing the allergen-reduced particles, the allergen-reduced particles are more likely to protrude from the surface of the synthetic resin, allowing the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reducing agent to be fully exerted. Although the mechanism behind this is not clear, it is believed that the unevenness on the surface of the aggregated particles is different from the unevenness formed on the surface of the primary particles and is formed by connecting parts of the surface of the primary particles. Therefore, the recesses in the unevenness on the surface of the aggregated particles are deeper than the recesses on the surface of the primary particles, making it difficult for the synthetic resin to penetrate into these recesses, thereby reducing the compatibility between the aggregated particles and the synthetic resin, and as a result, it is thought that the aggregated particles are more likely to protrude from the surface of the synthetic resin.

[0032] The resin particles contain aggregated particles, but preferably contain both aggregated particles and primary particles. When resin particles are contained in a substrate, particularly a synthetic resin, the primary particles tend to be present inside the substrate, and therefore, by utilizing the effect of having the primary particles present inside the substrate, it is possible to make it easier for the aggregated particles to protrude to the surface of the substrate, thereby improving the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reduced particles as described above.

[0033] Furthermore, as described above, although some of the primary particles of the resin particles tend to be present inside the substrate, some of the primary particles protrude from the surface of the substrate. By having the primary particles interposed between the aggregated particles, the aggregated particles can be present in a more uniformly dispersed state on the surface of the substrate. By uniformly distributing the aggregated particles on the surface of the substrate, the allergen capturing action is improved and a uniform allergen reduction effect can be imparted to the substrate. Since the allergen reducing agent is present on the surface of the primary particles, the allergen reduction effect is also exerted, and the allergen reduction effect can be imparted to the substrate.

[0034] Therefore, the content of aggregated particles in the resin particles is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 55% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 65% ​​or more. The content of aggregated particles in the resin particles is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 85% or less, preferably 80% or less, and even more preferably 75% or less.

[0035] The content of primary particles in the resin particles is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 15% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and more preferably 25% or more. The content of primary particles in the resin particles is preferably 50% or less, more preferably 45% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and more preferably 35% or less.

[0036] The content of primary particles and aggregate particles in allergen-reduced particles is measured as follows: 1 g of allergen-reduced particles is collected as a sample. An electron microscope is used to take an electron micrograph of the sample at 500x magnification. A square measurement range with a side length of 10 cm is arbitrarily determined in the electron micrograph. Within the measurement range, the total number of allergen-reduced particles, as well as the number of primary particles and aggregate particles, are visually measured and calculated based on the following formula: The total number of allergen-reduced particles is the total number of allergen-reduced particles including primary particles and aggregate particles. The number of primary particles that make up aggregate particles is not included in the number of primary particles and allergen-reduced particles. Content (%) of particles to be measured in allergen-reduced particles = 100 x (number of particles to be measured) / (total number of allergen-reduced particles)

[0037] The average particle size of the primary particles is preferably 30 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or less, and more preferably 4 μm or less. The average particle size of the primary particles is preferably 1 μm or more. When the average particle size of the primary particles is within the above range, the above-mentioned effects are easily achieved, and the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reduced particles is improved. When the average particle size of the primary particles is 30 μm or less, the surface area of ​​the allergen-reducing agent that can come into contact with allergens is particularly large, which is preferable, and the aggregated particles are easily protruded from the surface of the substrate, making it possible to impart an excellent allergen-reducing effect to the substrate. When the average particle size of the primary particles is 1 μm or more, particularly when the allergen-reduced particles are contained in a substrate, particularly a synthetic resin, the allergen-reduced particles are easily protruded from the surface of the substrate, allowing the aggregated particles to exist in a more uniformly dispersed state, making it possible to impart an excellent allergen-reducing effect to the substrate.

[0038] The average particle size of the aggregated particles is preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 21 μm or more, more preferably 25 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, more preferably 35 μm or more, and more preferably 40 μm or more. The average particle size of the aggregated particles is preferably 90 μm or less, more preferably 70 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or less, and more preferably 55 μm or less. When the average particle size of the aggregated particles is within the above range, the above-mentioned effects are easily achieved, and the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reduced particles is improved. When the average particle size of the aggregated particles is 90 μm or less, particularly when the allergen-reduced particles are contained in a substrate, particularly a synthetic resin, the aggregated particles protruding from the substrate surface can effectively capture allergens and denature causative proteins. Furthermore, this is preferable because it increases the surface area of ​​the allergen-reduced particles, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the allergen-reducing agent that can come into contact with allergens. When the average particle diameter of the aggregated particles is 20 μm or more, particularly when the allergen-reduced particles are contained in a substrate, particularly a synthetic resin, the allergen-reduced particles can be easily protruded from the surface of the synthetic resin, thereby imparting an excellent allergen-reducing effect to the substrate.

[0039] The average particle size of primary particles refers to the arithmetic mean diameter in a volume-based particle size distribution measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method. The average particle size of resin particles can be measured by wet measurement using a measuring device based on a laser diffraction / scattering method, for example, commercially available from Horiba, Ltd. under the product name "LA-950V2."

[0040] The average particle size of the agglomerated particles refers to the arithmetic mean diameter in a volume-based particle size distribution measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method. The average particle size of the agglomerated particles can be measured by dry measurement using a measuring device based on a laser diffraction / scattering method, for example, commercially available from Seishin Enterprise Co., Ltd. under the trade name "SEISHI LMS-30."

[0041] [Allergen-reducing agent] The allergen-reducing particles are constituted by the presence of an allergen-reducing agent on the surface of resin particles including aggregated particles. The allergen-reducing agent contains a sulfonic acid compound as an active ingredient. The allergen-reducing agent containing a sulfonic acid compound as an active ingredient is preferably attached to the surface of the resin particles. The allergen-reducing agent containing a sulfonic acid compound as an active ingredient is preferably attached and integrated to the surface of the resin particles.

[0042] The content of the sulfonic acid compound in the allergen reducing agent is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, more preferably 99% by mass or more, and more preferably 100% by mass.

[0043] The allergen reducing agent exhibits an excellent allergen reducing effect by containing the above sulfonic acid compound.

[0044] Here, the allergen reducing agent refers to an agent having an allergen reducing effect. The allergen reducing effect can be determined by measuring the allergen reduction rate for cedar pollen allergen (Cryj1) or mite allergen (Derf1) as described below, and if the allergen reduction rate for at least either allergen is 60% or more, the agent can be determined to have an allergen reducing effect.

[0045] The cedar pollen allergen (Cryj1) may be, for example, a product commercially available from ITEA under the trade name "Cedar Pollen Extract, Code 10103." The mite allergen (Derf1) may be, for example, a product commercially available from ITEA under the trade name "Mite Allergen Extract, Code 10102."

[0046] The cedar pollen allergen measurement kit may be, for example, a measurement kit commercially available from ITEA under the product name "Cedar Pollen Allergen (Cryj1) ELISA Kit, Code 10204."The mite allergen measurement kit may be, for example, a measurement kit commercially available from ITEA under the product name "Mite Allergen (Derf1) ELISA Kit, Code 10205."

[0047] The allergen-reduced particles were mixed with an ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint (manufactured by Coattec Co., Ltd. under the trade name "AI-N2") to prepare an allergen-reduced paint. The allergen-reduced particles were mixed to a total of 10 parts by weight of sulfonic acid compound and 90 parts by weight of ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint.

[0048] Next, a polyester film is prepared as a substrate. One side of this substrate is coated with an allergen-reducing coating material to a thickness of 18 μm using a wire bar coater #8, and then the coating layer is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 365 nm at 25° C. with an integrated light intensity of 500 mJ / cm. 2 The ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint is cured by irradiating the paint so that a coating film having a thickness of 18 μm is formed on one side of the paint, thereby producing an allergen-reduced product.

[0049] The allergen is dissolved in purified water to prepare an aqueous allergen solution containing 10 μg / mL of the allergen. Then, phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4, hereinafter referred to as "PBS-T") containing 0.05 w / v% polysorbate 20 is added to the aqueous allergen solution and mixed uniformly to prepare an allergen solution containing 15 ng / mL of the allergen.

[0050] A flat square nonwoven fabric with sides of 10 cm is soaked in 1 mL of water. The allergen-reduced product is cut into a flat square with sides of 5 cm, and the coating surface is wiped back and forth with the nonwoven fabric 10 times to prepare a test coating.

[0051] 0.4 mL of the allergen solution is dropped onto the test coating, which is then covered with a 4 cm square polyethylene film and left to stand for 24 hours at 25°C to prepare a test solution. Next, the amount of allergen present in the test solution, W1 (ng / mL), is measured using a measurement kit.

[0052] A blank product with a blank coating film formed on one side is prepared in the same manner as above, except that an ultraviolet-curing acrylic paint (manufactured by Coattec Co., Ltd., product name "AI-N2") is used as the blank paint instead of the allergen-reduced paint. The amount of allergen present in the test solution, W0 (ng / mL), is measured in the same manner as above, except that the blank product is used instead of the allergen-reduced product. The allergen reduction rate (%) is calculated using the following formula: Allergen reduction rate (%) = 100 - (W1 / W0) x 100

[0053] The allergen reduction rate of the allergen reducing agent is preferably 65% ​​or more, more preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, more preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more.

[0054] Sulfonic acid compounds have a sulfo group (sulfonic acid group, -SO3H) and / or a sulfo group derivative (hereinafter, the sulfo group and sulfo group derivative may be collectively referred to as "sulfo-derived group") in the molecule. Sulfonic acid compounds have either or both of a sulfo group and a sulfo group derivative in the molecule. Sulfonic acid compounds exert an allergen-reducing effect due to the molecular structure portion containing the sulfo group (-SO3H) and / or a sulfo group derivative.

[0055] The sulfo group derivative is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include salts of sulfo groups, esters of -SO3CH3, -SO3C2H5, etc., with salts of sulfo groups being preferred.

[0056] The salt of the sulfo group is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sodium sulfonate, calcium sulfonate, ammonium sulfonate, magnesium sulfonate, and barium sulfonate, with sodium sulfonate being preferred.

[0057] The sulfonic acid compound is preferably an organic compound. In the present invention, the term "organic compound" refers to a compound containing at least one carbon atom (preferably two or more) and a carbon-hydrogen bond (C-H bond) in the molecule.

[0058] When the sulfonic acid compound is an organic compound, the sulfonic acid compound has hydrophobicity in the organic chain portion (hydrophobic portion) represented by the carbon-hydrogen bond portion. The organic chain portion of the sulfonic acid compound has excellent affinity with the resin particles, while the sulfo-derived groups, which have lower affinity with the resin particles than the organic chain portion, tend to face outward, allowing the sulfonic acid compound to more effectively exhibit an allergen-reducing effect.

[0059] Furthermore, in sulfonic acid compounds, the hydrophilic sulfo-derived groups tend to face outward, which reduces their compatibility with synthetic resins. As a result, they tend to appear on the surface of synthetic resins, allowing the allergen-reducing effect of sulfonic acid compounds to be more effectively exerted.

[0060] The sulfonic acid compound preferably has an aromatic ring. When the sulfonic acid compound has an aromatic ring, the sulfonic acid compound maintains a state of being firmly attached to the surface of the resin particles due to its affinity with the synthetic resin constituting the resin particles, suppressing the sulfonic acid compound from falling off, and the allergen-reduced particles can maintain an excellent allergen-reducing effect for a long period of time. Note that the aromatic ring is the same as that described for the resin particles, so its description will be omitted. The aromatic ring in the synthetic resin constituting the resin particles and the aromatic ring in the sulfonic acid compound may be the same or different.

[0061] In the sulfonic acid compound, the sulfo-derived group is preferably directly or indirectly bonded to the aromatic ring, more preferably directly bonded to the aromatic ring. Due to the affinity between the aromatic ring in the sulfonic acid compound and the synthetic resin constituting the resin particle, the aromatic ring in the sulfonic acid compound is attracted to the synthetic resin of the resin particle. At this time, since the sulfo-derived group is hydrophilic, the aromatic ring is attracted to the synthetic resin constituting the resin particle with the sulfo-derived group facing outward. As a result, the sulfo-derived group is likely to face outward, and the allergen-reduced particle exhibits an excellent allergen-reducing effect.

[0062] In the sulfonic acid compound, when the sulfo-derived group is indirectly bonded to the aromatic ring, the sulfo-derived group is preferably bonded to the aromatic ring via an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. When the aromatic ring in the sulfonic acid compound is attracted to the synthetic resin of the resin particle, the alkylene group causes the sulfo-derived group to be spaced from the aromatic ring, allowing the sulfo-derived group to be oriented in a more outwardly exposed state, resulting in the allergen-reduced particle exhibiting an excellent allergen-reducing effect. Examples of the alkylene group include a methylene group [-CH-], an ethylene group [-CH-CH-], a propylene group [-CH(CH)-CH-], a trimethylene group [-CH-CH-CH-], a butylene group, an amylene group [-(CH)-], and a hexylene group, with the methylene group and ethylene group being preferred.

[0063] Furthermore, if the synthetic resin and sulfonic acid compound that make up the resin particles both have aromatic rings, the aromatic rings of the synthetic resin that make up the resin particles and the aromatic rings of the sulfonic acid compound will attract each other, resulting in the hydrophilic sulfo-derived groups being more easily exposed to the outside, further improving the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reduced particles.

[0064] The sulfonic acid compound is not particularly limited as long as it has either or both of a sulfo group and a sulfo group derivative in the molecule, and examples thereof include linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, linear alkylbenzenesulfonate salts, α-olefinsulfonic acid, alkyldiphenylethersulfonic acid, alkyldiphenylethersulfonate salts, α-olefinsulfonate salts, polyoxyalkylene alkylether sulfate salts, and polymers having a sulfo-derived group in the side chain of a linear polymer.

[0065] Examples of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acids include dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, decylbenzenesulfonic acid, undecylbenzenesulfonic acid, tridecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and tetradecylbenzenesulfonic acid.

[0066] Examples of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates include sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, magnesium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, barium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium decylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium decylbenzenesulfonate, sodium undecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium decylbenzenesulfonate, sodium undecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium undecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium tridecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium tridecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium tetradecylbenzenesulfonate, and ammonium tetradecylbenzenesulfonate, with sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate being preferred.

[0067] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and the linear alkylbenzenesulfonate is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 11 or more, and even more preferably 12 or more. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid is preferably 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and even more preferably 18 or less. When the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is within the above range, the hydrophobic portion derived from the alkyl group and the resin particles are attracted to each other due to their affinity, and the hydrophilic sulfo-derived groups tend to face outward, and as a result, the allergen-reduced particles exhibit excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0068] Examples of the α-olefin sulfonic acid include C12 to C18 α-olefin sulfonic acids, and C14 tetradecene sulfonic acid is preferred.

[0069] Examples of the α-olefin sulfonate include C12 to C18 sodium α-olefin sulfonate, C12 to C18 calcium α-olefin sulfonate, C12 to C18 ammonium α-olefin sulfonate, C12 to C18 magnesium α-olefin sulfonate, and C12 to C18 barium α-olefin sulfonate, with C14 sodium tetradecene sulfonate being preferred.

[0070] The number of carbon atoms in the α-olefin of the α-olefin sulfonic acid and α-olefin sulfonate is preferably 12 or more, and more preferably 14 or more. The number of carbon atoms in the α-olefin of the α-olefin sulfonic acid and α-olefin sulfonate is preferably 22 or less, and more preferably 18 or less. When the number of carbon atoms in the α-olefin is within the above range, the affinity between the hydrophobic portion derived from the α-olefin chain of the sulfonic acid compound and the resin particles causes them to attract each other, which makes it easier for the hydrophilic sulfo-derived groups to face outward, and as a result, the allergen-reduced particles exhibit excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0071] Examples of alkyldiphenyl ether sulfonic acids include alkyldiphenyl ether sulfonic acids having an alkyl group of C6 to C18, and dodecyldiphenyl ether sulfonic acid having an alkyl group of C12 is preferred.

[0072] Examples of alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonates include sodium salts, calcium salts, ammonium salts, magnesium salts, and barium salts of alkyl phenyl ethers having an alkyl group of C6 to C18, with sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether sulfonate having an alkyl group of C12 being preferred.

[0073] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonic acid and alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonate is preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 10 or more. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonic acid and alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonate is preferably 24 or less, and more preferably 18 or less. When the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is within the above range, the affinity between the hydrophobic portion derived from the alkyl group of the sulfonic acid compound and the resin particles causes them to attract each other, which makes it easier for the hydrophilic sulfo-derived groups to face outward, and as a result, the allergen-reduced particles exhibit excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0074] Examples of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates (e.g., polyoxyethylene alkyl (C8-18) ether sulfates, laureth sulfates (polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfates)).

[0075] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group constituting the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salt is preferably 6 or more, more preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and more preferably 12 or more. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group constituting the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salt is preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, and more preferably 14 or less.

[0076] In the polymer having a sulfo-derived group in the side chain of a linear polymer, the linear polymer is not particularly limited, and is preferably, for example, a vinyl polymer, polyester, or polyurethane, and more preferably a vinyl polymer.

[0077] The polymer having a sulfo-derived group in the side chain of a linear polymer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polymers containing a styrene sulfonic acid component, polymers containing a styrene sulfonic acid derivative component, sulfonic acid derivatives of polymers containing a styrene sulfonic acid component, copolymers containing a styrene sulfonate component and a styrene sulfonic acid derivative component, styrene sulfonic acid homopolymers, styrene sulfonate homopolymers, styrene sulfonic acid derivative homopolymers, styrene-styrene sulfonate copolymers, styrene-styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, compounds in which the benzene ring of polystyrene has been sulfonated, sulfonic acid derivatives of compounds in which the benzene ring of polystyrene has been sulfonated, compounds in which the benzene ring of a polymer containing a styrene component has been sulfonated, and sulfonic acid derivatives of compounds in which the benzene ring of a polymer containing a styrene component has been sulfonated. Note that sulfonic acid derivatives refer to compounds having a sulfo group derivative instead of a sulfo group.

[0078] Furthermore, the polymer having a sulfo-derived group in the side chain of the linear polymer is preferably a homopolymer or copolymer of a monomer having a sulfo-derived group. Examples of the monomer having a sulfo-derived group include p-styrenesulfonic acid, m-styrenesulfonic acid, o-styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, sodium p-styrenesulfonate, sodium m-styrenesulfonate, sodium o-styrenesulfonate, calcium p-styrenesulfonate, calcium m-styrenesulfonate, calcium o-styrenesulfonate, ammonium p-styrenesulfonate, ammonium m-styrenesulfonate, ammonium o-styrenesulfonate, ethyl p-styrenesulfonate, ethyl m-styrenesulfonate, and o-styrenesulfonate. Examples of suitable styrenesulfonates include ethyl vinyl sulfonate, sodium vinyl sulfonate, calcium vinyl sulfonate, ammonium vinyl sulfonate, 4-vinylbenzoic acid, sodium 4-vinylbenzoate, methyl 4-vinylbenzoate, 4-vinylaniline, aminostyrene hydrochloride, N-acetylaminostyrene, N-benzoylaminostyrene, naphthalenesulfonic acid, sodium naphthalenesulfonate, and calcium naphthalenesulfonate, with sodium styrenesulfonate being preferred, and sodium p-styrenesulfonate being more preferred due to its less steric hindrance in reactivity with allergens.

[0079] The monomer having a sulfo-derived group may form a copolymer with another monomer. Examples of copolymerizable monomers include alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, vinyl alkyl ether, vinyl acetate, ethylene, propylene, butylene, butadiene, diisobutylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, 2-vinylnaphthalene, styrene, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, sodium acrylate, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, acrylamide, methacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide, vinyl toluene, vinyl pyridine, vinyl alcohol, methyl methacrylate, sodium methacrylate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate, with styrene being preferred.

[0080] A polymer having a sulfo-derived group in the side chain of a linear polymer can be produced by a commonly used method, and examples thereof include a method of radically polymerizing a monomer having a sulfo-derived group, a method of radically polymerizing a monomer having a sulfo-derived group and a monomer copolymerizable with this monomer, and a method of neutralizing the sulfo group of a polymer containing a monomer component having a sulfo group with an alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, etc.).

[0081] [Allergen-reduced particles] The allergen-reduced particles are configured such that an allergen-reducing agent is present on the surface of resin particles. The amount of sulfonic acid compound present relative to the resin particles is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 7 parts by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, more preferably 20 parts by mass or more, more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and more preferably 40 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the resin particles. When the amount of sulfonic acid compound present is 1 part by mass or more, the amount of allergen-reducing agent on the resin particles increases, so that the allergen-reduced particles can be imparted with an excellent allergen-reducing effect.

[0082] The amount of the sulfonic acid compound present relative to the resin particles is preferably 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 80 parts by mass or less, more preferably 60 parts by mass or less, more preferably 55 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin particles. When the amount of the sulfonic acid compound present is 100 parts by mass or less, the allergen-reducing agent is efficiently present on the surface of the resin particles, the surface area of ​​the allergen-reducing agent can be increased, and the allergen-reduced particles can exhibit an excellent allergen-reducing effect.

[0083] The sulfonic acid compound is present on the surface of the resin particles, and the manner in which the sulfonic acid compound is present on the surface of the resin particles is not particularly limited. For example, the sulfonic acid compound may be attached to the surface of the resin particles by the adhesive strength of the sulfonic acid compound itself, or by using a binder resin. However, since this allows the allergen-reducing effect of the sulfo-derived group of the sulfonic acid compound to be effectively exerted, it is preferable that the sulfonic acid compound be attached to the surface of the resin particles by the adhesive strength of the sulfonic acid compound itself.

[0084] In the aggregated particles, the resin particles are preferably bound together by a sulfonic acid compound. When the primary particles are bound together by a sulfonic acid compound, allergens that have infiltrated between the primary particles can be effectively inactivated by the allergen-reducing agent, thereby improving the allergen-reducing effect of the allergen-reduced particles.

[0085] Next, the usage of the allergen-reduced particles will be described. The allergen-reduced particles exert an allergen-reducing effect on various allergens by virtue of the action of the sulfonic acid compound.

[0086] Allergens targeted by allergen-reduced particles include animal allergens such as house dust mite allergens (Der1, Der2) and allergens caused by dogs and cats (Canf1, Feld1), as well as airborne cedar pollen allergens (Cryj1, Cryj2) and plant allergens such as pollen. Particularly effective animal allergens include allergens from mites (mites are organisms of the Arthropoda class - order Acari, which are divided into seven main suborders: dorsal stigmata represented by Dermestida, tetrastigmata represented by hard mites, posterior stigmata represented by Ixodes ovatus and Ornithoides spp., middle stigmata represented by house mites and Passer mites, anterior stigmata represented by Lunanese Cheyletidylus and Tarsus cruzi, house dust mites such as Dermatophagoides farinae, astigmata represented by Tyrophagus putrescentiae, and cryptostigmata represented by Ornithoides nigricans and Neospora nigricans). However, it is particularly effective against house dust mites, which are abundant in house dust, especially in bedding, and cause allergic diseases.

[0087] The allergen-reduced particles are used, for example, by being incorporated into a substrate to which an allergen-reducing effect is to be imparted, to form an allergen-reduced product. The substrate containing the allergen-reduced particles exhibits an allergen-reducing effect as an allergen-reduced product. The manner in which the allergen-reduced particles are incorporated into the substrate is not particularly limited, and examples include mixing the allergen-reduced particles into the substrate, attaching the allergen-reduced particles to the surface of the substrate, and kneading the allergen-reduced particles into the substrate.

[0088] Since the allergen-reduced particles can be dispersed in a synthetic resin while easily adjusting their size, they can be dispersed in a substrate with adjusted or uniform sizes. Therefore, in the substrate, a large number of allergen-reduced particles of sufficient height to contact allergens can be present on the surface of the allergen-reduced product, thereby imparting an excellent allergen-reducing effect to the allergen-reduced product.

[0089] In particular, since the allergen-reduced particles contain resin particles including aggregated particles, it is easy to cause the allergen-reduced particles to protrude from the surface of the substrate, allowing the allergen-reduced particles to fully exert their allergen-reducing effect.

[0090] The allergen-reduced particles can be attached to the surface of a substrate by dispersing the allergen-reduced particles in a solvent to form an allergen-reduced liquid, and then applying the allergen-reduced liquid to the substrate. The allergen-reduced liquid may contain additives such as water-soluble solvents, oils, emulsions, and suspensions, as needed.

[0091] Examples of the solvent include water (preferably ion-exchanged water), alcohols (methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, etc.), hydrocarbons (toluene, xylene, methylnaphthalene, kerosene, cyclohexane, etc.), ethers (diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.), ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), and amides (N,N-dimethylformamide, etc.), with water or alcohols being preferred.

[0092] The content of allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the allergen-reduced liquid is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more. The content of allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the allergen-reduced liquid is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0093] The substrate into which the allergen-reduced particles can be incorporated is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of incorporating the allergen-reduced particles, and examples include synthetic resin molded bodies, paints, wallpaper, decorative sheets, flooring materials, fibers, textile products (woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics), interior and interior materials for vehicles (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships, etc.) (seats, child seats, and the foams that make up these), kitchenware, baby products, and architectural interior materials.

[0094] The building interior materials are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flooring materials, wallpaper, ceiling materials, paints, doorknobs, switches, switch covers, wax, and the like.

[0095] The vehicle interior goods and materials are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include seats, child seats, seat belts, car mats, seat covers, doors, ceiling materials, floor mats, door trim, instrument panels, consoles, glove boxes, handrails, and the like.

[0096] The synthetic resin constituting the synthetic resin molded body is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include thermoplastic resins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, Teflon (registered trademark), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, polyacetal, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cyclic polyolefin, polyphenylene sulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyether ether ketone, thermoplastic polyimide, polyamide imide, etc.), thermosetting resins (e.g., phenolic resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyurethane, thermosetting polyimide, etc.). The synthetic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0097] The allergen-reduced particles may be kneaded into a synthetic resin. Even when the allergen-reduced particles are kneaded into a synthetic resin, the allergen-reduced particles are effectively present in a protruding state on the surface of the resulting allergen-reduced product (molded article), and the allergen-reduced product exhibits excellent allergen-reducing effects.

[0098] A method for incorporating allergen-reduced particles into a synthetic resin involves mixing the allergen-reduced particles with a raw synthetic resin to prepare a resin composition, and then using this resin composition to obtain a molded allergen-reduced product of a desired shape using a general-purpose synthetic resin molding method. Examples of general-purpose synthetic resin molding methods include extrusion molding, injection molding, and blow molding. The synthetic resin and allergen-reduced particles may be mixed to prepare a synthetic resin molding masterbatch, which may then be mixed with a separately prepared synthetic resin to produce a molded allergen-reduced product using a general-purpose synthetic resin molding method.

[0099] The content of the allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the resin composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 5% by mass or more.The content of the allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the resin composition is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0100] The content of the allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the synthetic resin molding masterbatch is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 50% by mass or more. The content of the allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the synthetic resin molding masterbatch is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0101] The allergen-reduced particles may be incorporated into fibers, for example, by adhering them to a fiber serving as a base material. A method for adhering allergen-reduced particles to fibers will now be described. Examples of methods for adhering allergen-reduced particles to fibers include (1) dispersing allergen-reduced particles in a solvent to prepare an allergen-reduced liquid, and then immersing fibers in the allergen-reduced liquid to impregnate the fibers with the allergen-reduced liquid; (2) applying or spraying the allergen-reduced liquid onto the surface of fibers; (3) immersing fibers in a binder resin in which the allergen-reduced particles are dispersed, thereby adhering the allergen-reduced particles to the fibers via the binder resin; and (4) applying or spraying the binder resin in which the allergen-reduced particles are dispersed onto the surface of fibers, thereby adhering the allergen-reduced particles to the fibers via the binder resin. In the methods (1) and (2), a binder resin may be incorporated into the allergen-reduced liquid. The solvent is the same as above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0102] The binder resin is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the allergen-reduced particles to the fiber surface. Examples of binder resins include urethane-based resins such as one-component urethane resins and two-component urethane resins, silicone-based resins, acrylic resins, urethane acrylate resins, polyester resins, unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, vinyl acetate resins, vinyl chloride resins, epoxy resins, and epoxy acrylate resins, with urethane-based resins being preferred.

[0103] As the paint, conventionally known paints are used, for example, oil-based paints (e.g., mixed paints, oil varnishes, etc.), cellulose paints, synthetic resin paints, etc. Paints also include photocurable paints that polymerize upon irradiation with radiation such as ultraviolet light to produce a binder resin component.

[0104] Paints generally contain a binder resin and a solvent. The binder resin and solvent are similar to those described above, and therefore further explanation is omitted. The paint may contain additives such as pigments, plasticizers, curing agents, extenders, fillers, antioxidants, thickeners, and surfactants, as long as they do not impair its physical properties. Examples of methods for preparing an allergen-reduced paint by incorporating allergen-reduced particles into the paint include a method in which the allergen-reduced particles and the paint are supplied to a dispersing device and uniformly mixed. Examples of dispersing devices include a high-speed mill, a ball mill, and a sand mill.

[0105] The content of allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the allergen-reduced paint is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and more preferably 1% by mass or more. The content of allergen-reduced particles in 100% by mass of the allergen-reduced paint is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0106] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specific numerical values ​​of the blending ratios (content ratios), physical property values, parameters, etc. used in the following description can be replaced with the upper limit values ​​(numeric values ​​defined as "equal to or less than") or lower limit values ​​(numeric values ​​defined as "equal to or greater than") of the blending ratios (content ratios), physical property values, parameters, etc. described in the "Summary of the Invention" and the "Description of the Invention".

[0107] In the examples and comparative examples, the following compounds were used as compounds constituting the allergen reducing agent: [Sulfonic acid compounds] Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate Sodium tetradecylbenzenesulfonate Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid Sodium α-olefin (C14) sulfonate Sodium polystyrene sulfonate Sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether sulfonate Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether

[0108] [Other compounds] Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether

[0109] (Examples 1 to 18) An allergen reducing agent containing 100% by mass of a sulfonic acid compound shown in Table 1 and resin particles were each supplied to 100 parts by mass of water in the amounts shown in Table 1, and powdered using a spray dryer at the atomizer rotation speed shown in Table 1. The entire amount of the allergen reducing agent was attached (supported) to the surface of the resin particles, thereby obtaining allergen-reduced particles.

[0110] (Comparative Example 1) Allergen-reduced particles were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an allergen-reducing agent containing 100% by mass of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether was used in place of the sulfonic acid compound in an amount of 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of water.

[0111] Comparative Example 2 Five parts by mass of an allergen-reducing agent containing 100% by mass of a sulfonic acid compound shown in Table 1 was supplied to 100 parts by mass of water, and the mixture was powdered using a spray dryer at the atomizer rotation speed shown in Table 1 to obtain allergen-reduced particles. The allergen-reduced particles were formed of agglomerated sulfonic acid compounds, and therefore the surface area of ​​the sulfonic acid compounds was small.

[0112] Comparative Example 3 The allergen-reduced particles obtained in Example 1 were subjected to a pulverization treatment until all the particles became primary particles.

[0113] The average particle diameters of the primary particles and aggregated particles contained in the resin particles of the obtained allergen-reduced particles are shown in the column "Average particle diameter (μm) of resin particles (allergen-reduced particles)" in Table 1.

[0114] For the obtained allergen-reduced particles, the contents (%) of primary particles and aggregated particles in the resin particles are shown in the column "Content (%) of resin particles (allergen-reduced particles)" in Table 1.

[0115] The allergen reduction rate of the obtained allergen-reduced particles was measured in the following manner, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0116] (Allergen Reduction Rate) Allergen-reduced particles were mixed with an ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint (manufactured by Coattec Co., Ltd., product name "AI-N2") to prepare an allergen-reduced paint. The allergen-reduced particles were adjusted to contain 10 parts by mass of the sulfonic acid compound and 90 parts by mass of the ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint.

[0117] Next, a polyester film was prepared as a substrate. One side of this substrate was coated with an allergen-reducing paint to a thickness of 18 μm using a wire bar coater #8, and then ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 365 nm was irradiated onto the coating layer at 25° C. with an integrated light dose of 500 mJ / cm using a UV conveyor device (manufactured by Eye Graphics Co., Ltd., product name "ECS301G1"). 2 The ultraviolet-curable acrylic paint was cured by irradiating the paint so that a coating film having a thickness of 18 μm was formed on one side, thereby producing an allergen-reduced product.

[0118] A freeze-dried powder of mite allergen (Derf1) (ITEA, product name "Mite (Df) Culture Medium Extract, code 10102") was dissolved in purified water to prepare an aqueous allergen solution containing 10 μg / mL of the allergen. PBS-T (phosphate buffer containing 0.05% by mass of Tween 20 (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), pH 7.4) was then added to the aqueous allergen solution and mixed uniformly to prepare an allergen solution containing 15 ng / mL of the allergen.

[0119] A flat square nonwoven fabric measuring 10 cm on a side was soaked in 1 mL of water. The allergen-reduced product was cut into a flat square measuring 5 cm on a side, and the coating surface was wiped with the nonwoven fabric by moving it back and forth 10 times to obtain a test coating.

[0120] 0.4 mL of the allergen solution was dropped onto the test coating, which was then covered with a 4 cm square polyethylene film and left to stand for 24 hours at 25° C. to prepare a test solution. Next, the amount of allergen W1 (ng / mL) present in the test solution was measured using a mite allergen measurement kit (ITEA, product name "Mite Allergen (Derf1) ELISA Kit, code 10205").

[0121] A blank product with a blank coating film formed on one side was prepared in the same manner as above, except that an ultraviolet-curing acrylic paint (manufactured by Coattec Co., Ltd., product name "AI-N2") was used as the blank paint instead of the allergen-reduced paint. The amount of allergen present in the test solution, W0 (ng / mL), was measured in the same manner as above, except that the blank product was used instead of the allergen-reduced product. The allergen reduction rate (%) was calculated based on the following formula: Allergen reduction rate (%) = 100 - (W1 / W0) x 100

[0122]

[0123] The allergen-reduced particles of the present invention can capture and effectively inactivate allergens, thereby exhibiting an excellent allergen-reducing effect. By incorporating the allergen-reduced particles of the present invention into a substrate such as a synthetic resin or a textile product, an allergen-reduced product having an excellent allergen-reducing effect can be produced.

[0124] (Cross-reference to related applications) This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-209887, filed on December 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. Allergen-reduced particles, characterized by containing resin particles including aggregated particles formed by agglomeration of primary particles, and an allergen-reducing agent that is present on the surface of the resin particles and contains a sulfonic acid compound having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative.

2. The allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1, characterized in that the sulfonic acid compound is attached to the surface of the resin particles.

3. The allergen-reduced particle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sulfonic acid compound contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate salts, α-olefin sulfonic acid, alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonic acid, alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonate salts, α-olefin sulfonate salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate salts, and polymers having a sulfo group and / or a sulfo group derivative in the side chain of a linear polymer.

4. The allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the average particle size of the primary particles is 1 to 20 μm.

5. The allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the average particle size of the agglomerated particles is 20 to 70 μm.

6. The allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the content of the agglomerated particles in the resin particles is 30% or more.

7. An allergen-reduced paint comprising the allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An allergen-reduced product comprising a substrate and the allergen-reduced particles according to claim 1 or 2 contained in the substrate.

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