Glucan-containing molded body, packaging material containing molded body, and production method for molded body

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glucan-containing molded body, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of at least one of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

Description

A molded article containing glucan, a packaging material comprising the molded article, and a method for manufacturing the molded article.

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded article containing glucan, a packaging material comprising the molded article, and a method for manufacturing the molded article.

[0002] Conventionally, starch has been used in a variety of applications. For example, molded articles such as films obtained by molding a starch-containing composition, and laminates obtained by coating a support with a starch-containing composition are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a starch-containing wafer (a film-like material with a thickness of about 10 μm).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-155163

[0004] However, the film-like material described in Patent Document 1 has insufficient strength, and when used, for example, in the form of a pouch, the elongation at break is not always sufficient, and there is a possibility of damage during transportation. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a molded article with excellent elongation at break.

[0005] The present inventors have conducted detailed studies on molded articles in order to solve the above problems and have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention encompasses the following preferred embodiments: [1] A molded article containing glucan, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and one or more of the two or more unit chains have a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4. [2] The molded article according to [1], wherein the two or more unit chains include unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70, and the ratio (B) / (A) of the proportion (B) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35 to 39 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 to the proportion (A) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45 to 49 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 is 1 or more. [3] The molded article according to [1] or [2], wherein the glucan is derived from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potato, tapioca, corn, sweet potato, lily bulb, taro, yam, lotus root, wheat, rice, kudzu, water chestnut, and pea. [4] The molded article according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the glucan content is 3 to 98% by mass relative to the total mass of the molded article. [5] The molded article according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a plasticizer. [6] The molded article according to [5], wherein the plasticizer is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, hydroxy acids, monosaccharides, and disaccharides. [7] The molded article according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the glucan comprises one or more starch derivatives selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, esterified starch, cationized starch, anionized starch, and crosslinked starch. [8] The molded article according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a polysaccharide. [9] The molded article according to [8], wherein the polysaccharide is at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, and derivatives thereof.

[10] The molded article according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the molded article is a film, a coating film, a fiber, a pellet, a foam, a disc, or a rod.

[11] The molded article according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the water content is 30% by mass or less.

[12] The molded article according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the tensile elongation at break measured in accordance with ASTM D 882 is 20 to 1000%.

[13] The molded body, which is a film or a coating, is integrated with a support, and the support is fiber, as described in any of

[10] to

[12] .

[14] The molded body, which is a film or a coating, is integrated with a support, and the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, film and metal foil, as described in any of

[10] to

[12] .

[15] The molded body, which is a film or a coating, is integrated with a support, and the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, film and metal foil, as described in any of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the molded body integrated with the support is a packaging material, as described in any of

[10] to

[12] .

[16] The molded body, which is a film, is a packaging material, as described in any of

[10] to

[12] .

[17] A packaging material comprising the molded body, which is described in any of [1] to

[12] .

[18] A water-soluble composition comprising glucan and polysaccharide, wherein the glucan comprises two or more unit chains, and one or more of the two or more unit chains has a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4, as described in any of [1] to

[12] .

[19] The water-soluble composition according to

[18] , wherein the polysaccharide is at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum and derivatives thereof.

[20] A method for producing a molded article according to any one of [1] to

[16] , (1) 1 × 10. ４ ~1 x 10 １０A method comprising: (2) reacting a raw material glucan having a weight-average molecular weight with an exo-type enzyme to obtain a reaction product containing a glucan having two or more unit chains; and (3) shaping the obtained reaction product.

[21] The method according to

[20] , wherein the exo-type enzyme is one or more selected from the group consisting of β-amylase and 4-α-glucanotransferase.

[22] The method according to

[20] or

[21] , wherein the mass ratio of the raw material glucan to the exo-type enzyme is 99.999:0.001 to 90:10.

[23] A method according to any one of

[20] to

[22] , comprising step (0) of preparing a solution of raw material glucan before step (1), wherein the reaction in step (1) is carried out in the solution obtained in step (0), and the molding in step (2) is carried out by casting and drying the solution containing the reaction product to obtain a film, or by coating the solution containing the reaction product onto a support and drying to obtain a coating film, or by discharging the solution containing the reaction product from a nozzle and drying to obtain fibers.

[24] The method according to

[23] , wherein in step (0), the concentration of raw material glucan in the solution is 1 to 50% by mass.

[25] A water-soluble composition comprising glucan and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, wherein the glucan comprises two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molded article with excellent elongation at break.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and various modifications can be made without impairing the spirit of the invention.

[0008] [Molded Body] The molded body of the present invention contains glucan. The glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4. In the present invention, a molded body means a solid object that has been molded to a desired shape. The dimensions of the molded body in the present invention are not limited. In one embodiment of the present invention, the minimum dimensions of the molded body are preferably 1 cm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm to 1 cm, even more preferably 0.5 μm to 1 mm, and particularly preferably 1 μm to 200 μm. The minimum dimensions refer to the smallest dimensions of the external shape of the molded body. For example, if the molded body is a rectangular parallelepiped, it refers to the smallest value among the length, width, and height; if the molded body is a sealed pouch, it refers to the smallest value among the length, width, height, and thickness of the film constituting the pouch; and if the molded body is a pouch with a partially open shape, such as a cup with a circular bottom, it refers to the smallest value among the diameter of the bottom, the height of the cup, the thickness of the cup bottom, and the thickness of the cup side. In one embodiment of the present invention, the maximum dimension of the molded body is preferably 0.5 cm or more, more preferably 1 cm or more, even more preferably 10 cm to 10,000 m, and particularly preferably 1 cm to 1,000 m. The maximum dimension refers to the largest dimension of the outer shape of the molded body. For example, if the molded body is a film and the film is wound in a roll, it refers to the dimension that represents the largest value among the width of the film (width of the roll), the thickness of the wound film, and the length. Dimensions such as length, diameter, height, and thickness can be measured using a contact-type measuring method such as a caliper or thickness gauge, or an optical measuring method such as a laser displacement meter.

[0009] The moisture content of the molded article in the present invention is, for example, 30% by mass or less, preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 1 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 3 to 15% by mass. The moisture content of the molded article can be adjusted within the above range by subjecting the molded article to heating and / or vacuum treatment as necessary, and / or by adding additives such as plasticizers. The moisture content of the molded article can be measured, for example, by a halogen moisture meter or a Karl Fischer moisture meter. Alternatively, it can be determined by the change in mass before and after vacuum drying, as described in the examples below. Note that, as described later, in the case of a molded article in which the molded article is integrated with a support and / or has an arbitrary layer, the above moisture content of the molded article means the moisture content of the molded article excluding the integrated support and / or the arbitrary layer. For example, in the case of a molded article in which a coating film and a paper support are integrated and which has an arbitrary layer, the above moisture content of the molded article means the moisture content of the coating film excluding the paper and the arbitrary layer. Similarly, with respect to the solubility in 80°C hot water, protein content, and lipid content of the molded body described later, in the case of a molded body integrated with a support and / or a molded body having an arbitrary layer, the above-mentioned solubility in 80°C hot water, protein content, and lipid content of the molded body refer to the solubility in 80°C hot water, protein content, and lipid content of the molded body excluding the integrated support and / or arbitrary layer, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded body is preferably water-soluble. In this specification, water solubility means being soluble in water, and preferably means having a solubility of 50% by mass or more in 80°C hot water. That is, if the amount of solids that do not pass through the filter (pore size: 21 μm) after adding the molded body to 80°C hot water and stirring the molded body for 60 minutes is less than 50% by mass, it can be evaluated as water-soluble. The mass of the molded body to be dissolved in 80°C hot water is 0.1 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of 80°C hot water. If the maximum dimensions of the molded body are 2 mm or more, it should be reduced to less than 2 mm by cutting with scissors or using a pulverizer before being subjected to the test. The solubility of the molded body in 80°C hot water is preferably 70 to 100% by mass, more preferably 80 to 100% by mass, even more preferably 85 to 100% by mass, even more preferably 90 to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 95 to 100% by mass. Because the molded body is water-soluble, it can be suitably used in applications such as agents used in contact with water or water-containing liquids (e.g., cleaning agents, softeners, medicines, cosmetics, colorants, fragrances, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, viscosity modifiers, preservatives, and / or antistatic agents), packaging materials for food or food additives (e.g., films, pouches (sealed pouches or partially open pouches, e.g., cups, tubes, trays, bottles, boxes, lids, or containers)), tapes, seed tapes, embroidery bases, transfer substrates, seed coatings, and release films. In this case, the molded body dissolves during use, releasing its contents. The contents may be, for example, a liquid, solid, or gel.

[0011] The protein content or lipid content of the molded article in the present invention is, for example, 30% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, even more preferably 1% by mass or less, particularly preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and may even be 0% by mass. The protein content or lipid content of the molded article can be adjusted to be below the above upper limit by changing the raw material used, such as the raw material glucan. From the viewpoint of water solubility of the molded article, a lower protein content or lipid content is preferable. The protein content of the molded article can be determined by, for example, the Kjeldahl method, the Dumas method, etc. The lipid content of the molded article can be determined by, for example, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, etc.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded body is preferably a non-food item or an edible packaging material. Non-food items refer to articles that are not edible. Edible packaging materials refer to packaging materials that are edible or can be eaten, and include, for example, edible films and pouches (pouches that are sealed inside or partially open, such as cups, tubes, trays, bottles, boxes, lids, or containers). The items to be packaged in the edible packaging material are preferably items that can be eaten or ingested, such as foods containing beverages like water or juice, medicines, supplements, or food additives containing seasonings. If the molded body is a water-soluble edible packaging material, from the viewpoint of stable packaging before eating or ingesting, the water content of the packaged items is preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0013] The shape of the molded article is not particularly limited. In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded article is a film, a coating, a fiber, a pellet, a foam, a disc, or a rod.

[0014] If the molded body is a film, its average thickness is, for example, 1 to 500 μm, preferably 5 to 300 μm, and more preferably 10 to 100 μm, from the viewpoint of the film's mechanical strength (e.g., elongation at break) and water solubility. The film may be a sheet or have other shapes, such as a pouch or tape. The film may also be integrated into all or part of a support. In this case, the thickness of the film refers to the thickness of the film excluding the integrated support. The film may be a single layer or multiple layers. If the film is multiple layers, each layer may be the same or different, and the average thickness refers to the thickness per layer. The molded body, which is a film, may have any additional layers, as described later, at any point in its layer structure. If the molded body has a protective layer or a heat-seal layer as an additional layer, the layer is preferably located on the outermost surface of the molded body.

[0015] When the molded body is a coating film, its average thickness is, for example, 1 to 500 μm, preferably 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 50 μm, from the viewpoint of the mechanical strength and water solubility of the coating film. A coating film refers to a film-like material integrated with a support by coating. The coating film may coat the entire support or only a part of the support. The coating film may be a single layer or multiple layers. If the coating film is multiple layers, each layer may be the same or different, and the above average thickness refers to the thickness of each layer. A molded body that is a coating film may have any additional layers, as described later, at any point in its layer structure. If the molded body has a protective layer or a heat-seal layer as an additional layer, the layer is preferably located on the outermost surface of the molded body.

[0016] When the molded body is a fiber, the single-fiber fineness is preferably 0.01 to 10,000 dtex, more preferably 0.3 to 5,000 dtex, and even more preferably 1 to 10 dtex. When the single-fiber fineness is within the above range, the fiber can have excellent break elongation and texture. The single-fiber fineness can be adjusted within the above range by appropriately adjusting, for example, the size of the spinneret during spinning; the draw ratio; the draw speed, etc. The single-fiber fineness can be calculated from the value obtained by measuring the total fineness of the fiber in accordance with JIS L 1013 and dividing it by the number of filaments. The total fineness of the fiber is preferably 10 to 100,000 dtex, more preferably 100 to 10,000 dtex, and even more preferably 1,000 to 5,000 dtex. When the total fineness is below the above upper limit, the fiber can have excellent handling properties. The total fineness can be adjusted within the above range by appropriately adjusting, for example, the fineness of the single filament during spinning; the number of filaments, etc. The total fineness can be determined in accordance with JIS L 1013. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber is not particularly limited and may be, for example, round, elliptical, flower-shaped, leaf-shaped, polygonal, star-shaped, Y-shaped, snowman-shaped, hollow, and cross-shaped. The fiber may be in the form of a continuous fiber (monofilament, multifilament), short fiber, yarn, string, rope, etc. It may also be in the form of a textile product such as a woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric containing the fiber. Furthermore, these forms may consist only of the fiber of the present invention, or they may be composed in combination with other fibers other than the fiber of the present invention. In one embodiment, the textile product of the present invention is preferably in the form of a nonwoven fabric.

[0017] When the molded body is a pellet, the pellet may have one or more shapes selected from the group consisting of, for example, spherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, rugby ball-shaped, flat, and cylindrical, and these shapes may have a part missing or a convex portion. The pellet has an average outer dimension of, for example, 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably 1 to 10 mm, more preferably 2 to 8 mm. The average outer dimension of the pellet refers to the average value of the outer dimensions such as the diameter, length, and width of the pellet, and can be obtained by measuring at least four outer dimensions for each of any 10 pellets and calculating the average value.

[0018] When the molded body is a foam, the cell size of the foam is preferably 0.1 to 500 μm in diameter, more preferably 1 to 300 μm, still more preferably 5 to 100 μm, and particularly preferably 10 to 80 μm.

[0019] When the molded body is a disk, its average thickness is, for example, 10 to 10000 μm, preferably 100 to 1000 μm, more preferably 200 to 500 μm, and the average diameter (diameter) of the disk is, for example, 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 8 mm, more preferably 3 to 5 mm.

[0020] When the molded body is a rod, its diameter is, for example, 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2 mm, and the average length of the rod is, for example, 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 8 mm, more preferably 3 to 5 mm.

[0021] The average thickness of the film, the average thickness of the coating film, the average outer dimension of the pellet, the average thickness and average diameter of the disk, and the average diameter and average length of the rod can be determined using a contact measurement method such as a vernier caliper or thickness gauge, or an optical measurement method such as a laser displacement meter. The average thickness of the coating film can also be determined by measuring the dimensions of the support using a contact measurement method such as a vernier caliper or thickness gauge, and then measuring the dimensions of the coating film integrated with the support and calculating the difference between them.

[0022] Examples of supports when a molded body which is a film or coating is integrated with a support include fibers, textile products, paper, film (hereinafter also referred to as "support film"), or metal foil. Accordingly, the present invention also covers molded bodies in which one or more molded bodies selected from the group consisting of films and coatings are integrated with a support, and the support is a fiber. The present invention further covers molded bodies in which one or more molded bodies selected from the group consisting of films and coatings are integrated with a support, and the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, support film, and metal foil. The molded body which is a film (hereinafter also referred to as "molded body film") or coating may be integrated with the whole or a part of the support. For example, when the support is a textile product, paper, support film, or metal foil, one or more films and / or one or more coatings may be integrated with one or both sides of the support, across the entire surface or on a part of the surface. If the molded body includes two or more molded body films, two or more coating films, and / or two or more supports, the two or more molded body films, two or more coating films, and / or two or more supports may be the same or different from each other.

[0023] When the support is a fiber, examples of the fiber include spun yarns, staples, and filament yarns. The average fiber diameter of the fiber is, for example, 0.1 to 500 μm, preferably 0.5 to 100 μm, more preferably 1 to 50 μm. The fiber may be in the form of continuous fibers (monofilaments, multifilaments), staple fibers, yarns, cords, ropes, etc. When the support is a fiber product, examples of the fiber product include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and fiber reinforced plastics. The fibers constituting the fiber product are, for example, the fibers listed above as examples of the fibers when the support is a fiber. The plastic contained in the fiber reinforced plastic is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, or a phenolic resin. The average thickness of the fiber product is, for example, 1 to 500 μm, preferably 5 to 300 μm, more preferably 10 to 100 μm. When the support is a fiber or a fiber product, the molded body that is a film or a coating film can act as an adhesive for the fiber or the fiber product. In this case, the lubricity of the support surface can be improved by the molded body that is a film or a coating film, and yarn breakage or fuzzing can be prevented.

[0024] When the support is paper, examples of the paper include kraft paper, one-sided kraft paper, one-sided bleached kraft paper, bleached kraft paper, unbleached kraft paper, fine paper, medium paper, coated paper, one-sided paper, imitation paper, glassine paper, graph paper, parchment paper, synthetic paper, white cardboard, manila board, milk carton base paper, cup base paper, ivory paper, silver paper, tissue paper, cardboard, rayon paper, wax paper, liner paper, etc. From the viewpoint of being suitable for packaging applications, the basis weight of the paper is preferably 20 to 400 g / m ２ and more preferably 25 to 150 g / m ２ From the viewpoint of being suitable for the applications of flexible packaging materials described later, the basis weight of the paper is more preferably 30 to 100 g / m ２ and even more preferably 40 to 70 g / m ２ The basis weight of the paper is measured in accordance with JIS P 8124:2011.

[0025] The above-mentioned paper can generally be manufactured by papermaking using a pulp stock containing pulp, fillers, and various auxiliary agents. Examples of pulp include chemical pulps such as bleached hardwood kraft pulp (LBKP), bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBKP), unbleached hardwood kraft pulp (LUKP), unbleached softwood pulp (NUKP), and sulfite pulp; mechanical pulps such as stone-ground pulp and thermomechanical pulp; wood fibers such as deinked pulp and recycled paper pulp; and non-wood fibers obtained from kenaf, bamboo, hemp, etc. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, it is preferable to use wood fiber chemical pulp and mechanical pulp, and more preferably chemical pulp, from the viewpoint of reducing the possibility of foreign matter contamination in the base paper and the possibility of discoloration over time when recycled after use, and from the viewpoint of achieving good printing due to high whiteness and thus increasing its value (especially when used as packaging material). Other materials besides pulp can also be incorporated as auxiliary paper materials, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of such materials include synthetic fibers such as rayon fibers and nylon fibers.

[0026] Examples of fillers include white carbon, talc, kaolin, clay, heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zeolite, and synthetic resin fillers. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Examples of various additives include aluminum sulfate, various anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric yield enhancers, water drainage enhancers, paper strength enhancers, and internal sizing agents, which can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Optionally, dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, pH adjusters, defoamers, pitch control agents, slime control agents, and two or more of these additives can also be used.

[0027] The method for manufacturing paper is not particularly limited, and paper can be manufactured, for example, by following the procedure below. First, a pulp stock is prepared by mixing a pulp slurry with fillers and various auxiliary agents. The pulp slurry can be prepared by beating pulp in the presence of water. The method and apparatus for beating the pulp are not particularly limited, and known beating methods and apparatus can be used. The pulp content in the pulp stock is not particularly limited. For example, it is 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass of the total mass of the pulp stock. Next, the prepared pulp stock is used to make paper using known wire mesh formers, on-top hybrid formers, gap former machines, etc., using acidic papermaking, neutral papermaking, or alkaline papermaking methods. After dewatering, multiple sheets of the wet paper obtained are stacked as needed, and one or more sheets of wet paper are pressed and dried to obtain paper. In this case, if multiple sheets of wet paper are not stacked, single-layer paper is obtained, and if multiple sheets of wet paper are stacked, multi-layer paper is obtained. When stacking multiple sheets of wet paper, adhesive may be applied to the surface of each sheet of wet paper (the side that will be stacked with the other sheets).

[0028] The paper may have its surface treated with various chemicals. Examples of usable chemicals include oxidized starch, hydroxyethyl etherified starch, enzyme-modified starch, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, surface sizing agents, water-resistant agents, water-retaining agents, thickeners, lubricants, etc. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, these various chemicals may be used in combination with pigments. Examples of pigments include inorganic pigments such as kaolin, clay, engineered kaolin, delaminated clay, heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, mica, talc, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, zinc oxide, silicic acid, silicates, colloidal silica, and satin white, as well as organic pigments such as solid, hollow, or core-shell types, which can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0029] The method of surface treatment of paper is not particularly limited. For example, it can be treated using known coating equipment such as a rod metering size press, a pound size press, a gate roll coater, a spray coater, a blade coater, or a curtain coater.

[0030] When the support is a film, examples of such films include films (polyolefin films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and norbornene polymers; polyvinyl alcohol films; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films; poly(meth)acrylic acid ester films; cellulose ester films such as triacetylcellulose, diacetylcellulose, and cellulose acetate propionate; polylactic acid films; ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer films, etc.), sheets, etc. When the support is a metal foil, examples of such metal foils include aluminum foil, copper foil, nickel foil, etc. The average thickness of the paper, film, or metal foil used as the support is, for example, about 1 to 500 μm or 10 to 300 μm.

[0031] A molded body in which one or more molded bodies selected from the group consisting of films and coatings are integrated with one or more supports selected from the group consisting of paper, support films and metal foils corresponds to a laminate including the molded body and the support. The laminate may have one or more layers selected from the group consisting of barrier layers, protective layers and heat seal layers, as any layer at any location in its layer configuration. If the laminate has a protective layer and / or a heat seal layer, it is preferable that the layer be located on the outermost surface of the laminate. The barrier layer may be a gas barrier layer or a water vapor barrier layer, and such barrier layers are known in the art. Examples of barrier layers include resin layers and metal foils, and more specifically, resin layers containing polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and / or polyvinylidene chloride, layers containing glucan but not corresponding to the molded article of the present invention, aluminum foil, aluminum vapor-deposited film (aluminum vapor-deposited on a substrate such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), alumina vapor-deposited film (alumina vapor-deposited on a substrate such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), and silica vapor-deposited film (silica vapor-deposited on a substrate such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer). The protective layer is a layer that exists as at least a part of the outermost layer of the laminate, thereby reducing the influence of the surrounding environment on the components below the protective layer (deterioration of the components). Therefore, the protective layer may have one or more functions selected from the group consisting of barrier properties, oil resistance, solvent resistance, heat resistance, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, weather resistance, and light resistance. The protective layer can better perform the above functions by covering the entire outermost layer of the laminate. Examples of protective layers include resin layers, paper layers, and metal foils. As the heat seal layer, any known in the art can be used. The heat seal layer is preferably a resin layer having heat sealability. The heat seal layer preferably contains a water-dispersible resin and optionally additives.Examples of water-dispersible resins include polyolefin resins, styrene / acrylic copolymers, acrylic resins such as ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyester resins, rubber resins, urethane resins, polyamide resins, and combinations thereof. Examples of optional additives include lubricants such as paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and polyolefin waxes, pigments such as silica and kaolin, and combinations thereof. The heat-seal layer may have barrier properties, in which case it can function as both a heat-seal layer and a barrier layer. If the support is a film with barrier or protective properties, the film can also function as a barrier or protective layer.

[0032] One or more molded bodies selected from the group consisting of films (molded body films) and coating films are integrated with one or more supports selected from the group consisting of paper, films (support films), and metal foils, and may have any layers (barrier layer, protective layer, heat seal layer). Specific layer configurations of the molded body (laminated body) in the present invention include, for example, the following configurations. The following configurations are described starting from the outermost layer (the layer opposite to the layer that comes into contact with the contents) when used, for example, as a packaging material. Molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, protective layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, protective layer / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, protective layer / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, protective layer / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, protective layer / molded film or coating film / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer / paper or support film or metal foil, Protective layer / molded film or coating film / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / paper or support film or metal foil, Protective layer / molded film or coating film / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / paper or support film or metal foil, Protective layer / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer, Protective layer / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer,Protective layer / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / gas barrier layer or water vapor barrier layer, Protective layer / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer, Protective layer / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer, Protective layer / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer, Protective layer / gas barrier layer / water vapor barrier layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil / water vapor barrier layer / gas barrier layer, Layer configuration comprising a heat seal layer on the opposite side of the outermost layer in the above layer configuration, Layer configuration comprising a heat seal layer instead of a protective layer in the above layer configuration, for example, heat seal layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil, The aforementioned layer configuration includes one or more adhesive layers between each layer, for example, a heat seal layer / adhesive layer / molded film or coating film / paper or support film or metal foil. Known adhesives can be used for the adhesive layers described above and below, and examples include two-component reactive polyurethane adhesives containing a polyisocyanate component and a polyol portion.

[0033] Furthermore, an example of a specific layer configuration for the molded article (laminated article) in the present invention is layer (A) / layer (B) / layer (C) / layer (D) / layer (E). Layers (B), (D), and (E) may or may not be included in the laminate. The " / " indicated between layers in the example layer configuration (for example, between layer (A) and layer (B)) indicates that the layers on either side are directly laminated or laminated via an adhesive layer. Examples of layer (A) include paper, LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), CPE (unoriented polyethylene), polyethylene formed from polyethylene emulsion, uniaxially oriented polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene, unoriented polypropylene, uniaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoic acid), PHBH®, PCL (polycaprolactone), PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), and PBS (polybutylene succinate). Examples of layer (B) include aluminum foil, aluminum vapor-deposited film, alumina vapor-deposited film, silica vapor-deposited film, PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride), and nylon MXD6 (metoxylendiamine-adipic acid copolymer). Layer (C) is a molded film or coating film in the present invention. Examples of layer (D) include aluminum foil, aluminum vapor-deposited film, alumina vapor-deposited film, silica vapor-deposited film, PVOH, EVOH, PVDC, and nylon MXD6. Examples of layer (E) include paper, LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, CPE (unoriented polyethylene), polyethylene formed from polyethylene emulsion, uniaxially oriented polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene, unoriented polypropylene, uniaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, PLA, PHA, PHBH, PCL, PBAT, and PBS.

[0034] A more specific layer structure could be, for example, the following: Coating film / paper, LLDPE / coating film / paper, LLDPE / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, LDPE / coating film / paper, LDPE / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, HDPE / coating film / paper, HDPE / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, CPE (unoriented polyethylene) / coating film / paper, CPE (unoriented polyethylene) / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, polyethylene / coating film / paper formed from polyethylene emulsion, polyethylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper formed from polyethylene emulsion, uniaxially oriented polyethylene / coating film / paper, uniaxially oriented polyethylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, biaxially oriented polyethylene / coating film / paper, biaxially oriented polyethylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, polypropylene / coating film / paper, polypropylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, uniaxially oriented polypropylene / coating film / paper, Uniaxially oriented polypropylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, Biaxially oriented polypropylene / coating film / paper, Biaxially oriented polypropylene / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PLA / coating film / paper, PLA / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PHA / coating film / paper, PHA / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PHBH / coating film / paper, PHBH / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PCL / coating film / paper, PCL / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PBAT / coating film / paper, PBAT / adhesive layer / coating film / paper, PBS / coating film / paper, PBS / adhesive layer / coating film / paper.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded body can be preferably used as a packaging material, either on its own or integrated with a support. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a packaging material comprising the molded body of the present invention. Here, "comprising the molded body" includes embodiments comprising a molded body (a molded body without an integrated support, or a molded body including an integrated support), and embodiments comprising a molded body and an optional component (for example, any of the above-mentioned layers). The packaging material is preferably a flexible packaging material. A flexible packaging material refers to a thin and flexible packaging material made of a highly flexible material. For example, the film (molded body film) in the present invention can be preferably used as a packaging material on its own, and in this case the film is a packaging material. For example, the molded body in the present invention, in which one or more molded bodies selected from the group consisting of films and coatings are integrated with a support, and the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, film, and metal foil, can be preferably used as a packaging material. Accordingly, the present invention also covers molded bodies in which a molded body, which is one or more selected from the group consisting of films and coatings, is integrated with a support, the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, films and metal foils, and the molded body is a packaging material. The packaging material may have a sheet-like shape, or it may have the shape of, for example, a tape or a pouch. The pouch is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of packaging a substance (preferably contents), and may be sealed inside or partially open. The pouch may be in the form of, for example, a two-sided pouch, a three-sided pouch, a four-sided pouch, a flat pouch, a standing pouch, a gusset pouch, a bottom gusset pouch, a twin pouch, a spout pouch, a side-seal pouch, an envelope-type seal pouch, a pillow-seal pouch, a pleated seal pouch, a flat-bottom seal pouch, a square-bottom seal pouch, or a bottom-seal pouch, or it may be in the form of a cup, tube, tray, bottle, box, lid, or container.

[0036] The molded film and the molded body in which the molded film and / or coating film are integrated with a support can be suitably used as packaging materials as described above, and can also be suitably used as packaging materials in combination with other packaging materials. Other packaging materials are not particularly limited as long as they are packaging materials other than the packaging material of the present invention. For example, if the other packaging material has the shape of a bottle, the packaging material of the present invention (e.g., in the shape of a film or a lid) can be used as a lid for the bottle into which the contents have been introduced. For example, if the other packaging material has the shape of a film, the packaging material of the present invention can be used as packaging material for packaging contents by sealing the edges of the other packaging material and the packaging material of the present invention (e.g., in the shape of a film) to form a bag-like object, introducing the contents into it, and sealing the opening.

[0037] When the molded article is a film or coating, it can have high mechanical strength, as well as excellent gas barrier properties (especially oxygen barrier properties) and / or water vapor barrier properties, due to the inclusion of specific glucans. A molded article in which a film or coating is integrated with a support can have even better gas barrier properties (especially oxygen barrier properties) and / or water vapor barrier properties, in addition to high mechanical strength, due to the film or coating. If at least one layer of the support has gas barrier properties and / or water vapor barrier properties, the molded article can have even better gas barrier properties and / or water vapor barrier properties. When a molded article having gas barrier properties and / or water vapor barrier properties is used as packaging material, the contents can be protected from deterioration due to oxidation or moisture, thereby extending the shelf life of the contents, and the emission of aromas (odors) from the contents or the transfer of aromas to the contents can be reduced. If at least one layer of the support has another function (for example, heat-sealability in the case of a heat-sealable resin film), the molded article can be given that function provided by the support.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the molded body may be flat, and from the viewpoint of preventing the molded bodies from sticking together, a part or the entire surface of the molded body may be subjected to a textured finish such as an embossed pattern or a raised and recessed pattern. Such textured finishes can be performed using methods known in the art.

[0039] <Glucan> The molded body contains glucan. The glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of these two or more unit chains is 1 to 4. In the present invention, the unit chain contained in glucan refers to a structure in which glucose molecules are linked in a chain by α-1,4- bonds. The glucan in the present invention contains one unit chain having a reducing end (main chain) and one or more unit chains not having a reducing end (branched chains). The branched chain branches from the 3rd or 6th position of glucose contained in the main chain or other branched chains, that is, it is linked to the glucose contained in the main chain or other branched chains by α-1,3- bonds or α-1,6- bonds. The degree of polymerization of a unit chain corresponds to the number of glucose molecules that make up the unit chain. That is, a degree of polymerization of 4 of a unit chain means that the number of glucose molecules that make up the unit chain is 4.

[0040] The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that a molded article containing glucan, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and one or more of these unit chains have a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4, exhibits excellent elongation at break. Glucan containing unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 can be produced, for example, by reacting raw material glucan with an enzyme, particularly according to the embodiment described as preferred in the method for producing the molded article described later.

[0041] In one preferred embodiment, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, the two or more unit chains include unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70, and the ratio (B) / (A) of the proportion (B) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35 to 39 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 to the proportion (A) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45 to 49 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 is preferably 1 or more, and although the upper limit is not limited, it is usually 10 or less. The ratio (B) / (A) is more preferably 1 to 10, even more preferably 1.00 to 8, even more preferably 1.01 to 5, and particularly preferably 1.10 to 3. From the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, the proportion (B) is preferably 0.000 to 5, more preferably 0.000 to 3, even more preferably 0.100 to 2, and particularly preferably 0.300 to 1. From a similar viewpoint, the ratio (A) is preferably 0.000 to 3, more preferably 0.000 to 2, even more preferably 0.100 to 1, and particularly preferably 0.200 to 0.7.

[0042] In one preferred embodiment, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, the ratio (C) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 is preferably 10 or more, and although the upper limit is not limited, it is usually 98 or less. The ratio (C) is more preferably 30 to 95, even more preferably 40 to 93, and particularly preferably 50 to 90. The ratios (A), (B), and (C), and the ratio (B) / (A) can be adjusted to be above the lower limit, below the upper limit, or within the range, for example, by reacting the raw material glucan with an enzyme, particularly according to the embodiment described as preferred in the method for producing the molded article later. The ratios (A), (B), and (C), and the ratio (B) / (A) can be measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, in one or more of the unit chains (i.e., one main chain and one or more branched chains) contained in glucan, another branched chain may be bonded via an α-1,3-linkage. The degree of polymerization of another branched chain is not limited, but is usually 1 to 30. Such glucan can provide a molded body having improved elongation at break. The bonding of another branched chain via an α-1,3-linkage can be confirmed, for example, １３ by C-NMR analysis. In the method described in <Analysis of Unit Chains> in the examples described later, a unit chain to which another branched chain is bonded via such an α-1,3-linkage is not adopted as an analysis target. That is, for example, when glucan is composed of a main chain and a branched chain to which another branched chain is bonded via an α-1,3-linkage, a plurality of branched chains having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 to which another branched chain is not bonded via an α-1,3-linkage, and a plurality of branched chains having a degree of polymerization of 5 to 70 to which another branched chain is not bonded via an α-1,3-linkage, the analysis targets are a plurality of branched chains having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 to which another branched chain is not bonded via an α-1,3-linkage and a plurality of branched chains having a degree of polymerization of 5 to 70 to which another branched chain is not bonded via an α-1,3-linkage. Therefore, for example, when glucan contains a unit chain having a degree of polymerization of 10 to which a branched chain having a degree of polymerization of 2 is bonded via an α-1,3-linkage, the branched chain having a degree of polymerization of 2 is not regarded as a unit chain having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4, and neither the branched chain having a degree of polymerization of 2 nor the unit chain having a degree of polymerization of 10 is considered in the series of the branched chain having a degree of polymerization of 2 and the unit chain having a degree of polymerization of 10 bonded via an α-1,3-linkage when calculating the ratios (A), (B), and (C).

[0044] The weight average molecular weight of glucan is preferably 1×10 ３ to 1×10 １０ , more preferably 1×10 ４ to 1×10 ８ , particularly preferably 1×10 ５ to 1×10 ７ . When glucan is subjected to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis under conditions using a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent, at least one of the peak tops of the weight average molecular weight is preferably 1×10 ３ to 1×10 １０ , more preferably 1×10４ ~5 x 10 ９ More preferably 1 x 10 ５ ~1 x 10 ９ Particularly preferably 1 x 10 ６ ~1 x 10 ８ Observed in the range of . When glucan is subjected to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis using dimethyl sulfoxide solvent, at least one of the peak tops of the number-average molecular weight is preferably 1 × 10 ３ ~1 x 10 １０ , more preferably 5 × 10 ３ ~1 x 10 ９ , more preferably 5 × 10 ４ ~5 x 10 ８ , particularly preferably 5 × 10 ５ ~5 x 10 ７ It is observed in the range of . The peak top with the highest number-average molecular weight is preferably 1 × 10 ４ ~1 x 10 １０ , more preferably 1 × 10 ５ ~5 x 10 ８ More preferably 1 x 10 ６ ~1 x 10 ８ Particularly preferably 1 x 10 ７ ~5 x 10 ７ The weight-average molecular weight, the peak position of the weight-average molecular weight, and / or the peak position of the number-average molecular weight are observed within the above range. When the weight-average molecular weight, the peak position of the weight-average molecular weight, and / or the peak position of the number-average molecular weight are within the above range, the molded article can exhibit superior elongation at break. The weight-average molecular weight, the peak position of the weight-average molecular weight, and the peak position of the number-average molecular weight can be adjusted within the above range, for example, by reacting the raw material glucan with an enzyme, particularly according to the embodiment described as preferred in the method for producing the molded article later. The weight-average molecular weight, the peak position of the weight-average molecular weight, and the peak position of the number-average molecular weight can be determined by the method described in the examples below.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the glucan is preferably derived from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potatoes, tapioca, corn, sweet potatoes, lily bulbs, taro, yams, lotus roots, wheat, rice, kudzu, water chestnuts, and peas, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or from the viewpoint of elongation at break and solubility in water, more preferably from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potatoes, tapioca, corn, and peas, and even more preferably from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potatoes, tapioca, and corn. This embodiment is also preferred because the glucan is derived from plant materials rather than animal materials. The origin of the glucan, that is, the raw material of the glucan, can be determined by examining the presence or absence of a DNA band specific to the raw material, for example, by PCR. Even in the case of a composition containing multiple types of glucans, the type of each glucan can be determined by PCR. Furthermore, the content of each glucan can be measured by measuring the amylose content after identifying the type of each glucan by PCR. Furthermore, commercially available glucan raw materials with a known origin may be used as the raw material for glucan.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the glucan comprises one or more starch derivatives selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, esterified starch, cationized starch, anionized starch, and crosslinked starch, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or from the viewpoint of elongation at break and solubility in water. In this embodiment, the glucan may comprise one or more starches and one or more starch derivatives, or it may not comprise one or more starches but comprise one or more starch derivatives, or it may consist of one or more starch derivatives. In this embodiment, the proportion of one or more starch derivatives in the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention is preferably 1 to 100% by mass, more preferably 5 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 50% by mass, based on the total mass of the glucan.

[0047] Examples of etherified starches include alkyl etherified starches such as methyl etherified starch; carboxyalkyl etherified starches such as carboxymethyl etherified starch; hydroxyalkyl etherified starches such as etherified starch having a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms; allyl etherified starch; aminoalkyl etherified starch, ammonium alkyl etherified starch, etc. Examples of hydroxyalkyl groups with 2 to 6 carbon atoms include hydroxyethyl group, hydroxypropyl group, hydroxybutyl group, etc.

[0048] Examples of esterified starches include esterified starches having structural units derived from carboxylic acids, such as esterified starches having structural units derived from acetic acid; esterified starches having structural units derived from dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, such as esterified starches having structural units derived from maleic anhydride, esterified starches having structural units derived from phthalic anhydride, and esterified starches having structural units derived from octenylsuccinic acid anhydride; and esterified starches having structural units derived from oxoacids, such as nitrate esterified starch, sulfate esterified starch, carbonate esterified starch, phosphate esterified starch, and urea phosphate esterified starch.

[0049] Examples of cationized starches include reaction products of starch with 2-diethylaminoethyl chloride and reaction products of starch with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride. Examples of anionized starches include reaction products of starch with phosphoric acid, reaction products of starch with chloroacetic acid or its salts, and reaction products of starch with octenyl succinic acid. Examples of cross-linked starches include formaldehyde-crosslinked starch, epichlorohydrin-crosslinked starch, phosphate-crosslinked starch, acrolein-crosslinked starch, and electron beam-crosslinked starch. These starch derivatives can be obtained by methods conventional in the art.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the glucan preferably contains one or more modified starches having a modifying group, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or from the viewpoint of elongation at break and solubility in water. Examples of modifying groups include hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms) (preferably hydroxypropyl groups), alkyl ester groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, carboxymethyl groups, and / or phosphate ester groups. When the glucan contains modified starch, the crystallinity of the molded article may decrease, and the recrystallization of the molded article after molding may be moderately inhibited, thereby increasing the elongation at break of the molded article, or the elongation at break and solubility in water. In this embodiment, the glucan contained in the molded article preferably contains hydroxyalkylated starch having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or starch having a carboxymethyl group, more preferably hydroxyethylated starch, hydroxypropylated starch, or starch having a carboxymethyl group, and even more preferably hydroxypropylated starch. In this embodiment, the proportion of one or more modified starches in the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention may be preferably 1 to 100% by mass, more preferably 5 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 50% by mass, based on the total mass of the glucan.

[0051] The degree of substitution in the modified starch is preferably 0.01 to 0.5, more preferably 0.1 to 0.4, and even more preferably 0.15 to 0.3, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or elongation at break and solubility in water. The degree of substitution in the modified starch can be determined, for example, by using a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus. １ This can be determined by measuring 1H-NMR and analyzing the ratio of the peak area of ​​the denatured region to the peak area of ​​glucose units in the resulting spectrum. For example, if the denatured starch is hydroxypropylated starch, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer can be used to determine DMSO-d ６ Hydroxypropylated starch in solvent at room temperature １ By measuring 1H-NMR, the degree of substitution can be determined from the ratio of the peak area of ​​the denatured region appearing at 1.04 ppm to the peak area of ​​the glucose unit appearing at 5.13 ppm ((peak area of ​​the denatured region appearing at 1.04 ppm / 3) / peak area of ​​the glucose unit).

[0052] From the viewpoint of biodegradability, the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention preferably does not contain grafted starch, which is formed by grafting monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid, particularly acrylic monomers. The proportion of grafted starch in the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention is preferably 0.7% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0.1% by mass or less, based on the total mass of glucan.

[0053] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of fracture elongation, it is preferable that the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention does not contain oxidized starch. The proportion of oxidized starch in the glucan contained in the molded article of the present invention is preferably 0.7% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0.1% by mass or less, based on the total mass of glucan.

[0054] The amylose content in the glucan is preferably 0 to 90% by mass, more preferably 5 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 28% by mass, and even more preferably 6 to 25% by mass, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or from the viewpoint of elongation at break and solubility in water, and may be, for example, 10 to 25% by mass, 15 to 23% by mass, or 18 to 22% by mass. The amylose content in the glucan can be measured, for example, from the absorbance at a wavelength of 620 nm when iodine is adsorbed onto the glucan, according to the method described in "Standard Measurement Method No. 332 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Notification of March 14, 2001". If there are two or more types of glucans in the molded article, the amylose content refers to the average amylose content, which is a weighted average value that takes into account the proportion of the two or more types of glucans.

[0055] The water content in the glucan is preferably 0 to 20% by mass, more preferably 5 to 15% by mass. The water content in the glucan can be measured by, for example, a halogen moisture meter, a Karl Fischer moisture meter, etc. The protein content in the glucan is preferably 0 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0 to 5% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 1% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 0.5% by mass, and may be 0% by mass. The protein content of the glucan can be determined by, for example, the Kjeldahl method, the Dumas method, etc. The lipid content in the glucan is preferably 0 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0 to 1% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 0.2% by mass, and may be 0% by mass. The lipid content in the glucan can be determined by, for example, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, etc. The α-1,6-bond content in the glucan is preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 4 mol%. The content of α-1,6-links in glucans is, for example, １３ This can be determined by methods such as C-NMR and methylation analysis.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the glucan is water-soluble. The solubility of the glucan in 80°C hot water is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 90 to 100% by mass, even more preferably 95 to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 98 to 100% by mass. The solubility of the glucan in 80°C hot water can be measured in the same manner as the solubility of the molded body in 80°C hot water described above. When the glucan is water-soluble, the viscosity of the aqueous glucan solution measured at 80°C with a concentration of 10% by mass is preferably 10 to 120,000 mPas·sec, more preferably 100 to 100,000 mPas·sec, even more preferably 100 to 50,000 mPas·sec, even more preferably 500 to 15,000 mPas·sec, and particularly preferably 1,000 to 15,000 mPas·sec. The viscosity described above can be measured using a B-type viscometer, more specifically by the method described in the examples below. If the viscosity of the aqueous solution is too high, the glucan concentration must be reduced during processing, which tends to increase drying time and worsen processability. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the aqueous solution is too low, the liquid tends to flow easily when applied, which can easily lead to unevenness in the thickness of the coating film.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the glucan content is preferably 3 to 98% by mass, more preferably 15 to 95% by mass, even more preferably 20 to 90% by mass, even more preferably 25 to 85% by mass, particularly preferably 30 to 80% by mass, even more preferably 32 to 78% by mass, extremely preferably 40 to 75% by mass, even more preferably 50 to 75% by mass, 55 to 73% by mass, 57 to 70% by mass, 60 to 70% by mass, 61 to 70% by mass, or 62 to 69% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article. In another embodiment, the glucan content is preferably 3 to 98% by mass, more preferably 15 to 95% by mass, even more preferably 20 to 90% by mass, even more preferably 25 to 85% by mass, particularly preferably 30 to 80% by mass, even more preferably 32 to 78% by mass, extremely preferably 35 to 75% by mass, even more preferably 37 to 80% by mass, 40 to 79% by mass, 42 to 78% by mass, 45 to 75% by mass, 47 to 72% by mass, or 50 to 70% by mass, relative to the total mass of the molded article. When the glucan content is within the above range, the molded article can have better elongation at break, or better elongation at break and solubility in water. The glucan content in a molded article containing glucan can be determined from the amount blended when manufacturing the molded article. It can also be determined by the method described in the examples below. In the case of a molded article in which the molded article is integrated with a support, the glucan content in the molded article refers to the glucan content in the molded article excluding the integrated support.

[0058] <Plasticizer> The molded article of the present invention may further contain a plasticizer. When the material for forming the molded article (glucan or a composition containing glucan, hereinafter referred to as "moldable article forming material") contains a plasticizer, the processability of the molded article obtained from the moldable article forming material may be improved (for example, film formation, pouching, or spinning may be facilitated).

[0059] The plasticizer is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, hydroxy acids, monosaccharides, and disaccharides. These compounds can reduce interactions between glucans. Furthermore, they can form higher-order networks by forming hydrogen bonds with glucans, thereby improving the processability of the material for forming molded articles, and in particular, increasing the elongation of the molded articles obtained from the material, resulting in superior toughness.

[0060] Examples of the aforementioned polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, polyglycerin (e.g., diglycerin, triglycerin, glycerin pentamer, glycerin decamer), sorbitol, alkylene glycol (e.g., alkylene glycols having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and neopentyl glycol), polyalkylene glycol (e.g., diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 molecular weight, polypropylene glycol up to 400 molecular weight, etc.), trimethylolpropane, erythritol, xylitol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, maltitol, mannitol, and pentaerythritol.

[0061] Examples of the aforementioned hydroxy acids include lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid.

[0062] Examples of the aforementioned monosaccharides include glucose, mannose, galactose, fructose, and xylose.

[0063] Examples of the aforementioned disaccharides include maltose, trehalose, sucrose, and lactose.

[0064] Among these, from the viewpoint of further increasing the stress and elongation of the resulting molded article, the plasticizer is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polyglycerin (e.g., diglycerin, triglycerin, glycerin pentamer, glycerin decamer), sorbitol, alkylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, erythritol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, lactic acid, glucose, fructose, maltose, and trehalose; more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polyglycerin, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, and fructose; and even more preferably glycerin, polyglycerin, or sorbitol.

[0065] When the molded article contains a disaccharide as a plasticizer, the plasticizer content is preferably 1 to 60% by mass, more preferably 3 to 50% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 40% by mass, and particularly preferably 10 to 30% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article. When the molded article contains a plasticizer other than a disaccharide, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plasticizer content is preferably 2 to 90% by mass, more preferably 5 to 85% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 80% by mass, even more preferably 15 to 75% by mass, particularly preferably 20 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 22 to 68% by mass, extremely preferably 25 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 25 to 50% by mass, 25 to 45% by mass, 25 to 43% by mass, 25 to 40% by mass, 25 to 39% by mass, or 28 to 33% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article. In another embodiment, the plasticizer content is preferably 2 to 90% by mass, more preferably 5 to 85% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 80% by mass, even more preferably 15 to 75% by mass, particularly preferably 20 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 22 to 68% by mass, extremely preferably 22 to 65% by mass, even more preferably 25 to 65% by mass, 25 to 60% by mass, 25 to 57% by mass, 25 to 55% by mass, 27 to 53% by mass, or 30 to 50% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article. When the molded article contains a plasticizer, if the plasticizer content is within the above range, the processability and elongation of the molded article may be further improved.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, where the molded article contains a plasticizer, the ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to plasticizer in the molded article is preferably 90:10 to 10:90, more preferably 85:15 to 15:85, even more preferably 80:20 to 20:80, and even more preferably 75:25 to 25:75. When the ratio is within the above range, the elongation at break and water solubility of the molded article can be further improved.

[0067] <Other Components> In addition to glucan and plasticizers, if present, the molded article may further contain other components, to the extent that they do not impede the effects of the present invention. Examples of such components include polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohol-based resins, fillers and additives (e.g., dispersants, water, antioxidants, UV absorbers, lubricants, colorants, preservatives, surfactants, anti-adhesion agents, release agents, dyes, crosslinking agents, etc.). These components may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0068] In this invention, polysaccharides refer to hydrated carbonized polysaccharides other than glucans, which are composed of 10 or more monosaccharides linked together. When a molded article contains polysaccharides, it can form a higher-order network by hydrogen bonding with glucans, and in particular, the stress of the resulting molded article can be improved. Examples of polysaccharides include chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, dextrin, gum arabic, carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, carboxyalkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, karaya gum, succinoglycan, and their derivatives. These polysaccharides may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, from the viewpoint of further increasing the elongation at break of the molded article, the polysaccharide is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, and their derivatives, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan and its derivatives.

[0069] Carrageenan is a polysaccharide obtained from red algae, containing repeating units of D-galactose or 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose, and also possessing sulfate groups. Carrageenan is classified into κ (kappa)carrageenan, ι (iota)carrageenan, and λ (lambda)carrageenan. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more types. As carrageenan, commercially available products such as "GENUGEL carrageenan type JPE-126" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd.), "GENUTINE VCS-J" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd.), "GENUVISCO CF02" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd.), the "Soagina" series such as "Soagina MW210 (purified carrageenan)" and "Soagina MV320" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, purified carrageenan), and the "Soaace" series such as "Soaace MW-952 (carrageenan preparation)" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, purified carrageenan preparation) may be used.

[0070] Alginic acid is a polysaccharide obtained from brown algae and other sources, and has a structure in which D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic acid are randomly polymerized. Commercially available products such as "Kimika Acid G" and "Kimika Acid SA" (manufactured by Kimika Co., Ltd.) may be used as alginic acid.

[0071] Guar gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), and has a structure in which mannose is attached to the main chain and galactose is attached to the side chains. Commercially available guar gums such as "Guapac (registered trademark)" (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.), "RG100" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), "JAGUAR C 17K" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd., cationized guar gum), and "MEYPRO-BOND 111" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd., cationized guar gum) may be used.

[0072] Pectin is a polysaccharide found in plants, and has a structure in which galacturonic acid and methyl-esterified galacturonic acid (galacturonic acid that has been methyl-esterified) are linked by an α-1,4-bond, and has a carboxyl group based on galacturonic acid as an ionic functional group. As pectin, commercially available products such as "H&F Pectin Classic AM201" (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.) may be used.

[0073] Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermenting starch with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It has a glucose main chain and a side chain containing one glucuronic acid between two mannose molecules. Commercially available xanthan gums such as "Echo Gum (registered trademark)" (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.) and "Soaxan" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) may be used.

[0074] Examples of hydroxyalkylcellulose include hydroxyalkylcellulose having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the hydroxyalkyl group, such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, preferably hydroxyalkylcellulose having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the hydroxyalkyl group. Examples of alkylcellulose include alkylcellulose having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, and butylcellulose, and alkylcellulose having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. The hydroxyalkylcellulose refers to cellulose in which one or more hydroxyl groups are modified by a hydroxyalkyl group, and the alkylcellulose refers to cellulose in which one or more hydroxyl groups are modified by an alkyl group. The carbon atoms of the hydroxyalkyl group and the carbon atoms of the alkyl group mentioned above refer to the carbon atoms of one hydroxyalkyl group and one alkyl group, respectively.

[0075] Tamarind seed gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of tamarind (Tamarindus indica), and has a structure in which glucose is the main chain and xylose and galactose are bonded to the side chains. Commercially available tamarind seed gums such as "Gliloid® 6C", "Gliloid® 3S", "Gliloid® 2A", "Glyate®" (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.) and "TG120" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) may be used.

[0076] Locust bean gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of the carob plant (Celatonia siliqua), and has a structure in which mannose is attached to the main chain and galactose is attached to the side chains. Commercially available products such as "GENU® GUM type RL-200Z" (manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd.), "Soarocust A120", and "MC1000" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) may be used as locust bean gum.

[0077] Tara gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of Caesalpinia spinosa, and has a structure in which mannose is attached to the main chain and galactose is attached to the side chains. Commercially available tara gum products such as "MT120" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) may be used.

[0078] Examples of polysaccharide derivatives include sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, cationized compounds and their salts, anionic compounds and their salts, and acid hydrolysates. Polysaccharides may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number-average molecular weight of the polysaccharide (sometimes denoted as Mn) is preferably 5 kDa to 50,000 kDa, more preferably 10 kDa to 10,000 kDa, and even more preferably 10 kDa to 5,000 kDa, for example, 5 kDa to 1,000 kDa, 10 kDa to 500 kDa, or 15 kDa to 200 kDa. The weight-average molecular weight of the polysaccharide (sometimes denoted as Mw) is preferably 5 kDa to 150,000 kDa, more preferably 10 kDa to 50,000 kDa, and even more preferably 10 kDa to 30,000 kDa, for example, 10 kDa to 5,000 kDa, 30 kDa to 2,000 kDa, or 50 kDa to 1,000 kDa. When the Mn and / or Mw of the polysaccharides are within the aforementioned range, the elongation at break of the molded article can be further increased. If the molded article contains two or more types of polysaccharides, the Mn of the polysaccharides is the weighted average of the Mn of the two or more types of polysaccharides. The same applies to Mw.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the molded article is a film or coating film, and is integrated with a support which is one or more selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, film and metal foil, or which is a fiber, if the molded article contains a polysaccharide, the polysaccharide content is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 35% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 1.5 to 20% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 18% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 15% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 2 to 6% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article. When the polysaccharide content is within the above range, the elongation at break of the molded article can be improved. In this embodiment, the polysaccharide is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum and their derivatives, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan and its derivatives.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to polysaccharide in the film or coating is preferably 99.5:0.5 to 1:99, more preferably 99:1 to 5:95, even more preferably 98:2 to 10:90, and even more preferably 97:3 to 15:85. When the ratio is within the above range, the elongation at break and flexural resistance of the film or coating can be further increased. In this embodiment, if the film or coating also contains a plasticizer, the ratio (mass ratio) of plasticizer to polysaccharide in the film or coating is preferably 99:1 to 20:80, more preferably 99:1 to 40:60, even more preferably 98:2 to 50:50, and even more preferably 97:3 to 60:40. When the ratio is within the above range, the elongation at break of the film or coating can be further increased.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, for example, an embodiment in which the molded body is not integrated with a support, for example an embodiment in which the molded body exists alone, if the molded body contains a polysaccharide, the polysaccharide content is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 35% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 28% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 28% by mass, even more preferably 13 to 25% by mass, and particularly preferably 15 to 22% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded body. When the polysaccharide content is within the above range, the stress and elongation at break of the molded body can be improved. In this embodiment, the polysaccharide is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum and their derivatives, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan and its derivatives.

[0083] In another embodiment, the mass ratio of glucan to polysaccharide in the molded article is preferably 99.5:0.5 to 30:70, more preferably 99:1 to 40:60, even more preferably 95:5 to 50:50, and even more preferably 90:10 to 55:45. When the mass ratio is within the above range, the elongation at break and maximum stress of the molded article can be further increased. In another embodiment, when the molded article further contains a plasticizer, the mass ratio of plasticizer to polysaccharide in the molded article is preferably 95:5 to 20:80, more preferably 95:5 to 40:60, even more preferably 90:10 to 50:50, and even more preferably 85:15 to 60:40. When the mass ratio is within the above range, the elongation at break of the molded article can be further increased.

[0084] A filler refers to a component that is incompatible with glucan. When a molded body contains a filler, it can form a higher-order network by hydrogen bonding with glucan, which can improve the stress of the resulting molded body. Furthermore, especially when a molded body is produced by coating, adding a filler to the coating solution increases the solid content concentration, allowing for a thicker coating film.

[0085] Examples of fillers include kaolin, clay, engineered kaolin, delaminated clay, heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, mica (swelling mica, synthetic mica, muscovite, sericite, phlocopite, biotite, fluorinated phlocopite, red mica, soda mica, vanadine mica, illite, tin mica, paragonite, brittle mica, etc.), talc, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, zinc oxide, silicic acid, silicates, bentonite (montmorillonite, bydelite, saponite, stevensite, hectorite, etc.), colloidal silica, and inorganic pigments such as satin white, as well as organic pigments such as dense, hollow, or core-shell types. Fillers may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0086] When the molded article contains a filler, the total filler content is preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 35% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 1.5 to 20% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 18% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 15% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 2 to 6% by mass, relative to the total mass of the molded article. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the thickness of the coating film, the total filler content is preferably 1 to 90% by mass, more preferably 5 to 80% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 75% by mass, even more preferably 20 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 30 to 65% by mass, even more preferably 40 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 42 to 58% by mass, and particularly preferably 45 to 55% by mass.

[0087] Furthermore, a dispersant may be added separately to the material for forming the molded body. The addition of a dispersant can improve the dispersibility of the filler. Cationic polymers are preferred as dispersants, and examples include polyalkylene polyamines, polyamide compounds, polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin or formaldehyde condensation reaction products, polyamine-epihalohydrin or formaldehyde condensation reaction products, polyamidopolyurea-epihalohydrin or formaldehyde condensation reaction products, polyaminepolyurea-epihalohydrin or formaldehyde condensation reaction products, polyamidoaminepolyurea-epihalohydrin or formaldehyde condensation reaction products, polyamidoaminepolyurea compounds, polyaminepolyurea compounds, polyamidoaminepolyurea compounds and polyamidoamine compounds, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyridine, amino-modified acrylamide compounds, polyvinylamine, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, and modified polyvinyl alcohol. The dispersant may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. When the molded article contains a dispersant, the dispersant content is preferably 0.01 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the molded article.

[0088] Examples of crosslinking agents include tannic acid and its salts, tannins other than tannic acid, catechins, anthocyanins, gallic acid and its salts, phenols, hydroquinones, and phosphoric acid.

[0089] If the molded article contains additives, the total amount of additives is, for example, 0 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the molded article.

[0090] The molded articles of the present invention exhibit excellent elongation at break. The tensile elongation at break of the molded articles, measured according to ASTM D 882, is preferably 20 to 1000%, more preferably 30 to 600%, even more preferably 50 to 300%, and particularly preferably 80 to 150% when the measurement film is dumbbell-shaped, and preferably 50 to 2000%, more preferably 60 to 1000%, even more preferably 70 to 600%, and particularly preferably 80 to 300% when the measurement film is rectangular. In the case of molded articles integrated with a support, the above tensile elongation at break of the molded article refers to the tensile elongation at break of the molded article excluding the integrated support.

[0091] [Method for manufacturing the molded article] The molded article of the present invention is, for example, (1) 1 × 10 ４ ~1 x 10 １０ (1) It can be produced by a method comprising the steps of (2) reacting a raw material glucan having a weight-average molecular weight with an exo-type enzyme to obtain a reaction product containing a glucan containing two or more unit chains, and (3) molding the obtained reaction product.

[0092] In step (1), at least a portion of the unit chains contained in the raw material glucan is cleaved by the exo-type enzyme, so the weight-average molecular weight of the glucan contained in the reaction product becomes smaller than the weight-average molecular weight of the raw material glucan. The weight-average molecular weight of the raw material glucan is preferably 1 × 10⁻⁶. ４ ~1 x 10 １０ , more preferably 1 × 10 ５ ~5 x 10 ９ Particularly preferably 1 x 10 ６ ~1 x 10 ９The preferred raw material glucan is one that corresponds to the preferred glucan exemplified in the <Glucan> paragraph above. That is, for example, the raw material glucan is preferably derived from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potato, tapioca, corn, sweet potato, lily bulb, taro, yam, lotus root, wheat, rice, kudzu, water chestnut, and pea, and preferably contains one or more starch derivatives selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, esterified starch, cationized starch, anionized starch, and cross-linked starch, and preferably contains modified starch.

[0093] The amylose content in the raw material glucan is preferably 0 to 90% by mass, more preferably 5 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 28% by mass, and even more preferably 6 to 25% by mass, from the viewpoint of the elongation at break of the molded article, or from the viewpoint of elongation at break and solubility in water. For example, it may be 10 to 25% by mass, 15 to 23% by mass, or 18 to 22% by mass. When two or more raw material glucans are used as raw material glucans, the amylose content refers to the average amylose content, which is a weighted average value considering the proportion of the two or more raw material glucans. The amylose content of the raw material glucan, as well as the water content, protein content, lipid content, α-1,6-bond content, and solubility in 80°C hot water, which will be described later, can be measured in the same way as the glucan measurement methods described above.

[0094] The water content in the raw material glucan is preferably 0 to 20% by mass, more preferably 5 to 15% by mass. The protein content in the raw material glucan is preferably 0 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0 to 5% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 1% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 0.5% by mass, and may be 0% by mass. The lipid content in the raw material glucan is preferably 0 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0 to 1% by mass, even more preferably 0 to 0.2% by mass, and may be 0% by mass. The α-1,6-bond content in the raw material glucan is preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 4 mol%.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the raw material glucan is preferably water-soluble. The solubility of the raw material glucan in 80°C hot water is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 90 to 100% by mass, even more preferably 95 to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 98 to 100% by mass. When the raw material glucan is water-soluble, the viscosity of the aqueous solution of the raw material glucan measured at 80°C with a concentration of 10% by mass is preferably 10 to 12,000,000 mPas·sec, more preferably 100 to 10,000,000 mPas·sec, even more preferably 5,000 to 5,000,000 mPas·sec, even more preferably 10,000 to 1,000,000 mPas·sec, and particularly preferably 50,000 to 500,000 mPas·sec.

[0096] The raw material glucan may be gelatinized before the reaction in step (1). Gelatinization reduces the molecular regularity of the raw material glucan, making it more susceptible to the effects of exo-type enzymes. The method of gelatinization is not limited, and methods known in the art can be used.

[0097] The exo-type enzyme is one or more selected from the group consisting of β-amylase and 4-α-glucanotransferase. By using 4-α-glucanotransferase, glucans can be produced in which one or more unit chains contained in the glucan are linked to another branched chain via an α-1,3-linkage. Exo-type enzymes are commercially available, and commercially available exo-type enzymes can be used in this invention.

[0098] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the thermal stability of glucan, it is preferable that the exo-type enzyme produces only a small amount or almost no α-1,6-bonds during the reaction between the raw material glucan and the exo-type enzyme. That is, the ratio of the α-1,6-bond content in the glucan obtained by the reaction between the raw material glucan and the exo-type enzyme to the α-1,6-bond content in the raw material glucan (α-1,6-bond content in glucan / α-1,6-bond content in raw material glucan) is preferably 2 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, even more preferably 1.0 or less, even more preferably less than 1.0, and particularly preferably 0.9 or less. The lower limit of the above ratio is not limited, but for example, it is 0.5 or more.

[0099] The mass ratio of the raw material glucan to the exo-type enzyme is preferably 99.999:0.001 to 90:10, more preferably 99.990:0.01 to 95.000:5.00, even more preferably 99.90:0.10 to 99.000:1.00, and particularly preferably 99.80:0.20 to 99.50:0.50. When the mass ratio is within the above range, the desired glucan can be obtained.

[0100] The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 120°C, more preferably 20 to 100°C, even more preferably 40 to 80°C, and particularly preferably 45 to 75°C, from the viewpoint of reactivity and productivity. If step (0) described later is not included, the reaction temperature is preferably 50 to 150°C, more preferably 80 to 130°C, and particularly preferably 100 to 120°C, from the viewpoint of uniform reactivity. The reaction time can be appropriately determined depending on the type or ratio of the raw material glucan and / or exo-type enzyme, the reaction temperature, and / or the characteristics of the glucan to be produced, and is usually 0.1 to 24 hours, preferably 1 to 6 hours.

[0101] In step (1), the reaction between the raw material glucan and the exo-type enzyme is preferably carried out while stirring, from the viewpoint of uniform reactivity.

[0102] After the reaction in step (1), the glucan produced may be purified to increase its purity. The purification method is not particularly limited and can be carried out using, for example, a dialysis membrane. The dialysis membrane used should be appropriately selected depending on the glucan of interest.

[0103] If the molded article contains a plasticizer and / or other components, the reaction system and the plasticizer and / or other components may be mixed either simultaneously with or after step (1). The mixing method is not limited, and methods known in the art may be used. Step (1) and the above mixing yield a reaction product containing glucan, and optionally a composition containing a plasticizer and / or other components. The present invention also covers such compositions, i.e., compositions containing the glucan in the present invention, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components. If the glucan in the present invention is water-soluble, the composition is preferably a water-soluble composition containing the glucan in the present invention, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components. If the molded article or composition contains a plasticizer, the ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to plasticizer contained in the molded article or composition is preferably 90:10 to 10:90, more preferably 85:15 to 15:85, even more preferably 80:20 to 20:80, and even more preferably 75:25 to 25:75. When the aforementioned content ratio is within the aforementioned range, the elongation at break and water solubility of the molded article can be further improved.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is preferably a composition containing polysaccharides as other components, and more preferably a water-soluble composition containing polysaccharides as other components. Accordingly, the present invention also covers water-soluble compositions containing glucan and polysaccharides, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4. In this embodiment, the polysaccharides may be those exemplified in the section on "Other Components" above, or preferably those exemplified as preferred. In an embodiment in which the composition contains polysaccharides, for example, in which a molded article produced using the composition is a film or coating film integrated with a support which is one or more selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, film and metal foil, or is a fiber, the content ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to polysaccharides contained in the composition is preferably 99.5:0.5 to 1:99, more preferably 99:1 to 5:95, even more preferably 98:2 to 10:90, and even more preferably 97:3 to 15:85. When the aforementioned content ratio is within the aforementioned range, the elongation at break and flexural resistance of the molded article produced using the composition can be further increased. In another embodiment of the present invention, where the composition contains polysaccharides, for example, an embodiment in which the molded article produced using the composition is not integrated with a support, for example, an embodiment in which the molded article exists alone, the content ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to polysaccharides contained in the composition is preferably 99.5:0.5 to 30:70, more preferably 99:1 to 40:60, even more preferably 95:5 to 50:50, and even more preferably 90:10 to 55:45. When the aforementioned content ratio is within the aforementioned range, the elongation at break and maximum stress of the molded article produced using the composition can be further increased. The molded article according to the present invention can be produced using a water-soluble composition containing the glucan according to the present invention, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components, as described above. Therefore, matters described as preferred with respect to the molded article according to the present invention in this specification are also preferred with respect to the water-soluble composition according to the present invention, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0105] In step (2), the obtained reaction product is molded. If the molded body is a film, the temperature of the obtained reaction product is adjusted as needed, and the molten reaction product is extruded from a T-die or the like onto a known substrate with release properties, and then cooled to form the molded body. A single-layer molded body can be produced, and a multi-layer molded body can also be produced by co-extrusion or by laminating the obtained molded bodies in a known manner. If the molded body is a film, the temperature of the obtained reaction product is also adjusted as needed, and the molded body can be formed by inflation molding and cooling. A multi-layer molded body can also be produced by employing co-extrusion in inflation molding. In the case of a multi-layer molded body, a laminated molded body of two or more layers of the molded body (film) of the present invention, or a laminated molded body of one or more layers other than the molded body (film) (for example, any of the above-mentioned layers) can be produced by the above method. If the multi-layer molded body includes two or more layers of the molded body (film) of the present invention, the films may be the same or different from each other. If a multilayer molded body includes two or more layers other than the molded body (film), these two or more layers may be the same or different from each other. If a multilayer molded body includes any of the above-mentioned layers, and any of these layers is a resin layer, a multilayer molded body including any of these layers can also be manufactured by coating the resin layer with a solution containing the material forming the resin layer and a solvent, and then removing the solvent, using a general method.

[0106] If the molded body is made of fiber, the temperature of the resulting reaction product can be adjusted as needed, the molten reaction product can be extruded from a nozzle, and then cooled to form the molded product. If the molded body is made of pellets, discs, or rods, the temperature of the resulting reaction product can be adjusted as needed, the molten reaction product can be extruded from an extruder into the desired shape, cut, and then cooled to form the molded product.

[0107] The temperature of the reaction product, if necessary, can be adjusted by known methods, and the temperature should be appropriately selected according to the type of raw material glucan and the type and amount of plasticizer used. If no plasticizer is used, the temperature is preferably adjusted to 150 to 350°C, more preferably to 200 to 300°C, and even more preferably to 170 to 220°C, from the viewpoint of moldability and prevention of deterioration of the reaction product. If a plasticizer is used, the temperature is preferably adjusted to 80 to 300°C, more preferably to 120 to 250°C, and even more preferably to 150 to 200°C, from the viewpoint of moldability and prevention of deterioration of the reaction product.

[0108] If the molded body is a single-layer or multi-layer film, one or more of these films may be integrated with one or more supports selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, film, and metal foil. The method of integration is not limited and includes, for example, a method of integration by applying water to the surface of the molded body and adhering the coated surface to the support, a method of integration of the molded body and the support by thermocompression bonding, a method of integration of the molded body and the support via an adhesive or bonding agent, and an inflation method by co-extruding the material for forming the molded body and the material for forming the support (film). When integration is performed by thermocompression bonding, the conditions can be appropriately selected depending on the type of glucan contained in the molded body and the type and amount of plasticizer if present. For example, integration can be performed by pressing at a temperature of 100 to 200°C and a pressure of 0.1 to 30 MPa for 0.1 to 10 seconds. When integration is performed via an adhesive or bonding agent, such adhesives or bonding agents are known in the art. The molded body integrated with the support may have one or more of the above-mentioned arbitrary layers at any location. Any layer can be integrated in the same manner as the support. Furthermore, if any of the layers is a resin layer, a molded body containing the desired layer and an integrated support can be manufactured by coating the resin layer with a solution containing the material and solvent that form the resin layer using a general method, and then removing the solvent.

[0109] When a molded body that is a film or a molded body integrated with a support has a shape other than a sheet, such as a tape or a pouch, a molded body having a desired shape can be obtained by processing the molded body that is a film or a molded body integrated with a support. For example, if the molded body has the shape of a pouch, it can be manufactured by a method that includes the step of sealing one or more molded bodies that are a film or a molded body integrated with a support to form a bag. A pouch containing contents can be manufactured by a method that includes the steps of putting contents into a molded body formed into a bag shape and sealing the opening; or by a method that includes the steps of forming a recess in a first molded body, putting contents into the recess, and bonding and sealing a second molded body.

[0110] Methods for sealing molded bodies include sealing by applying water to the surface of the molded body and bonding the coated surface (also called water sealing), sealing by heat compression (also called heat sealing), and sealing with an adhesive. From the viewpoint of minimizing thermal degradation of the molded body and avoiding problems caused by harmful components that may be contained in adhesives, water sealing is preferred, while from the viewpoint of versatility of the device, heat sealing is preferred.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded body has high adhesive strength due to moisture, making it suitable for use with water seals. In another embodiment of the present invention, the molded body has high water sealability and low heat sealability. Due to the low heat sealability, when manufacturing a film-type molded body using a roll-to-roll method, the film is less likely to adhere to the roll, effectively suppressing damage during manufacturing. Furthermore, due to the high water sealability, the manufactured molded body can be easily and simply formed into a pouch using moisture.

[0112] When employing a method of sealing by heat compression, the molded body may include the heat seal layer described above.

[0113] The reaction in step (1) can also be carried out in solution. In this embodiment, the method includes step (0) of preparing a solution of the raw material glucan before step (1), and the reaction in step (1) is carried out in the solution obtained in step (0).

[0114] In step (0), the concentration of the raw material glucan in the solution is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 10 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 20 to 35% by mass, and particularly preferably 23 to 32% by mass, from the viewpoint of reactivity. The temperature when mixing the raw material glucan and the solvent to prepare the solution is usually 30 to 100°C, preferably 40 to 98°C. The mixing method is not particularly limited and may be done by conventionally known methods.

[0115] The solvent is not particularly limited, but it is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, methanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol, as it can dissolve the raw material glucan and the plasticizer if used, and allows for easy subsequent drying. From the viewpoint of toxicity, it is more preferably water, methanol, or a mixture thereof, and water is particularly preferred.

[0116] If the method includes step (0) and the molded article contains a plasticizer and / or other components, the reaction system and the plasticizer and / or other components may be mixed simultaneously with step (0), after step (0) and before step (1), simultaneously with step (1), or after step (1). Whether the method includes or does not include step (0), from the viewpoint of reactivity, it is preferable to mix the reaction system and the plasticizer and / or other components after step (1).

[0117] If the reaction in step (1) is carried out in solution, a molded article can be formed from the solution containing the reaction product in step (2). Even if the reaction in step (1) is not carried out in solution, a molded article can be formed from a solution in step (2) by preparing a solution containing the reaction product, a solvent, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components. In this case, the same solvent as exemplified as the solvent that can be used in step (0) can be used as the solvent. Whether the reaction in step (1) is carried out in solution or not, the above solution contains the reaction product containing glucan in the present invention, a solvent, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components. The solution corresponds to the composition containing glucan, a solvent, and optionally a plasticizer and / or other components in the present invention.

[0118] If the molded article is a film, the film can be obtained by casting and drying a solution containing the reaction product. Casting can be performed, for example, by applying the solution containing the reaction product onto a substrate that has release properties. Such substrates are known in the art. Examples of methods for applying the solution containing the reaction product to the substrate include known methods such as spin coating, extrusion, bar coating, and applicator coating. As coaters, blade coaters, bar coaters, roll coaters, gravure coaters, reverse gravure coaters, comma coaters, air knife coaters, reverse roll coaters, curtain coaters, spray coaters, size press coaters, or gate roll coaters can be used. After casting, a dried coating is formed by removing the solvent by drying or other means. Drying methods include natural drying, forced-air drying, heat drying, and reduced-pressure drying. As a dryer, a conventional dryer can be used, and examples include steam heaters, gas heaters, infrared heaters, electric heaters, hot-air heaters, microwaves, and cylinder dryers. After that, the film can be obtained by removing the substrate. A laminate containing a film and a support can be manufactured by integrating one or more layers of the obtained film with one or more support selected from textile products, paper, film, and metal foil. As a method for integrating the film and the support, the method for integrating the film and the support exemplified in the previous paragraph can be employed. When laminating one or more of the above-mentioned arbitrary layers, the obtained film or film integrated with the support and one or more of the arbitrary layers can be integrated in any lamination order by the same method. Alternatively, one or more of the arbitrary layers may be laminated onto the support first, and then the support and film may be integrated. If the arbitrary layer is a resin layer, a film containing the arbitrary layers in any lamination order, or a film with an integrated support, can also be manufactured by coating with a solution containing the material forming the resin layer and a solvent by a general method, and then removing the solvent.

[0119] If the molded body is a coated film, the coating film can be obtained by coating a support with a solution containing the reaction product and drying it. The coating film may be single-layer or multi-layer. If it is multi-layer, the layers may be the same or different. Coating the support can be done, for example, by coating the support with a solution containing the reaction product, or by passing the support through a solution containing the reaction product. Such coatings are well known in the art, and such known coatings can be used. In this case, the support may be fibers, textile products, paper, film, or metal foil. When coating using a coater, the coaters exemplified in the previous paragraph as usable in the film manufacturing method can be used. Drying methods include natural drying, forced-air drying, heat drying, and vacuum drying. As for the dryer, the dryers exemplified in the previous paragraph as usable in the film manufacturing method can be used. If the coating film is multi-layer, coating and drying may be performed sequentially, or drying may be performed after multi-layer coating. When laminating one or more of the above-mentioned arbitrary layers, the resulting film integrated with the support and one or more of the arbitrary layers can be integrated in any lamination order using a method similar to the method of integrating the film and support as exemplified in the previous paragraph. Alternatively, one or more of the arbitrary layers may be laminated onto the support first, and then a coating film may be formed. If the arbitrary layer is a resin layer, a film with an integrated support containing the arbitrary layers in any lamination order can also be produced by coating with a solution containing the material and solvent for forming the resin layer using a general method, and then removing the solvent.

[0120] If the molded body is a fiber, the molded body can be manufactured by dry spinning or wet spinning, preferably by dry spinning, and such manufacturing methods are known in the art. For example, it can be manufactured by a method including the steps of obtaining a yarn from the material for forming the molded body by dry spinning, and stretching the obtained yarn.

[0121] In dry spinning, the volatile solvent used in the spinning stock containing the material for forming the molded body according to the present invention can be one that has been conventionally used in dry spinning, such as water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-methylpyrrolidone. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The concentration of the material for forming the molded body according to the present invention in the spinning stock may be appropriately adjusted depending on the composition of the material or the solvent used, for example, to about 5 to 85% by mass. The spinning stock is usually discharged from a known dry spinning apparatus into heated gas (e.g., an inert gas such as helium, argon, or nitrogen) or air, and solidified yarn (fiber) can be obtained by the volatilization of the solvent. The cross-sectional shape and diameter of the obtained fiber can be arbitrarily set by the shape and size of the discharge nozzle. In this step, glucan, optionally plasticizers, and other components may be mixed in the dry spinning apparatus.

[0122] The spinning solution may be preheated, preferably to a temperature of 20 to 200°C, and more preferably to 80 to 150°C. When the temperature of the spinning solution is within this range, the spinnability can be stabilized.

[0123] Stretching may be performed either by winding the solidified yarn first and then stretching it, or by performing it immediately after solidification, but in the case of the fibers of the present invention, either method may be used. The stretching operation is usually performed by heat stretching, and may be done using hot air, a hot plate, atmospheric heating, a hot roller, or any other method. The temperature when performing heat stretching is preferably 100 to 300°C, more preferably 200 to 250°C.

[0124] The stretched fibers described above are preferably wound at a speed of 100 to 10,000 m / min, more preferably 500 to 2,000 m / min. When the winding speed is within the above range, stable spinning properties can be achieved.

[0125] After spinning, one or more processing steps may be applied as long as they do not reduce the properties of the fibers (such as elongation at break or water solubility). Examples of such processing steps include applying an oil after stretching to prevent sticking, interlacing to converge the fibers, false twisting, Taslan processing, crimping, mercerization, shrinkage prevention, wrinkle prevention, dye resistance, bulking, softening, or antibacterial processing.

[0126] The composition constituting the molded article containing the glucan of the present invention may be a water-soluble composition containing glucan and other optionally included components, as described above. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be a water-soluble composition containing polysaccharides as other components, and the water-soluble composition may be a composition as described in the method for producing a molded article containing glucan. In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be a composition containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin as other components. The composition may further be a water-soluble composition containing polysaccharides. Accordingly, the present invention also covers a water-soluble composition containing the glucan and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

[0127] In this invention, the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin refers to polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol. In a molded article composed of a water-soluble composition containing the above-mentioned water-soluble glucan and polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin and the glucan can form a higher-order network through hydrogen bonding, and therefore, the stress of the resulting molded article can be improved.

[0128] The viscosity-average degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol-based resins is preferably 300 or higher, more preferably 400 or higher, and even more preferably 500 or higher, from the viewpoint of easily improving the mechanical properties of molded articles obtained from the resin composition. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of water solubility, it is preferably 3,000 or lower, more preferably 2,500 or lower, and even more preferably 2,000 or lower. The viscosity-average degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol-based resins can be measured in accordance with JIS K 6726-1994.

[0129] The degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is preferably 60 to 100 mol%, more preferably 70 to 99.9 mol%, and even more preferably 80 to 99.7 mol%, from the viewpoint of easily improving the mechanical properties and water solubility of the molded article obtained from the resin composition. The lower limit of the degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin may be, for example, 85 mol% or more, 90 mol% or more, 95 mol% or more, etc. The degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin can be measured in accordance with the description in JIS K 6726-1994.

[0130] Polyvinyl alcohol-based resins are resins having vinyl alcohol constituent units and, optionally, vinyl acetate constituent units, but may also contain other constituent units other than vinyl alcohol constituent units and vinyl acetate constituent units. Other constituent units are not particularly limited, but examples include olefins such as ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, and octene; acrylic acid and unsaturated monomers having acrylic acid esters such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, i-propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, i-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, and octadecyl acrylate; methacrylate. Acrylic acid, and unsaturated monomers having methacrylic acid esters such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, i-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, i-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, octadecyl methacrylate; acrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-ethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, diacetoneacrylamide, 2-acrylamide Acrylamides such as mido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and acrylamidopropyldimethylamine; methacrylamides such as methacrylamide, N-methylmethacrylamide, N-ethylmethacrylamide, methacrylamidopropanesulfonic acid and methacrylamidopropyldimethylamine; vinyl ethers such as methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, n-propyl vinyl ether, i-propyl vinyl ether, n-butyl vinyl ether, i-butyl vinyl ether, t-butyl vinyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether, stearyl vinyl ether, and 2,3-diacetoxy-1-vinyloxypropane; unsaturated nitriles such as acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile; vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinyl fluoride; vinylidenes such as vinylidene chloride and vinylidene fluoride; allyl compounds such as allyl acetate, 2,3-diacetoxy-1-allyloxypropane, and allyl chloride; unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and their salts such as maleic acid, itaconic acid, and fumaric acid;Unsaturated dicarboxylic acid esters and their salts such as monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, methyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, methyl fumarate, and dimethyl fumarate; vinylsilyl compounds such as vinyltrimethoxysilane; isopropenyl acetate; vinylsulfonic acid; p-styrenesulfonic acid; ammonium salts such as diallyldimethylammonium chloride, vinyltrimethylammonium chloride, allyltrimethylammonium chloride, p-vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride, and 3-(methacrylamide)propyltrimethylammonium chloride; vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl valerate, vinyl stearate Examples include vinyl esters such as vinyl benzoate, vinyl trifluoroacetate, vinyl pivalate, and vinyl versatate; hydroxyl group-containing constituent units such as 1,3-diacetoxy-2-methylenepropane (DAMP), 1,3-dipropionyloxy-2-methylenepropane, 1,3-dibutyronyloxy-2-methylenepropane, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylenepropane, allyl alcohol, 3-acetoxy-1-propene, 3,4-dihydroxy-1-butene, 3,4-diacetoxy-1-butene, 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-butene, 4-acetoxy-2-methyl-1-butene, metharyl alcohol, and metharyl acetate; and combinations thereof.

[0131] The content of components other than vinyl alcohol components and vinyl acetate components is preferably 0.1 mol% to 40 mol%, more preferably 1 mol% to 20 mol%, and even more preferably 5 mol% to 15 mol%, relative to the total components of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin. A content of 0.1 mol% or more of components other than vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate components is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the water solubility of the resulting vinyl alcohol-based resin. A content of 40 mol% or less of components is preferable from the viewpoint of increasing the molecular weight of the resulting vinyl alcohol-based resin and improving the strength of the molded article.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the water-soluble composition contains glucan and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, the content of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 65% by mass, even more preferably 2 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 55% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 54% by mass, even more preferably 15 to 53% by mass, and particularly preferably 20 to 50% by mass, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0133] In this embodiment, the content ratio (mass ratio) of glucan to polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is preferably 99:1 to 1:99, more preferably 90:10 to 10:90, even more preferably 80:20 to 20:80, and even more preferably 70:30 to 30:70.

[0134] In another embodiment of the present invention, when the molded article further contains a plasticizer, the content ratio (mass ratio) of the plasticizer to the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin in the molded article is preferably 95:5 to 5:95, more preferably 90:10 to 10:90, even more preferably 80:20 to 20:80, and even more preferably 75:25 to 25:75.

[0135] <Applications> [Packaging material] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molded article or the laminate including the molded article and the support can be preferably used as a packaging material.

[0136] The packaging material is a film used for packaging, and may include thin films, thick films, etc., and may take the form of a container, pouch, cup, tube, tray, bottle, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the packaging material may contain a substance, preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of cleaning agents, softeners, and fragrances. Furthermore, the packaging material may contain, internally, at least one selected from the group consisting of food, preferably energy drink powder, hydration drink powder, sports drink powder and their concentrates, protein powder, hot cocoa, concentrated tea, tea leaves, mocha, concentrated fruit beverage, coffee, chicory and other beverage powders; instant foods such as flavor and texture improvers, instant noodle spice packs, and concentrated soups; bread; confectionery; kimchi; pickles; salsa; tomato paste; seasonings or preservatives such as taco powder, dried pepper, pepper paste, miso, and spices; liquid, solid, or concentrated bouillon; food ingredients such as yeast, salt, spices, food coloring, texture modifiers, wheat flour, sugar, and powdered milk; egg products such as liquid egg, egg white, and egg yolk; and additives such as cream, gelatin, fruit filling, or soy paste.

[0137] Furthermore, the packaging material is preferably a flexible packaging material. A flexible packaging material refers to a thin and flexible packaging material made of a highly flexible material. For example, the film (molded film) in the present invention can be suitably used as a packaging material on its own, and in this case the film is the packaging material. Also, the laminate in the present invention, which includes a molded body that is a film and a support, wherein the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, film, and metal foil, can be suitably used as a packaging material. The packaging material can have a sheet-like shape, or it can have a shape such as tape or a pouch. The pouch is not particularly limited as long as it is in a form that can package a substance (preferably the contents), and it may be sealed inside or partially open. The pouch may take the form of, for example, a two-sided pouch, a three-sided pouch, a four-sided pouch, a flat pouch, a standing pouch, a gusset pouch, a bottom gusset pouch, a twin pouch, a spout pouch, a side-seal pouch, an envelope-type seal pouch, a pillow-seal pouch, a pleated seal pouch, a flat-bottom seal pouch, a square-bottom seal pouch, or a bottom-seal pouch, or it may take the form of a cup, tube, tray, bottle, box, lid, or container.

[0138] As described above, the molded articles and laminates of the present invention can be suitably used as packaging materials, and can also be suitably used as packaging materials in combination with other packaging materials. The other packaging materials are not particularly limited, as long as they are other than the packaging materials of the present invention. For example, if the other packaging material has the shape of a bottle, the packaging material of the present invention (e.g., in the form of a film or a lid) can be used as a lid for the bottle into which the contents have been introduced. For example, if the other packaging material has the shape of a film, the packaging material of the present invention can be used as packaging material for packaging contents by sealing the edges of the other packaging material and the packaging material of the present invention (e.g., in the form of a film) to form a bag-like object, introducing the contents into it, and sealing the opening.

[0139] [Uses other than packaging materials] The molded articles and laminates of the present invention can be suitably used not only as packaging materials but also as laundry sheets or fabric softener sheets. A laundry sheet is a sheet-shaped detergent in which detergent components are wrapped in a film or impregnated into a film. A fabric softener sheet is a sheet-shaped fabric softener in which fabric softener components are wrapped in a film or impregnated into a film. A laundry sheet or fabric softener sheet may contain one or more layers made of the molded articles of the present invention. A laundry sheet or fabric softener sheet may include one or more layers made of a film containing the water-soluble composition of the present invention and one or more layers of a known water-soluble film or water-dispersible film. A laundry sheet or fabric softener sheet may further contain laundry additives such as detergent, bleach, or bleach components.

[0140] The molded articles and laminates of the present invention can also be suitably used as cosmetic masks. A cosmetic mask is a sheet in which cosmetic ingredients are wrapped in a film or impregnated into a film. Cosmetic masks can be used as various face masks, such as sheets shaped to fit a person's face. Face masks can contain various active ingredients for moisturizing, wrinkle reduction, etc. Face masks deliver the active ingredients to target organs and decompose and dissolve over time with use. Water may be applied to the face mask before application to the face. Face masks may contain one or more personal care compositions.

[0141] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way by such examples. The physical properties in the examples and comparative examples were measured according to the following procedure.

[0142] [Evaluation of Glucan] <Analysis of Unit Chains> The glucan aqueous solution (1) prepared in Example 1 was dried to obtain solid glucan. For the examples other than Example 1 and the comparative examples, the glucan aqueous solutions corresponding to glucan aqueous solution (1), prepared according to the procedures of each example described later, were dried to obtain solid glucan. The obtained solid glucans were each dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and precipitated by adding ethanol. Next, the unit chains were analyzed by the method described in 2.5. Chain-length distribution analysis of glucans prepared from developing rice endosperm in Non-Patent Literature (Journal of Cereal Science 89 (2019) 102778). In the obtained chromatograms, the mass of the unit chain for each degree of polymerization was obtained by dividing the peak area for each degree of polymerization by the electrophoresis time. When determining the degree of polymerization of glucan from the electrophoresis time, a similar electrophoresis test was performed in advance using glucans or mixtures of glucans with a determined degree of polymerization, and those with shorter electrophoresis times were considered to have a lower degree of polymerization. In this case, underived glucans were used. From the obtained chromatograms, it was confirmed whether or not the glucan contained unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4. If the glucan contained unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 (Example), the ratio of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 was determined by dividing the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4 by the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70. Furthermore, the ratio (B) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35 to 39 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 was determined by dividing the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35 to 39 by the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70. Similarly, the ratio (A) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45 to 49 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 was determined by dividing the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45 to 49 by the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70. The ratio (B) / (A) was obtained by dividing ratio (B) by ratio (A).When calculating the ratio (B) / (A) of the proportion (B) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35-39 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1-70 to the proportion (A) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45-49 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1-70, if both proportions (B) and (A) are 0, or if either proportion (B) or (A) is 0, the ratio (B) / (A) is set to 1. Furthermore, it was confirmed by chromatograms that each glucan obtained in the examples and comparative examples contained two or more unit chains, and that these two or more unit chains contained unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1-70.

[0143] <Peak Positions of Weight-Average Molecular Weight and Number-Average Molecular Weight> The peak positions of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the raw material glucan, as well as the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the glucans obtained in the examples and comparative examples, were determined. Specifically, 20 μg of each raw material glucan and glucan were subjected to gel filtration HPLC under the following conditions: Eluent: 5 mM sodium nitrate / DMSO Column: One TSK GEL α-M column used Column temperature: 60°C Flow rate: 0.8 mL / min Glucan concentration: 0.2 w / v% Preparation of measurement samples: The raw material glucan or a mixture of glucan and eluent was allowed to stand overnight, then stirred at 60°C for 1 hour, and further stirred at 65°C for 1.5 hours to dissolve the glucan and obtain the measurement sample. Filtration: 0.45 μm PP filter (Whatman) Injection volume: 100 μL Standard: PMMA-R, Y, G Measurement time: 18 minutes Liquid delivery unit: GPC-101 (Shodex) Detector: RI When multiple peaks were present in the chromatogram of the raw material glucan, the weight-average molecular weight was calculated including all peaks. The peak positions of the weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight of the glucan were determined from the peak top position of the weight-average molecular weight and the peak top position of the number-average molecular weight, respectively. When multiple peaks were present in the chromatogram of the glucan, they were referred to as Peak 1, Peak 2, Peak 3, and Peak 4 in order from the largest peak position. In addition, a fifth peak was not observed in any of the glucans obtained in the examples and comparative examples.

[0144] [Evaluation of Glucan Aqueous Solution] <Viscosity of Glucan Aqueous Solution> A 10% by mass glucan aqueous solution was heated to 80°C, and the viscosity was measured using a B-type viscometer (TVB-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 85°C, 0.5 to 100 rpm, and spindle No. M1 to M4 (the spindle was changed according to the viscosity. The rotation speed was changed so that the torque was 50 to 80% of the maximum torque).

[0145] [Evaluation of Molded Body] <Glucan Content> Approximately 1 g of the molded body was dissolved in water at 80°C to prepare an aqueous solution of approximately 2% by mass. The aqueous solution was cooled to room temperature and purified by dialysis for 48 hours using a dialysis membrane (Fisher brand DIALYSIS TUBING #21-152-9 normal MWCO3,500). The glucan content was calculated from the concentration and amount of the aqueous solution remaining inside the dialysis membrane using the following formula: Glucan content (mass%) = {[Concentration of aqueous solution remaining inside the dialysis membrane (mass%)] × [Mass of aqueous solution remaining inside the dialysis membrane (g)] / [Mass of molded body used (g)]}

[0146] <Water solubility> 0.1 g of the molded body (film) was added to 100 g of water and stirred at 80°C for 60 minutes. The mixture was then filtered using a filter (pore size: 21 μm), and the components that did not pass through the filter were collected, dried, and the amount of solids was measured. Solubility was calculated using the following formula. If the maximum dimensions of the molded body were 2 mm or more, it was cut to less than 2 mm using scissors or a pulverizer before being used for the test. Solubility (mass%) = {1 - [Amount of solids that did not pass through the filter (g)] / [Amount of molded body used (g)]} × 100

[0147] <Moisture Content> The molded body was stored at 23°C and 50% RH for one week, and its mass was measured. Then, it was dried under reduced pressure at 40°C and less than 1000 Pa until the mass became constant. The moisture content was calculated using the following formula: Moisture content (mass%) = {1 - [mass after drying (g)] / [mass before drying (g)]} × 100

[0148] <Tensile Elongation at Break> The molded bodies prepared in the examples and comparative examples were stored for 7 days at 23°C and 50% RH, and then measured according to the method described in ASTM D 882. Specifically, five dumbbell-shaped test pieces with a width of 10 mm and a length of 120 mm (Examples 1-11, Comparative Examples 1-3) and five rectangular test pieces with a width of 25.4 mm and a length of 127 mm (Examples 12-19 and Comparative Examples 4-7) were cut from each molded body. For each test piece prepared, the tensile elongation at break was measured using an Autograph (device name: AG-5000B, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) with a chuck distance of 70 mm (Examples 1-11, Comparative Examples 1-3) or 25.4 mm (Examples 12-19 and Comparative Examples 4-7) and a tensile speed of 500 mm / min. The average value of the measured values ​​was calculated for each molded body and was defined as the tensile elongation at break of the molded body.

[0149] The properties of the glucan raw materials used are shown in Table 1 below.

[0150] [Example 1] 30 g of tapioca starch was suspended in 270 g of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) to a starch concentration of 10% by mass, and gelatinized by heating and stirring at 95°C for 2 hours. The temperature of the gelatinized mixture was lowered to 50°C, 0.12 g of β-amylase was added, and the reaction was carried out for 3 hours. After the reaction, the mixture was purified by dialysis for 48 hours using a dialysis membrane (Fisher brand DIALYSIS TUBING #21-152-9 normal MWCO3,500). After purification, an aqueous solution was prepared to a glucan concentration of 10% by mass to obtain an aqueous glucan solution (1). Sorbitol was added as a plasticizer to a mass ratio of glucan to sorbitol of 70:30 to prepare a coating solution. The coating solution was applied onto a polyethylene terephthalate film using an applicator, dried with hot air for one hour, and the resulting dried coating was peeled off the polyethylene terephthalate film to obtain a molded body (film) with an average thickness of approximately 80 μm.

[0151] [Examples 2-14] Glucan and molded articles (films) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type of raw material glucan used and / or the reaction conditions were changed as shown in Table 2 below. Note that purification by dialysis was not performed in Examples 12-14.

[0152] [Examples 15-19] Gelatinization and enzymatic reaction of raw material glucans were carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type of raw material glucan used and the reaction conditions were changed as shown in Table 3 below. Then, the solution after the reaction was dried to obtain glucans.

[0153] [Comparative Example 1] Glucan and a molded article (film) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an enzymatic reaction was not performed.

[0154] [Comparative Examples 2-7] Glucan and molded articles (films) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type of raw material glucan used was changed as shown in Table 2 or Table 3, and no enzymatic reaction was performed.

[0155] For Examples 1 to 19 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7, the structure of the glucan, the viscosity of the glucan aqueous solution, and the properties of the molded article were measured. The results are summarized in Tables 2 to 4 below.

[0156]

[0157]

[0158]

[0159] [Example A] 6 g of the glucan obtained in Example 15 and 4 g of sorbitol were added to pure water so that their total concentration was 15% by mass, and the mixture was heated and stirred at 90°C for 1 hour to dissolve. The solution (coating liquid) was cooled to 25°C. The obtained coating liquid was applied to paper (Solide Lucent 78gsm) as a support using a bar coater so that the thickness of the coating liquid after application (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "coating liquid thickness") was 133 μm. The wet coating film on the support was dried in a hot air dryer at 80°C for 30 minutes to obtain a molded body (laminated body) consisting of a coating film integrated with the support.

[0160] [Examples B-P and Comparative Examples A-D] Molded articles (laminated articles) consisting of a coating film integrated with a support were obtained in the same manner as in Example A, except that the materials and manufacturing conditions were as described in Table 5 below. Other polysaccharides (polysaccharides other than glucans) were added to pure water in the same manner as the addition of glucans and plasticizers. When coating was performed twice, the first coating was applied on top of the dried coating film on the support obtained by the first coating and drying, in the same manner as the first coating, and the resulting wet coating film was dried in a hot air dryer at 80°C for 30 minutes. The glucans contained in the coating films produced in Comparative Examples A-D contained two or more unit chains, but did not contain unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 4. Furthermore, the molded articles of Examples A-P and Comparative Examples A-D, as well as the molded articles of Examples Q-R and Comparative Example E described later, were water-soluble. Whether or not these molded articles were water-soluble was evaluated according to the test method described in <Water-soluble (solubility)> above, and if the solubility was 50% by mass or more, the molded article was determined to be water-soluble.

[0161] [Thickness of the coating film] The thickness of the coating film was calculated using the following formula: Thickness of the coating film [μm] = Concentration of the coating solution [mass %] × Thickness of the coating solution [μm] / 100 Concentration of the coating solution [mass %] = {(Mass of the coating solution [g] - Mass of water contained in the coating solution [g]) / Mass of the coating solution [g]} × 100 The total thickness of the coating film when the coating was applied twice was calculated by replacing "thickness of the coating solution" with "total thickness of the coating solution" in the above formula.

[0162] [Glucan content, water content, water solubility, and tensile elongation at break] The glucan content, water content, water solubility, and tensile elongation at break of the coating film contained in the molded article were measured according to the methods described in the paragraphs above for <glucan content>, <water content>, <water solubility>, and <tensile elongation at break>.

[0163] [Flexural Resistance] The laminate was bent with the coated side facing inward. A 2 kg rubber roller was passed back and forth once over the bent area (crease) from one end to the other to create a crease. Toluene colored with food coloring was applied to the 10 cm portion of the crease on the coated side, and it was checked for bleed-through to the back side (uncoated side) (small red spots or complete discoloration of the coated surface). If there was no bleed-through, the same process was repeated and checked again. The maximum number of bends without bleed-through was defined as the flexural resistance [cycles], with a maximum value of 5. The larger this value, the better the mechanical strength of the coated layer and the less likely cracks are to occur when bent.

[0164] [Oxygen Permeability (OTR)] Using an oxygen permeability measuring device (OXYSENSE MODEL 8101e manufactured by Systemch illinois), the oxygen permeability (cc / m³) of the laminate was measured under the following conditions. ２ The following measurements were taken: Temperature: 23°C; Humidity on oxygen supply side: 50% RH; Humidity on carrier gas side: 50% RH; Carrier gas flow rate: 10 mL / min; Oxygen pressure: 1.0 atm; Carrier gas pressure: 1.0 atm

[0165]

[0166] [Example Q] The steps up to the enzymatic reaction were carried out in the same manner as in Example 14. Next, the solution after the enzymatic reaction was dried to obtain a water-soluble glucan (referred to as the glucan of Example 14 in Table 6 below). The obtained water-soluble glucan, ι-carrageenan as a polysaccharide, glycerin and sorbitol as plasticizers were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 6, and the resulting mixture was mixed with pure water to prepare a coating solution. The coating solution was applied onto a polyethylene terephthalate film with an applicator, and dried with hot air at 60°C for 1 hour. The resulting dried coating film was peeled off the polyethylene terephthalate film to obtain a molded body (film) with an average thickness of approximately 80 μm.

[0167] [Example R and Comparative Example E] Molded articles (films) with an average thickness of approximately 80 μm were obtained in the same manner as in Example Q, except that the materials used were as described in Table 6 below.

[0168]

[0169] [Example of synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol-based resin] 602 g of vinyl acetate, 1.21 g of methyl acrylate, and 254 g of methanol were charged into a reactor equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, nitrogen inlet, and initiator addition port. The reactor was then purged with inert gas for 30 minutes while bubbling with nitrogen. The reactor temperature was increased by heating a water bath, and when the internal temperature reached 60°C, 0.16 g of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was added as an initiator to start polymerization. Sampling was performed as needed, and the progress of polymerization was confirmed from the solid content concentration. The consumption rate, which is the total mass of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate consumed by polymerization relative to the total mass of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate charged, was calculated. When the consumption rate reached 4%, the temperature was cooled to 30°C to stop polymerization. The reactor was connected to a vacuum line, and the remaining vinyl acetate was removed by distillation under reduced pressure at 30°C along with methanol. While visually monitoring the reactor, methanol was added as needed as the viscosity increased, and distillation was continued to obtain polyvinyl acetate containing 5.2 mol% acrylic acid constituent units. The content of acrylic acid constituent units was measured using NMR. Next, 1 g of the obtained polyvinyl acetate containing acrylic acid constituent units and 18.2 g of methanol were added to the same reactor as above and dissolved. The water bath was heated and stirred until the internal temperature reached 70°C. 0.78 g of a methanol solution of sodium hydroxide (methacustic, concentration 15% by mass) was added, and saponification was carried out at 70°C for 2 hours. The obtained solution was filtered to obtain polyvinyl alcohol containing 5.2 mol% acrylic acid constituent units. The degree of saponification measured using NMR was 99%, and the viscosity-average degree of polymerization measured from the viscosity of the aqueous solution was 1700. This polyvinyl alcohol resin was added to water, an equimolar amount of sodium hydroxide was added to the acrylic acid constituent units, and the mixture was heated to 90°C to dissolve and dried to obtain the polyvinyl alcohol resin PVOH-1.

[0170] [Example S] The steps up to the enzymatic reaction were carried out in the same manner as in Example 5. Next, the solution after the enzymatic reaction was dried to obtain a water-soluble glucan (referred to as the glucan of Example 5 in Table 7 below). The obtained water-soluble glucan, PVOH-1 as a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, and sorbitol as a plasticizer were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 7, and a coating solution was prepared by mixing the resulting mixture with pure water. The coating solution was applied onto a polyethylene terephthalate film with an applicator, and dried with hot air at 60°C for 1 hour. The resulting dried coating film was peeled off the polyethylene terephthalate film to obtain a molded body (film) with an average thickness of approximately 80 μm. The properties of the obtained molded body were measured in the same manner as above, and the results are shown in Table 7.

[0171] [Examples T and U] Molded articles (films) with an average thickness of approximately 80 μm were obtained in the same manner as in Example V, except that the materials used were as described in Table 7 below. The properties of the obtained molded articles were measured in the same manner as above, and the results are shown in Table 7.

[0172]

[0173] The molded articles of the present invention exhibit excellent elongation at break, particularly tensile elongation at break. Therefore, the molded articles of the present invention can be suitably used, for example, in fields such as household goods, cosmetics, stationery, food, clothing, medical products, or electronic components, either on their own as films, packaging materials (e.g., pouches, or films used as packaging materials), or fibers, or integrated with a support (e.g., fibers, textile products, paper, films, and / or metal foils) as packaging materials, fibers, or textile products.

Claims

1. A molded article containing glucan, wherein the glucan contains two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

2. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the two or more unit chains include unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70, and the ratio (B) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 35 to 39 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 to the ratio (A) of the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 45 to 49 to the total mass of unit chains with a degree of polymerization of 1 to 70 is 1 or more.

3. The molded body according to claim 1, wherein the glucan is derived from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of potato, tapioca, corn, sweet potato, lily bulb, taro, yam, lotus root, wheat, rice, kudzu, water chestnut, and pea.

4. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the glucan content is 3 to 98% by mass relative to the total mass of the molded article.

5. The molded article according to claim 1, further comprising a plasticizer.

6. The molded article according to claim 5, wherein the plasticizer is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, hydroxy acids, monosaccharides, and disaccharides.

7. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the glucan comprises one or more starch derivatives selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, esterified starch, cationized starch, anionized starch, and crosslinked starch.

8. The molded article according to claim 1, further comprising a polysaccharide.

9. The molded article according to claim 8, wherein the polysaccharide is at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, and derivatives thereof.

10. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the molded article is a film, a coating, a fiber, a pellet, a foam, a disc, or a rod.

11. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the water content is 30% by mass or less.

12. The molded article according to claim 1, wherein the tensile elongation at break, measured in accordance with ASTM D 882, is 20 to 1000%.

13. The molded body, which is a film or coating, is integrated with a support, the support being fibrous, according to claim 10.

14. The molded body, which is a film or coating, is integrated with a support, the support being one or more selected from the group consisting of textile products, paper, film and metal foil, according to claim 10.

15. A molded body according to claim 10, wherein the molded body, which is a film or coating, is integrated with a support, and the support is one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, film and metal foil, wherein the molded body integrated with the support is a packaging material.

16. The molded article according to claim 10, wherein the film is a packaging material.

17. A packaging material comprising the molded body described in claim 1.

18. A water-soluble composition comprising glucan and polysaccharide, wherein the glucan comprises two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

19. The water-soluble composition according to claim 18, wherein the polysaccharide is at least one selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkylcellulose, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, and derivatives thereof.

20. A method for manufacturing the molded article described in claim 1, wherein (1) 1 × 10 ４ ~1 x 10 １０ A method comprising: (1) reacting a raw material glucan having a weight-average molecular weight with an exo-type enzyme to obtain a reaction product containing a glucan having two or more unit chains; and (2) molding the obtained reaction product.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the exo-type enzyme is one or more selected from the group consisting of β-amylase and 4-α-glucanotransferase.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the mass ratio of the raw material glucan to the exo-type enzyme is 99.999:0.001 to 90:

10.

23. A method according to claim 20, comprising step (0) of preparing a solution of raw material glucan before step (1), wherein the reaction in step (1) is carried out in the solution obtained in step (0), and the molding in step (2) is carried out by casting and drying the solution containing the reaction product to obtain a film, or by coating the solution containing the reaction product onto a support and drying to obtain a coating film, or by extruding the solution containing the reaction product from a nozzle and drying to obtain fibers.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein in step (0), the concentration of the raw material glucan in the solution is 1 to 50% by mass.

25. A water-soluble composition comprising glucan and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, wherein the glucan comprises two or more unit chains, and the degree of polymerization of one or more of the two or more unit chains is 1 to 4.

Images