JP-2026075576-A - Composition for imparting functionality

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel functional composition and functional method that can impart functionality to target objects such as natural fibers, giving them resistance to washing. [Solution] A composition containing a melanin precursor for imparting antibacterial properties, a composition for imparting deodorizing properties, or a composition for imparting antistatic properties. [Selection Diagram] None

Inventors

• 脇田　和樹
• 田口 祥平
• 四方 健一

Assignees

• 花王株式会社

Dates

Publication Date

20260508

Application Date

20250410

Priority Date

20241022

Claims (17)

1. A composition containing a melanin precursor for imparting antibacterial properties.
2. A composition containing a melanin precursor for imparting deodorizing properties.
3. A composition containing a melanin precursor for imparting antistatic properties.
4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the melanin precursor contains tyrosine and one or more compounds selected from those represented by the following general formula (1) or salts thereof. (In the formula, the dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a π bond. R1 represents a hydroxyl group or an acetoxy group. R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a -COOR (where R is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group). R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an acetyl group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group.)
5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising one or two melanin precursors selected from the group consisting of 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid.
6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition contains 2 mM or more of a melanin precursor.
7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pH of the composition at 20°C is 2 or more and 12 or less.
8. Furthermore, the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further containing metal ions.
9. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which imparts antibacterial properties, deodorizing properties, or antistatic properties to fibers.
10. A method for imparting antibacterial properties to an object, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the object.
11. A method for imparting deodorizing properties to an object, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the object.
12. A method for imparting antistatic properties to an object, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the object.
13. Furthermore, the method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising the application of metal ions.
14. A method for producing antimicrobial fibers, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the fibers.
15. A method for producing fibers with deodorizing properties, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the fibers.
16. A method for producing antistatic fibers, comprising applying a composition containing a melanin precursor to the fibers.
17. Furthermore, the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising the application of metal ions.

Description

This invention relates to a functional composition for imparting functionality (antibacterial properties, deodorizing properties, or antistatic properties), a method for imparting functionality, and a method for producing functional fibers. In the apparel industry, the market size for clothing with various functions such as antibacterial properties, deodorizing properties, quick-drying properties, heat retention, shape retention, UV protection, antistatic (static) properties, and conductivity is expanding. In particular, due to consumers' increasing awareness of hygiene and a preference for cleanliness, there is a high demand for antibacterial processed products and deodorizing processed products that eliminate unpleasant odors such as sweat odor, cigarette odor, and age-related odor. Furthermore, for clothing worn in winter, there is a preference for products with heat-retaining properties and antistatic properties that reduce dust adhesion and clinging due to static electricity, thereby enhancing comfort. For example, as antibacterial fibers, products have been proposed in which natural or organically synthesized antibacterial components such as metal ions and tea catechins are retained in chemical or natural fibers; as deodorizing fibers, products with substances that have adsorption or chemical decomposition properties for odor components such as ceramic particles and metal ions are kneaded into the fibers; and as antistatic fibers, products with hydrophilic polymers, highly conductive carbon fibers, conductive ceramics, and other fine particles kneaded into the chemical fibers. On the other hand, melanin is a yellow to black pigment formed in animals and plants, and is known to have functions such as UV absorption, radical scavenging, and antioxidant properties. Because melanin is a highly safe substance derived from living organisms, it is widely used in cosmetics, foods, plastic products, etc., as a UV absorber, antioxidant, and pigment. In living organisms, melanin is biosynthesized through the oxidation of tyrosine, a substrate compound, by the catalytic action of tyrosinase, a melanin-producing enzyme. This oxidation leads to dopa and dopaquinone, producing dihydroxyindole compounds (5,6-dihydroxyindole, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, etc.), which then polymerize. When using melanin as a dye, it is difficult to penetrate and dye the object using the high-molecular-weight compound melanin directly. Therefore, low-molecular-weight melanin precursors, dihydroxyindole compounds, are used as dyes to induce melanin formation within the object being dyed. For example, methods for dyeing cotton fibers and human gray hair using a dye solution containing 5,6-dihydroxyindole (Patent Document 1), and methods for dyeing fibers using an aqueous solution containing tyrosinase and tyrosine (Patent Document 2) have been reported. While Patent Documents 1 and 2 yield cotton fibers dyed black to dark brown, the function of melanin within the fibers remains completely unknown. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-46658Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-87977 In this specification, antibacterial, deodorizing, and antistatic properties are sometimes collectively referred to as "functionality." (Composition for imparting functionality) The functional composition of the present invention contains a melanin precursor. The melanin precursor is a compound that polymerizes and is converted into melanin by air oxidation. Examples of melanin precursors in the present invention include tyrosine, dopa, dopaquinone, and dihydroxyindoles. One or more melanin precursors can be used. In particular, from the viewpoint of efficiently imparting antibacterial, deodorizing, or antistatic properties, one or more selected from tyrosine and dihydroxyindole compounds are preferred, and one or more selected from dihydroxyindole compounds are more preferred. Examples of dihydroxyindoles include compounds represented by the following general formula (1) or salts thereof. (In the formula, the dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a π bond. R1 represents a hydroxyl group or an acetoxy group. R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a -COOR (where R is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group). R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an acetyl group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group.) From the viewpoint of ease of penetration into the target object, it is preferable that a π bond exists in the dashed portion of general formula (1). Furthermore, from a similar viewpoint, in general formula (1), R1 is preferably a hydroxyl group, R2 is preferably a hydrogen atom or -COOR (R is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group), more preferably a hydrogen atom or -COOH. R3 is preferably a hydrogen atom. Compounds represented by general formula (1) include 5,6-dihydroxyindole, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid methyl, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid ethyl, N-methyl-5,6-dihydroxy