JP2007215542A - Method for improving affinity of sparingly soluble or insoluble substance in solvent using water-soluble xylan - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for improving the affinity of a solvent to the surface of a sparingly soluble or insoluble substance and to provide a formed article containing a sparingly soluble or insoluble substance by using a solution of the sparingly soluble or insoluble substance. <P>SOLUTION: The method for improving the affinity of the surface of a substance to a solvent contains a step to contact the surface of the substance with a water-soluble xylan and its solvent. The substance is sparingly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan. The invention further relates to a solution containing the water-soluble xylan, the substance and the solvent added to the solution, wherein the substance is sparingly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan, and a formed article containing the added water-soluble xylan and the sparingly soluble substance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for improving the affinity of a solvent to the surface of a substance that is hardly soluble or insoluble in the solvent. The present invention also relates to a solution containing an added water-soluble xylan, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, and a solvent. The present invention also relates to a molded article containing an added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble substance. The present invention also relates to a processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan is added. The present invention also relates to an affinity improver for improving the affinity of a substance surface to a solvent. The present invention also relates to a taste improver for improving the taste quality of a food containing a component that imparts an unpleasant taste quality. The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the unpleasant taste of a food product that includes ingredients that impart an unpleasant taste.

  In fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foods, and agricultural chemicals, useful substances often have poor water solubility. This limits the use of useful substances. Usually, in order to solubilize this poorly water-soluble substance, methods such as mechanical refinement and addition of a solubilizer are employed. As the solubilizer, in many cases, an organic solvent, an emulsifier, a surfactant, a cyclodextrin and the like that are soluble in water are used. However, there are also poorly water-soluble substances that cannot be solubilized using these solubilizers.

  Carbon nanotubes are theoretically predicted to have excellent chemical, electronic and mechanical properties, and recently their properties have been confirmed by experiments. Utilizing these excellent properties, carbon nanotubes have been studied for use in, for example, electron-emitting devices, fuel cells, composite materials, semiconductors, scanning probe microscope probes, electromagnetic shielding materials, medical materials, etc. Some parts have been put into practical use. Carbon nanotubes include single-walled carbon nanotubes formed by only one graphite layer and multi-walled carbon nanotubes formed by overlapping a plurality of graphite layers in a coaxial cylindrical shape. Of these, single-walled carbon nanotubes are insoluble in many solvents, and their surfaces have strong hydrophobicity, so that they do not dissolve in water at all. This greatly restricts the chemical use of carbon nanotubes, especially single-walled carbon nanotubes, which must be dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, and as a result is one of the factors that limit the field of use of carbon nanotubes. It has become one.

  Several methods for dispersing carbon nanotubes in a solvent have been disclosed so far. One of them is a method of chemically modifying the carbon nanotube surface (see Non-Patent Document 1). However, the chemically modified carbon nanotube obtained by this method is caused by chemical modification, and has different chemical, electronic, and mechanical properties from the carbon nanotube before chemical modification. Therefore, the original excellent characteristics of the carbon nanotube cannot be used.

  As a method of dispersing while maintaining the original properties of carbon nanotubes, there is a method of wrapping with a polymer non-covalently (that is, a polymer wrapping method). Dispersion in an organic solvent by this method is disclosed in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3, etc., and dispersion in water by this method is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 4.

  Regarding dispersion in water, a method is further disclosed in which an amphiphilic compound such as a surfactant is adsorbed on the side wall of the carbon nanotube and dispersed. Examples of such amphiphilic compounds include amphiphilic ammonium salt compounds (Non-Patent Document 5), surfactants (Non-Patent Document 6), synthetic peptides (Non-Patent Document 7), cationic lipids and DNA ( Patent document 2), starch (amylose and amylopectin) (non-patent documents 8, 9, 10), DNA (non-patent document 11), cyclodextrin (non-patent document 12), β-1,3 glucan (non-patent document 13) ) And water-soluble polysaccharides (Patent Documents 3 and 4).

  By the way, when eating cereal processed foods such as rice, wheat, buckwheat, and processed rice such as bread, noodles, etc., it is generally pre-heated to gelatinize the contained starch. Is. Processed cereals have the most favorable properties immediately after cooking, such as color, luster, and ease of loosening, but after that, due to dryness, starch aging, etc., the color tone may change or the gloss of the surface may be lost. Adhesion increases and binding occurs, and physical properties deteriorate over time.

  In the present specification, the term “adhesion” means that foods in the processed cereal food are bound to each other and are not easily loosened. Specifically, it means that grains, noodles, or hides of cereals bind to each other. More specifically, for example, rice grains and rice grains in rice are less likely to be loosened, noodles in spaghetti are less likely to be loosened, and dumpling skins are bound to each other. It means that multiple dumplings stick together and become difficult to unravel. When the ingredients in the processed cereal food are bound to each other, it becomes difficult to eat the food, and the texture of the food is lowered, and the value as the food is remarkably lowered.

  When eating processed cereal foods, it is desirable to eat as soon as possible after cooking, but in the case of processed cereal foods sold at restaurants, distribution stores, etc., it takes time to manufacture and distribute until eating It takes a long time. During this time, the processed cereal food loses preferable physical properties immediately after cooking, and its value is significantly reduced.

  Various methods have been proposed to solve these problems for processed cereal foods.

Patent Document 5 describes a loosening improver for processed cereal foods comprising water-soluble hemicellulose and a processed cereal food obtained by adding or surface-treating this loosening improver to a cereal food or a processed cereal food (eg, cooked rice, pasta). . Patent Document 6 describes a preparation for noodle making containing at least one organic acid or organic acid salt and water-soluble hemicellulose. Patent Document 7 describes a method for producing instant dry noodles, characterized in that noodles are treated with water-soluble hemicellulose before drying. Patent Document 8 describes a quality improving agent for processed cereal foods characterized by containing water-soluble hemicellulose and acetic acid monoglyceride. Patent Document 9 describes a loosening improver obtained by emulsifying a mixture containing fats and oils, thickening polysaccharides, and water-soluble hemicellulose. The water-soluble hemicelluloses described in Patent Documents 5 to 9 are water-soluble hemicelluloses obtained from herbaceous plants such as oil seeds (soybean, palm palm, corn, cottonseed) and cereals (wheat, rice). The main component of the water-soluble hemicellulose of oil seeds is polygalactan having a galactose polymer as the main chain. For example, in the Example of Patent Document 8, a water-soluble hemicellulose having a trade name “Soya Five” is used. The main component of Soya Five S is polygalactan mainly composed of galactose, galacturonic acid, arabinose and rhamnose. The structure of polygalactan is completely different from the water-soluble xylan of the present invention.
2nd page of JP-T-2004-506530 JP 2004-82663 A, page 1 First page of JP-A-2005-14332 2nd page of JP-T-2004-531442 JP-A-6-121647, page 2 Second page of JP-A-2000-139385 JP 2000-139387 A, page 2 JP 2000-222550 A, page 2 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-13135, page 2 “Science”, vol. 282, P95 (1998) “J. Phys. Chem. B.”, vol. 104, P10012 (2000) “J. Am. Chem. Soc.”, Vol. 124, P9034 (2002) “Chemical Physics Letters”, vol. 342, P265 (2001) “Chemistry Letters”, P638 (2002) “Applied Physics A”, vol. 69, P269 (1998) “J. Am. Chem. Soc.”, Vol. 125, P1770 (2003) “Angew. Chem Int. Ed.”, Vol. 41, P2508 (2002) “Carbohydrate Polymers”, vol. 51, P93 (2003) “Carbohydrate Polymers”, vol. 51, P311 (2003) “Chemistry Letters”, vol. 32, P456 (2003) “Chem. Commun.”, P986 (2003). “J. Am. Chem. Soc.”, Vol. 127, P5875 (2005)

  Water is the most suitable solvent when considering environmental impacts and compatibility with living organisms. It is preferable that the solubilizing agent used for dissolving the poorly water-soluble substance is also environmentally friendly or compatible with a living body. Therefore, the solubilizer is preferably a natural product or a biodegradable compound. On the other hand, when a solution in which a poorly water-soluble substance is dissolved or dispersed is used as a raw material for a molded product such as a film, the compatibility between the polymer and other substances used for molding and the components in the solution, the amount of the poorly water-soluble substance per weight It is often a problem that there is less. For this reason, a lower concentration of the solubilizer used when dissolving the hardly water-soluble substance can dissolve a large amount of hardly water-soluble or water-insoluble substance. A solubilizing agent effective for solubilization at a low concentration can also dissolve poorly water-soluble or insoluble substances that could not be dissolved conventionally, so that there are many types of substances that can be used for molding, and it has a wide range of applications. Have advantages.

  Among the carbon nanotube solubilization techniques disclosed above, those that can utilize water as a solvent include starch (amylose and amylopectin) (Non-patent Documents 8, 9, and 10), DNA (Non-patent Document 11), cyclo This is a solubilization technique using dextrin (Non-patent Document 12), β-1,3 glucan (Non-patent Document 13) or water-soluble polysaccharides (Patent Documents 3 and 4). However, it has been found that when these techniques are used, for example, there are any of the following problems: (1) the amount of carbon nanotubes to be dissolved is small; (2) the stability of the aqueous solution is poor and long-term When stored (for example, for 3 days or more), carbon nanotubes precipitate over time; (3) High concentrations of solubilizing agents such as starch for dispersing carbon nanotubes, and substances such as polymers used in moldings The compatibility with is problematic, and a molded product cannot be obtained. These problems are particularly remarkable when used for dissolving single-walled carbon nanotubes with high purity.

  The present invention is intended to solve these problems, and provides a method for dissolving a hardly soluble or insoluble substance in a solvent at a lower solubilizing agent concentration as compared with the prior art. Objective. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for improving the affinity of a solvent for the surface of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance. It is another object of the present invention to provide a molded article containing a hardly soluble or insoluble substance using a hardly soluble or insoluble substance solution. When the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is a carbon nanotube, a solution (particularly an aqueous solution) in which the carbon nanotube is stably dissolved at a high concentration for a long period of time, and a carbon nanotube-containing molded product using the solution are provided. The technique of the present invention can also be used for hardly soluble or insoluble substances other than carbon nanotubes, and particularly effectively for hardly water soluble or water insoluble substances.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that by using water-soluble xylan, the affinity of the solvent to the surface of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance can be improved. Based on this, the present invention has been completed. In particular, the present inventors can dramatically improve the affinity of the solvent to the surface of a poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble substance by using a water-soluble xylan derived from hardwood, thereby making a solution of this substance Found that can be obtained. The inventors have also found that water-soluble xylan also has a significant effect of improving the looseness of processed cereal foods and a taste-improving effect.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides, for example, the following means:
Item 1.
A method for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent,
A method comprising contacting a surface of a substance, a water-soluble xylan and the solvent, wherein the substance is hardly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan.

Item 2.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 3.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 4.
Item 4. The method according to Item 3, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 20 to 100 with respect to arabinose residue 1.

Item 5.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 6.
Item 6. The method according to Item 5, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.

Item 7.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 8.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.

Item 9.
Item 9. The method according to Item 8, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 10.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein a solution in which the substance is solubilized in the solvent is obtained by the contacting step.

Item 11.
Item 11. The method according to Item 10, further comprising the step of concentrating the solution.

Item 12.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein in the contacting step, ultrasonic waves are projected onto a mixture of the substance, the water-soluble xylan, and the solvent.

Item 13.
The method according to Item 1, wherein, in the contacting step, the substance is added to a solution containing the water-soluble xylan and the solvent.

Item 14.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein, in the contacting step, the solvent is added after mixing the water-soluble xylan and the substance.

Item 15.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube.

Item 16.
Item 16. The method according to Item 15, wherein the carbon nanotube is a single-walled carbon nanotube.

Item 17.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the substance is fullerene.

Item 18.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the solvent is water.

Item 19.
Item 12. The method according to Item 11, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube, and the concentration of the carbon nanotube in the solution is 50 mg / L or more.

Item 20.
Item 12. The method according to Item 11, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube, and the concentration of the carbon nanotube in the solution is 1 g / L or more.

Item 21.
Item 2. The method according to Item 1, wherein the substance is a processed cereal food, and the loosening of the processed cereal food is improved by the contacting step.

Item 22.
Item 22. The method according to Item 21, wherein the processed cereal food is cooked rice.

Item 23.
Item 22. The method according to Item 21, wherein the processed cereal food is noodles.

Item 24.
The method according to Item 1, wherein the substance is an ingredient that imparts an unpleasant taste, the ingredient is contained in the food, and the unpleasant taste of the food is reduced by the contacting step.

Item 25.
25. A method according to item 24, wherein the unpleasant taste is bitter.

Item 26.
25. A method according to item 24, wherein the food is a tea beverage.

Item 27.
A solution comprising added water-soluble xylan, a substance and a solvent, wherein the substance is sparingly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan.

Item 28.
Item 28. The solution according to Item 27, wherein the number average polymerization degree of the main chain of the water-soluble xylan is 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 29.
Item 28. The solution according to Item 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 30.
30. The solution according to item 29, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the sum of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.

Item 31.
Item 28. The solution according to Item 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 32.
Item 32. The solution according to Item 31, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.

Item 33.
Item 28. The solution according to Item 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 34.
Item 28. The solution according to Item 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant.

Item 35.
Item 35. The solution according to Item 34, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 36.
28. The solution according to item 27, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube.

Item 37.
The solution according to item 36, wherein the carbon nanotube is a single-walled carbon nanotube.

Item 38.
28. The solution according to item 27, wherein the substance is fullerene.

Item 39.
28. The solution according to item 27, wherein the solvent is water.

Item 40.
Item 37. The solution according to Item 36, wherein the concentration of the carbon nanotube is 50 mg / L or more.

Item 41.
Item 37. The solution according to Item 36, wherein the concentration of the carbon nanotube is 1 g / L or more.

Item 42.
A molded article containing the added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble substance.

Item 43.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 44.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 45.
45. The molded article according to item 44, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.

Item 46.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 47.
Item 47. The molded article according to Item 46, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.

Item 48.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 49.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.

Item 50.
50. The molded article according to item 49, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 51.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the hardly soluble substance is a carbon nanotube.

Item 52.
Item 52. The molded article according to Item 51, wherein the carbon nanotube is a single-walled carbon nanotube.

Item 53.
Item 43. The molded article according to Item 42, wherein the hardly soluble substance is fullerene.

Item 54.
Item 43. The molded product according to Item 42, wherein the molded product is molded from a solution containing only water as a solvent.

Item 55.
Item 43. The molded product according to Item 42, wherein the molded product has a film or fiber shape.

Item 56.
Item 43. The molded product according to Item 42, wherein the molded product is a stretched film.

Item 57.
Item 43. The molded product according to Item 42, wherein the molded product is in a gel form.

Item 58.
43. A molded article according to item 42, wherein the molded article is biodegradable.

Item 59.
A processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan is added, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 60.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the processed grain food is cooked rice.

Item 61.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the processed grain food is noodles.

Item 62.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan is in contact with the surface of the processed grain food.

Item 63.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average degree of polymerization of 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 64.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the total amount of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1 in the water-soluble xylan.

Item 65.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 66.
Item 60. The processed grain food according to Item 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant.

Item 67.
Item 67. The processed grain food according to Item 66, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 68.
An affinity improver for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent, the affinity improver comprising water-soluble xylan, and the substance is added to the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan. An affinity improver that is sparingly soluble or insoluble.

Item 69.
Item 69. The affinity improver according to Item 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 70.
Item 69. The affinity improver according to Item 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 71.
Item 71. The affinity improver according to Item 70, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 20 to 100 with respect to arabinose residue 1.

Item 72.
69. The affinity improver according to item 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 73.
Item 73. The affinity improver according to Item 72, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.

Item 74.
Item 73. The affinity improver according to Item 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 75.
Item 69. The affinity improver according to Item 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.

Item 76.
Item 76. The affinity improver according to Item 75, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 77.
Item 69. The affinity improver according to Item 68 for use as a solubilizer for dissolving a poorly water-soluble substance in a solvent.

Item 78.
Item 73. The affinity improver according to item 68 for use as a quality improver for processed cereal foods.

Item 79.
Item 69. The affinity improver according to Item 68 for use as a loosening improver.

Item 80.
A taste improver for improving the taste quality of a food containing a component that imparts an unpleasant taste quality, the taste improver comprising a water-soluble xylan.

Item 81.
Item 91. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the unpleasant taste is bitter.

Item 82.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average polymerization degree of the main chain of 6 or more and 5000 or less.

Item 83.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 84.
84. The taste improver according to Item 83, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.

Item 85.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.

Item 86.
86. The taste improver according to item 85, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.

Item 87.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.

Item 88.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.

Item 89.
Item 91. The taste improver according to Item 88, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.

Item 90.
Item 81. The taste improvement according to Item 80, wherein the food contains a physiologically active substance, the physiologically active substance has a bitter taste, and the bitter taste of the food is reduced compared to the absence of the water-soluble xylan. Agent.

Item 91.
Item 81. The taste improver according to Item 80, wherein the food is a tea beverage.

  By using the affinity improver of the present invention, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance (for example, a poorly water soluble substance) can be solubilized at a lower affinity improver concentration than that of the prior art. Thereby, a hardly soluble or insoluble (for example, poorly water soluble) useful substance can be used in fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and foods.

  Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, by using the solution of the present invention, a paint (except for a water-based paint) (eg, a solvent-based paint) uniformly containing a hardly soluble or insoluble (eg, poorly water soluble) substance, gel In addition, a molded product such as a film or fiber can be obtained.

  According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a processed cereal food that is more easily loosened than before and has an excellent texture after storage.

  According to the method of the present invention, the unpleasant taste of food can be reduced. In particular, the bitterness of foods containing bitter substances can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The present invention provides a method for improving the affinity of a material surface for a solvent. The present invention also provides a solution comprising added water-soluble xylan, material and solvent. The present invention also provides a molded article containing the added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble substance. The present invention also provides a processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan is added. The present invention also provides an affinity improver for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent. The present invention also provides a taste improver for improving the taste quality of foods containing ingredients that give an unpleasant taste quality. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the unpleasant taste of foods containing ingredients that impart an unpleasant taste.

(1. Water-soluble xylan)
As used herein, the term “xylan” refers to a molecule comprising two or more xylose residues linked by β-1,4 bonds. In this specification, in addition to molecules composed solely of xylose residues (ie, pure xylose polymers), these modified molecules, and other residues such as arabinose residues, are converted to pure xylose polymers. The bound molecule is also called “xylan”. Pure xylose polymer dissolves in water at a concentration of 6 mg / mL or higher up to a degree of polymerization of 5. However, when the degree of polymerization is 6 or more, the solubility in water is less than 6 mg / mL.

  As used herein, the term “water-soluble xylan” is a molecule comprising 6 or more xylose residues linked by β-1,4 bonds, and is 6 mg / mL or more in 20 ° C. water. A molecule that dissolves. Water-soluble xylan is not a pure xylose polymer, but a molecule in which at least some of the hydroxyl groups in the xylose polymer are replaced with other substituents (for example, acetyl group, glucuronic acid residue, arabinose residue, etc.). When the hydroxyl group of xylan consisting only of xylose residues is replaced with other substituents, water solubility may be higher than that of xylan consisting only of xylose residues. A molecule in which the hydroxyl group of xylan consisting of only a xylose residue is replaced with another substituent can also be referred to as a molecule having a substituent bonded to a xylose polymer, or a modified xylose polymer. As used herein, the term “modified” refers to a molecule that is modified as compared to a reference molecule, and includes not only molecules produced by human manipulation but also naturally occurring molecules. To do. A substance in which a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue and an acetyl group are bonded to a xylose polymer is generally called glucuronoxylan. A substance in which an arabinose residue and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid are bound to a xylose polymer is generally called arabinoglucuronoxylan.

  The water-soluble xylan preferably contains only a xylose residue or a modified product thereof in its main chain, and more preferably contains only a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue in its main chain. In this specification, the term “main chain” refers to the longest chain connected by β-1,4-bonds. When water-soluble xylose is linear, the molecule itself is the main chain, and when water-soluble xylose is branched, the longest chain linked by β-1,4-bonds is the main chain. . The number average polymerization degree of the main chain of the water-soluble xylan used in the present invention is preferably about 6 or more, more preferably about 7 or more, further preferably about 8 or more, and particularly preferably about 9 or more. And most preferably about 10 or greater. The number average polymerization degree of the main chain of the water-soluble xylan used in the present invention is preferably about 5000 or less, more preferably about 1000 or less, still more preferably about 500 or less, and particularly preferably about 100 or less. And most preferably about 50 or less. If the number average polymerization degree of the water-soluble xylan main chain is too high, the water-solubility may be too low.

  The hydrophilic group can be bonded at any position of the 1-position, 2-position, 3-position or 4-position of the xylose residue. The number of hydrophilic group binding sites for one xylose residue may be all four, but preferably three or less, more preferably two or less, and most preferably one. The hydrophilic group may be bonded to all xylose residues of the xylose polymer, but is preferably bonded to only a part of the xylose residues. The ratio of hydrophilic group binding is preferably 1 or more per 10 xylose residues, more preferably 2 or more per 10 xylose residues, and even more preferably 3 or more per 10 xylose residues. Yes, particularly preferably 4 or more per 10 xylose residues, and most preferably 5 or more per 10 xylose residues. Examples of the hydrophilic group include an acetyl group, 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residue, L-arabinofuranose residue, and α-D-glucuronic acid residue.

  In a specific embodiment of the present invention, water-soluble xylan in which another sugar residue is bonded to the 2-position of the xylose residue is preferable. In this water-soluble xylan, the ratio of the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to other sugar residues is such that the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 1 mol per other sugar residue. The amount is preferably 20 mol or less, more preferably 10 mol or less, and further preferably 6 mol or less. The ratio of the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to other sugar residues is such that the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 1 mol or more with respect to 1 mol of other sugar residues. Is preferably 2 mol or more, more preferably 5 mol or more.

  In a specific embodiment of the present invention, water-soluble xylan in which a 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residue is α-1,2-linked at the 2-position of a xylose residue is preferred. In this water-soluble xylan, the ratio of the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residues is the 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residue. The total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is preferably 100 mol or less, more preferably 50 mol or less, and even more preferably 20 mol or less with respect to 1 mol of the group. The ratio of the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residues is 1 mol of 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residues. The total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is preferably 1 mol or more, more preferably 5 mol or more, more preferably 9 mol or more, and more preferably 10 mol or more. More preferably, it is 14 mol or more.

  The number average molecular weight of the water-soluble xylan is preferably about 1 million or less, more preferably about 500,000 or less, still more preferably about 100,000 or less, particularly preferably about 50,000 or less, Preferably it is about 20,000 or less. The number average molecular weight of the water-soluble xylan is preferably about 1500 or more, more preferably about 2000 or more, still more preferably about 4000 or more, particularly preferably about 5000 or more, and particularly preferably about 6000. Above, most preferably about 10,000 or more.

  The preferred water-soluble xylan used in the present invention is preferably derived from woody plants. A large amount of water-soluble xylan is contained in plant cell wall portions. Wood is particularly rich in water-soluble xylan. The structure of water-soluble xylan varies depending on the type of plant from which it is derived. It is known that the main component of hemicellulose contained in hardwood wood is glucuronoxylan. Glucuronoxylan contained in hardwood is often composed of xylose residue 10: 4-O-methylglucuronic acid 1: acetyl group 6. It is known that the main component of hemicellulose contained in coniferous wood is glucomannan, and that coniferous wood also contains glucuronoxylan and arabinoglucuronoxylan. The main chain of glucomannan is composed of mannose residues and glucose residues, and the ratio thereof is generally mannose residues 3 to 4: glucose residues 1. The water-soluble xylan used in the present invention is more preferably derived from hardwood, more preferably beech, hippopotamus, aspen, elm, beach or oak, more preferably glucuronoxylan. The hemicellulose component of hardwood contains a lot of water-soluble xylan used in the present invention. A water-soluble xylan derived from hardwood is particularly suitable because it contains almost no arabinose residue. Of course, naturally derived water-soluble xylan is a mixture of various molecules having different molecular weights. Naturally-derived water-soluble xylan may be used in a state containing impurities as long as it can exert its effect, may be used as a population having a broad molecular weight distribution, or a population having a narrower molecular weight distribution. As such, it may be used after being purified to a higher purity.

  Although it is a small amount, water-soluble xylan is also contained in grasses such as conifers, corn, rice and wheat. In the water-soluble xylan derived from these, in addition to the 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid residue, an α-L-arabinose residue is covalently bonded to a xylose residue. If the content of the α-L-arabinose residue is too high, the affinity improving effect may not be obtained, so that xylan having a high content of the α-L-arabinose residue is not suitable for the purpose of the present invention. Hemicellulose extracted from cereals (wheat, rice), kumagi, etc. is arabinoglucuronoxylan mainly composed of xylose, 4-O-methylglucuronic acid and arabinose. Unlike the water-soluble xylan of the present invention, arabinose High content. Since these arabinoglucuronoxylans have a high arabinose content, the effect of improving the loosening for processed cereal foods is relatively low. Even water-soluble xylan derived from herbaceous plants can be used in the present invention by removing at least part of the L-arabinose residue. L-arabinose residues can be removed by known methods such as chemical or enzymatic methods.

  In certain embodiments of the present invention, it is preferred that the water-soluble xylan consists of xylose or acetylated xylose residues, arabinose residues and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residues. In this embodiment, the total of xylose and acetylated xylose residues relative to L-arabinose residue 1 in water-soluble xylan is preferably about 7 or more, more preferably about 10 or more, Preferably it is about 20 or more. In this embodiment, the total of xylose and acetylated xylose residues relative to L-arabinose residue 1 in water-soluble xylan is preferably about 100 or less, more preferably about 60 or less, Preferably it is about 40 or less.

  Water-soluble xylan is purified from, for example, wood according to a known method. Examples of the method for purifying water-soluble xylan include a method of extracting with delignified wood as a raw material with a potassium hydroxide solution of about 10%. Water-soluble xylan can also be obtained by dispersing powdered cellulose produced from wood in water and drying the filtrate obtained by sequentially filtering this solution through a filter paper, 0.45 μm filter, and 0.2 μm filter.

  In the water-soluble xylan used in the present invention, the ratio of the xylose residue to the L-arabinose residue is preferably 7 mol or more for the xylose residue relative to 1 mol of the L-arabinose residue. More preferably, it is more preferably 20 moles or more. There is no upper limit to the ratio of xylose residue to 1 mol of L-arabinose residue, and xylose residue is, for example, 100 residues or less, 60 residues or less, 40 residues or less, etc. with respect to 1 mol of L-arabinose residue. It is.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the water-soluble xylan preferably does not contain an L-arabinose residue. Water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue. In this embodiment, the sum of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1 in water-soluble xylan is preferably about 1 or more, more preferably about 5 or more. More preferably, it is about 9 or more, more preferably about 10 or more, and still more preferably about 14 or more. In this embodiment, the sum of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1 in water-soluble xylan is preferably about 100 or less, more preferably about 50 or less. More preferably, it is about 20 or less.

(2. Insoluble or insoluble substances)
The object of the present invention is to improve the affinity of the surface of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance to a solvent.

  In the present specification, the term “sparingly soluble” means that only a small amount can be dissolved in a solvent. For example, “poorly soluble” means that, for example, less than about 10 g is soluble in 1 liter of a certain solvent at room temperature (about 20 ° C.). The term “poorly water-soluble” refers to being soluble in less than about 10 g, for example, in 1 liter of water at room temperature (about 20 ° C.).

  In the present specification, the term “insoluble” means hardly soluble in a solvent. For example, insoluble means that, for example, less than about 1.0 g is dissolved in one liter of a solvent at room temperature (about 20 ° C.). The term “water-insoluble” refers to being soluble in 1 liter of water at room temperature (about 20 ° C.), for example, less than about 1.0 g.

  The hardly soluble or insoluble substance is preferably a molecular substance. The term “molecular substance” refers to a substance that exists in units of molecules that lose the properties of the substance when further divided. Metals are not molecular substances. In general, the bonds between all atoms in the molecule of the molecular substance are covalent bonds.

  The hardly soluble or insoluble substance can be in various forms, for example, a grain such as cooked rice or a mass of substance such as noodles.

  The solvent in which this substance is hardly soluble or insoluble is preferably a solvent in which water-soluble xylan can be dissolved, and more preferably a solvent in which water-soluble xylan can be dissolved in an amount of about 10 g or more per liter at room temperature (about 20 ° C.). Such a solvent is preferably water and any organic solvent miscible with water, most preferably water. Examples of organic solvents are methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, acetonitrile, propionitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, γ-butyl lactone, propylene carbonate, sulfolane, nitromethane, N, N -Dimethylformamide, N-methylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylsulfone, N-methylpyrrolidone, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane.

  This substance is preferably poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble, more preferably poorly water-soluble.

  Examples of poorly soluble or insoluble substances include carbon compounds, drugs, food ingredients and pigments. Here, the carbon compound means a compound in which a plurality of carbon atoms are bonded to each other through a covalent bond to form a compound.

  Examples of carbon compounds include carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. The carbon nanotubes can be single-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

  A carbon nanotube is an allotrope of carbon and refers to a structure in which a plurality of carbon atoms are combined and arranged in a cylindrical shape. Arbitrary carbon nanotubes can be used as the carbon nanotubes. Examples of carbon nanotubes include single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and those in which they are coiled. Single-walled carbon nanotubes are those in which graphite-like carbon atoms are arranged in a single line, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are those in which two or more layers of graphite-like carbon atoms are concentrically overlapped. The carbon nanotube used in the present invention may be a multi-walled carbon nanotube or a single-walled carbon nanotube, more preferably a single-walled carbon nanotube. A carbon nanohorn having a closed shape on one side of the carbon nanotube, a cup-shaped nanocarbon material having a hole on the head, a carbon nanotube having a hole on both sides, and the like can also be used.

    Carbon nanotubes can be of any diameter (ie, outer diameter). The diameter of the carbon nanotubes is preferably about 0.4 nanometers or more, more preferably about 0.5 nanometers or more, more preferably about 0.6 nanometers or more, and more preferably about 1.0 nanometers or more. Greater than or equal to nanometers, and most preferably greater than or equal to about 1.2 nanometers. The diameter of the carbon nanotube is preferably about 100 nanometers or less, more preferably about 60 nanometers or less, further preferably about 40 nanometers or less, further preferably about 30 nanometers or less, and further preferably Is about 20 nanometers or less, more preferably about 10 nanometers or less, more preferably 5 nanometers or less, more preferably about 4 nanometers or less, and more preferably about 3 nanometers or less. More preferably about 2 nanometers or less, most preferably about 1.5 nanometers or less.

  In particular, in the case of single-walled carbon nanotubes, the diameter is preferably about 0.4 nanometers or more, more preferably about 0.5 nanometers or more, more preferably about 0.6 nanometers or more, More preferably, it is about 1.0 nanometer or more, and most preferably about 1.2 nanometer or more. In the case of single-walled carbon nanotubes, the diameter is preferably about 5 nanometers or less, more preferably about 4 nanometers or less, more preferably about 3 nanometers or less, more preferably about 2 nanometers or less. And most preferably about 1.5 nanometers or less.

  In particular, in the case of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the diameter is preferably about 1 nanometer or more, more preferably about 2 nanometers or more, more preferably about 3 nanometers or more, more preferably about 4 nanometers. More preferably about 5 nanometers or more, more preferably about 10 nanometers or more, more preferably about 20 nanometers or more, more preferably about 30 nanometers or more, more preferably Is about 40 nanometers or more, and most preferably about 60 nanometers or more. In the case of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the diameter is preferably about 100 nanometers or less, more preferably about 60 nanometers or less, more preferably about 40 nanometers or less, more preferably about 30 nanometers or less. More preferably less than about 20 nanometers and most preferably less than about 10 nanometers. In this specification, the diameter of a multi-walled nanotube refers to the diameter of the outermost carbon nanotube.

  Carbon nanotubes can be of any length (ie, axial length). The length of the carbon nanotubes is preferably about 0.6 micrometers or more, more preferably about 1 micrometers or more, more preferably about 2 micrometers or more, and most preferably about 3 micrometers or more. is there. The length of the carbon nanotube is preferably about 1000 micrometers or less, more preferably about 500 micrometers or less, more preferably about 200 micrometers or less, more preferably about 100 micrometers or less, More preferably, it is about 50 micrometers or less, More preferably, it is about 20 micrometers or less, More preferably, it is about 15 micrometers or less, More preferably, it is about 10 micrometers or less, Most preferably, it is about 5 micrometers. Below the meter.

  The carbon nanotubes used in the present invention may be commercially available or may be produced by any method known in the art. Carbon nanotubes include, for example, Shenzhen Nanotech Port Co., Ltd., CARBON NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. , SES RESEARCH, Showa Denko, etc.

  Examples of carbon nanotube production methods include catalytic hydrogen reduction of carbon dioxide, arc discharge (see, for example, C. Journet et al., Nature (London), 388 (1997), 756), laser evaporation ( For example, see AG Rinzler et al., Appl. (See, for example, P. Nikolaev et al., Chem. Phys. Lett., 1999, 313, 91).

  The carbon nanotubes may be purified by washing, centrifugation, filtration, oxidation, chromatography, etc., or may be unpurified. It is preferable that it is purified. The purity of the carbon nanotube used may be arbitrary, but is preferably about 5% or more, more preferably about 10% or more, further preferably about 20% or more, more preferably about 30% or more, and further preferably about 40%. % Or more, more preferably about 50% or more, more preferably about 60% or more, more preferably about 70% or more, more preferably about 80% or more, more preferably about 90% or more, and most preferably about 95% or more. It is. The higher the purity of the carbon nanotube, the more easily the specific function is expressed. In the present specification, the purity of the carbon nanotube refers to the purity of the entire carbon nanotube, not the purity of a single type of carbon nanotube having a specific molecular weight. That is, when the carbon nanotube powder is composed of 30% by weight of carbon nanotubes having a specific molecular weight of A and 70% by weight of carbon nanotubes having a specific molecular weight of B, the purity of the powder is 100%. Of course, the carbon nanotubes used may be those selected for a particular diameter, a particular length, a particular structure (single or multilayer), and the like.

  The carbon nanotubes used in the present invention may be those pulverized using a ball-type kneading apparatus such as a ball mill, vibration mill, sand mill, roll mill, etc., or those cut short by chemical treatment or physical treatment. .

Fullerenes are closed cage molecules composed solely of sp ² hybrid carbon arranged in hexagons and pentagons. Fullerenes (eg, C ₆₀ , C ₇₀ ) were first identified as closed spheroid cages produced by condensation from evaporated carbon. The carbon number of fullerene is usually 60 to 120, and specifically, the presence of carbon number 60, 70, 76, 78, 82, 84, 90, 94, 96 and larger is confirmed. These may be single or a mixture.

  The fullerene used in the present invention may be commercially available or may be produced by any method known in the art. Fullerene is sold, for example, by Frontier Carbon Corporation.

  The drug refers to a compound used as a pharmaceutical product or a preparation containing the compound. Examples of drugs include corticoids, androgens, estrogens, progestogens, proton pump inhibitors, 5-HT1 antagonists, sympathetic blockers, sympathomimetics, anticholinergics, tranquilizers, anxiolytics, antidotes, Analgesics, calcium antagonists, antiemetics, pituitary / hypothalamic hormones, antiparkinson drugs, antihistamines, angiotensin II antagonists, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, neuroquinone antagonists, and the like.

A food ingredient refers to any material used in food. For convenience, the pigment is not included in the food component in the present specification. Examples of food ingredients include physiologically active substances that can be added to foods, carbohydrates (sugars, fibers), lipids, proteins, minerals, dietary fibers, and the like. Examples of physiologically active substances that can be added to food include polyphenols (eg, catechin, tannin, oolong tea polyphenol, chlorogenic acid, cacao mass polyphenol, flavonoids (eg, anthocyanin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, rutin, naringin, quercetin, isoflavone and naringenin) )), Alkaloids (eg capsaicin), acids (eg acetic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, adipic acid), vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B ₁ , vitamin B ₂ , vitamin B ₆ , Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, nicotinic acid, nicotinic acid amide, pantothenic acid) and the like. The physiologically active substance is preferably catechin, tannin, cacao mass polyphenol, hesperidin, neohesperidin, rutin or isoflavone, most preferably catechin.

  A pigment | dye means the additive added in order to color goods (for example, foodstuffs, a molding material, etc.). For example, those classified as content and dye can be used. Examples of pigments include gardenia pigments, safflower pigments, turmeric pigments, red beetle pigments, carotene, annatto pigments, paprika pigments, Dunaliella pigments, palm oil pigments, rosewood pigments, beet red, cochineal pigments, lac pigments, perilla pigments, red cabbage pigments , Red radish pigment, purple potato pigment, purple corn pigment, grape skin pigment, grape juice pigment, blueberry pigment, elderberry pigment, chlorophyll, spirulina pigment, cacao pigment, tamarind pigment, oyster pigment, cucumber pigment, charcoal pigment, red pepper Pigment, boysenberry pigment, hibiscus pigment, onion pigment, edible synthetic pigment (yellow 4, yellow 5, red 2, red 3, red 40, red 102, red 104, red 105, red 106 No., Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2) That. The dye may or may not be edible.

(3. Solvent)
Examples of the solvent used in the method of the present invention include a solvent that can dissolve water-soluble xylan. The solvent is preferably water or any organic solvent miscible with water, most preferably water. Examples of organic solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, acetonitrile, propionitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, γ-butyl lactone, propylene carbonate, sulfolane, nitromethane, N, N -Dimethylformamide, N-methylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylsulfone, N-methylpyrrolidone, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane.

  When water and an organic solvent are mixed, the proportion of water in the total solvent is preferably about 50% by volume or more, preferably about 60% by volume or more, and about 70% by volume or more. Is preferably about 80% by volume or more, more preferably about 90% by volume or more, and most preferably about 95% by volume or more. The organic solvent mixed with water may be one type or two or more types. Considering the influence on the environment and the influence on the human body, the solvent is preferably water or mainly composed of water. The term “mainly consisting of water” means that about 80% by volume or more of the solvent is water.

(4. Method for improving the affinity of the substance surface for the solvent)
The method of the present invention is a method for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent. The method of the present invention includes a step of bringing a substance surface, a water-soluble xylan and a solvent into contact with each other. Although the detailed theory is unknown, water-soluble xylan acts between the surface of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance and the solvent to improve the affinity of the surface of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance to the solvent. .

  When the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is a molecular substance, the substance is solubilized in the solvent by the step of bringing the substance surface into contact with the water-soluble xylan and the solvent. Therefore, in this case, it can be said that the method of the present invention is a method for solubilizing a substance. The term “solubilization” refers to the fact that a material that is sparingly soluble or insoluble becomes soluble or behaves like a soluble material. When a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is solubilized, a solution in which the substance is solubilized in a solvent is obtained. This solution may be used as it is, or may be used after being concentrated or diluted. For example, after making a solution of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, the solution can be concentrated to make a concentrated solution.

  In one embodiment, the method of the present invention includes projecting ultrasound to a mixture of a poorly soluble or insoluble material (eg, carbon nanotube), a water soluble xylan and a solvent in the contacting step.

  In another embodiment, the method of the present invention includes adding a hardly soluble or insoluble substance (eg, carbon nanotube) to the solution containing water-soluble xylan and a solvent in the contacting step.

  In another embodiment, the method of the present invention may obtain a mixture by mixing an added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble or insoluble substance (for example, carbon nanotube) and then adding a solvent. In this mixture, the water-soluble xylan, the substance and the solvent are in contact.

  The water-soluble xylan used in the method of the present invention is as described in “1. Water-soluble xylan”, and the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is as described in “2. Insoluble or insoluble substance”. And the solvent is as described in “3. Solvent” above.

  An example of a method for producing a solution in which carbon nanotubes are uniformly dissolved will be described as an example of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance. This procedure can be similarly performed for other hardly soluble or insoluble substances.

  A water-soluble xylan solution can be prepared by adding water-soluble xylan to a solvent. The concentration of the water-soluble xylan in the water-soluble xylan solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the water-soluble xylan can be dissolved. The amount of the water-soluble xylan added is such that the concentration of the water-soluble xylan in the resulting solution is preferably about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably about 0.2% by weight or more. The concentration of the water-soluble xylan in the solution is preferably about 5% by weight or less, more preferably about 2% by weight or less, more preferably about 1.5% by weight or less, and further preferably about 1% by weight. % Or less. For example, it is preferable that the amount is in a concentration range of about 1% by weight or less. If the concentration of water-soluble xylan is too high, the amount of dissolved carbon nanotubes may decrease. If the concentration of water-soluble xylan is too low, the amount of dissolved carbon nanotubes may be too low.

  Next, carbon nanotubes are added to a solution containing water-soluble xylan to obtain a mixture. The carbon nanotube to be added is preferably in the form of powder. The amount of carbon nanotubes added may be any amount as long as it exceeds the amount of carbon nanotubes that can be dissolved by the method of the present invention. The amount of carbon nanotubes added may be, for example, about 0.1 parts by weight or more, about 0.2 parts by weight or more, about 0.5 parts by weight or more, about 1 part by weight or more, It can be 5 parts by weight or more. The amount of carbon nanotubes added is, for example, about 10 parts by weight or less, about 7.5 parts by weight or less, about 5 parts by weight or less, about 3 parts by weight or less, or about 1 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be.

  When fullerene is used in place of the carbon nanotube, the amount of fullerene added may be any amount as long as it exceeds the amount of fullerene that can be dissolved by the method of the present invention. The amount of fullerene added is, for example, about 0.1 parts by weight or more, about 0.2 parts by weight or more, about 0.5 parts by weight or more, about 1 part by weight or more, or about 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be greater than or equal to parts by weight. The amount of fullerene added is, for example, about 10 parts by weight or less, about 7.5 parts by weight or less, about 5 parts by weight or less, about 3 parts by weight or less, or about 1 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. possible.

  When a drug is used instead of the carbon nanotube, the amount of the drug to be added may be an amount that exceeds the amount of the drug that can be dissolved by the method of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily set. The amount of drug added is, for example, about 0.1 parts by weight or more, about 0.2 parts by weight or more, about 0.5 parts by weight or more, about 1 part by weight or more, or about 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be greater than or equal to parts by weight. The amount of the drug to be added is, for example, about 10 parts by weight or less, about 7.5 parts by weight or less, about 5 parts by weight or less, about 3 parts by weight or less, or about 1 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. possible.

  When using a food ingredient instead of the carbon nanotube, the amount of the food ingredient added may be an amount that exceeds the amount of the food ingredient that can be dissolved by the method of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily set. The amount of the food component added is, for example, about 0.1 parts by weight or more, about 0.2 parts by weight or more, about 0.5 parts by weight or more, about 1 part by weight or more, or about 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be 5 parts by weight or more. The amount of the food component added is, for example, about 10 parts by weight or less, about 7.5 parts by weight or less, about 5 parts by weight or less, about 3 parts by weight or less, or about 1 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be.

  When a dye is used instead of the carbon nanotube, the amount of the dye added may be an amount that exceeds the amount of the dye that can be dissolved by the method of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily set. The amount of the dye added is, for example, about 0.1 parts by weight or more, about 0.2 parts by weight or more, about 0.5 parts by weight or more, about 1 part by weight or more, or about 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. It can be greater than or equal to parts by weight. The amount of the added dye is, for example, about 10 parts by weight or less, about 7.5 parts by weight or less, about 5 parts by weight or less, about 3 parts by weight or less, or about 1 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the solution. possible.

  Or after mixing water-soluble xylan and a carbon nanotube previously, you may obtain a mixture by adding a solvent to this. Further, it may be sufficiently mixed by other mechanical means.

Next, the carbon nanotubes are dissolved by projecting ultrasonic waves onto the obtained mixture. As long as the method of projecting ultrasonic waves is a method capable of uniformly dissolving carbon nanotubes in a water-soluble xylan solution, the method of projecting ultrasonic waves, conditions such as frequency and time are not particularly limited. The temperature and pressure at the time of projecting the ultrasonic wave may be any conditions as long as the solution containing the water-soluble xylan and the carbon nanotube maintains a liquid state. For example, a solution containing water-soluble xylan and carbon nanotubes is placed in a glass container, and ultrasonic waves are projected at room temperature using a bath sonicator. For example, the rated output of the ultrasonic oscillator is preferably about 0.1 watt / cm ² or more per unit bottom area of the ultrasonic oscillator, more preferably about 0.2 watt / cm ² or more, and about 0.3 watt. / Cm ² or more, more preferably about 10 watts / cm ² or more, more preferably about 50 watts / cm ² or more, and most preferably about 100 watts / cm ² or more. The rated output of the ultrasonic oscillator is preferably about 1500 watts / cm ² or less, more preferably about 750 watts / cm ² or less, more preferably about 500 watts / cm ² or less per unit bottom area of the ultrasonic oscillator. Most preferred is about 300 Watts / cm ² or less. The oscillation frequency is preferably about 10 KHz or more, more preferably about 15 KHz or more, and most preferably about 20 KHz or more. The oscillation frequency is preferably used in the range of 20 to 50 KHz. The amplitude is preferably about 20 μm or more, and most preferably about 30 μm or more. The amplitude is preferably about 40 μm or less. The time for the ultrasonic projection treatment is preferably about 1 minute to about 3 hours, more preferably about 3 minutes to about 30 minutes. A stirring device such as a vortex mixer, a homogenizer, a spiral mixer, a planetary mixer, a disperser, or a hybrid mixer may be used before or after projecting ultrasonic waves. The temperature of the mixture can be any temperature as long as the substance to be dissolved does not decompose or change in quality and the solvent does not volatilize too much. Since carbon nanotubes and fullerenes are very heat resistant, if the substance to be dissolved is carbon nanotubes or fullerenes, or if they are equally heat resistant, the temperature of the mixture is, for example, about 5 ° C. or higher, Preferably, it is about 10 ° C. or higher, more preferably about 15 ° C. or higher, more preferably about 20 ° C. or higher, and most preferably about 25 ° C. or higher. The temperature of the mixture is, for example, about 100 ° C. or less, preferably about 90 ° C. or less, more preferably about 80 ° C. or less, more preferably about 70 ° C. or less, and most preferably about 60 ° C. or less. It is. When the substance to be dissolved is a thermolabile substance (eg, drug, food ingredient, pigment, etc.), the temperature of the mixture is, for example, about 5 ° C. or higher, preferably about 10 ° C. or higher, more preferably about It is 15 ° C or higher, more preferably about 20 ° C or higher, and most preferably about 25 ° C or higher. The temperature of the mixture is, for example, about 80 ° C. or less, preferably about 70 ° C. or less, more preferably about 60 ° C. or less, more preferably about 50 ° C. or less, and most preferably about 40 ° C. or less. It is.

  After the projection of ultrasonic waves, the solid matter containing undissolved carbon nanotubes in the solution is removed by filtration, centrifugation, etc., thereby obtaining a solution in which the carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dissolved. The method for removing undissolved solids from the solution after projecting ultrasonic waves is not particularly limited as long as the dissolved carbon nanotubes and undissolved solids can be separated, such as filtration with a filter and centrifugation. . In the case of filtration with a filter, a filter having a pore size through which dissolved carbon nanotubes pass and undissolved solids do not pass through is used. Preferably, a filter having a pore diameter of about 1 μm to several hundred μm is used. In the case of centrifugation, a condition is selected in which dissolved carbon nanotubes remain in the supernatant and undissolved solids are separated into precipitates. Preferably, the separation is performed by applying a centrifugal force equivalent to 1,000 to 4,000 × g for 5 to 30 minutes. In this way, a solution in which the carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dissolved is obtained.

  The fact that the carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dissolved in the solution means that the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube solution are recovered by centrifugation, washed with a solvent to remove excess water-soluble xylan, Check using a microscope. An example of a more specific method will be described later in Examples 1-1 and 1-2.

  The amount of the carbon nanotube dissolved in the solution can be measured, for example, by centrifuging at 70,000 × g for 15 minutes, collecting the carbon nanotube, and measuring the weight. Alternatively, as described in the document “Chem. Commun.”, P193 (2001), the concentration of carbon nanotubes has a very good correlation with the absorbance at 500 nm, and water-soluble xylan has no absorption at this wavelength. rare. Therefore, the concentration of carbon nanotubes is easily determined by measuring the absorbance of the solution at 500 nm, unless it contains some other material that has an absorption around 500 nm. When another substance is used as the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, a method for measuring the concentration of the substance in the solution can be appropriately selected according to the substance.

  The concentration of the carbon nanotubes in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the carbon nanotubes can be dissolved. The concentration of carbon nanotubes in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0.06% by weight) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07% by weight) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08% by weight) or more. . The concentration of carbon nanotubes in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3 wt%). As mentioned above, it may be preferable that it is about 4 g / L (about 0.4 weight%) or more or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 weight%) or more. As long as the carbon nanotube can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the carbon nanotube contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7. 0 wt%) or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0 wt%) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0 wt%) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0 wt%) or less, about 20 g / L (about 2.0% by weight) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5% by weight) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1% by weight) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5% by weight) Hereinafter, it is about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or less or about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or less.

  The concentration of fullerene in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as fullerene can be dissolved. The concentration of fullerene in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of fullerene in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or more, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or more may be preferred. As long as fullerene can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of fullerene contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7.0% by weight). %) Or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0% by weight) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0% by weight) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0% by weight) or less, about 20 g / L. (About 2.0 wt%) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5 wt%) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1 wt%) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, About 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  The concentration of the drug in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the drug can be dissolved. The concentration of the drug in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, more preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the drug in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or more, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or more may be preferred. As long as the drug can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the drug contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7.0% by weight). %) Or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0% by weight) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0% by weight) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0% by weight) or less, about 20 g / L. (About 2.0 wt%) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5 wt%) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1 wt%) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, About 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  The concentration of the food component in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the food component can be dissolved. The concentration of the food component in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and more preferably about 100 mg / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the food component in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3 wt%). As mentioned above, it may be preferable that it is about 4 g / L (about 0.4 weight%) or more or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 weight%) or more. As long as the food ingredient can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the food ingredient contained in the solution of the present invention. 0 wt%) or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0 wt%) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0 wt%) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0 wt%) or less, about 20 g / L (about 2.0% by weight) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5% by weight) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1% by weight) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5% by weight) Hereinafter, it is about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or less or about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or less.

  The concentration of the dye in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the dye can be dissolved. The concentration of the dye in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the dye in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or higher, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or higher may be preferred. As long as the dye can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the dye contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7.0% by weight). %) Or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0% by weight) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0% by weight) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0% by weight) or less, about 20 g / L. (About 2.0 wt%) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5 wt%) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1 wt%) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, About 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  In the present specification, the solubility is the solubility measured at 20 ° C.

  In one preferred embodiment, the method of the invention is utilized in the food field. For example, when the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is a processed cereal food, the present invention improves the affinity of the surface of the processed cereal food with a solvent. Examples of processed cereal foods include cooked rice and noodles. When the affinity of the surface of the processed cereal food to the solvent is improved, the loosening of the processed cereal food is improved. Therefore, the loosening of the processed grain food is improved by the step of bringing the substance surface, water-soluble xylan and the solvent into contact with each other.

  In the present specification, the term “processed cereal food” is a food mainly made of cereals such as rice, wheat, buckwheat, awa, hie, corn, etc., and edible in an uncooked state. This refers to both unsuitable foods, foods that have not been seasoned but are partly cooked and edible, and prepared foods. The processed cereal food is preferably a cooked food.

  In this specification, among cereal processed foods, foods that are not edible as they are not cooked are referred to as cereal uncooked foods. Examples of uncooked cereal foods include foods containing saccharides as a main component and foods containing portions containing saccharides as a main component. Examples of such foods include rice, bread dough, udon dough (including raw and dry noodles), somen dough (including raw and dry noodles), Chinese noodle dough (including raw and dry noodles), soba dough ( Examples include raw noodles and dry noodles), macaroni (including raw and dry noodles), spaghetti (including raw noodles and dry noodles), unheated gyoza, unheated cucumbers, unheated buns, and the like. The uncooked cereal food may be in a raw state, in a dry state, or in a frozen state.

  In this specification, the term “cooking” refers to applying heat to an uncooked cereal food so that the uncooked food can be eaten. Heat cooking may be performed by a well-known method in the said field according to the cereal uncooked food used as object.

  In the present specification, the term “during cooking” refers to the period from when the heating of the cereal food is started until the heating is completed.

  In the present specification, among cereal processed foods, food that is not seasoned but is partly cooked and edible is referred to as semi-cooked food. Examples of semi-cooked foods include udon noodles such as crab noodles, retort noodles, and frozen crab noodles, elementary noodles, Chinese noodles, buckwheat noodles, retort cooked rice, and frozen cooked rice. The cereal semi-cooked food is preferably retort cooked rice.

  In the present specification, of the processed cereal food, a ready-to-eat cooked food is referred to as a cereal cooked food. Examples of cooked cereals include cooked rice, bread, udon, raw noodles, Chinese noodles, buckwheat, macaroni, spaghetti, gyoza, cucumber, and manju. The cereal cooked food is preferably cooked rice. The term “cooked” means that the cooking process has been completed and can be eaten immediately.

  By using the method of the present invention, the affinity of the surface of the processed grain food to the solvent is improved, and the loosening is improved. Whether the loosening has been improved or not can be determined, for example, by measuring the compressive stress of the food sample obtained by adding the water-soluble xylan used in the present invention and the non-added sample, and comparing the compressive stress of these samples. To be judged. If the compressive stress decreases in the case of addition compared to the case of no addition, it can be said that loosening has been improved by addition.

  Water-soluble xylan is processed directly by any method known in the art, such as direct spraying, dispersing and spraying in powders such as sugar, salt, etc., dissolving in liquids such as water and dashi, and immersing or spraying. Can be added. As an addition method, the whole amount of the water-soluble xylan to be used may be added to the food at once, or may be added little by little over time. The timing for adding the water-soluble xylan may be before, during or after heating the processed grain food. During or after the addition, the food is preferably stirred as necessary so that the surface of the entire material in the food is uniformly brought into contact with the water-soluble xylan.

  The adding step may be performed before the processed cereal foods adhere to each other or after the adhering. When adding after food adheres, it is preferable to add water-soluble xylan dissolved in a solvent such as water. If the addition process is carried out before the starch on the surface of the processed cereal food is beta-modified, the water-soluble xylan will improve the loosening effect regardless of the elapsed time from the end of heating to the addition process and the temperature conditions at the time of addition. Is demonstrated.

  When adding water-soluble xylan to processed cereal foods, the amount of water-soluble xylan added is typically about 0.5 parts by weight to about 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of processed cereal food, preferably About 1.0 to about 10 parts by weight, more preferably about 1.0 to about 5.0 parts by weight. If the added amount is less than 0.5 parts by weight, the loosening improvement effect may be difficult to obtain, and if it is more than 20 parts by weight, the surface of the resulting grain loosening improvement food may become sticky or become powdery. There is.

(5. Solution containing added water-soluble xylan, hardly soluble or insoluble substance and solvent)
The solution of the present invention contains added water-soluble xylan, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance and a solvent. The hardly soluble or insoluble substance contained in the solution of the present invention is a molecular substance.

  The concentration of the added water-soluble xylan in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the water-soluble xylan can be dissolved. The concentration of the water-soluble xylan in the solution is preferably about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably about 0.2% by weight or more. The concentration of the water-soluble xylan in the solution is preferably about 5% by weight or less, more preferably about 2% by weight or less, more preferably about 1.5% by weight or less, and further preferably about 1% by weight. % Or less. When the concentration of the water-soluble xylan is too high, the amount of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance dissolved may decrease. If the concentration of the water-soluble xylan is too low, the amount of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance dissolved may be reduced.

  The water-soluble xylan contained in the solution of the present invention is as described in “1. Water-soluble xylan”, and the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is described in “2. Insoluble or insoluble substance”. And the solvent is as described in “3. Solvent” above.

  The concentration of the carbon nanotubes in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the carbon nanotubes can be dissolved. The concentration of carbon nanotubes in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more.The concentration of carbon nanotubes in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3 wt%). As mentioned above, it may be preferable that it is about 4 g / L (about 0.4 weight%) or more or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 weight%) or more. As long as the carbon nanotube can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the carbon nanotube contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7. 0 wt%) or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0 wt%) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0 wt%) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0 wt%) or less, about 20 g / L (about 2.0% by weight) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5% by weight) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1% by weight) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5% by weight) Hereinafter, it is about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or less or about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or less.

  The concentration of fullerene in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as fullerene can be dissolved. The concentration of fullerene in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of fullerene in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or more, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or more may be preferred. As long as fullerene can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of fullerene contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7.0% by weight). %) Or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0% by weight) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0% by weight) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0% by weight) or less, about 20 g / L. (About 2.0 wt%) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5 wt%) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1 wt%) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, About 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  The concentration of the drug in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the drug can be dissolved. The concentration of the drug in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, more preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the drug in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or more, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or more may be preferred. As long as the drug can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the drug contained in the solution of the present invention, but it is usually about 100 g / L (about 10.0% by weight) or less and about 70 g / L (about 7.0% by weight). %) Or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0% by weight) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0% by weight) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0% by weight) or less, about 20 g / L. (About 2.0 wt%) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5 wt%) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1 wt%) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, About 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  The concentration of the food component in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the food component can be dissolved. The concentration of the food component in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and more preferably about 100 mg / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the food component in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3 wt%). As mentioned above, it may be preferable that it is about 4 g / L (about 0.4 weight%) or more or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 weight%) or more. As long as the food ingredient can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the food ingredient contained in the solution of the present invention. 0 wt%) or less, about 50 g / L (about 5.0 wt%) or less, about 40 g / L (about 4.0 wt%) or less, about 30 g / L (about 3.0 wt%) or less, about 20 g / L (about 2.0% by weight) or less, about 15 g / L (about 1.5% by weight) or less, about 10 g / L (about 1% by weight) or less, about 5 g / L (about 0.5% by weight) Hereinafter, it is about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or less or about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or less.

  The concentration of the dye in the solution can be arbitrarily set as long as the dye can be dissolved. The concentration of the dye in the solution is preferably about 30 mg / L (about 0.003% by weight) or more, more preferably about 50 mg / L (about 0.005% by weight) or more, and further preferably about 100 mg. / L (about 0.01% by weight) or more, more preferably about 150 mg / L (about 0.015% by weight) or more, more preferably about 300 mg / L (about 0.03% by weight) or more. More preferably about 400 mg / L (about 0.04% by weight) or more, more preferably about 500 mg / L (about 0.05% by weight) or more, more preferably about 600 mg / L (about 0% by weight). 0.6 wt%) or more, more preferably about 700 mg / L (about 0.07 wt%) or more, and most preferably about 800 mg / L (about 0.08 wt%) or more. The concentration of the dye in the solution is also about 1 g / L (about 0.1% by weight) or more, about 2 g / L (about 0.2% by weight) or more, about 3 g / L (about 0.3% by weight) or more. , About 4 g / L (about 0.4 wt%) or higher, or about 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or higher may be preferred. As long as the dye can be dissolved, there is no upper limit to the concentration of the dye contained in the solution of the present invention. About 5 g / L (about 0.5 wt%) or less, about 2 g / L (about 0.2 wt%) or less, or about 1 g / L (about 0.1 wt%) or less.

  The solution of the present invention may contain water-soluble xylan and any substance other than this substance as long as the solubility of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is not significantly reduced.

  The solution of the present invention, if necessary, is a raw material for a substrate such as a film, a pigment, a plasticizer, a solubilizer, a coating surface modifier, a fluidity modifier, an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, a storage stabilizer, Various known substances such as adhesion aids and thickeners may be further included. The raw material of the substrate such as a film can be a polymer. Examples of such polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, dextran, starch (amylose and amylopectin) and starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives (eg, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, etc.), polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide , Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polystyrenesulfonic acid, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, guar gum, xanthan gum, alginic acid, gum arabic, carrageenan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, curdlan, chitin, Examples include chitosan and gelatin. Another example of a polymer is amylose. The addition amount of these substances can be arbitrarily set by those skilled in the art.

  The solution of the present invention may further contain a conductive substance in order to further improve the conductivity. Examples of conductive materials include carbon-based materials (eg, carbon fiber, conductive carbon black, graphite, etc.), metal oxides (eg, tin oxide, zinc oxide, etc.), metals (eg, silver, nickel, copper, etc.) ). The addition amount of these substances can be arbitrarily set by those skilled in the art.

  In the solution of the present invention, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is dissolved. The term “a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is dissolved” means that a liquid containing a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 10 minutes at 20 ° C. and then hardly soluble in the whole liquid. Alternatively, it means that insoluble substances are still distributed, and a decrease in coloration or precipitation of liquid due to poorly soluble or insoluble substances is not observed. In solution, hardly soluble or insoluble substances are dissolved as almost single molecules.

  For example, when carbon nanotubes are used as the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, the carbon nanotubes are dissolved in the solution of the present invention. The term “carbon nanotubes are dissolved” means that carbon nanotubes are still distributed throughout the liquid after centrifuging a liquid containing carbon nanotubes at 2,200 × g for 10 minutes at 20 ° C. This means that no decrease in coloration or precipitation due to the nanotubes is observed. In the solution, the carbon nanotube is dissolved as almost a single molecule.

  In the solution of the present invention, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance (for example, carbon nanotube) is stably dissolved. The term “a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is stably dissolved” means that a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is hardly soluble or insoluble when a solution of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is left at room temperature (preferably about 20 ° C.) for at least 3 days. This means that no decrease in coloration or precipitation due to the above substances is observed. The term “carbon nanotubes are stably dissolved” means a decrease in coloration or precipitation of a liquid caused by carbon nanotubes when the carbon nanotube solution is left at room temperature (preferably about 20 ° C.) for at least 3 days. Means that is not allowed. The solution of the present invention is preferably used for about 1 week, more preferably about 2 weeks, even more preferably about 3 weeks, and most preferably about 4 weeks. No precipitation is observed.

  In the present specification, if a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is dissolved as a solute in the solution, it is called a solution even if other substances (for example, pigments) other than the solute are not dissolved. Other materials may be dissolved, precipitated, dispersed or colloidal. Examples of solutions in which other substances are not dissolved include paints (excluding water-based paints) (for example, solvent-based paints), emulsions, dyes, pigments, cements, and the like. In the present specification, the solvent-based paint refers to the ratio of the organic solvent in the entire component (that is, the solvent) that disperses or dissolves the resin in the paint. The paint is about 40% by volume or more of the total of When mixing water and an organic solvent in a solvent-based paint, the proportion of the organic solvent in the entire medium is about 50% by volume or more of the total of the volume of water before mixing and the volume of the organic solvent. Preferably about 60% by volume or more, more preferably about 70% by volume or more, more preferably about 80% by volume or more, and more preferably about 90% by volume or more. Most preferably, it is about 95% by volume or more.

(6. Molded product containing added water-soluble xylan and hardly soluble or insoluble substance)
The molded article of the present invention contains an added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble or insoluble substance. In a preferred embodiment, the molded product of the present invention is formed mainly of carbon nanotubes, water-soluble xylan and a polymer. The hardly soluble or insoluble substance contained in the molded product of the present invention is a molecular substance.

  The water-soluble xylan contained in the molded product of the present invention is as described in “1. Water-soluble xylan”, and the hardly soluble or insoluble substance is described in “2. Insoluble or insoluble substance”. The solvent is as described in “3. Solvent” above.

  In the present specification, the term “polymer” refers to a polymer other than the target hardly soluble or insoluble substance and water-soluble xylan. By including a polymer, strength, gas barrier properties, and the like are imparted to the molded product depending on the properties of the polymer.

  The content of water-soluble xylan in the molded product is preferably as low as possible, preferably about 1% by weight or less, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or less, and most preferably about 0.001% by weight or less. is there.

  In certain embodiments, the poorly soluble or insoluble material in the molding is a carbon nanotube. In this case, the content of carbon nanotubes in the molded product is preferably about 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.01% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.05% by weight or more. And most preferably at least about 0.1% by weight. The content of carbon nanotubes in the molded product is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 15% by weight or less, and most preferably about 10% by weight or less.

  In certain embodiments, the poorly soluble or insoluble material in the molding is fullerene. In this case, the content of fullerene in the molded product is preferably about 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.01% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.05% by weight or more. Most preferably, it is about 0.1% by weight or more. The content of fullerene in the molded product is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 15% by weight or less, and most preferably about 10% by weight or less.

  In certain embodiments, the poorly soluble or insoluble material in the molding is a drug. In this case, the content of the drug in the molded product is preferably about 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.01% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.05% by weight or more. Most preferably, it is about 0.1% by weight or more. The content of the drug in the molded product is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 15% by weight or less, and most preferably about 10% by weight or less.

  In certain embodiments, the poorly soluble or insoluble material in the molding is a food ingredient. In this case, the content of the food component in the molded product is preferably about 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.01% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.05% by weight or more. And most preferably at least about 0.1% by weight. The content of the food component in the molded product is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 15% by weight or less, and most preferably about 10% by weight or less.

  In certain embodiments, the poorly soluble or insoluble material in the molding is a dye. In this case, the content of the pigment in the molded product is preferably about 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.01% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.05% by weight or more. Most preferably, it is about 0.1% by weight or more. The content of the pigment in the molded product is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 15% by weight or less, and most preferably about 10% by weight or less.

  For convenience, carbon nanotubes and water-soluble xylan are not included in the “polymer” in this specification. That is, the term “polymer” in the present specification means a polymer material other than carbon nanotubes and water-soluble xylan.

  Any polymer that can be used as a molding material can be used as the polymer. The polymer, in certain embodiments, is preferably a polymer that is soluble in a solvent that is soluble in water, more preferably a water-soluble polymer. In particular, by using a water-soluble polymer, a molded product (for example, a film) in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed can be produced using only water as a solvent.

  Examples of the polymer used in the molded product of the present invention include amylose, enzymatically synthesized amylose, pullulan, dextran, starch and derivatives thereof, cellulose derivatives (eg, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose), deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid. , Guar gum, xanthan gum, alginic acid, gum arabic, carrageenan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, curdlan, chitin, chitosan, gelatin, lactic acid polymer, glycolic acid polymer, and any combination thereof. Enzyme-synthesized amylose refers to a molecule in which glucose synthesized by the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase is linearly bound only by α-1,4 bonds, using glucose-1-phosphate as a raw material.

  Polymers that can be used in the moldings of the present invention also include polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polystyrene sulfonic acid, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, poly (methyl methacrylate). , Polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyethylene, polyester, polyimide, polyamide, epoxy, phenolic resin, and the like, and any combination thereof.

  When carbon nanotubes are used as a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, the molded product of the present invention can be used for electromagnetic shielding parts for mobile phones, laptop computers, radar absorbing materials for stealth aircraft, automotive materials (for example, bodies, bumpers). , Windows, engine components), fuel cell electrodes, nanoelectronic materials (new generation computer memory, display devices, etc.), and as high strength and lightweight composites. The molded product of the present invention can also be used as a film, a fiber, an adhesive layer of a laminate, a coating, or the like.

  When fullerene is used as a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, the molding of the present invention can be applied to electromagnetic shielding parts for mobile phones, laptop computers, radar absorbing materials for stealth aircraft, nanoelectronic materials (new generation computer memory) Etc.) and as a high strength and light weight composite. The molded product of the present invention can also be used as a film, a fiber, an adhesive layer of a laminate, a coating, or the like.

  For example, when a drug having antibacterial property or physiological activity is used as the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, a molded product having antibacterial property or physiological activity can be obtained according to the present invention. The molded product of the present invention can also be used as a film, a fiber, an adhesive layer of a laminate, a coating, or the like.

  For example, when a food component having physiological activity is used as the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, a molded product having physiological activity can be obtained according to the present invention. When the polymer used for molding is edible, the molded product of the present invention can also be used as a processed food. The molded product of the present invention can also be used as a film, a fiber, an adhesive layer of a laminate, a coating, or the like.

  When a dye is used as a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, a colored molded product can be obtained according to the present invention. If the polymer or pigment used for molding is edible, it can also be used as a processed food. The molded product of the present invention can also be used as a film, a fiber, an adhesive layer of a laminate, a coating, or the like.

  The molded product of the present invention may also contain pigments, plasticizers, solubilizers, coating surface modifiers, fluidity modifiers, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, storage stabilizers, adhesion aids, thickeners as necessary. It may further contain various known substances such as agents. The addition amount of these substances can be arbitrarily set by those skilled in the art.

  The molded article of the present invention may further contain a conductive substance in order to further improve the conductivity. In particular, when a carbon compound (for example, carbon nanotube or fullerene) is used as the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, it is preferable to include a conductive substance. Examples of conductive materials include carbon-based materials (eg, carbon fiber, conductive carbon black, graphite, etc.), metal oxides (eg, tin oxide, zinc oxide, etc.), metals (eg, silver, nickel, copper, etc.) ).

  The solution obtained by the present invention is characterized in that a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is homogeneously dissolved in a solvent. By using this solution, a molded product in which hardly soluble or insoluble substances are uniformly distributed can be obtained. The molded product of the present invention is preferably molded from a solution containing only water as a solvent. The molded article of the present invention contains an added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble or insoluble substance. The molded product is produced by adding a polymer (polymer material) to this solution and drying it. The molded product of the present invention may have any shape. The shape of the molded product of the present invention may be, for example, a shape such as a film or a fiber. In certain embodiments, the shape of the molding of the present invention is preferably a film or fiber shape. The molded product of the present invention may be solid like a film or gel. It is also possible to obtain a gel-like molded product by using a material having a property of forming a gel as a polymer. It is also possible to form a gel using a gelling agent that gels the polymer. In certain embodiments, the moldings of the present invention are preferably gel-like. Molded products whose polymer is mainly amylose have biodegradability. Biodegradable means a substance that is decomposed into low molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia by the action of enzymes synthesized by microorganisms or organisms, or a substance that is decomposed and absorbed by microorganisms or plants. In certain embodiments, the moldings of the present invention are preferably biodegradable.

(7. Molding method)
Using the solution of the present invention as a molding material, it can be molded by any conventionally known molding method. For example, various known methods can be used as a method for molding the polymer material, and specific examples include injection molding, extrusion molding, press molding, casting, and blow molding.

  In the case of a molding method using a material containing a solvent (for example, a casting method), the solution obtained by the present invention may be used as it is, or a part of the solvent may be removed, or the same type. Or you may add and use another solvent. In the case of a molding method (for example, injection molding, extrusion molding, etc.) performed using a material that does not substantially contain a solvent, the solvent in the solution containing the water-soluble xylan, the hardly soluble or insoluble substance, and the polymer is removed. Thus, a molding material can be obtained.

  A film production method will be described as an example of molding production. A solution of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is mixed with a polymer, and a film is formed by a solution casting method or a spin coating method. This film is characterized in that a hardly soluble or insoluble substance is homogeneously dissolved and distributed as well as a solution of a hardly soluble or insoluble substance. By stretching the film thus obtained, a stretched film can be obtained. When stretching, it is preferable to mix with a polymer that can withstand stretching. In certain embodiments, the moldings of the present invention are preferably stretched films.

(8. Cereal processed foods with water-soluble xylan added)
Water-soluble xylan is added to the processed grain food of the present invention. The water-soluble xylan added to the processed grain food of the present invention is as described in “1. Water-soluble xylan”. More preferably, the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant, particularly preferably contains almost no arabinose residue, and most preferably contains no arabinose residue. When a water-soluble xylan that does not contain an arabinose residue is used, performance such as improvement in dispersibility and loosening is excellent. In addition, when it describes as "the added water-soluble xylan", this water-soluble xylan does not contain the xylan originally contained in the processed grain food. The processed cereal food to which no water-soluble xylan is added contains almost no water-soluble xylan, and its content is less than about 0.05% by weight. Even if the processed cereal food to which no water-soluble xylan is added is left in the water, the water-soluble xylan hardly dissolves in the water. Therefore, almost all of the water-soluble xylan contained in the processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan has been added is added.

  The amount of water-soluble xylan in the processed cereal food of the present invention is preferably about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, and further preferably about 0.2% by weight or more. And most preferably at least about 0.5% by weight. The amount of water-soluble xylan in the processed grain food of the present invention is preferably about 20% by weight or less, more preferably about 10% by weight or less, more preferably about 5% by weight or less, most preferably About 1% by weight or less. If the content is less than 0.05% by weight, the loosening improvement effect may be difficult to obtain, and if the content is more than 20% by weight, the surface of the processed cereal food may become sticky or powdery. There is.

(9. Affinity improver for improving the affinity of the substance surface to the solvent)
The affinity improver of the present invention is an affinity improver for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent. The affinity improver of the present invention comprises water-soluble xylan, which is poorly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of water-soluble xylan. The water-soluble xylan contained in the affinity improver of the present invention is as described in “1. Water-soluble xylan”. The affinity improver of the present invention may contain excipients, extenders and the like in addition to water-soluble xylan.

  When the affinity improver of the present invention is used, water-soluble xylan acts on the surface of the substance to improve the affinity for the solvent, and when the substance is a sufficiently small molecular substance, it dissolves in the solvent. Therefore, the affinity improver of the present invention can be used as a solubilizer.

  When the affinity improver of the present invention is used, the quality of the processed cereal food can be improved. Therefore, the affinity improver of the present invention can be used as an improver for processed cereal foods. The improvement achieved by the affinity improver of the present invention is, for example, an improvement in loosening of a processed cereal food, an improvement in texture.

  The affinity improver of the present invention is also used as a physical property improver. When the affinity improver of the present invention is used, the affinity of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance with the solvent is improved, and as a result, the physical properties of the hardly soluble or insoluble substance are improved. Therefore, the affinity improver of the present invention can be used, for example, as an anti-adhesion agent or as a viscosity reducing agent.

  The affinity improver of the present invention can also be used as a loosening improver. The affinity improver used as the loosening improver may be composed only of the above-mentioned water-soluble xylan, but may contain other components as necessary. The affinity improver of the present invention can be provided as a composition. The loosening improver can be provided, for example, as a sprayed solution. The loosening improver may also be provided as an instant seasoning food such as sushi rice or cooked rice.

  When used as a loosening improver, the content of the water-soluble xylan contained in the affinity improver of the present invention can be any ratio as long as it is suitable for addition to processed cereal foods. The content of the water-soluble xylan in the affinity improver is preferably about 1% to about 90% by weight, more preferably about 3% to about 30% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the affinity improver. %, More preferably from about 5% to about 20% by weight. If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly mix with the processed cereal food. If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too small, the effect of addition may be difficult to obtain.

  When used as a loosening improver, the affinity improver of the present invention may contain a “condiment” as necessary. As used herein, the term “seasoning” refers to a material used to adjust the taste of food. Any conventionally known seasoning can be used in the present invention. Specific examples of seasonings include sugars other than water-soluble xylan, salt, vinegar, soy sauce, miso, sauce, dairy products, chemical seasonings, vegetable extracts, fruit extracts, vegetable pastes, fruit pastes, meat Extracts, dashi, curry powder and the like.

  Examples of saccharides excluding water-soluble xylan include saccharides such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and sugar alcohols. Examples of monosaccharides include fructose, glucose, xylose, sorbose, galactose, and isomerized sugar. Examples of disaccharides include maltose, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, isomerized lactose, and palatinose. Examples of the oligosaccharide include xylo-oligosaccharide, fructo-oligosaccharide, soybean oligosaccharide, isomalt-oligosaccharide, lactosucrose, galacto-oligosaccharide, lactulose, palatinose oligosaccharide, sucuro-oligosaccharide, thean oligosaccharide, and seaweed oligosaccharide. Examples of sugar alcohols include maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and palatinit.

  Examples of salts include natural salts and purified salts. Examples of natural salts include rock salt, Hakata salt, and Ako salt.

  Examples of vinegar include rice vinegar, grain vinegar, fruit vinegar, brewed vinegar, and synthetic vinegar. Examples of rice vinegar include rice vinegar and brown rice vinegar. Examples of grain vinegar include straw vinegar and malt vinegar. Examples of fruit vinegar include apple vinegar, grape vinegar, and pine vinegar.

  Examples of soy sauce include thick soy sauce, thin soy sauce, and fish soy.

  Examples of miso include white miso, red miso, and Hatcho miso.

  Examples of the source include Worcester sauce.

  Examples of dairy products include skim milk powder, cream, concentrated whey, butter and the like.

  Examples of vegetable extracts include onion extract and Chinese cabbage extract.

  Examples of vegetable paste include tomato paste.

  Examples of fruit pastes include peach paste and apple paste.

  Examples of meat extract include beef extract, pork extract, chicken extract and the like.

  Examples of soup stock include bonito soup, kelp stock, and boiled stock.

  As the curry powder, any commonly used curry powder can be used.

  The affinity improver of the present invention may contain “water” as necessary. The water may be any of soft water, intermediate water and hard water. Soft water refers to water having a hardness of less than 10 °, intermediate water refers to water having a hardness of 10 ° to less than 20 °, and hard water refers to water having a hardness of 20 ° or more. The water is preferably soft water or intermediate water, more preferably soft water.

  The affinity improver of the present invention can contain other additives or ingredients as necessary as long as the effects of the water-soluble xylan are not disturbed. Other additives or ingredients include fragrances, pigments, preservatives, pH stabilizers, amino acids (eg, sodium glutamate), vegetables, fruits, meat and the like.

  The affinity improver of the present invention can also be used as an emulsifier. In this case, the affinity improver of the present invention can be used for the same applications as conventional emulsifiers.

(10. Other uses)
When the solution of the present invention contains a polymer capable of forming a thin film, the solution of the present invention can be processed on the surface of a substrate by a method used for general coating to form a thin film. In particular, when the solution of the present invention contains carbon nanotubes as a hardly soluble or insoluble substance, it is preferably used for forming a thin film. For example, gravure coater, roll coater, curtain flow coater, spin coater, bar coater, reverse coater, kiss coater, phanten coater, rod coater, air doctor coater, knife coater, blade coater, cast coater, screen coater, etc. Spray methods such as spray coating such as air spray and airless spray, immersion methods such as dip, and the like can be used.

  When the solution of the present invention contains a polymer capable of forming a thin film, the base material on which the solution of the present invention is applied to form a thin film may be a polymer compound, plastic, wood, paper material, ceramic fiber, non-woven fabric, carbon fiber , Carbon fiber paper, and films, foams, porous membranes, elastomers or glass plates thereof can be used. For example, polymer compounds, plastics and films include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, methacrylic resin, polybutadiene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, polyaramid, polyphenylene. There are sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene ether, polyether nitrile, polyamide imide, polyether sulfone, polysulfone, polyether imide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane, its film, foam and elastomer. Since these polymer films form a thin film on at least one surface thereof, the film surface is preferably subjected to corona surface treatment or plasma treatment for the purpose of improving the adhesion of the thin film.

  The solution and molded product of the present invention can be suitably used for other uses of a solution containing carbon nanotubes and a molded product.

(11. Method for preserving processed cereal foods with water-soluble xylan added)
The processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan is added, obtained by the method of the present invention, can be stored for a long period of time as compared with a state in which water-soluble xylan is not added. In this case, the term “long term” is 5 minutes to 30 days, 10 minutes to 7 days, 20 minutes to 3 days, 30 minutes to 1 day, 1 hour to 10 hours after the addition of the water-soluble xylan. obtain.

  The processed cereal food of the present invention maintains favorable physical properties such as being easily loosened over a long period of time and excellent in texture. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a processed cereal food that is excellent in flavor, does not easily loosen, and has excellent processing suitability such as formation, weighing, and filling into a container.

(12. Taste improving agent)
The taste improver of the present invention is a taste improver for improving the taste quality of a food containing a component that gives an unpleasant taste quality, and contains a water-soluble xylan. Although the principle is not known in detail, the taste quality of food is improved by using water-soluble xylan. The taste improver of the present invention can preferably reduce bitterness, burnt taste, astringency, savory taste, pungent taste, acidity, salty taste, or blue odor, and more preferably bitterness, burnt taste, astringency or astringent taste. The taste can be reduced, and even more preferably, the bitter or burnt taste can be reduced. In particular, when the food contains a component that exhibits a bitter taste, the bitter taste of the food is reduced and the taste quality of the food is improved.

  The taste improver of the present invention may be composed only of the above-mentioned water-soluble xylan, but may contain other components as necessary. The taste improving agent of the present invention can be provided as a composition.

  The content of the water-soluble xylan contained in the taste improver of the present invention can be any ratio as long as it is suitable for addition to food. The taste improver may be a powder or a solution.

  When the taste improver is a powder, the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste improver is preferably about 10% by weight or more, more preferably still more preferably 100% by weight of the taste improver. Is about 15% by weight or more, more preferably about 20% by weight or more, more preferably about 25% by weight or more, more preferably about 30% by weight or more, more preferably about 35% by weight or more. More preferably, it is about 40% by weight or more, more preferably about 45% by weight or more, and most preferably about 50% by weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste improver, and it may be, for example, about 100% by weight or less, about 95% by weight or less, 90% or less, about 85% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 65% or less, about 60% or less, or about 55% or less Good.

  When the taste improver is a liquid, the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste improver is preferably about 0.01% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste improver, more preferably About 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.2% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.5% by weight or more, Preferably, it is about 1% by weight or more, more preferably about 2% by weight or more, more preferably about 5% by weight or more, more preferably about 7.5% by weight or more, more preferably about 10%. % By weight or more, most preferably about 15% by weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste improver, and it may be, for example, about 50% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, It may be 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, or about 10% or less.

  If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly mix with food. If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too small, the effect of addition may be difficult to obtain.

(13. Taste quality improved food)
The taste-improved food of the present invention contains an ingredient that gives an unpleasant taste and an added water-soluble xylan, and the taste-improved food has an improved taste compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan. Yes. The improved taste quality is preferably bitter, charred, astringent, astringent, pungent, sour, salty, or blue odor, more preferably a bitter, charred, astringent or astringent, and even more Preferably it is bitter or burnt.

  The taste-improved food may be powder, lump, gel, or liquid.

  When the taste-improved food is powder or lump, the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste-improved food is preferably about 10% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste-improved food, more preferably About 15% by weight or more, more preferably about 20% by weight or more, more preferably about 25% by weight or more, more preferably about 30% by weight or more, and further preferably about 35% by weight or more. More preferably about 40% by weight or more, more preferably about 45% by weight or more, and most preferably about 50% by weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste-improved food. For example, it may be about 100% by weight or less, about 95% by weight or less, 90% or less, about 85% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 65% or less, about 60% or less, or about 55% or less Good.

  When the taste-improved food is gel or liquid, the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste-improved food is preferably about 0.01% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste-improved food, More preferably, it is about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, further preferably about 0.2% by weight or more, further preferably about 0.5% by weight or more. More preferably about 1% by weight or more, more preferably about 2% by weight or more, more preferably about 5% by weight or more, more preferably about 7.5% by weight or more, most preferably Is about 10% by weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the content of the water-soluble xylan in the taste-improved food. For example, it may be about 10% by weight or less, about 5% by weight or less, It may be 1% by weight or less, about 0.5% by weight or less, or about 0.1% by weight or less.

  If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly mix with food. If the weight of the water-soluble xylan is too small, the effect of addition may be difficult to obtain.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention may contain various physiologically active substances. For example, physiologically active substances such as polyphenols, vitamins, peptides, minerals, and acetic acid are known to have various physiological functions. For example, polyphenol is a general term for plant components having a plurality of phenolic hydroxyl groups in the same molecule, is contained in various plants, and is a substance excellent in antioxidant ability. Polyphenols have various physiological activities and are used in various applications such as pharmaceuticals and foods. Among polyphenols, research on catechins and flavonoids is in progress. About catechin, bacteriostatic action and body fat reduction action are known. For flavonoids, for example, the following physiological activities are known: blood pressure effect (hesperidin and rutin), antiallergic effect (hesperidin), blood cholesterol level improving effect (hesperidin), anticancer effect (hesperidin). Anti-mutagenicity (naringenin), cell growth inhibitory action (naringenin), muscle contraction promoting action (naringenin), intestinal motility inhibition action (naringenin), calcium influx inhibition action (naringenin). However, these substances have low solubility in water. In addition, these substances often have a unique taste and are difficult to ingest. For example, catechin has a unique bitter taste and cannot be taken orally in large quantities. Capsaicin is said to be effective for burning body fat, but has a unique pungent taste and cannot be taken orally in large quantities.

Examples of physiologically active substances contained in the taste-improved food of the present invention include polyphenols (for example, catechin, tannin, oolong tea polyphenol, chlorogenic acid, cacao mass polyphenol, flavonoids (for example, anthocyanin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, rutin, naringin, Quercetin, isoflavone and naringenin)), alkaloids (eg capsaicin), acids (eg acetic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, adipic acid), vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B ₁ , vitamin B) ₂ , vitamin B ₆ , vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and pantothenic acid). The physiologically active substance is preferably catechin, tannin, cacao mass polyphenol, hesperidin, neohesperidin, rutin or isoflavone, most preferably catechin.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention contains these physiologically active substances in a larger amount than ordinary foods in the absence of water-soluble xylan, and the amount is preferably about the usual upper limit amount. 1.5 times or more, more preferably about 2 times or more, more preferably about 3 times or more, more preferably about 5 times or more, and most preferably about 10 times or more.

  When the taste-improved food is powder or lump, the content of the physiologically active substance in the taste-improved food is preferably about 0.01% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste-improved food. Preferably it is about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.2% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.5% by weight or more. More preferably, it is about 1% by weight or more, more preferably about 2% by weight or more, more preferably about 5% by weight or more, more preferably about 7.5% by weight or more, and further preferably About 10% by weight or more, and most preferably about 15% by weight or more. The content of the physiologically active substance in the taste-improved food is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, about 50% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, It may be 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, or about 10% or less.

  When the taste-improved food is gel or liquid, the content of the physiologically active substance in the taste-improved food is preferably about 0.01% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste-improved food, More preferably, it is about 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, further preferably about 0.2% by weight or more, further preferably about 0.5% by weight or more. More preferably about 1% by weight or more, more preferably about 2% by weight or more, further preferably about 5% by weight or more, more preferably about 7.5% by weight or more, further preferably Is about 10 wt% or more, and most preferably about 15 wt% or more. The content of the physiologically active substance in the taste-improved food is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, about 50% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, It may be 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, or about 10% or less.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention is preferably a beverage, more preferably a tea beverage. Examples of tea beverages include unfermented tea (eg, green tea), semi-fermented tea (eg, oolong tea), or fermented tea (eg, black tea). Examples of green tea include sencha, bancha, hojicha, gyokuro and matcha. In the case of tea beverages, catechin is the cause of bitterness, but it is thought that the bitter taste of catechin is suppressed by water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a bitter taste. In this case, the bitterness of the food of the present invention is improved as compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a pungent taste. In this case, the pungent taste of the food of the present invention is improved compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a salty taste. In this case, the salty taste of the food of the present invention is improved as compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a sour taste. In this case, the acidity of the food of the present invention is improved as compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a dark taste. In this case, the pungent taste of the food of the present invention is improved compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has astringency. In this case, the pungent taste of the food of the present invention is improved compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a pungent taste. In this case, the pungent taste of the food of the present invention is improved compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

  The taste-improved food of the present invention preferably contains a physiologically active substance, and this physiologically active substance has a blue odor. In this case, the pungent taste of the food of the present invention is improved compared to the absence of water-soluble xylan.

(14. Taste improvement method)
The taste quality improving method of the present invention is a method for reducing the unpleasant taste quality of a food containing a component that gives an unpleasant taste quality. Although the detailed principle is unknown, when the surface of an ingredient that gives an unpleasant taste and water-soluble xylan are brought into contact with each other, the affinity of the ingredient surface to the solvent is improved. Unpleasant taste quality is reduced. In one embodiment, the taste improving method of the present invention includes a method of adding water-soluble xylan to a food containing a component that imparts an unpleasant taste. The taste improving method of the present invention is particularly effective when the food contains a bitter substance. The water-soluble xylan used in the method of the present invention is as described above in “1. Water-soluble xylan”.

  The water-soluble xylan may be added as a powder or may be added in a state dissolved in an aqueous solution. Since it is easy to mix uniformly with food, it is preferable to add as aqueous solution.

  The food whose taste quality is to be improved is generally a food exhibiting a taste such as bitterness, burnt taste, astringency, savory taste, pungent taste, sour taste, salty taste, or blue odor. These tastes become unpleasant if they are excessive. With the method of the present invention, these tastes are reduced.

  The amount of the water-soluble xylan added by the method of the present invention is preferably the content of the water-soluble xylan in the obtained taste-improved food when the food whose taste is to be improved is powdered or massive. About 10% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the quality-improved food, more preferably about 15% by weight or more, more preferably about 20% by weight or more, and further preferably about 25% by weight. More preferably, it is about 30% by weight or more, more preferably about 35% by weight or more, more preferably about 40% by weight or more, further preferably about 45% by weight or more, and most preferably Is an amount of about 50 weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the amount of water-soluble xylan added, for example, about 100% by weight or less, about 95% by weight or less, about 90% by weight or less, about 85% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the obtained taste-improved food. It may be in an amount such that it is no more than wt%, no more than about 80 wt%, no more than about 75 wt%, no more than about 70 wt%, no more than about 65 wt%, no more than about 60 wt%, or no more than about 55 wt%.

  The amount of the water-soluble xylan added by the method of the present invention is preferably the content of the water-soluble xylan in the obtained taste-improved food when the food whose taste is to be improved is a gel or liquid, It is about 0.01% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.05% by weight or more, further preferably about 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.1% by weight or more with respect to 100% by weight of the taste-improved food. About 0.2% by weight or more, more preferably about 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably about 1% by weight or more, further preferably about 2% by weight or more, more preferably about 5% by weight. The amount is more than about 7.5% by weight, more preferably about 7.5% by weight or more, more preferably about 10% by weight or more, and most preferably about 15% by weight or more. There is no particular upper limit to the amount of water-soluble xylan added, and it may be, for example, about 10% by weight or less, about 5% by weight or less, about 1% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the obtained taste-improved food. % Or less, about 0.5 wt% or less, or about 0.1 wt% or less.

  In the taste improving method of the present invention, the water-soluble xylan may be added at the production stage of the food to be improved in taste, or may be added after the completion. It is preferable to add at the production stage.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited only to the following examples.

(Example 1-1: Preparation of carbon nanotube solution)
Glucuronoxylan as a water-soluble xylan (Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, number average molecular weight 18,000, xylose residue: 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue = 10: 1; no acetylation; From beech). To 1 L of a 0.4 mg / mL aqueous solution of glucuronoxylan, 2 g of single-walled carbon nanotube powder (SWCNT-1 manufactured by Shenzhen Nanotechport Co., Ltd.) was added and stirred with a magnetic stirrer. To this mixture, an ultrasonic disperser (Model UH-600SR manufactured by SMT Co., Ltd., HO-F36 flanged tip, RD-36 continuous holder) is used at room temperature (15-25 ° C.) for 130 minutes at a flow rate of 1 L / min. Then, ultrasonic waves were continuously projected to dissolve and disperse the carbon nanotubes. This solution was centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 15 minutes, and the supernatant was taken out. The supernatant was a black solution. The resulting black solution had an absorbance at 500 nm of 7.57 and contained about 282 μg / mL of carbon nanotubes.

  The obtained solution was centrifuged at 70,000 × g for 10 minutes to collect the carbon nanotubes as a precipitate. 50 mL of the above glucuronoxylan aqueous solution was added to the resulting precipitate, and carbon nanotubes were dispersed by projecting ultrasonic waves at room temperature (15 to 20 ° C.) for 5 minutes with a bath sonicator (Branson 1200). The resulting black solution had an absorbance at 500 nm of 122 and contained about 4.5 mg / mL of carbon nanotubes.

  When the obtained solution was observed with an atomic force microscope, single-walled carbon nanotubes having an outer diameter of 0.6 to 4.4 nm and a length of 0.5 to 4.5 μm were dispersed in the solution as a single molecule. It was observed that (FIG. 1).

(Preparation Example 1: Preparation of water-soluble xylan aqueous solution)
20 L of water was added to 800 g of commercially available powdered cellulose (Nippon Paper Chemicals KC Flock) manufactured from wood pulp, and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. This solution was sequentially filtered through a filter paper, a 0.45 μm filter, and a 0.2 μm filter, and the filtrate was recovered as a water-soluble xylan solution. As measured by the phenol sulfuric acid method, the solution thus obtained contained about 0.45 mg / mL of water-soluble xylan. By drying this solution, about 9 g of xylan powder was obtained.

  The molecular weight of the obtained water-soluble xylan was measured by gel filtration-multi-angle light scattering method. The measurement was performed with gel filtration columns Shodex SB802M and SB806M, column temperature 40 ° C., eluent 0.1 M sodium nitrate, and flow rate 1 mL / min. As a detector, a differential refractometer Shodex RI-71 (manufactured by Showa Denko) and a multi-angle light scattering detector DAWN-DSP (manufactured by Wyatt Technology) were used. As a result of the measurement, the obtained water-soluble xylan had a weight average molecular weight of 6,100 and a number average molecular weight of 7,500.

¹ H-NMR analysis of the obtained water-soluble xylan (Preparation Example 1) and glucuronoxylan used in Example 1-1 was performed. ^{In 1} H-NMR analysis, a sample was dissolved in heavy water at a concentration of 5.0% by weight and measured at 80 ° C. The results are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A shows the result of the water-soluble xylan obtained in Preparation Example 1, and FIG. 2B shows the result of glucuronoxylan used in Example 1-1. Since the chemical shift value of the peak detected for the water-soluble xylan of Preparation Example 1 coincided with the chemical shift value of the peak detected for glucuronoxylan used in Example 1-1, it was included in the commercially available powdered cellulose. It was found that the water-soluble xylan was glucuronoxylan and was not acetylated. In FIG. 2A, the peak near 5.2 ppm is the peak of the hydrogen atom bonded to the 1-position carbon of the 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue, and the doublet peak near 4.6 ppm is the 4-O- -The peak of the hydrogen atom bonded to the 1st carbon of the xylose residue to which methyl-D-glucuronic acid is bonded is the peak of the doublet near 4.4 ppm is the hydrogen atom bonded to the 1st carbon of the xylose residue Each peak is shown. Therefore, by determining (peak area near 5.2 ppm): (peak area of doublet near 4.6 ppm) + (peak area of doublet near 4.4 ppm), 4-O— constituting water-soluble xylan is obtained. The molar ratio of methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue and xylose residue can be determined. When these area ratios were measured from FIG. 2A, it was found that the water-soluble xylan obtained from commercially available cellulose had a xylose residue: 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue = 14: 1.

  In addition, the water-soluble xylan was hydrolyzed by heating in 2.5 M trifluoroacetic acid at 100 ° C. for 6 hours, and the resulting monosaccharide was analyzed by HPLC (column: CarboPac PA-1, manufactured by Dionex, eluent: water, Post column solution: 300 mM NaOH, detector: Dionex PED-II). As a result, almost no arabinose was detected (0.2% or less of the total amount of sugar), and thus it was found that the water-soluble xylan obtained in Preparation Example 1 did not substantially contain arabinose.

(Example 1-2: Preparation of carbon nanotube solution)
To 10 L of the water-soluble xylan solution prepared in Preparation Example 1, 5 g of single-walled carbon nanotube powder (SWCNT-1 manufactured by Shenzhen Nanotechport) was added and stirred. To this mixture, an ultrasonic disperser (Model UH-600SR manufactured by SMT Co., Ltd., HO-F36 flanged tip, RD-36 continuous holder) was used at room temperature (15 to 25 ° C.) for 90 minutes at a flow rate of 1 L / min. Then, ultrasonic waves were continuously projected to dissolve and disperse the carbon nanotubes. This solution was centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 15 minutes, and the supernatant was taken out. The supernatant was a black solution. The resulting black solution had an absorbance at 500 nm of 1.5 and contained about 56 μg / mL of carbon nanotubes. The obtained carbon nanotube solution was concentrated to about 1 L with a hollow fiber membrane (Asahi Kasei MICROZA MF PMP-102).

  The concentrated solution was centrifuged at 70,000 × g for 10 minutes to collect the carbon nanotubes as a precipitate. To the obtained precipitate, 150 mL of the water-soluble xylan aqueous solution was added, and the carbon nanotubes were dispersed by projecting ultrasonic waves at room temperature (15 to 20 ° C.) for 5 minutes with a bath sonicator (Branson 1200). The obtained black solution had an absorbance at 500 nm of 54 and contained about 2.0 mg / mL of carbon nanotubes.

  When the obtained solution was observed with an atomic force microscope, single-walled carbon nanotubes having an outer diameter of 1.1 to 2.7 nm and a length of 0.3 to 4.0 μm were dispersed in the solution as a single molecule. It was observed that (FIG. 3).

(Example 2-1: Comparison between water-soluble xylan and other saccharides)
The solubilization ability of water-soluble xylan was compared with other saccharides. As water-soluble xylan, glucuronoxylan (Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of ScIenses, number average molecular weight 18,000; xylose residue: 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue = 10: 1; Not used). For comparison, amylose (number-average molecular weight 2,900), pectin (citrus-derived), polygalacturonic acid, methylcellulose, fucoidan, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, troro aoi extract, sorghum extract, gum arabic, β-1,3 -Each saccharide solution of glucan (schizophyllan, curdlan) and xylooligosaccharide (degree of polymerization 2 and 5) was used.

  About 4 mg of single-walled carbon nanotube powder (SWCNT-1 manufactured by Shenzhen Nanotechport Co., Ltd.) was added to 1 mL of an aqueous solution of each saccharide, and the mixture was stirred for about 10 seconds with a vortex mixer. Ultrasonic waves were projected onto this mixture with a bath sonicator (Sharp UT-205) at room temperature (15 to 25 ° C.) for 5 minutes to dissolve the carbon nanotubes. This solution was centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was taken out. The amount of dissolved carbon nanotubes was estimated by measuring the absorbance at 500 nm. Each saccharide has a different solubility in water. Each of the aqueous solutions having the concentrations shown in Table 1 was used.

  As a result, the water-soluble xylan solubilized the largest amount of carbon nanotubes at the investigated concentrations. Next, solubilization of carbon nanotubes similar to water-soluble xylan was observed in pectin, polygalacturonic acid, fucoidan, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, and gum arabic. On the other hand, in the xylo-oligosaccharide (polymerization degree 2 and 5) which is a xylan having no substituent, no solubilization of the carbon nanotube was observed.

（実施例２−２：水溶性キシランと他の糖類との比較２）
実施例２−１で水溶性キシランに近いカーボンナノチューブ可溶化能が見られた、ペクチン、ポリガラクチュロン酸、フコイダン、キサンタンガム、カルボキシメチルセルロースについて、カーボンナノチューブ可溶化能の糖類濃度依存性を調べた。結果を図４に示す。水溶性キシランでは０．２ｍｇ／ｍＬの濃度で５００ｎｍの吸光度が最大値を示し、その後水溶性キシランの濃度を上げても、５００ｎｍの吸光度はほとんど変化しなかった。同じ濃度範囲で、他の糖類を含んだ溶液では５００ｎｍの吸光度が３以下であった。この結果から、水溶性キシランが、最も低い濃度で、カーボンナノチューブを溶解させることができることが分かる。

(Example 2-2: Comparison 2 between water-soluble xylan and other saccharides)
Regarding pectin, polygalacturonic acid, fucoidan, xanthan gum, and carboxymethylcellulose, in which the carbon nanotube solubilizing ability close to that of water-soluble xylan was observed in Example 2-1, the saccharide concentration dependence of the carbon nanotube solubilizing ability was examined. . The results are shown in FIG. In the case of water-soluble xylan, the absorbance at 500 nm showed a maximum value at a concentration of 0.2 mg / mL, and even when the concentration of water-soluble xylan was increased thereafter, the absorbance at 500 nm hardly changed. In the same concentration range, the absorbance at 500 nm of the solution containing other saccharides was 3 or less. From this result, it can be seen that water-soluble xylan can dissolve carbon nanotubes at the lowest concentration.

(Example 3-1: Production of carbon nanotube-containing amylose film)
To 100 mL of the water-soluble xylan solution prepared in Preparation Example 1, 0.4 g of single-walled carbon nanotube powder (SWCNT-1 manufactured by Shenzhen Nanotechport Co., Ltd.) was added and stirred for about 10 seconds with a vortex mixer. Ultrasonic waves were projected onto this mixture with a bath sonicator (Sharp UT-205) at room temperature (15 to 25 ° C.) for 5 minutes to dissolve the carbon nanotubes. This solution was centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was taken out. The resulting black solution had an absorbance at 500 nm of 3.07 and contained about 164 μg / mL of carbon nanotubes.

  80 mL of distilled water was heated to 80 ° C., and 0.8 g of enzyme-synthesized amylose (weight average molecular weight 1 million) was gradually added and dissolved. The solution was further heated and stirred and concentrated to a volume of about 50 mL. To 15 mL of the enzyme-synthesized amylose solution, 1.5 mL of the carbon nanotube solution prepared as described above was added and heated and stirred for 10 minutes. The solution was poured into a plastic petri dish and dried at 60 ° C. overnight to obtain a carbon nanotube-containing enzyme-synthesized amylose film. This film consists of 0.24 g of enzyme-synthesized amylose, 0.75 mg of water-soluble xylan, and 0.25 mg of carbon nanotubes. Therefore, the content of carbon nanotubes in this film was 0.10% by weight.

(Example 3-2: Production of carbon nanotube-containing polyvinyl alcohol film)
80 mL of distilled water was heated to 80 ° C., and 0.8 g of polyvinyl alcohol (polymerization degree: about 2,000) was gradually added and dissolved. The solution was further heated and stirred and concentrated to a volume of about 50 mL. To 15 mL of this polyvinyl alcohol solution, 1.5 mL of the carbon nanotube solution prepared as in Example 3-1 was added and heated and stirred for 10 minutes. This solution was poured into a plastic petri dish and dried at 60 ° C. overnight to obtain a carbon nanotube-containing enzyme-synthesized polyvinyl alcohol film. This film consists of 0.24 g of polyvinyl alcohol, 0.75 mg of water-soluble xylan, and 0.25 mg of carbon nanotubes. Therefore, the content of carbon nanotubes in this film was 0.10% by weight.

(Example 3-3: Production of carbon nanotube-containing pullulan film)
80 mL of distilled water was heated to 80 ° C., and 0.8 g of pullulan (molecular weight of about 200,000) was gradually added and dissolved. The solution was further heated and stirred and concentrated to a volume of about 50 mL. To 15 mL of this pullulan solution, 1.5 mL of the carbon nanotube solution prepared as in Example 3-1 was added and heated and stirred for 10 minutes. The solution was poured into a plastic petri dish and dried at 60 ° C. overnight to obtain a carbon nanotube-containing enzyme synthetic pullulan film. This film consists of 0.24 g pullulan, 0.75 mg water-soluble xylan, and 0.25 mg carbon nanotubes. Therefore, the content of carbon nanotubes in this film was 0.10% by weight.

(Example 4: Solubilization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes)
Glucuronoxylan as water-soluble xylan (Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, number average molecular weight 18,000; xylose residue: 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid residue = 10: 1; acetylated) Not used). Multi-walled carbon nanotubes having different inner diameters and lengths (all manufactured by Shenzhen Nanotechport Co., Ltd.), S-MWCNT-10 (inner diameter 10 nm or less, length 1 to 2 μm, purity 95% or more), L-MWCNT- 10 (inner diameter 10 nm or less, length 5-15 μm, purity 95% or more), S-MWCNT-60100 (inner diameter 60 nm or more, length 1-2 μm, purity 95% or more), L-MWCNT-60100 (inner diameter 60 nm or more, Length 5-15 μm, purity 95% or more) was used.

  15 mg of multi-walled carbon nanotube powder was added to 15 mL of a 0.4 mg / mL aqueous solution of glucuronoxylan, and the mixture was stirred with a vortex mixer. This mixture was subjected to ultrasonic projection three times at room temperature (15 to 25 ° C.) with an ultrasonic dispersing machine (Model US-300T, manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., 7 mm in diameter) to dissolve and disperse the carbon nanotubes. I let you. This solution was centrifuged at 2,200 × g for 10 minutes, and the absorbance of the supernatant at 500 nm was measured (FIG. 5). In any multi-walled carbon nanotube, the absorbance at 500 nm increased as the ultrasonic projection time was extended. After projection of ultrasound for 15 minutes, about 6.5 mg (10S), about 4.5 mg / mL (10 L), about 7.5 mg (60-100S), and about 5.3 mg (60-100 L) of carbon nanotubes, respectively. Was distributed. Thus, by using water-soluble xylan, it was possible to obtain a solution by solubilizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes regardless of their inner diameter and length.

(Preparation Example 2: Preparation of water-soluble xylan aqueous solution)
20 L of water was added to 1,600 g of commercially available cellulose powder (Nippon Paper Chemicals KC Flock) manufactured from wood pulp, and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. This solution was sequentially filtered through a filter paper, a 0.45 μm filter, and a 0.2 μm filter, and the filtrate was recovered. The solution thus obtained was concentrated about 10 times with a rotary evaporator to obtain a water-soluble xylan aqueous solution. As measured by the phenol sulfuric acid method, the 8.0-fold concentrated solution contained about 8.0 mg / mL of water-soluble xylan.

(Example 5 and Comparative Example 1: Improvement of loosening of cooked rice by addition of water-soluble xylan before cooking)
60 parts by weight of water and 60 parts by weight of the water-soluble xylan aqueous solution prepared in Preparation Example 2 are added to 100 parts by weight of rice, and a household rice cooker (manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., electronic jar rice cooker SR-CF05) is used. By cooking, 230 parts by weight of cooked rice (containing 0.2% by weight of water-soluble xylan) was obtained. This was made into the test article (Example 5). The cooked rice obtained by adding 120 parts by weight of water and cooking in the same manner with respect to 100 parts by weight of rice was used as a comparative product (Comparative Example 1). After cooking the test product and the comparative product, put them in plastic containers, let them cool at room temperature for 2 hours, cover them, leave them at 4 ° C for 18 hours, and sensory evaluate the goodness of loosening by rice scooping. did. As a result, all 10 responded that Example 5 was better loosened than Comparative Example 1.

(Example 6 and Comparative Example 2: Improvement of loosening of cooked rice by addition of water-soluble xylan after cooking)
Rice was cooked by a conventional method to obtain cooked rice. Spray 100 parts by weight of cooked rice at about 80 ° C. after completion of cooking with 5 parts by weight of an aqueous solution obtained by concentrating the water-soluble xylan prepared in Preparation Example 2 10 times with a rotary evaporator, and mix uniformly. Example 6). This cooked rice contains about 0.4% by weight of water-soluble xylan. The cooked rice obtained by spraying 5.0 parts by weight of water to 100 parts by weight of cooked rice and mixing it uniformly was used as a comparative product (Comparative Example 2). Each of the test product and the comparative product was placed in a plastic container, allowed to cool at room temperature for 2 hours, covered, and allowed to stand at 4 ° C. for 16 hours. As a result, 8 replied that Example 6 was better loosened than Comparative Example 2.

(Example 7 and Comparative Example 3: Improvement of loosening of cooked rice by addition of water-soluble xylan after boiled noodle production)
Boiled commercially available udon noodles were boiled to a water absorption yield of 300%, cooled to 10 ° C. with running water, drained, and boiled noodles were obtained. With respect to 100 parts by weight of boiled noodles, 5 parts by weight of an aqueous solution obtained by concentrating the water-soluble xylan prepared in Preparation Example 2 10 times with a rotary evaporator was sprayed and mixed uniformly to obtain a test product (Example 7). This boiled noodle contains about 0.4% by weight of water-soluble xylan. A comparative mixture (Comparative Example 3) was prepared by spraying 5 parts by weight of water and mixing uniformly with 100 parts by weight of boiled noodles. Each of the test product and the comparative product was placed in a plastic container and allowed to stand at 4 ° C. for 16 hours. As a result, 8 responded that Example 7 was better loosened than Comparative Example 2.

(Example 8 and Comparative Example 4: Improvement of taste quality of tea beverage by water-soluble xylan)
To 100 parts by weight of a commercially available tea beverage, 20 parts by weight of the water-soluble xylan aqueous solution prepared in Preparation Example 2 (Example 8) or water (Comparative Example 4) was added to give a test product (Example 8) and a comparative control. A product (Comparative Example 4) was obtained. Each of the test product and the comparative control product was subjected to sensory evaluation by 10 panelists. As a result, 9 people answered that the test product (namely, water-soluble xylan-added product) had less bitterness than Comparative Example 4.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable embodiment of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

  By using a water-soluble xylan having a concentration lower than that of a conventional solubilizer, a hardly soluble or insoluble substance can be solubilized. This makes it possible to use a hardly soluble or insoluble useful substance whose solubility is problematic and whose use is limited as a solution or a molded product. The low solubilizer concentration also helps to broaden the choice of materials used to make the molding.

  By using water-soluble xylan, it is possible to provide a processed cereal food having physical properties such as a preferred color immediately after cooking, processing immediately after processing, gloss, and ease of loosening. Such processed cereal foods have almost no deterioration in physical properties over time, such as color change, loss of surface gloss, increased adhesion and binding, and are very useful in the restaurant industry, general households, etc. is there.

  When the carbon nanotubes are solubilized by the method of the present invention, a solution and a molded product in which the carbon nanotubes are uniformly dispersed can be obtained. Thereby, carbon nanotubes can be used in fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods where carbon nanotubes have not been used so far.

  By using water-soluble xylan, it is possible to improve the taste quality of poorly soluble or insoluble substances that have useful functions such as physiologically active functions but could not be ingested in large quantities from the viewpoint of taste quality. it can. Therefore, if the method of the present invention is used, a larger amount of this substance can be blended than before, and a higher function can be exhibited.

FIG. 1 is an atomic force microscope image of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a carbon nanotube solution obtained using glucuronoxylan. The white part is the carbon nanotube, and the black part is the surface of the silicon wafer on the sample stage. FIG. 2A is spectral data showing the results of ¹ H-NMR analysis of the water-soluble xylan obtained in Preparation Example 1. The measurement conditions in FIG. 2A were as follows: measurement apparatus; JNM-AL400 manufactured by JEOL Ltd .; measurement frequency 400 MHz; measurement temperature 80 ° C .; solvent D ₂ O. FIG. 2B is spectral data showing the results of ¹ H-NMR analysis of commercially available glucuronoxylan. The measurement conditions in FIG. 2B were as follows: measurement device; JNM-AL400 manufactured by JEOL Ltd .; measurement frequency 400 MHz; measurement temperature 80 ° C .; solvent D ₂ O. FIG. 3 is an atomic force microscope image of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a carbon nanotube solution obtained using a commercially available aqueous solution of powdered cellulose. The white part is the carbon nanotube, and the black part is the surface of the silicon wafer on the sample stage. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the dependence of the amount of carbon nanotubes dissolved in various sugar solutions on the concentration of each glucan. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes dissolved in the water-soluble xylan solution and the ultrasonic projection time. The correspondence between the types of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the legend is as follows: 10S: S-MWCNT-10, 10L: L-MWCNT-10, 60-100S: S-MWCNT-60100, 60-100LL-MWCNT-60100.

Claims (91)

A method for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent,
A method comprising contacting a surface of a substance, a water-soluble xylan and the solvent, wherein the substance is hardly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   The method according to claim 3, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues is 20 to 100 with respect to arabinose residue 1.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant.   The method according to claim 8, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step provides a solution in which the substance is solubilized in the solvent.   The method of claim 10, further comprising concentrating the solution.   The method according to claim 1, wherein in the contacting step, ultrasonic waves are projected onto a mixture of the substance, the water-soluble xylan, and the solvent.   The method according to claim 1, wherein in the contacting step, the substance is added to a solution containing the water-soluble xylan and the solvent.   The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the contacting step, the solvent is added after mixing the water-soluble xylan and the substance.   The method of claim 1, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube.   The method of claim 15, wherein the carbon nanotube is a single-walled carbon nanotube.   The method of claim 1, wherein the substance is fullerene.   The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent is water.   The method according to claim 11, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube, and the concentration of the carbon nanotube in the solution is 50 mg / L or more.   The method according to claim 11, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube, and the concentration of the carbon nanotube in the solution is 1 g / L or more.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the substance is a processed cereal food, and the loosening of the processed cereal food is improved by the contacting step.   The method according to claim 21, wherein the processed cereal food is cooked rice.   The method according to claim 21, wherein the processed cereal food is noodles.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the substance is an ingredient imparting an unpleasant taste, the ingredient is contained in the food, and the unpleasant taste of the food is reduced by the contacting step.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the unpleasant taste is bitter.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the food product is a tea beverage.   A solution comprising added water-soluble xylan, a substance and a solvent, wherein the substance is sparingly soluble or insoluble in the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan.   28. The solution according to claim 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   The solution according to claim 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   30. The solution according to claim 29, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.   The solution according to claim 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   32. The solution according to claim 31, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   The solution according to claim 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   28. The solution according to claim 27, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.   The solution according to claim 34, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   28. The solution according to claim 27, wherein the substance is a carbon nanotube.   The solution according to claim 36, wherein the carbon nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes.   28. The solution of claim 27, wherein the substance is fullerene.   28. The solution of claim 27, wherein the solvent is water.   The solution according to claim 36, wherein the concentration of the carbon nanotube is 50 mg / L or more.   The solution according to claim 36, wherein the concentration of the carbon nanotube is 1 g / L or more.   A molded article containing the added water-soluble xylan and a hardly soluble substance.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average degree of polymerization of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   43. The molded article according to claim 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   45. The molded article according to claim 44, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.   43. The molded article according to claim 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   47. The molded product according to claim 46, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.   The molded article according to claim 49, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the hardly soluble substance is a carbon nanotube.   The molded article according to claim 51, wherein the carbon nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes.   The molded article according to claim 42, wherein the hardly soluble substance is fullerene.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the molded product is molded from a solution containing only water as a solvent.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the molded product has a film or fiber shape.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the molded product is a stretched film.   43. The molded product according to claim 42, wherein the molded product is in a gel form.   43. A molded article according to claim 42, wherein the molded article is biodegradable.   A processed cereal food to which water-soluble xylan is added, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   The processed cereal food according to claim 59, wherein the processed cereal food is cooked rice.   60. The processed cereal food according to claim 59, wherein the processed cereal food is noodles.   60. The processed grain food according to claim 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan is in contact with the surface of the processed grain food.   The processed cereal food according to claim 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average polymerization degree of a main chain of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   60. The processed cereal food according to claim 59, wherein, in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   The processed grain food according to claim 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   60. The processed cereal food according to claim 59, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant.   The processed cereal food according to claim 66, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   An affinity improver for improving the affinity of a substance surface for a solvent, the affinity improver comprising water-soluble xylan, and the substance is added to the solvent in the absence of the water-soluble xylan. An affinity improver that is sparingly soluble or insoluble.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a main chain number average polymerization degree of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   The affinity improver according to claim 70, wherein the total amount of xylose residues and acetylated xylose residues per arabinose residue 1 is 20 to 100 in the water-soluble xylan.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   73. The affinity improver according to claim 72, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from a woody plant.   76. The affinity improver according to claim 75, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68 for use as a solubilizer for dissolving a hardly water-soluble substance in a solvent.   69. The affinity improver according to claim 68 for use as a quality improver for processed cereal foods.   69. The affinity improver of claim 68 for use as a fray improving agent.   A taste improver for improving the taste quality of a food containing a component that imparts an unpleasant taste quality, the taste improver comprising a water-soluble xylan.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the unpleasant taste is bitter.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average polymerization degree of the main chain of 6 or more and 5000 or less.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan comprises a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue, an arabinose residue, and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   84. The taste improver according to claim 83, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 20 to 100 with respect to the arabinose residue 1.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan consists of a xylose residue or an acetylated xylose residue and a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue.   86. The taste improver according to claim 85, wherein in the water-soluble xylan, the total of the xylose residue and the acetylated xylose residue is 1 to 20 with respect to 4-O-methylglucuronic acid residue 1.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan has a number average molecular weight of 7,000 to 1,000,000.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from woody plants.   The taste improver according to claim 88, wherein the water-soluble xylan is derived from hardwood.   81. The taste quality according to claim 80, wherein the food contains a physiologically active substance, the physiologically active substance has a bitter taste, and the bitter taste of the food is improved compared to the absence of the water-soluble xylan. Improver.   The taste improver according to claim 80, wherein the food is a tea beverage.

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