JPH10113301A - Sponge-like konjak and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sponge-like konjak made of devil's-tongue having good water absorbing and drying properties, and ideal for washing skin, for example, face and body. SOLUTION: This konjak member has a uniform sponge-like internal structure, at least a part of the skin layer of which is removed. This sponge-like konjak is manufactured by (1) a process to dissolve konjak powder in water to obtain a paste-like substance; (2) a process to heat and solidify the paste-like substance in a mold to obtain a konjak jelly; (3) a process to treat the konjak jelly by cellulase to obtain a treated and molded konjak; (4) a process to age the treated and molded konjak in a water of not more than 20 deg.C; and (5) a process to freeze the treated and molded konjak kept at a temperature not more than 20 deg.C, the thaw out it at a temperature not more than 20 deg.C in order to dry.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to konjac having a uniform sponge structure without a skin layer and a method for producing the same, which is particularly suitable for use in skin washing such as face washing and body washing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a cleaning tool using konjac or sponge-like konjac having a sponge structure has been known. These spongy konjac are usually mixed with konjac milling with water to form a paste, to which a coagulant such as calcium hydroxide or lime is added, filled into a mold, and then heat-coagulated. By repeatedly freezing and thawing, water is obtained by separating from konjac components. The konjac cleaning tool thus obtained is rich in elasticity, has a good touch, and is used for cleaning the body and face wash. However, in the conventional spongy konjac, a skin layer with a very dense fiber structure is formed on the surface of the spongy konjac due to a rapid temperature change during freeze-drying or the like. The skin layer functions as a barrier that restricts the permeability of water to the inside that forms a uniform sponge-like network structure. For this reason, when konjac sponge is used as a cleaning tool, the penetration of water into the interior is hindered by the presence of the skin layer, and it takes time for the spongy konjac to absorb water. On the other hand, spongy konjac, when not in use,
If you try to dry it, the presence of the skin layer will hinder the evaporation of moisture from the inside, so it takes time to dry, not only poor drainage, but also causes mold generation and the propagation of various germs inside As a result, there is a problem in that the product is putrid and emits offensive odor, which is not preferable in terms of hygiene and shortens the product life.

[0003]

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sponge-like konjac having a sponge-like network structure in which a skin layer is at least partially removed.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in order to achieve the above object, and as a result, after treating the skin layer present on the surface of spongy konjac with cellulase, aging in cold water. By doing so, the present inventors have found that spongy konjac from which the skin layer is at least partially removed can be easily obtained, and have reached the present invention. That is, the present invention relates to konjac having at least a partially removed skin layer and a homogeneous sponge structure. Further, the present invention provides (1) a step of dissolving konjac milling in water to obtain a pasty substance, and (2) heating to solidify the pasty substance in a molding machine to obtain a konjac molded article. (3) treating the konjac molded article with cellulase to obtain a treated konjac molded article, (4) aging the treated konjac molded article in water at 20 ° C. or lower, and (5) maintaining the temperature at 20 ° C. or lower. A method for producing sponge-like konjac from which at least partially the skin layer has been removed, characterized in that the treated konjac molded product is frozen and then thawed at a temperature of 20 ° C. or lower to dry the konjac molded product. is there.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The konjac mill used in the present invention is a product readily available on the market. Usually, konjac flour is a fine powder product obtained by slicing konjac potato, drying, and then milling. Konjac flour is mixed with water or warm water to make a paste. The temperature of water or hot water is not particularly limited, but is preferably low. Normally, at normal temperature, for example, 25 ° C. or higher, the paste-like substance easily gels, and it is difficult to uniformly dissolve konjac mill. If the temperature is higher than 20 ° C., solidification is likely to proceed. Therefore, the temperature of water is preferably 5 to 20 ° C, particularly preferably 5 to 10 ° C.

[0006] Konjac milling is used in an amount of usually 1 to 10% by weight, preferably 2 to 8% by weight, particularly preferably 3 to 5% by weight, based on the total amount of konjac milling and water. The rest is water. Paste-like materials usually include
Coagulants such as calcium hydroxide and lime (CaO) are included. The amount of coagulant is usually from 0.05 to 0.3% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the konjac milling and water.
It is incorporated in an amount of 0.2% by weight. If the paste-like substance has a water temperature of 20 ° C. or lower, the paste-like substance does not solidify even if a coagulant is present. In addition, the paste-like material, at the time of kneading, a fine-grained foaming surfactant or a foam stabilizer is blended to adjust the size of the resulting konjac internal bubbles, or a continuous structure can do.

[0007] The paste is filled into a molding machine to form a sponge-like konjac of a predetermined shape. The shape of the molding device can be arbitrarily selected according to the desired shape of the sponge-like konjac. The molding device is preferably formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity, for example, a material such as silicone rubber, polyethylene, or vinyl chloride resin. If the molding machine is made of such a material with low thermal conductivity, the influence of heat during solidification acts uniformly on the entire paste-like material, so only the periphery of the molding machine is not particularly affected by heat. The formation of a strong skin layer is suppressed. The coagulation is usually carried out by pasting the pasty substance for 20 to 100 times.
C., preferably at a temperature of 85 to 100 C.

The konjac molded product formed by solidification is
Next, it is subjected to treatment with cellulase. By the cellulase treatment, the skin layer is subjected to the enzyme treatment from the surface and is gradually partially dissolved. If cellulase treatment is performed for a long time,
Of course, the entire skin layer can be dissolved and removed.
When the skin layer is partially dissolved and removed, the skin layer does not function as a barrier, and the resulting spongy konjac water absorption and water release are greatly improved.
Various types of cellulases can be used as the cellulases. Examples of such a cellulase include cellulase onozuka, cellulysin, doriserase, and the like. For example, a cellulase produced by a microorganism of the genus Trichoderma is preferred.

The cellulase is suitably used in the state of an aqueous solution. The concentration of cellulase is usually 0.1 to 1
5% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight is suitable. In addition, if it describes by an enzyme unit, it is 5-100 units normally, Preferably it is 20-60 units. The treatment temperature with cellulase is usually 30 to 60 ° C, preferably 40 to 55 ° C.
Is appropriate. The konjac molded product treated with cellulase is then aged in cold water at 20 ° C or lower, preferably 0 ° C to 15 ° C, more preferably 0 ° C to 10 ° C. Due to this aging, cutting of glucomannan constituting the skin layer progresses, and the dense structure of the remaining skin layer changes to a sparse structure. Also, by aging in cold water,
Even if left for a long time, the problem of spoilage can be avoided, and at the time of subsequent freeze-drying, the skin layer can be effectively prevented from being formed again in the portion where the skin layer has been removed. . That is, in the case of freeze-drying, cooling is necessary, but if konjac is held in a pre-cooled state, the temperature difference during freezing will be small, so that the konjac surface will be prevented from a sharp drop in temperature, This effectively prevents the skin layer from being formed again in the portion where the skin layer has disappeared.

The aging time is usually at least 24 hours. The longer the aging time, the more the structure of the skin layer becomes sparse and the larger the mesh structure, which is preferable, but on the contrary, the problem of decay by leaving it for a long time increases,
Suitably 6 days, preferably 2 days. Next, the spongy konjac aged in this manner is freeze-dried from a state maintained at 20 ° C. or lower. That is, the spongy konjac kept at 20 ° C. or lower is frozen and then thawed at a temperature of 20 ° C. or lower. By preferably repeating this operation, the spongy konjac can be dried without further forming the skin layer. The freezing can be performed by leaving it at 0 ° C. or lower, for example, at a temperature of −10 to −3 ° C., as is known.

[0011] The surface of the sponge-like konjac obtained in this manner has a structure in which no skin layer is present or the skin layer is partially removed. Because the skin layer is at least partially removed and absent, the sponge-like konjac of the present invention is not affected by the shielding effect against moisture permeation or release by the skin layer and, for example, easily becomes watery when used as a cleaning tool. Absorbs and swells,
During drying, moisture is easily released to dry. The sponge-like konjac of the present invention can be used as it is, after being processed into a predetermined shape, by knitting a woven fabric, a net-like material, a non-woven fabric or the like with a sponge reinforced with a base fabric. It can also be processed as konjac.
For example, after sewing a non-woven fabric into a bag shape having an opening, the bag-shaped material is immersed in a paste-shaped material composed of konjac flour and water, and solidified in the same manner as in the case of producing the sponge-shaped konjac. By performing cellulase treatment, aging in cold water, and freeze-drying, it is possible to produce a product in which spongy konjac is combined with a base fabric.
This product is also useful as a cleaning tool.

The spongy konjac of the present invention can be provided with antibacterial properties, if necessary. As a preferred method of imparting antibacterial properties, for example, a solution of antibacterial water-soluble chitosan (quaternary ammonium salt) or an ultrafine powder of silver, copper, zinc or the like, which is an antibacterial active metal, is used as a cosmetic raw material. Titanium colloid (for example, a particle size of 5 nm
To a glucomannan non-crystalline region. According to this method, falling off of the antibacterial agent can be reduced as compared with the case where the conventional antibacterial agent is used, and the antibacterial agent has antibacterial properties over a long period of time. Excellent spongy konjac is obtained. In addition, konjac milling, water, chitosan powder (average particle size: 12 μm)
Alternatively, a powdered silver-based inorganic antibacterial agent (average particle size: 2 μm) is mixed, and a paste-like substance is made with an emulsifier such as a homogenizer or a mass colloider. Excellent spongy konjac can be produced.

The sponge-like konjac of the present invention has the following shape:
As described above, various shapes can be used depending on the application. For example, as a sponge-like konjac shape,
Conventionally, a commercially available cleaning tool can be used. In particular, when used as a cleaning tool, especially in a face wash application, a truncated cone as shown in FIG. 1 is used as a form that can be suitably used in depressions around the nostrils and small irregularities around the eyes and the like. Are preferred. FIG.
Shows a perspective view of a sponge-like konjac suitable for a cleaning tool. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sponge-like konjac of another shape (an oval bottom having an elliptical shape) suitable for a cleaning tool. Each shape has an acute angle portion and a flat portion, and is suitable for cleaning a portion having irregularities such as a nostril of the eye and a small area portion.

[0014]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. Example 1 3 g of konjac milling was dissolved in 97 g of cooling water at 10 ° C., 0.1 g of lime was added, and the mixture was stirred to form a pasty substance. )
And left to stand. Next, the paste was heated to 95 ° C. and solidified to prepare a konjac molded product. The obtained konjac molded product was immersed in a 2% solution of cellulase (Cellulase T, manufactured by Amano Pharmaceutical, pH 4.7) at 40 ° C. for 30 minutes, immersed in 5 ° C. of cooling water for 24 hours, and then frozen (− 5 ° C.) and spontaneous thawing at 15 ° C. were repeated. Finally, the obtained sponge-like konjac was dried by applying hot air (40 ° C.). Next, a 5 nm ultrafine silver colloid aqueous solution (trade name: Atomibor S, manufactured by Catalyst Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd.) as an antibacterial / antifungal agent was diluted 100 times with water and heated to 60 ° C. to obtain a sponge. 20 konjac
By immersing for a minute, followed by dehydration and drying, a sponge-like konjac having antimicrobial properties and having a skin layer removed was obtained.

Example 2 To 97 g of water at 10 ° C., 3 g of konjac mill and 0.15 g of chitosan powder (average particle size: 12 μm) were added, and a paste was obtained with an emulsifier (mass colloider). 0.1 g of calcium hydroxide was added to the paste-like product, which was then filled in a polyethylene (PE) mold and heated at 95 ° C. to coagulate to produce a konjac molded product. The konjac molded product was added to a 2% solution of cellulase (Cellulase T, manufactured by Amano Pharmaceutical Co., pH 4.7) at 40 ° C. for 3 hours.
After immersion for 0 minutes, immersion in cooling water 5 ° C for 24 hours,
After aging, freezing (-5 ° C) and spontaneous thawing at 15 ° C were repeated three times to obtain a sponge-like konjac having antimicrobial properties and a skin layer removed.

Example 3 3 g of konjac mill was dissolved in 97 g of cooling water at 10 ° C., 0.1 g of lime was added, and the mixture was stirred to prepare a paste. This paste-like material is cast on a surface of hemp cold gauze (hemp fabric of 8 inches / inch hemp fabric) sewn into a bag of palm size and solidified by heating at 95 ° C.
A konjac impregnated hemp fabric composite was produced. The konjac-impregnated hemp fabric composite was immersed in a 2% cellulase solution (Cellulase T, manufactured by Amano Pharmaceuticals, pH 4.7) at 40 ° C. for 30 minutes, immersed in cooling water at 10 ° C. for 24 hours, and aged. , Frozen (-5 ° C) and spontaneous thawing at 15 ° C were repeated three times to obtain a konjac-impregnated hemp fabric composite from which the skin layer had been removed. After drying the obtained konjac impregnated hemp fabric composite with warm air at 20 ° C.,
Antibacterial treatment was performed in the same manner as described above, and a stainless steel wire was inserted into the inside in an arc shape, followed by drying.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 3 g of konjac mill was added to 97 g of hot water at 40 ° C. to prepare a pasty substance.
After adding 0.1 g of calcium hydroxide, the mixture was filled in a mold (made of stainless steel), and then heated at 95 ° C. to coagulate to prepare a konjac molded product. Sponge-like konjac was prepared by repeating three times of freezing at −5 ° C. and thawing at 15 ° C. on this konjac molded product. Comparative Example 2 To 97 g of warm water at 40 ° C., 3 g of konjac mill was added.
A paste was prepared. 0.1 g of calcium hydroxide and Hoxter HP as a fungicide were added to the paste.
0.1 g (manufactured by Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added, filled in a mold (made of stainless steel), and heated at 95 ° C. to solidify to produce a konjac molded product. Sponge-like konjac was produced by repeating the freeze at -5 ° C and the thawing at 15 ° C three times on the konjac molded product.

[0018]Characteristic test The following tests were performed on the samples obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples.
And the characteristics were examined. Test method 1. Water absorption rate test Konjac products are hand-fed in hot water at 40 ° C and used.
Measure the time (in seconds) required to complete. 2. Softness test Sponge-like konjac product is 5cm long x 5cm wide x 3mm thick
Create a specimen cut to cm and place a load on the specimen.
And measure the load until the thickness becomes 2 cm (2/3) (g
/cm^Two). 3. Mold resistance test (according to JIS Z 2911) Place the sample on the center of inorganic salt agar medium,
It is sprayed with 1% dextrose. Then, further
Spray the following test mixed mold from above, under specified conditions
(27 ° C.) for 2 weeks. Test mold: Aspergillus niger (FERM S-1), Penicillum
 citrinum (FERMS-5), Rhizopus oryzae (FERM S-7), C
ladosporium cladosporioides (FERM S-8), Chaetomiu
m globosum (FERM S-11) Evaluation 1: Mycelial growth on the test piece is 1/3 of the total area
Is recognized beyond. 2: The growth part of the hypha on the test piece is within 1/3 of the total area
Is recognized. 3: No growth of hyphae was observed on the test piece. 4. Antibacterial test (Japan Chemical Fiber Inspection Association, III-1.
Antibacterial and deodorant processing effect test, according to the "shake flask method"
You. Test bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus ATC
C 6538P Evaluation: Viable cell count in blank test (6.4 × 10^FourPcs / ml)
Incubation time: 1 hour Washing method: JIS L 0217103 method The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0019]

Table 1 Evaluation items Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Water absorption rate (sec) 20 20 15 Softness (g / cm ² ) 88-Mold resistance test 33 33 Antibacterial test Viable cell count Sterilization Percentage of viable bacteria Reduction rate of viable bacteria Number of viable bacteria Reduction rate (pcs / ml) (%) (pcs / ml) (%) (pcs / ml) (%) Yellow grape <10 99.99 <10 99.99 <10 99.99 Bacteria count Bacteria reduction rate Bacteria count Bacteria reduction rate Bacteria count Bacteria reduction rate (after washing 10 times) (pcs / ml) (%) (pcs / ml) (%) (pcs / ml) (%) Yellow grape < 10 99.99 <10 99.99 <10 99.99 Cocci

[0020]

[Table 2] Table 1 (Continued) Evaluation Items Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Water absorption rate (sec) 80 185 Softness (g / cm ² ) 16 16 Mold resistance test 11 1 Antibacterial test Viable cell count Bacteria reduction rate Live bacteria Number Bacterial reduction rate (pcs / ml) (%) (pcs / ml) (%) Yellow grape 8.4x10 ⁴ -31.3 <10 99.99 Number of viable bacteria Staphylococci bacteria reduction rate (after 10 washes) (pcs / ml) (% ) (Pieces / ml) (%) Yellow grape 8.1 × 10 ⁴ -26.7 6.2 × 10 ⁴ 3.1 Staphylococci From Table 1, it can be seen that the spongy konjac of the present invention has substantially no skin layer. For this reason, the spongy konjac of the present invention is excellent in water absorption and softness after water absorption. In addition, the spongy konjac of the present invention can easily impart durable antibacterial properties.

[0021]

According to the present invention, spongy konjac from which the skin layer is at least partially removed can be obtained.
This spongy konjac is excellent in water absorption and drying properties, and is very useful, for example, as a cleaning tool.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sponge-like konjac shaped as a cleaning tool.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another type of sponge-like konjac suitable for a cleaning tool.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Konjac having a sponge-like structure from which a skin layer has been at least partially removed. 2. Konjac according to claim 1, which is in the shape of a truncated cone. 3. The konjac according to claim 2, which is used as a cleaning tool. 4. The konjac according to claim 1, which is provided with antibacterial properties. 5. The konjac according to claim 1, which is bonded to a substrate. 6. (1) Dissolve konjac flour in water,
A step of obtaining a pasty substance, (2) a step of solidifying the paste-like substance in a molding machine by heating to obtain a konjac molded article, and (3) treating the konjac molded article with cellulase and treating konjac molded. (4) aging the treated konjac molded product in water at or below 20 ° C., (5) freezing the treated konjac molded product kept at or below 20 ° C., and then thawing at or below 20 ° C. By
A method for producing spongy konjac, comprising a step of drying a konjac molded product. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein in step (2), the forming device is formed of a material having low thermal conductivity. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said low thermal conductivity material is selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, polyethylene, and vinyl chloride resin.