JPH10237105A - Polysaccharide, its production, and cosmetic formulated therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a polysaccharide having functions of low greasiness, water absorption, moisture absorption, moisture retention, thickening and emulsion stability, and a water absorption agent, moisture absorption agent, moisture retention agent, thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer that contains this polysaccharide, and a cosmetic, to which the polysaccharide is formulated. SOLUTION: This polysaccharide is constituted with D-glucose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid and has an average molecular weight of 12,000,000 (in pullulan equivalent) according to the gel-filtration chromatography using acetic acid, pyruvic acid and succinic acid as constitution acids. The molar ratios of the constitution polysaccharides is D-glucose/L-fucose/ D-galactose/D-mannose/D-glucuronic acid = (22-28)/(49-55)/(33-39)/1/(4-5), while the molar ratio of the constitution acids is acetic acid/pyruvic acid/succinic acid = (20-27)/(11-16):1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a novel polysaccharide and a method for producing the same. More specifically, polysaccharide-producing strains,
The present invention relates to a water absorption, moisture absorption, moisture retention, thickening, emulsion stabilizer containing the polysaccharide as a component and cosmetics containing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Along with the natural boom of consumers, cosmetics containing various animal and plant ingredients have been put on the market. Moisturizers occupy an important place in the cosmetic ingredients. Known natural moisturizers include plant-derived components such as aloe extract and animal-derived components such as collagen hydrolysates. In addition, a type of polysaccharide called hyaluronic acid has been used in high-end cosmetics as an excellent moisturizing agent, but a method has been established that uses lactic acid bacteria, a type of microorganism, in addition to the conventional method of extracting from chicken tosaka. (JP-A-64-67196, JP-A-2-103204,
JP-A-2-103203, JP-A-2-58502, etc.) and have been increasingly used as cosmetic raw materials. Microorganisms have better growth and production capabilities than plants and animals, and recent advances in biotechnology have made it possible for humans to manage them, as well as livestock. For example, the discovery of a method for producing hyaluronic acid by microorganisms has also increased demand for cosmetic raw materials.

[0003]

However, the above moisturizers derived from plants and animals cannot be added to cosmetics in large quantities due to their color and odor, and such moisturizers impart sufficient moisturizing effect to cosmetics. Could not be expected. In addition, many natural ingredients produced by conventional microorganisms are unknown in their existence and their effects, and therefore, there is a problem that the choice of natural ingredients for obtaining an excellent humectant that can be used by cosmetic manufacturers is narrow. there were.

An object of the present invention is to provide a polysaccharide having a low stickiness and a method for producing the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide a water-absorbing, moisture-absorbing, moisturizing, thickening, emulsifying stabilizer containing a polysaccharide having a low stickiness as a component, and a cosmetic product containing the same.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is
D-glucose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D
-Mannose and D-glucuronic acid as constituent sugars, acetic acid, pyruvic acid and succinic acid as constituent organic acids, having an average molecular weight of 1200 as measured by gel filtration chromatography.
It is a polysaccharide of 10,000 (equivalent to pullulan). This polysaccharide has water absorbing, moisture absorbing, moisturizing, thickening, emulsifying and stabilizing effects, and is characterized by a low sticky feeling.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of sugars constituting the polysaccharide is D-glucose: L-fucose: D-galactose: D-mannose: D- Glucuronic acid = (22-28): (49-5
5) :( 33-39): 1: (4-5), and the molar ratio of the organic acids constituting the polysaccharide is acetic acid: pyruvic acid: succinic acid = (20-27) :( 11-16) : 1 is a polysaccharide.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Enterobacter and producing the polysaccharide according to the first or second aspect outside the cells, and collecting the polysaccharide from the culture solution. And a method for producing a polysaccharide. This microorganism is obtained as a result of the inventors trying to isolate the microorganism over a wider range than in nature, and can produce the polysaccharide according to claim 1 or 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method for producing a polysaccharide according to the third aspect, wherein the microorganism is cultured in a medium containing 1 to 2% of sodium chloride. It is. This means that the salt concentration of the medium is usually about 0.
By setting it higher than 5%, the salt concentration degrades the growth environment of the microorganism, and the microorganism produces a large amount of polysaccharide outside the cell to protect itself from osmotic pressure caused by salt.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3 or 4, which is a method for producing a polysaccharide in which the genus of the microorganism producing the novel polysaccharide is Enterobacter cloasi. The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, which is a method for producing a polysaccharide, wherein the strain name of the microorganism is Enterobacter cloasie ECP126 strain or a mutant strain thereof.

[0010] The invention according to claim 7 is the Enterobacter cloasi ECP126 strain or a mutant strain thereof.
The invention according to claim 8 is a water absorbing agent comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. The invention according to claim 9 is a hygroscopic agent containing the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. The invention according to claim 10 is a humectant comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. The invention according to claim 11 is a thickener comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. The invention according to claim 12 is
An emulsion stabilizer comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component.
The invention according to claim 13 is the water absorbing agent according to claim 8, the moisture absorbing agent according to claim 9, the humectant according to claim 10, and the claim 1.
A cosmetic comprising the thickener according to claim 1 or the emulsion stabilizer according to claim 12.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The polysaccharide of the present invention has a molar ratio of constituent sugars of D-glucose: L-fucose: D-galactose: D-mannose: D-glucuronic acid = (22 to 2).
8): (49-55): (33-39): 1: (4-
5) wherein the molar ratio of the constituent organic acids is acetic acid: pyruvic acid: succinic acid = (20-27) :( 11-16): 1
The average molecular weight measured by gel filtration chromatography is preferably 12,000,000 (equivalent to pullulan).
Thin layer chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography can be used for the qualification of the constituent sugars. The qualitative analysis of the constituent sugars was carried out by stirring the polysaccharide with 2N sulfuric acid at 105 ° C. for 2 hours, or with 72% sulfuric acid at room temperature for 1 hour and then with 4% sulfuric acid at 121 ° C. for 1 hour. It is decomposed, neutralized, desalted, and filtered, and used as a sample, and neutral sugar, uronic acid and amino sugar are used as samples. High-performance liquid chromatography can be used for quantitative analysis of constituent sugars. Specifically, acid decomposition is performed in the same manner as in the case of qualitative analysis, and comparison is performed with a sample. For the qualitative determination of the constituent organic acids, high performance liquid chromatography or an enzymatic method can be used. Specifically, a sample obtained by subjecting a polysaccharide to acid hydrolysis with 1N hydrochloric acid for 3 hours is used as a sample, and comparison is performed with various standards.

The molecular weight of the present invention can be measured by gel filtration chromatography. Specifically, a high-performance liquid chromatography (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) using "Ionpac KS-806" manufactured by Showa Denko as a column was used, and a 0.5M Tris-acetic acid (pH 7.5) solution was used as a moving bed, and the molecular weight was known. (Shodex STANDARD P-82 manufactured by Showa Denko KK) as a standard sample.

The polysaccharide of the present invention has the following physical properties. (1) Properties: white powder (2) Solubility: soluble in water, dilute acid, dilute alkali, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), insoluble in alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and the like.

(3) Ultraviolet absorption spectrum: No absorption is observed at 280 nm, which is unique to proteins, and 260 nm, which is unique to nucleic acids.

[0015] (4) Infrared absorption spectrum: as shown in Figure 1, the absorption of hydroxyl groups derived from carbohydrates in the vicinity of ^3400cm-1 is also in the vicinity of ^2950cm-1 carbohydrate-derived C
The absorption of H and CH ₂ was further increased to 1730 cm ⁻¹ and 1620
The absorption peculiar to uronic acid is observed around cm ^-1 .

(5) Color reaction Phenol-sulfuric acid method: Positive m-Phenylphenol method: Slightly positive Elson-Morgan method: Negative Positive phenol-sulfuric acid method indicates presence of sugar, and m-phenylphenol method indicates slight The presence of uronic acid is slightly recognized from the positive results. Further, since the Elson-Morgan method is negative, it can be determined that hexosamine is not contained. This means that no amino sugar is contained. In addition, since the quaternary ammonium salt precipitates in the presence of the salt, it is recognized that the polysaccharide of the present invention is an acidic polysaccharide containing uronic acid.

(6) Constituent sugar: The polysaccharide of the present invention is stirred and extracted in 72% sulfuric acid, and then extracted with 4% sulfuric acid at 121 ° C. and 1 ° C.
The resulting sugars were subjected to acid hydrolysis for a period of time, neutralized, desalted, and filtered, and qualitative analysis of constituent sugars was performed by high performance liquid chromatography. As a result, D-glucose, L-fucose,
Compounds identical to those obtained with D-galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid were detected. Further, acid hydrolysis was performed under the same conditions as described above, and quantitative analysis of constituent sugars was performed by high performance liquid chromatography.
From these results, the polysaccharide of the present invention is D-glucose,
It consists of L-fucose, D-galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid, and the constituent molar ratio is D-glucose: L-fucose: D-galactose: D-mannose: D-glucuronic acid = (22 to 28) ): (49-
55) :( 33-39): 1: (4-5).

(7) Constituent organic acid: 1N polysaccharide of the present invention
The mixture was heated with hydrochloric acid for 3 hours and subjected to acid hydrolysis, and citric acid, succinic acid, and acetic acid were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography and pyruvic acid by enzymatic method as a sample. As a result, three kinds of organic acids of acetic acid: pyruvic acid: succinic acid were detected, and their constituent molar ratios were acetic acid: pyruvic acid: succinic acid = (20-27) :( 11-16): 1. Was observed.

(8) Molecular weight: Ionpac KS-80 manufactured by Showa Denko
High-performance liquid chromatography (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) using 0.5 M Tris-acetic acid (pH 7.
5) As a result of measurement using a molecular weight-retention time standard curve prepared by using a solution as a moving bed and using pullulan of a known molecular weight as a standard sample, the average molecular weight was 12 million (equivalent to pullulan) and was a very high molecular weight polysaccharide. Was found.

The method for producing the polysaccharide of the present invention will be described. The production method of the present invention belongs to the genus Enterobacter and has an average molecular weight of 12,000,000 (equivalent to pullulan), D-glucose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid, and acetic acid and pyruvic acid. ,
Culture is performed using a microorganism that produces a polysaccharide composed of succinic acid, and D-glucose, L-fucose, and D-glucose having an average molecular weight of 12 million (equivalent to pullulan) are obtained from the culture.
Galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid,
And extracting a polysaccharide consisting of acetic acid, pyruvic acid and succinic acid. As a preferable microorganism in the production method of the present invention, Enterobacter cloasier is used, and more preferably, Enterobacter cloasiea ECP126 strain is used.

Enterobacter cloasier ECP12
Six strains have the ability to produce the polysaccharide of the present invention and have been purely isolated by the present inventors from soil in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Next, the bacteriological properties of this strain will be described.

A. Morphological properties 1) Shape and size of cells, bacilli 0.60-1.0 μm × 1.2-3.0 μm 2) Motility present 3) No spores formed 4) Gram stain negative B. Physiological properties 1) Reduction of nitrate + 2) Denitrification reaction + 3) MR test-4) VP test + 5) Formation of indole-6) Formation of hydrogen sulfide-7) Starch hydrolysis-8) Citric acid Utilization + 9) Production of fluorescent dye -10) Oxidase -11) Catalase + 12) Urease -13) Gas production from Glucose + 14) Growth in 3% NaCl + 15) Growth at 42 ° C + 16) Phenylalanine deaminase -17) OF test F 18) Lysine decarboxylase-19) Liquefaction of gelatin-20) Hydrolysis of Tween 80-21) Hydrolysis of exulin + 22) Arginine dehydrase + 23) Ornithine decarboxylase + 24) From saccharides L-arabinose + D-arabinose-D-xylose + fructose + man Sourse + D-mannitol + glucose + D-sorbitol + lactose + inulin-maltose + dextrin + sucrose + galactose + raffinose + BERGEY ^,
S MANUAL of Systematic Bacteriology Volume 1) ”, the mycological properties were consistent with those of Enterobacter cloasis, and this strain was considered to belong to Enterobacter cloasis. Therefore, this strain was named Enterobacter cloasier ECP126 strain and deposited with the Institute of Biotechnology and Industrial Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In this institute, it has been deposited under the accession number "FERM P-16035". This mutant can be generated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, X-rays or the like, or by a chemical mutagen such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine or ethyl methanesulfonic acid. .

In the production method of the present invention, as a medium for culturing the microorganism, a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an inorganic salt and a trace element capable of growing a microorganism belonging to the genus Enterobacter and producing the polysaccharide of the present invention. Is not particularly limited as long as it contains an appropriate amount of As the carbon source, sugars such as glucose, fructose, galactose and sucrose, sugar alcohols such as mannitol, molasses and molasses are used. The production effect is also improved by using an organic acid such as glycerol, gluconic acid, succinic acid or citric acid as an auxiliary carbon source. As the nitrogen source, compounds such as nitrates and ammonium salts, and natural products such as peptone, tryptone, yeast extract, corn steep liquor, and amino acids are used. Examples of the inorganic salts include phosphates, magnesium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, sulfates, and the like, and the inorganic salt medium is used in combination. In particular, by setting the sodium chloride concentration to 1 to 2%,
Polysaccharide production is significantly improved. In the case of a solid medium, use agar.

In order to produce a large amount of the polysaccharide of the present invention, it is necessary to improve the aeration. Therefore, shaking culture or aeration-agitation culture is preferable. The pH at the time of culturing is not limited as long as the microorganism grows and produces polysaccharides. However, the pH is preferably in the range of 5 to 8 because the productivity is improved when neutral to weakly acidic. . The culture temperature is not limited as long as the microorganism grows and produces a polysaccharide, but the range of 25 ° C. to 30 ° C. is favorable for the production of the polysaccharide. The cultivation period varies depending on the pH and temperature of the cultivation, but usually 2 to 7 days is appropriate.

As a method for extracting the polysaccharide of the present invention from the culture solution obtained by the above production method, a conventionally known method can be used. For example, as it is, or after sterilizing at a high temperature, the cells are removed by centrifugation,
This is concentrated as it is or after adding a 2-3 times amount of ethanol, isopropanol, acetone or the like to cause precipitation. This precipitate is reconstituted with water or 1-15%
After dissolving in a sodium chloride solution, precipitation with alcohol or the like is repeated many times, or dialysis is performed with water, and the polysaccharide of the present invention is obtained by drying using a spray drier or a freeze drier. . Besides this, an ultrafiltration method can also be used. For further purification, ion exchange,
Various types of chromatography such as gel filtration, precipitation with quaternary ammonium salts, salting out, and the like can be used.

The polysaccharide of the present invention has properties such as water absorption, moisture absorption, moisture retention, thickening, and emulsion stability, and can be used in various industrial fields including cosmetics. In particular, the average molecular weight is as large as about 12 million (equivalent to pullulan), which is considered to give a non-sticky and refreshing feel.

The cosmetic of the present invention has various forms such as liquid, gel, cream and the like. In the cosmetics, it is necessary that the polysaccharide of the present invention is used for the purpose of water absorption, moisture absorption, moisture retention, thickening, emulsion stability and the like. For example,
Other cosmetics such as soap, facial cleanser, body soap, cleansing, lotion, milky lotion, body lotion, cream, hand cream, serum, cosmetic liquid, packs, and other cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick, shampoo,
Cosmetics for hair such as rinse, treatment, hair cream, hair lotion and the like can be mentioned. However, if the alcohol concentration is higher than 50%, the polysaccharide precipitates, so it is necessary to use the alcohol at a concentration lower than that. In addition to the polysaccharide of the present invention, a cosmetic base material used in ordinary cosmetics can be added to the cosmetic of the present invention as long as the function of the polysaccharide is not impaired. Such cosmetic bases include oils, gels, surfactants, lower alcohols,
Examples include polyhydric alcohols, fragrances, pigments, pigments, antioxidants, ultraviolet scattering agents, humectants, natural extracts, purified water, cosmetic ingredients, and the like.

[0028]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. <Example 1> 2 liters of a medium having the composition shown in Table 1 was placed in a 5 liter jar fermenter, sterilized in an autoclave at 121 ° C for 20 minutes, and 1% of the E. coli Enterobacter cloasier ECP126 strain which had been precultured was transplanted. Then, stirring was performed at 500 rpm, aeration amount was set at 0.25 vvm, p
While adjusting H to 6.5 with 1N NaOH or 1N HCl, aeration and stirring culture was performed at 28 ° C. for 5 days.

[0029]

[Table 1]

The obtained culture was diluted 2 to 4 times with water,
The cells were removed by centrifugation. The obtained culture supernatant was concentrated by a concentrator to a volume equal to or less than the initial culture volume, and a 2- to 3-fold amount of alcohol was added to collect a precipitate. This precipitate is dissolved in a 10% aqueous sodium chloride solution and again
Double volumes of alcohol were added and the precipitate was collected. This operation was repeated several times, and the obtained white precipitate was dissolved in distilled water, dialyzed to remove salts and the like, and then freeze-dried to obtain a white purified polysaccharide.

<Performance Evaluation Test> (a) Water Absorption Capacity Test A tea bag test method was used to measure the water supply capacity. That is, a container having a volume of about 20 ml is made of non-woven fabric,
About 100 mg of each of the sample obtained in Example 1 and a comparative sample of sodium hyaluronate (manufactured by Kibunsha) and carboxymethylcellulose were placed in this container. Next, after immersing in distilled water for 3 hours, the mixture was allowed to stand for 1 hour to remove excess water. These samples were placed in a weighing beaker having a constant weight measurement, and the weight after water absorption (water absorption amount + sample amount) was accurately measured. Thereafter, the sample was dried at 105 ° C. for about 2 hours to completely evaporate the water, and then the exact weight of the sample was measured. After each weight of the sample was measured in this way, the amount of water absorption (g) per 1 g of the sample (dry) was calculated by the following equation. Water absorption (g / g) = (weight after water absorption (g)-weight before water absorption (g))
/ Dry sample weight (g) The results are shown in Table 2.

[0032]

[Table 2]

From the above results, it was clarified that the polysaccharide sample obtained in Example 1 had a high water absorbing power 1.7 times that of sodium hyaluronate and 2.5 times that of carboxymethyl cellulose.

(B) Moisturizing ability test The desiccator method was used for evaluating the moisturizing ability. That is, the sample obtained in Example 1 and a sample for comparison of sodium hyaluronate (manufactured by Kibunsha), glycerin and D-sorbitol were dried overnight in a vacuum desiccator containing phosphorus pentoxide to be constant weight. 100 mg each was accurately weighed into a weighing bottle. Thereafter, these samples were placed in a desiccator adjusted to 20 ° C. and a relative humidity of 68% with the lid opened, and the weight was measured at regular intervals. Three days later, these samples were transferred to a desiccator adjusted to 20 ° C. and a relative humidity of 20%, and weighed for 2 days. Based on each measured amount, the amount of moisture absorption was determined by the following formula, and the moisture retention was evaluated. Moisture absorption (g / g) = (Sample weight (g)-Dry sample weight (g))
/ Dry sample weight (g) The results are shown in FIG. As is clear from the results of FIG. 2, the sample of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1 showed the same level of moisturizing ability as sodium hyaluronate, which is generally used as a high-grade humectant. Glycerin also showed a rapid change in moisture retention with changes in relative humidity, suggesting that this polysaccharide, like sodium hyaluronate, is less likely to be affected by moisture changes in moisture retention.

(C) Emulsion stability test Equal amounts of the sample obtained in Example 1 and a 1% aqueous solution of carrageenan and sodium hyaluronate, which are samples for comparison, were stirred with a homomixer at 10,000 rpm. Olive oil was gradually added, and after all the addition was completed, the mixture was further stirred for 5 minutes and allowed to stand. Immediately after emulsification, the sample obtained in Example 1 and carrageenan for comparison,
Both hyaluronic acids were white cream emulsions. However, in the case of carrageenan, the appearance of an aqueous layer was observed after standing for 2 hours, and after standing for 120 hours, the aqueous layer reached about 1/3 of the total liquid height. In addition, the appearance of an aqueous layer of hyaluronic acid was observed after standing for 170 hours. On the other hand, in the case of the sample obtained in Example 1, no layer separation was observed even after standing for 170 hours. Therefore, it was found that the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1 had better emulsion stability to olive oil than carrageenan and hyaluronic acid for comparison.

(D) Test for confirming the relationship between pH and viscosity The sample obtained in Example 1 was used as a 0.5% aqueous solution in a gel state, and the pH of the aqueous solution was adjusted to 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 9, respectively.
It was adjusted to 10,12. The viscosity was measured using a B-type viscometer at a measurement temperature of 25 ° C. The measurement was performed under the conditions of 11, 12 rpm. The result is shown in FIG. As is clear from FIG. 3, the aqueous solution showed very high viscosity stability at pH 5-10.

(E) Test for Confirming Relationship between Temperature and Viscosity The sample obtained in Example 1 was used as a 0.5% aqueous solution in a gel state, and the temperatures of the aqueous solutions were adjusted to 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80, respectively.
Adjusted to ° C. The viscosity was measured using a B-type viscometer.
o. The measurement was performed under the conditions of 11, 12 rpm. FIG. 4 shows the results. As is clear from FIG. 4, the viscosity of the aqueous solution decreased with increasing temperature.

(F) Test for Confirming Relationship between Salt Concentration and Viscosity The sample obtained in Example 1 was converted into a 0.5% aqueous solution in a gel state, and then two kinds of salts of sodium chloride and calcium chloride were added. Salt concentration of 0,0.05,0.1,
The adjustment was made in six steps of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0%. The viscosity of aqueous solutions having different salt concentrations was measured using a B-type viscometer at a measurement temperature of 25 ° C. The measurement was performed under the conditions of 11, 12 rpm. The result is shown in FIG. As is clear from FIG. 5, the viscosity of the aqueous solution sharply decreased by adding the sodium salt and the calcium salt to the aqueous solution. The decrease in viscosity of the sodium salt was almost constant even when the amount of the sodium salt was increased, but the viscosity of the calcium salt slightly recovered as the concentration of the sodium salt was increased.

(G) Evaluation Test of Lotion Using Polysaccharide Obtained in Example 1 A 0.5% sample of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1 was added to a lotion having the composition shown in Table 3. The gel was used for monitoring, and the gel was used for monitoring.

[0040]

[Table 3]

As a result, the opinion that the product containing the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1 was easy to handle because it was in the form of a gel, had good stretchability, had no stickiness, and had a smooth skin, as compared with the non-added lotion. Many were obtained. In addition, the opinion that there is a moist feeling showed the high moisturizing property.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, polysaccharides that are excellent in water absorption, moisture absorption, moisture retention, thickening, and emulsification stability, have a low stickiness, and have a smooth and moist feeling on the skin. Is obtained. Therefore, when this polysaccharide is contained as a component, a water absorbing agent, a hygroscopic agent, a humectant, a thickener or an emulsion stabilizer having less sticky feeling can be obtained. When these water absorbing agents and the like are blended into cosmetics, excellent cosmetics with less sticky feeling and smooth and moist feeling on the skin can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an infrared absorption spectrum of the polysaccharide of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the ability of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1 to absorb and retain moisture.

FIG. 3 shows the effect of pH on the viscosity of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1.
FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the effect of temperature on the viscosity of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the effect of the concentration of sodium salt and calcium salt on the viscosity of the polysaccharide obtained in Example 1.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI B01F 17/56 B01F 17/56 C09K 3/00 C09K 3/00 C12P 19/04 C12P 19/04 C // (C12P 19/04 C12R 1:01)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. D-glucose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D-mannose and D-glucuronic acid are used as constituent sugars, and acetic acid, pyruvic acid and succinic acid are used as constituent organic acids and measured by gel filtration chromatography. A polysaccharide having an average molecular weight of 12 million (equivalent to pullulan). 2. The molar ratio of constituent sugars is D-glucose: L.
-Fucose: D-galactose: D-mannose: D-
Glucuronic acid = (22-28) :( 49-55) :( 3
3-39): 1: (4-5), and the molar ratio of the constituent organic acids is acetic acid: pyruvic acid: succinic acid = (20-27):
2. The polysaccharide according to claim 1, wherein (11-16): 1. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the genus belongs to the genus Enterobacter.
Or a method for producing a polysaccharide, which comprises culturing a microorganism producing the polysaccharide according to 2 outside the cells, and collecting the polysaccharide from the culture solution. 4. The method for producing a polysaccharide according to claim 3, wherein the microorganism is cultured in a medium containing 1 to 2% of sodium chloride. 5. The method for producing a polysaccharide according to claim 3, wherein the microorganism is Enterobacter cloasis. 6. The method for producing a polysaccharide according to claim 5, wherein the Enterobacter cloasis is Enterobacter cloasis ECP126 strain or a mutant thereof. 7. Enterobacter cloasier ECP
126 strains or mutants thereof. 8. A water absorbing agent comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. 9. A hygroscopic agent comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. 10. A humectant comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. 11. A thickener comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. 12. An emulsion stabilizer comprising the polysaccharide according to claim 2 as a component. 13. A cosmetic comprising the water absorbing agent according to claim 8, the hygroscopic agent according to claim 9, the humectant according to claim 10, the thickener according to claim 11, or the emulsion stabilizer according to claim 12. .