MX2008006751A - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, tampon, diaper, pant diaper, adultincontinence guard, containing a bacterial composition (8) in a lipid phase (9), said bacterial composition containing at least one lactic acid producing bacterial strain. The lipid phase (9) containing said bacterial composition (8) is applied on or in a carrier member (10) which at least before use of the article is impermeable to the lipid phase. The carrier member is located on a wearer facing side of the absorbent structure (4) so as to prevent significant transfer of the lipid phase into the absorbent structure.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty protector, tampon, diaper, panty diaper, incontinence protection for adults. More specifically it relates to said articles containing bacterial composition comprising at least one bacterial strain that produces lactic acid. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The urogenital area hosts a complex microbial ecosystem comprising more than 50 different bacterial species (Hill et al Scand, J. Urol. Nephrol., 1984; (suppl.) 23-29). The dominant species for fertile women in this area are bacteria that produce lactic acid belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. These lactic acid producing members are important for retaining a healthy microbial flora in these areas, and act as probiotic bacteria with an antagonistic effect against pathogenic microbial species. The bacteria that produce lactic acid inhibit the growth and colonization of other microorganisms occupying niches suitable for colonization, forming biofilms and competing for nutrients available, thus excluding colonization by harmful microorganisms. Also, the production of specific inhibitory substances of hydrogen peroxide, such as bacteriocins, and organic acids (including lactic acid and acetic acid) that reduce pH, inhibit colonization by other microorganisms. The microbial ecosystem of a healthy individual can be disturbed by the use of antibiotics, during hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or use of contraceptives with estrogen, during menstruation, after menopause, in people suffering from diabetes, etc. Also, microorganisms can disperse from the anus to the urogenital area, thus causing infections. This results in a disturbance of the normal microbial flora and leaves the individual susceptible to microbial infections that cause vaginitis, urinary tract infections and ordinary skin infections. The microorganisms commonly associated with these classes of infections belong to the genera Escherichia, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Klebsiell, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Gardnerella and Candida. Mumeres are at particular risk due to their shorter distance between the anus and the urogenital tract; especially at risk are the young women, who still do not have a well-developed microflora in the urogenital area and older women, who no longer have a protective flora. One way to reduce problems with the classes of infections described above is to have good personal hygiene. However, the excessive use of cleaning agents not only decreases the amount of harmful microbes, but can damage beneficial microbial flora, making it susceptible to pathogenic species to colonize and sometimes infections. Alternatively, the administration of bacteria that produce lactic acid to the urogenital area and the skin in order to compete outside the pathogenic species and facilitate the reestablishment and maintenance of a beneficial microbial form in these areas, have been found to be a successful means of treating and prevent microbial infections. It has been suggested that bacteria that produce lactic acid can be delivered through absorbent products, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence protections, panty liners and tampons as described, for example, in WO 92/13577, WO 97. / 02846, WO 999/17813, WO 99/45099 and WO 00/35502. A bigger problem with providing products intended to be used for transfer of bacteria that produce lactic acid, is that the bacteria have to retain viability during transportation and storage of the products. A major problem with products that comprise lactic acid producing bacteria is that bacteria rapidly lose viability under semi-humid conditions, and therefore it is important that the products are not exposed to moisture. With "semi-humid" conditions it is implied that the water activity (aw) is between about 0.2 and about 0.19. The water activity ", measures the vapor pressure generated by the humidity present in a hygroscopic product. ax = p / ps, where: p: partial pressure of water vapor on the surface of the product ps: saturation pressure, or the partial pressure of water vapor above pure water at the product temperature. The water activity reflects the active part of moisture content or the part that, under normal circumstances, can be exchanged between the product and its environment. Water activity is usually defined under static equilibrium conditions. Under these conditions, the partial pressure of water vapor (p) on the surface of the product is equal to the partial pressure of water vapor in the immediate environment of the product. Any exchange of moisture between the product and the environment is driven by a difference between these two partial pressures. One way to partially overcome this problem has been to provide products with freeze-dried lactic acid producing bacteria. However, if the bacteria in the products are not protected from moisture after the manufacture of the products, the humidity of the air will subsequently exterminate the bacteria and the shelf life of said products, will also shorten then. Another disadvantage with the direct application of bacteria that dry lactic acid product to a hygiene product, such as an absorbent product, is that the transfer of the bacteria to the urogenital area will be low. In order to overcome the problem with air humidity that decreases the shelf life of products containing bacteria that produce lactic acid and a hydrophobic substance, such as a fat or oil. Research experiments have shown that storage in sterile petroleum jelly oil results in a elevated level of viable lactobacillus cells after 8 months of storage (Arkadéva et al., N.A. Nauchnye Diklady Bisel Shkoly, Biologischeskie Nauki, 1983, 2: 101-104). However, Stoianova et al. (Mikrobiologila, 2000, 69: 98-104), they found that immersion in mineral oil was not effective in preserving the viability of lactic acid bacteria. US 4,518,696 describes liquid suspensions of Lactobacilli in sunflower oil for oral administration to animals. However, none of the above references relate to the problems associated with retaining a high viability of lactic acid producing bacteria in hygiene products to be used to deliver lactic acid producing bacteria to the urogenital area of a subject. There are additional examples of the combination of bacteria that produce lactic acid and an oil, even though they do not describe the effect of oil on the survival of lactic acid-producing bacteria. WO 01/13956 describes the use of pharmaceutical compositions comprising E u oil, antimicrobial agents and / or Bacillus coagulans to be used for antimicrobial treatments. However, Bacillus coagulans does not occur naturally in the normal human urogenital flora and is used mainly as odor inhibitor and is not adapted to improve the microbial flora in humans. Bacillus coagulans is forming spores and, therefore, is not sensitive to normal moisture. WO 02/28446 discloses the use of an essentially hydrophobic carrier and freeze-dried lactic acid producing bacteria to prepare a distribution to be applied to an absorbent product. The hydrophobic carrier was selected primarily to overcome problems with the application of the bacteria to the absorbent product during manufacture, but the carrier also protects the bacteria from moisture in the air. In conclusion, there is still a need to develop products for delivering bacteria that produce lactic acid to the urogenital area that are convenient for use, result in efficient transfer of bacteria to the area where they are applied and that can be stored for prolonged periods of time without loss of viability of bacteria cells. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The problems defined above are solved in the present invention by an absorbent article containing a bacterial composition in a lipid phase, the bacterial composition containing at least one strain of bacterium that produces lactic acid, the article comprising an absorbent structure, wherein the lipid phase containing the bacterial composition is applied in a carrier member that at least prior to the use of the article is impermeable to the lipid phase, the carrier member being placed in a wearer facing the side of the absorbent structure so as to prevent significant transfer of the lipid phase to the absorbent structure. In one aspect of the invention, the carrier member at least partially encloses the lipid phase with the bacterial composition contained therein. In a further aspect of the invention, the carrier member comprises a sheet having at least one cavity or a well formed therein that contains the lipid phase and bacterial composition. It is desirable that the cavity or well have a depth of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and more preferably at least 5 mm. It is further preferred that the cavity or well have a depth of no more than 10 mm, preferably no more than 8 mm. In accordance with one embodiment, the carrier member is provided with at least two cavities or wells that contain the lipid phase and bacterial composition. In a further embodiment, the cavities or wells are placed spaced apart at a distance (b) of at least 5 mm. Preferably, the cavities or wells are separated in the longitudinal direction of the article. In one aspect of the invention, at least one cavity or well is covered by a cover material that is impermeable to the lipid phase. The cover material can be the same or a different material to the carrier member and during use the article is removable by melting, dissolving, detaching and / or breaking. In a further aspect of the invention, the lipid phase with the bacterial composition is completely enclosed by the carrier member, which is in the form of a bubble, tube or pocket. According to one embodiment, at least part of the bubble, tube or pocket has a minimum transverse dimension of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 44 mm and more preferably at least 5 rtim. The article may comprise at least two of the bubbles, tubes or pockets each containing the lipid phase and bacterial composition. In one aspect of the invention, the bubbles, tubes or pockets are placed separated by a distance (b) of at least 5 mm. They are preferably separated in the longitudinal direction of the article. In one aspect of the invention, the lipid phase is a wax and / or an oil. The wax can be selected from a plant wax, a mineral wax, an animal wax, a silicon wax and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the wax is a mineral wax that preferably contains petrolatum as the main component. In a further aspect of the invention, the carrier member is selected from polymer films, thin sheets of metal and laminates thereof. The polymer film can be soluble in water. The carrier member can be selected from the following materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetate, polyethers, ionomers and copolymers thereof, aluminum foil, laminates of polymer films and foil thin aluminum The carrier member may be impermeable to water vapor. An example of such material is thin aluminum foil having a thickness of at least 9 um. A suitable water vapor impermeable carrier material is a laminate of a polymer film and thin foil of aluminum, the thin sheet of aluminum having a thickness of at least 9 um. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one carrier member that retains the lipid phase and the bacterial composition is applied on the user-oriented side of the article or under one or more layers of the article that allow the penetration of the bacterial strain that produces lactic acid to the user. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of an absorbent product in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through the absorbent article in accordance with line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view in accordance with line III-III in Figure 1. Figures 4 and e illustrate carrier members according to the invention having different shapes. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention. Figures 6 a-c show a third embodiment of an absorbent article during different stages of opening of the carrier member to expose the lipid phase and the bacterial composition. Figures 7 a-c show a fourth embodiment of an absorbent article during different stages of opening of the carrier members. DEFINITIONS The term "absorbent article" refers to products that are placed against the wearer's skin to absorb and contain body exudates, such as urine, feces and menstrual fluid. The invention relates primarily to disposable absorbent articles, which means that the articles are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after use. Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons and sanitary panties; diapers and diapers for babies and incontinent adults; incontinence pads. By "probiotic composition" or "bacterial composition" is meant a composition comprising probiotic bacteria, i.e., bacteria having the ability to re-establish the natural microbial flora of the Guest. The probiotic preparation according to the present invention further comprises a lipid phase. By "dispersion" is meant a mixture of at least two phases which are insoluble or have a limited solubility in one another and where one phase forms solid particles, liquid droplets or gas bubbles in the other phase. Preferred "lactic acid producing bacteria" for the purpose of the present invention include bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus. Preferably, the selected bacterium used is of the species Lactococcus lactis, lactobacillus acidophiulus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lacotbacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus rhamnosus. More preferably, the bacterial strain is selected from Lactobacillus plantarum. Even more preferably, the bacterium that produces lactic acid is Lactobacillus plantarum 931 (deposition No. (DSMZ): 11918). The bacteria are preferably isolated from the natural flora of a healthy person, preferably the bacteria are isolated from the skin or urogenital area or orally. By "lipid phase" is meant an organic phase insoluble in water with a fatty character. Lipids suitable for use in the lipid phase of the invention lipids derived from petroleum, synthetic lipids, and lipids derived from animal and plant. Preferred lipids for use in the present invention are waxes and oils and mixtures thereof. Examples of "additional components" include, but are not limited to, agents that protect bacterial cells during the drying of bacteria, agents that act as a nutrient for bacterial spread, and skin care agents. Additional examples of suitable additional components are provided below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 'Figures 1 and 2 show a modality of a sanitary napkin 1 typically comprising a liquid-permeable upper sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 and an absorbent structure 4 enclosed therebetween. The liquid-permeable upper sheet 2 can be composed of a non-woven material, e.g., spunbonded, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wet laid, etc. Suitable non-woven materials may be composed of natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, man-made fibers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, etc., or a mixture thereof. natural and man-made fibers. The top sheet material may also be composed of huata fibers, which may be bonded together in a bond pattern, as described, e.g., in EPA-1 035 818. Additional examples of top sheet materials are porous foams, perforated plastic films, etc. Suitable materials such as top sheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and easily penetrated by body fluid, such as urine or menstrual fluid. The liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 may consist of a thin plastic film, e.g., a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic non-woven material, which resists penetration by liquid or sheets of plastic films and non-woven materials. The backsheet material may be breathable so as to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent structure, while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material. The upper sheet 2 and the rear sheet material 3 have a somewhat greater extension in the panel than the absorbent structure 4 and extend out from the edges thereof. Layers 2 and 3 are connected to each other within the projecting portion 5 thereof, e.g., by gumming or heat welding or ultrasonic welding. The upper sheet and / or the backsheet can also be fixed to the absorbent structure by any material known in the art., such as adhesive or heat or ultrasonic welding, etc. The absorbent structure may also be unfixed to the upper sheet and / or the back sheet. A fastening means in the form of a region 8 of an adhesive is provided on the side of the rear sheet oriented away from the wearer in use. The adhesive can be releasably attached to the lower garment of the wearer. A release paper 7 protects the adhesive region before use. Adhesive region 6 may have any suitable configuration, such as elongated or transverse strips, dots, full coated areas, etc. In other embodiments of absorbent articles according to the invention other types of fasteners, such as friction clips, tape tabs or mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, etc., can be used to hold articles of the undergarment or around of the user's waist. Some absorbent articles are in the form of panties and therefore do not need special fastening means. In other cases, the Absorbent article is used in special elastic panties without the need for additional fasteners. The absorbent structure 4 can be of any conventional kind. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, thin paper layers, highly absorbent polymers (called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp are superabsorbents in an absorbent structure. It is also common to have absorbent structures comprising layers of different material with different properties with respect to liquid acquisition capacity, liquid distribution capacity and storage capacity. This is well known to the person skilled in the art and, therefore, does not have to be described in detail. The thin absorbent bodies, which are common in current absorbent articles, often comprise a compressed composite structure or in layers of cellulose and superabsorbent fluff pulp. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure can be varied to be suitable for different uses such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, pads incontinence for adult and diapers, baby papers, underwear diapers, etc. It is understood that the absorbent article described above and shown in the drawings only represents a non-limiting example and that the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be used in any type of absorbent articles as defined above. The object of the present invention is to provide hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, panty protectors, diapers, incontinence protections, hygiene papers, etc., suitable for absorbing body fluids and simultaneously delivering bacteria that produce prebiotic lactic acid. to the skin, or more preferably, to the urogenital area. The present invention pertains to solving the problems associated with providing products comprising bacteria that produce lactic acid, such as problems with bacterial survival, transfer to skin and manufacturing costs and effectiveness. The absorbent article according to the invention contains a prebiotic preparation comprising a dry bacterial composition 8 which is mixed with a lipid phase. The hydrophobic character of the lipid phase decreases the amount of air humidity that reaches the dispersed bacterial cells in the lipid phase, thereby increasing the survival time for the bacteria in the bacterial composition. Dispersing bacteria that produce lactic acid in a lipid phase has the additional advantage that the transfer of bacteria to the skin and / or urogenital area is improved compared to when lipid phase is not used. When the product is used, the lipid phase is softened when exposed to body heat and the bacterial composition is transferred to the skin. When bacteria come into contact with moisture after delivery to the skin, they are reactivated, begin to grow and perform their prebiotic action. Additional additives such as contact sorption drying carriers, as described in US 2004/0243076, may be present in the bacterial composition. With "contact sorption carriers" is meant substances that have the capacity to admit humidity from the environment. Examples of contact sorption drying carriers are, but are not limited to oligo- and polysaccharides and inorganic agents. Other additives may also be present in the bacterial composition. Examples of said additives include, but are not limited to agents that protect the bacterial cells during the drying of the bacteria, such as sugars (e.g., maltose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose, fructose), proteinases (e.g., skim milk, albumin), amino acids (eg, sodium glutamate), polyols (e.g., xylitol), mannitol and sorbitol, pH regulating agents (e.g., lactic acid) and antioxidants (v. .gr., sodium ascorbate). Additional components also include nutrients that improve bacterial spread once the bacteria are activated by moisture after they are delivered to the skin or urogenital area. The additional components can also be part of the prebiotic preparation. Suitable additional components also include skin care substances, e.g., soluble lipid skin care substances, such as vitamin E and E, skin care oils, such as chamomile oils ( Bisabolol), eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and phytosterols. Additional components may also include a preservation matrix according to WO 98/48261. The lipid phase 9 is a wax and / or an oil. The wax is preferably selected from plant waxes, mineral waxes, silicone waxes, animal waxes and mixtures of the same. The preferred mineral waxes with paraffin waxes, micro waxes, petrolatum and mixtures thereof. An example of a preferred wax is petrolatum. The lipid phase can also be a mixture of wax and oil. The important characteristics of the lipid phase that must be possible is to disperse the bacterial composition in the lipid phase at a temperature of between 20 and 50 ° C, preferably between 20 and 25 ° C and that the water content is below, below 4% by weight, preferably less than 2% by weight. The melting behavior of the lipid phase is also an important factor, which will be discussed in more detail below. The probiotic preparation comprising the lipid phase containing the bacterial composition is applied at or is accommodated at least partially by a carrier member 10 which is positioned on a side facing the user of the absorbent structure 4. The carrier member 10 is positioned either on, of, on the user facing side of the top sheet 2, or between the top sheet and the absorbent structure 4. The carrier member 10 is of a material that is impermeable to the lipid phase, so that any significant transfer of the lipid phase to the absorbent structure 4 is avoided. The appropriate materials for member 10 carrier are polymer films, thin sheets of metal and laminates thereof. The polymer film can be water soluble or water insoluble, but preferably soluble in water. Examples of suitable polymers for the carrier member are: polyethylene, polypropylene polyamide, polyester, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetate, polyethers, ionomers and copolymers thereof. An example of a suitable thin metal sheet is thin aluminum sheet. Laminates of polymer films and thin sheets of metal can also be used as a carrier member material. The carrier member may be impermeable to water vapor. An example of water vapor impermeable material is a thin aluminum foil having a thickness of at least 9 um, and a water vapor impermeable carrier member is a laminate of a polymer film and thin foil of aluminum, wherein The thin aluminum sheet has a thickness as defined above. The carrier member 10 preferably encloses at least partially the prebiotic preparation comprising the lipid phase containing the bacterial composition. This, in accordance with a modality illustrated in Figures 1-3, can be achieved by having one or more cavities or wells 11 formed in a substantially planar carrier member 10. The probiotic preparation is applied in these cavities or wells 11. It is preferred that these cavities or wells 11 have a depth, a, of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and more preferably at least 5 mm. It has been shown that after 3-6 months the bacterial survival of lactobacilli dispersed in the vaseline in aluminum wells of a depth of 1 m was significantly lower than those dispersed in petrolatum in aluminum wells having a depth of 3 and 5 mm. In all cases, the diameter of the wells was 17 mm. This test is illustrated in Table 1 below. Table 1 It is further preferred that the cavities or pits 11 have a depth of no more than 10 mm, preferably no more than 8 mm. According to one embodiment, the carrier member 10 is provided with at least two cavities or wells 11 containing the probiotic preparation. Preferably the cavities or wells are placed spaced at a distance, b, of at least 55 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, in the longitudinal direction of the article. The cavities or wells 11 before use of the article are covered by a material 12 which is impermeable to the lipid phase. This cover material may be the same as the carrier member material or a different material. It can be soluble in water so that it dissolves easily when it comes in contact with body fluid. Alternatively it can be insoluble in water, where it must be removed or broken before using the article. This can be achieved in many different ways, for example by means of a pull cord having a free end and extending under the cover material, detaching the cover material, squeezing and breaking the cover material, etc. The cover material 12 can also be a material that melts when exercised at body temperature and thus exposes the probiotic preparation. The carrier member 10 may also be in the form of a bubble, pocket or tube enclosing the probiotic preparation. The article may comprise two or more of the bubbles, pockets or tubes each containing the probiotic preparation. In the case of two or more bubbles, pockets or tubes, these are preferably placed at a distance apart, b, from at least 10 mm in the longitudinal direction of the article. It is preferred that the burlap, pocket or tube 10 of carrier member have a minimum transverse dimension of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and more preferably at least 5 mm, in order to ensure good bacterial survival in the probiotic preparation. The "minimum transverse dimension" is defined herein as the transverse dimension in the direction in which the capsule has its minimum transverse dimension, that is, it is thinner. This is illustrated in Figures 4 a-e, wherein Figure 4a shows a spherical bubble and Figure 4b shows a cylindrical tube, both of which have a substantially circular cross-section. Figure 4c shows a "flat" pocket, where the transverse dimension minimum, a, is the thickness of the pocket. Figure 4d illustrates a bubble in the shape of a drop, having a substantially spherical, thicker portion with a diameter corresponding to the "minimum transverse dimension", a. Figure 4e illustrates a tube or pocket having a minimum transverse dimension or thickness, a, as claimed. In this way it can make other portions of the tube or pocket that have smaller transverse dimensions than the so-called "minimum transverse dimension". The carrier member 10 is placed on an absorbent article on either the user facing side of the top sheet material 2, immediately below the top sheet or close enough under the top sheet to allow the bacterial composition to penetrate through the top sheet. the top sheet of the article user. It is important that it be placed on the user-facing side of the absorbent article 4, so that the leakage of the probiotic preparation to the absorbent structure 4 is prevented at least prior to the use of the article. Figure 5 illustrates an absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin, panty protector, incontinence protection or the like, provided with two carrier members 10 in the form of bubbles, which are separated at a distance, b, in the longitudinal direction of the article. The bubbles 10 are placed and fixed to, for example, by means of an adhesive, to the user-oriented side of the upper sheet 1. A rope 13 is embedded in the bubbles 10 and has a free end 14 protruding out of the bubbles. Pulling the cord 13 the bubbles 10 are broken and the prpbiotic preparation retained therein is released. Figures 6 a-c illustrate a further embodiment of the absorbent article having a carrier member 10 in the shape of a pocket, which is adhered to the user facing side of the top sheet 2. The top layer of the pocket peels off during use of the article and bends over the surface of the article, as illustrated in Figures 6b and c, where the probiotic preparation is exposed. In accordance with a still further embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 a and b, the bubbles 10 are applied to the user-facing surface of the upper sheet 2 and before the article is used (Figure 7a) covered with a release paper 15, that the bubbles 10 are fixed, for example by means of an adhesive. When the article is going to be used release paper 15. it is removed (Figure 7b), with which the bubbles 10 are broken and the Probiotic preparation retained in them will be released (Figure 7c). When using vapor-impermeable carrier members, the liquid phase becomes less critical. PREPARATION OF PROBIOTIC PREPARATION AND CARRIER MEMBER A suspension in water of at least one bacterial strain producing lactic acid having a concentration of 106-1015 CFU (colony forming units) / ml, preferably 1010-1013 CFU / ml is prepared . The suspension may also contain additional components such as contact sorption drying carriers, nutrients and / or protective agents. Examples of such additional components are provided above. Bacteria that produce lactic acid are selected for the present invention because of their positive effect in preventing and treating microbial infection in the urogenital area and in the skin. Preferred bacteria are isolated from a healthy person, preferably from the skin or urogenital area of a healthy person. Preferred "lactic acid producing bacteria" for the purpose of the present invention include bacteria such as the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Pdiococcus. Preferably the selected bacteria are of the Lactococcus species lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus cruvatus or Lactobacilus plantarum. More preferably the selected bacterium is a strain of Lactobacilus plantarum. Even more preferably, the bacterium that produces lactic acid is Lactobacilus planbtarum 931 (deposition No.l (DESMZ): 11918). Bacteria that produce lactic acid can be provided alone or in mixtures containing at least two bacterial strains. The suspension is dried using any of the following techniques: convection drying methods, contact drying methods or using electromagnetic radiation. Examples of convection drying methods suitable for the present invention include spray drying, spray granulation and fluidized bed drying. The common feature of convection drying methods is that hot and dry gas is flooded around the product and enters a transfer of heat and mass with the product. Convection methods transfer heat and / or dryness required by convection to the wet product. During contact drying, the wet product is stationary in tact with a hot surface, or constantly brought into contact with the hot surface by agitation or revolution. Radiation drying Electromagnetic radiation (infrared or microwave radiation) involves using a band dryer or a stationary support and subjecting the wet product to electromagnetic radiation energy that is being absorbed by the wet product. The energy absorbed serves to heat the product, whereby moisture in the wet product evaporates. Drying times using electromagnetic radiation often result in very short drying times. A probiotic composition is then prepared wherein the dried bacterial composition, comprising bacteria that produce lactic acid and optional additional components, is dispersed in a lipid phase which will form the probiotic preparation retained in the carrier member. During this step additional components, such as nutrients for bacterial propagation and skin care substances can be added to the probiotic composition. The lipid phase used in the present invention may be composed of a single lipid or a mixture of two or more lipids. The lipid phase, due to its hydrophobic nature, works as a water vapor barrier, thus ensuring that a very low water activity is maintained during storage. In Table 2 below, we present a selection of appropriate lipids for the core 9 of the capsules 8 of the present invention. Table 2 1) Henkel KgaA, Dusseldorf, Germany Acó Hud AB, Stockholm, Sweden 3) Apoteket AB, Produktion och Laboratorier, Gothenburg, Sweden 4] Karlsha ns AB, Karishamn, Sweden 5) Seneffc, Belgium According to the present invention, the composition Probiotic is used in a hygiene absorbent product, for this purpose it is important that the lipid phase has a melting behavior that allows the lipid phase to support bacterial survival and does not disturb the absorption power of the hygiene product. Also a higher temperature limit for the melting behavior of the lipid phase. This limit is partly regulated by the fact that in order to mix the bacterial composition with the lipid phase, the lipid phase must be sufficiently mild in order to obtain a homogeneous mixture. A lipid phase with a too high melting point must be brought to temperatures that are too high for the bacteria to support while they are being mixed with the lipid phase and, therefore, too large a portion of the bacteria would die during the preparation of the probiotic composition. Likewise, the lipid phase with too high a melting point is not suitable for the present invention since it does not soften to a sufficiently high degree when in contact with the skin and, therefore, the delivery of bacteria to the skin is damaged. The consistency of the core material is influenced by the ratio of the bacterial composition to the lipid phase which provides texture and consistency of the core material. By varying the ratio of amount of bacterial composition to lipid phase composition it is possible to achieve a core material with a consistency appropriate for the present invention. Therefore, preferably, the lipid phase according to the present invention is for the most part solid at room temperature and up to 30 ° C, becomes softer at body temperature between 30 ° C and 40 ° C, and is melts above 60-70 ° C. However, the lipid phase is still exhibiting mild properties from 30 ° C. This fusion behavior can be achieved by using a single lipid or by mixing different lipids with different fusion behaviors. order to achieve the desired fusion behavior of the lipid phase. In order that the lipid phase does not interfere with bacterial survival, the water content should be low, less than 4% by weight, preferably less than 2% and more preferably less than 1% by weight. The water vapor transmission rate of the lipid phase, measured in accordance with ASTME 398-83 at 37.8 ° C (100 ° F) and 90% relative humidity (RH), is 10 g / m2 / 24 h or less, more preferably 5 g / m2 / 24 h or less, more preferably 2 g / m2 / 24 h or less. The probiotic preparation prepared in this way is then applied to a carrier member 10 as described above or is encapsulated by a carrier member material to form a bubble or pocket as also described above. The incorporation of the probiotic composition into the carrier member material 10 can be achieved in different ways, such as conventional polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, film blowing, blow molding, film casting and vacuum molding. The carrier member 10 is applied to an absorbent article in a described manner, either on the upper sheet 2 or between the upper sheet and the structure 4. absorbent, so as to allow the probiotic preparation to reach the user of the article.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS 1.- An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty protector, tampon, diaper, panty diaper, incontinence protection for adults, containing a bacterial composition in a lipid phase, the bacterial composition containing at least one strain bacterial that produces lactic acid, the article comprising an absorbent structure, characterized in that the lipid phase containing the bacterial composition is applied on or in a carrier member, which at least before the use of the article is impermeable to the lipid phase, the member carrier being positioned on a side facing the user of the absorbent article, so as to prevent significant transfer of the lipid phase towards the absorbent structure.
2. 2. Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier member encloses at least partially the lipid phase with the bacterial composition contained therein.
3. 3. Absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier member comprises a sheet having at least one cavity or well formed therein that contains the lipid phase and the bacterial composition.
4. 4. Absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the cavity or well has a depth of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and more preferably at least 5 mm.
5. 5. Absorbent article according to claim 4, characterized in that the cavity or well has a depth of not more than 10 mm, preferably not more than 8 mm.
6. 6. Absorbent article according to any of claims 3-5, characterized in that the carrier member is provided with at least two cavities or wells containing the lipid phase and bacterial composition.
7. 7. Absorbent article according to claim 6, characterized in that the cavities or wells are placed at a distance of at least 5 m.
8. 8. Absorbent article according to claim 7, characterized in that the cavities or wells are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the article.
9. 9. Absorbent article according to any of claims 3-8, characterized in that the at least one cavity or well is covered with a covering material that at least prior to the use of the article is impermeable to the lipid phase.
10. 10. Absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover material is the same or a different material than the carrier member and, during the use of the article is removable by melting, dissolving, detaching and / or breaking .
11. 11. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lipid phase with the bacterial composition is completely enclosed by the carrier member, which is in the form of a bubble, tube or pocket.
12. 12. Absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that at least part of the bubble, tube or pocket has a minimum transverse dimension of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and more preferably at least 5 mm .
13. 13. Absorbent article according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises at least two of the bubbles, tubes or pockets, each containing the lipid phase and bacterial composition.
14. 14.- Absorbing article in accordance with the claim 13, characterized in that the bubbles, tubes or pockets are placed at a distance of at least 5 mm.
15. 15. Absorbent article according to claim 14, characterized in that the bubbles, tubes or pockets are separated in the longitudinal direction of the article.
16. 16. Absorbent article according to any of claims 11-15, characterized in that the carrier member during use of the article is opened to release the lipid phase with the bacterial composition retained therein., by fusion, dissolution, opening by detachment and / or rupture.
17. 17. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lipid phase is a wax and / or an oil.
18. 18. Absorbent article according to claim 17, characterized in that the wax is selected from a plant wax, a mineral wax, an animal wax, a silicon wax and mixtures thereof.
19. 19. Absorbent article according to claim 18, characterized in that the wax is a mineral wax.
20. 20. Absorbent article according to claim 19, characterized in that the wax as a main component contains petrolatum.
21. 21. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier member is selected from polymer films, thin sheets of metal and laminates thereof.
22. 22. Absorbent article according to claim 21, characterized in that the polymer film is soluble in water.
23. 23. Absorbent article according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the carrier member material is selected from the following materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetate, polyethers , ionomers and copolymers thereof, thin foil of aluminum, laminates of polymer films and thin foil of aluminum.
24. 24. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the carrier member is impermeable to water vapor.
25. 25.- Absorbing article in accordance with the claim 24, characterized in that the material of the carrier member is a thin sheet laminate of aluminum and polymer film.
26. 26.- Absorbent article according to any of claim 25, characterized in that the thin aluminum sheet has a thickness of at least 9 um.
27. 27. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one carrier member that retains the lipid phase and the bacterial composition is applied on the user-oriented side of the article or under one or more layers of the article. article that allow the penetration of the bacterial strain that produces lactic acid to the user.