APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN WATER HAVING ANTIOXIDANT AND FINE DUST ACCUMULATION INHIBITING FUNCTIONS, AND HYDROGEN WATER PRODUCED USING THE SAME

Abstract

An apparatus and method produce hydrogen water that has antioxidant functions and abundantly contains dissolved hydrogen. Water is purified and sterilized for producing hydrogen water by supplying hydrogen gas to the purified and sterilized water. The hydrogen water is packaged into a container. The hydrogen gas is injected into the container to a saturated state by blowing. Leakage of the hydrogen gas is blocked by sealing the container. Since the concentration of hydrogen is increased to a saturated state by hydrogen blowing, a high-concentration hydrogen water is provided, and the shelf life is extended to two years, thereby enabling distribution of the hydrogen water without problem at stores. The hydrogen water has an excellent antioxidant function and suppresses the accumulation of fine dusts in a body, unlike general water, prevents, improves and treats pneumoconiosis caused by accumulation of fine dusts in lungs, and allergies and inflammations caused by fine dusts.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing hydrogen water, comprising: a purification and sterilization part for purifying and sterilizing water for producing hydrogen water; a hydrogen water forming part for providing hydrogen gas to the water having been purified and sterilized in the purification and sterilization part so as to form hydrogen water; a hydrogen water packaging part for packaging the hydrogen water having been formed in the hydrogen water forming part into a hydrogen water container; a hydrogen blower for blowing and injecting hydrogen gas into the hydrogen water container having gone through the hydrogen water packaging part to a saturated state; and a seaming part for sealing the hydrogen water container after the hydrogen blower blows hydrogen gas so as to prevent the hydrogen gas from leaking, wherein: the apparatus for producing hydrogen water, further comprises a timing sensor for sensing the timing of blowing hydrogen gas by the hydrogen blower, and a liquid nitrogen insertion part for inserting liquid nitrogen into the hydrogen water container in accordance with the timing of blowing hydrogen gas, sensed by the timing sensor, so as to prevent hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water container from being eluted and to remove dissolved oxygen at the head space of the hydrogen water container.

2. (canceled)

3. A method for producing hydrogen water, comprising: a first step of purifying and sterilizing water for producing hydrogen water; a second step of providing hydrogen gas to the water having been purified and sterilized so as to form hydrogen water; a third step of packaging the hydrogen water having been formed in the second step into a hydrogen water container; a fourth step of blowing and injecting hydrogen gas into the hydrogen water container having gone through the third step to a saturated state; and a fifth step of sealing the hydrogen water container after the blowing of hydrogen gas so as to prevent the hydrogen gas from leaking, wherein the method further comprises inserting liquid nitrogen into the hydrogen water container in accordance with the timing of blowing hydrogen gas, so as to prevent hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water container from being eluted and to remove dissolved oxygen at the head space of the hydrogen water container.

4-5. (canceled)

6. Food composition for suppressing the accumulation of particulate matter in the body, which comprises the hydrogen water produced using the apparatus of claim 1 as an active ingredient.

7. Food composition for discharging particulate matter out of the body, which comprises the hydrogen water produced using the apparatus of claim 1 as an active ingredient.

8. Food composition for preventing or alleviating pneumoconiosis, which comprises the hydrogen water produced using the apparatus of claim 1 as an active ingredient.

9. The food composition for preventing or alleviating pneumoconiosis of claim 8, wherein pneumoconiosis is anthracosis.

10. (canceled)

11. Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating pneumoconiosis, which comprises the hydrogen water produced using the apparatus of claim 1 as an active ingredient.

12-18. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] The following drawings attached in this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are provided together with the detailed description of the present invention so that the technical spirit of the present invention may be better understood. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to what is illustrated in the drawings.

[0112] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for producing hydrogen water according to the present invention.

[0113] FIG. 2 is a process view illustrating an embodiment of a method for producing hydrogen water according to the present invention.

[0114] FIG. 3 illustrates results of measuring changes in the concentration of hydrogen present in a conventional hydrogen water product and a hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention at 10-minute intervals for an hour after the products are opened.

[0115] FIG. 4 illustrates results of measuring changes in the concentration of hydrogen present in a conventional hydrogen water product and a hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention at one-month intervals for 12 months in the state the products not opened, so as to estimate the long-term preservation of the products.

[0116] FIG. 5A illustrates an outline of an animal experiment performed so as to confirm the effects of hydrogen water of the present invention on an animal model with pneumoconiosis.

[0117] FIG. 5B specifically illustrates a method for directly spraying carbon nanoparticles (CNP) into the bronchi of a rat.

[0118] FIG. 6 illustrates changes in the body weight of each experimental group (four weeks, three weeks, two weeks, one week) prior to the onset of pneumoconiosis and (one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, six weeks) after the onset of pneumoconiosis.

[0119] FIG. 7A illustrates results of measuring levels on which particulate matter is accumulated in the lung tissue of animal models with pneumoconiosis on the basis of each experimental group.

[0120] FIG. 7B illustrates results of measuring levels on which the lung tissue of animal models with pneumoconiosis is damaged on the basis of each experimental group.

[0121] FIG. 8A illustrates results of measuring levels on which particulate matter is accumulated (or removed) in the blood of each experimental group through an absorbance measurement after particulate matter (carbon) is directly injected into the blood.

[0122] FIG. 8B illustrates levels on which the phagocytosis of macrophages of each experimental group is activated after particulate matter (carbon) is directly injected into the blood.

[0123] FIG. 9A illustrates effects of purified water on a group where an inflammation response (production of nitric oxide from macrophages) is induced with IFN-y and LPS.

[0124] FIG. 9B illustrates effects of hydrogen water of the present invention on a group where an inflammation response (production of nitric oxide from macrophages) is induced with IFN- and LPS.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0125] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the attached drawings so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains may easily embody the present invention. However, in specifically describing a theory of the operation of preferred embodiments of the present invention, detailed description of the well-known functions and configurations in relation to the present invention will be omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the present invention unnecessarily vague.

[0126] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for producing hydrogen water according to the present invention, and components of the apparatus are specifically described as follows.

[0127] Water for producing hydrogen water is prepared in a water collecting container 10, the water for producing hydrogen water is transferred to a purification and sterilization part 30 through a pump 20. The purification and sterilization part filters the water for producing hydrogen water and sterilizes the same with ultraviolet rays (UV).

[0128] Various filtering means such as a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter, a UV sterilization filter etc. may be applied to the purification and sterilization part 30. Such filters are consecutively connected so as to form a purification and sterilization part 30. Thus, heavy metals or harmful substances of the water for producing hydrogen water having been supplied to the purification and sterilization part 30 from the water collecting container 10 are removed in the purification and sterilization part 30.

[0129] Hydrogen gas supplied by a first hydrogen gas supply part is injected into the water for producing hydrogen water having been purified and sterilized in the purification and sterilization part 30 so that the water for producing hydrogen water is produced as hydrogen water containing hydrogen water in a hydrogen water forming part 50. That is, hydrogen gas with at least 99.99% purity exists at high pressure in the first hydrogen gas supply part 40. For instance, hydrogen gas may be continuously supplied to the hydrogen water forming part 50 through an automatic transfer switch 41 and a pressure regulator (invisible) at the pressure of 0.4 MPa.

[0130] A water supply valve 51 is provided between the hydrogen water forming part 50 and the purification and sterilization part 30 so that a sealed space is formed at the hydrogen water forming part. Thus, the hydrogen water forming part 50 is not provided with a separate container. Additionally, the hydrogen water forming part is supplied with water for producing hydrogen water through the purification and sterilization part 30 from the water collecting container 10 only when the water supply valve 51 is opened while being configured to be completely sealed from the outside when the water supply valve 51 is blocked. As a result, hydrogen gas in the hydrogen water forming part 50 is not discharged outward so that pressure in the hydrogen water forming part is raised, thereby making it possible to improve the dissolution rate of hydrogen gas. The opening and closing of the automatic transfer switch 41, the pressure regulator, and the water supply valve 51 is controlled by a controller 60.

[0131] A gas leakage sensor 42 for sensing the leakage of hydrogen gas may be installed at the first hydrogen gas supply part 40. When the leakage of hydrogen gas from a pipe, supplying hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen gas supply part 40 to the hydrogen water forming part 50, is sensed by the gas leakage sensor 42, an alarm goes off and at the same time, the operation of the first hydrogen gas supply part 40, the automatic transfer switch 41 and the pressure regulator is stopped according to the control of the controller 60.

[0132] Meanwhile, a pipe connecting from the purification and sterilization part 30 to the hydrogen water forming part 50 may be further provided with a fragrance mixing part 70. The fragrance mixing part 70 mixes fragrance into water for producing hydrogen water so as to improve the flavor of produced hydrogen water.

[0133] Next, hydrogen water having been produced in the hydrogen water forming part 50 is transferred to a hydrogen water packaging part 80 and packaged in a hydrogen water container such as a can (e.g. aluminum can (240Ml). That is, a container insertion part 90 is connected with the hydrogen water packaging part 80 by a means such as a conveyor belt etc. Thus, a hydrogen water container such as a can (hollow container) is transferred and inserted from the container insertion part 90 into the hydrogen water packaging part 80, and the hydrogen water packaging part 80 charges the hydrogen water container with hydrogen water.

[0134] An air blower 91, which sprays air in the hydrogen water container and cleans the same so as to remove foreign substances that may exist in the hydrogen water container, may be provided inside the hydrogen water container before the hydrogen water container is transferred from the container insertion part 90 to the hydrogen water packaging part 80. The hydrogen water container may be further provided with a rinser for cleaning the inside of the hydrogen water container with water having the pressure of 0.07 MPa after the air blower 91 sprays air.

[0135] As described above, the concentration of hydrogen packaged in a hydrogen water container by the hydrogen water packaging part 80 is not enough. Thus, the present invention is provided with a hydrogen blower 100 that blows and injects hydrogen gas to a saturated state inside the hydrogen water container having gone through the hydrogen water packaging part 80 by blowing. That is, the hydrogen blower 100 is connected with a second hydrogen gas supply part 110 through a pipe, and hydrogen gas with at least 99.99% purity exists in the second hydrogen gas supply part 110 at high pressure. For instance, hydrogen gas may be continuously supplied to the hydrogen blower 100 through an automatic transfer switch 111 and a pressure regulator (invisible) at the pressure of 0.2 MPa.

[0136] A gas leakage sensor 112 for sensing the leakage of hydrogen gas may be installed at the second hydrogen gas supply part 110. When the leakage of hydrogen gas from a pipe, supplying hydrogen gas from the second hydrogen gas supply part 110 to the hydrogen blower 100, is sensed by the gas leakage sensor 112, an alarm goes off and at the same time, the operation of the second hydrogen gas supply part 110, the automatic transfer switch 111 and the pressure regulator is stopped according to the control of the controller 60.

[0137] Meanwhile, a timing sensor 101 for sensing the timing of blowing hydrogen gas by the hydrogen blower 100 may be installed at the hydrogen blower 100. Additionally, the hydrogen blower 100 may be provided with a liquid nitrogen insertion part 120 for inserting liquid nitrogen into the hydrogen water container in accordance with the timing of blowing hydrogen gas, sensed by the timing sensor 101, so as to prevent hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water container from being eluted and remove dissolved oxygen. Further, a nitrogen spray sensor 121 for sensing whether nitrogen is sprayed or not may be installed at the liquid nitrogen insertion part 120.

[0138] When the timing sensor 101 senses that the hydrogen blower 100 blows hydrogen gas into the hydrogen water container, the liquid nitrogen insertion part 120 immediately sprays liquid nitrogen at the head space of the hydrogen water container. Thus, hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water container is prevented from being eluted, oxygen in the head space of the hydrogen water container is blocked from being dissolved, and the head space of the hydrogen water container is saturated with hydrogen gas so as to supply high-concentration hydrogen water.

[0139] For reference, when the hydrogen blower 100 blows high-pressure hydrogen gas, an air conditioner for preventing an explosion (invisible) or a ventilator for preventing an explosion (invisible) is preferably further installed at the hydrogen blower 100.

[0140] Next, a seaming part 130 is provided so as to perform seaming and completely seal the hydrogen water container in the state where the hydrogen water container is charged with high-concentration hydrogen. That is, the seaming part 130 seals the hydrogen water container after the hydrogen blower 100 blows hydrogen gas so as to prevent hydrogen gas from leaking. In this case, acrylic plates are preferably installed around the seaming part 130 so as to prevent hydrogen gas from leaking.

[0141] 208. Next, though not illustrated in the drawings, a means to sterilize and cool the hydrogen water container, a data coating means to display an expiry date etc. on the hydrogen water container, a weight testing means to confirm whether the weight of the contents in the hydrogen water container is normal, an inner pressure testing means to confirm whether the pressure in the hydrogen water container is normal, etc. maybe further included in the present invention.

[0142] Below, embodiments of a method for producing hydrogen water having an antioxidant function according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0143] As in the above-described embodiment of an apparatus for producing hydrogen water, water for producing hydrogen water prepared in a water collecting container 10 is transferred to a purification and sterilization part 30, and is purified and sterilized (S1). That is, in the purification and sterilization step (S1), water for producing hydrogen water is filtered so that foreign substances are removed, and is sterilized and disinfected with ultraviolet rays (UV). In this case, various filtering means such as a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter, a UV sterilization filter etc. are preferably connected consecutively so as to remove heavy metals or harmful substances of the water for producing hydrogen water having been supplied from the water collecting container 10 until the water for producing hydrogen water reaches to a safe level.

[0144] Next, hydrogen water is formed using hydrogen supplied from a first hydrogen gas supply part 40 in a hydrogen water forming part 50 (S2). That is, hydrogen gas is continuously supplied to the hydrogen water forming part 50, for instance, at the pressure of 0.4 MPa from the first hydrogen gas supply part 40 in which hydrogen gas with at least 99.99% purity exists at high pressure so as to produce hydrogen water containing hydrogen water in the hydrogen water forming part 50. Hydrogen gas is injected in the first hydrogen gas supply part at the temperature of 18 C. to 25 C., and preferably, pressure supplied in the first hydrogen gas supply part may range from 0.2 MPa to 0.4 MPa. More specifically, hydrogen gas is preferably supplied in the first hydrogen gas supply part by means of a double pressing method in which hydrogen gas is sprayed continuously in the first hydrogen gas supply part at the pressure of 0.4 MPa and at the same time, the hydrogen gas is dissolved in water while the pressure of 0.2 MPa is applied in the first hydrogen gas supply part.

[0145] In particular, a water supply valve 51 is provided between the hydrogen water forming part 50 and the purification and sterilization part 30 so that a sealed space is formed at the hydrogen water forming part. Thus, the hydrogen water forming part 50 is not provided with a separate container. Additionally, the hydrogen water forming part is supplied with water for producing hydrogen water through the purification and sterilization part 30 from the water collecting container 10 only when the water supply valve 51 is opened while being configured to be completely sealed from the outside when the water supply valve 51 is blocked. Thus, hydrogen gas in the hydrogen water forming part 50 is not discharged outward so that pressure in the hydrogen water forming part is raised, thereby making it possible to improve the dissolution rate of hydrogen gas.

[0146] Next, a hydrogen water container is inserted into a hydrogen water packaging part 80 for packaging hydrogen water produced in the hydrogen water forming part 50 into a hydrogen water container such as a can (S3-1). That is, a container insertion part 90 is connected with the hydrogen water packaging part 80 by a means such as a conveyor belt etc. so that a hydrogen water container such as a can (hollow container, in particular, aluminum can) is transferred and inserted from the container insertion part 90 into the hydrogen water packaging part 80.

[0147] Meanwhile, an air blower 91 preferably sprays air into a hydrogen water container before the hydrogen water container is transferred to the hydrogen water packaging part 80 from the container insertion part 90 so as to remove foreign substances that may exist in the hydrogen water container, and a rinser 92 preferably cleans the inside of the hydrogen water container with water having the pressure of 0.07 MPa after the air blower 91 blows air.

[0148] Next, the hydrogen water container inserted into the hydrogen water packaging part 80 is charged with hydrogen water and packaged (S3-2).

[0149] Next, a hydrogen blower 100 blows and injects hydrogen gas to a saturated state inside the hydrogen water container having gone through the hydrogen water packaging part 80 by blowing (S4). That is, hydrogen gas is continuously supplied to the hydrogen blower 100 from a second hydrogen gas supply part 110 in which hydrogen gas with at least 99.99% purity exists at high pressure, for instance, at the pressure of 0.2 MPa, so that high-concentration hydrogen water charges the hydrogen water container.

[0150] Next, a seaming part 130 performs seaming so as to completely seal the hydrogen water container in the state where the hydrogen water container is charged with high-concentration hydrogen (S5). That is, the seaming part 130 completely seals the hydrogen water container after the hydrogen blower 100 blows hydrogen gas so as to prevent hydrogen gas from leaking.

[0151] Meanwhile, a step of mixing fragrance into water for producing hydrogen water may be further included (S6) while the water for producing hydrogen water is transferred from the water collecting container 10 to the hydrogen water forming part 50 via the purification and sterilization part 30. That is, a pipe connecting from the purification and sterilization part 30 to the hydrogen water forming part 50 is provided with a fragrance mixing part 70. The fragrance mixing part 70 mixes fragrance into water for producing hydrogen water so as to improve the flavor of produced hydrogen water.

[0152] Additionally, a step of inserting liquid nitrogen into the hydrogen water container in accordance with the timing of blowing hydrogen (S7) may be further included. That is, a timing sensor 101 for sensing the timing of blowing hydrogen gas by the hydrogen blower 100 is installed at the hydrogen blower 100, and when the timing sensor 101 senses that the hydrogen blower 100 blows hydrogen gas into the hydrogen water container in the state in which a liquid nitrogen insertion part 120 for inserting liquid nitrogen into the hydrogen water container in accordance with the timing of blowing hydrogen gas, sensed by the timing sensor 101, is installed, the liquid nitrogen insertion part 120 immediately sprays liquid nitrogen at the head space of the hydrogen water container. Thus, hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water container is prevented from being eluted, dissolved oxygen in the head space of the hydrogen water container is removed, and the head space of the hydrogen water container is saturated with hydrogen gas, thereby supplying high-concentration hydrogen water.

[0153] Next, FIG. 3 illustrates results of measuring changes in the concentration of hydrogen present in a conventional hydrogen water product and a hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention at 10-minute intervals for an hour after the products are opened, and FIG. 4 illustrates results of measuring changes in the concentration of hydrogen present in a conventional hydrogen water product and a hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention at one-month intervals for 12 months in the state the products are not opened, so as to estimate the long-term preservation of the products. Changes in the hydrogen concentration of an experimental embodiment of hydrogen water produced according to the above-described present invention are described as follows.

[0154] For reference, in the following experimental embodiments, a percentage (%) with respect to a hydrogen concentration denotes a final hydrogen concentration with respect to an initial hydrogen concentration, and the content of hydrogen is calculated through a formula (final hydrogen concentration/initial hydrogen concentration)100.

Experimental Embodiment 1

Measuring Changes in the Concentration of Dissolved Hydrogen after a Hydrogen Water Product of the Present Invention is Opened

[0155] Changes in the hydrogen concentration of three lots (repeated three times per lot) of hydrogen water products (packaged in aluminum cans) produced according to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen water of the present invention were observed for 10-minute intervals while the three lots were stored in a thermo-hygrostat at 25 C., 35 C. and 45 C. for an hour. In this case, the hydrogen water products were stored in the state of being opened. As a control group, Beanus grace, which is reduced hydrogen water (electrolyzed hydrogen water), produced by Kanesa in Japan and packaged in an aluminum can), and nano bubble hydrogen water, which is injected with hydrogen gas, produced by NNB in Korea and packaged in an aluminum pouch, were used.

[0156] A hydrogen concentration is measured using a system equipped with DH-35A, a sensor for dissolved hydrogen, manufactured by Dong-A DKK.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Experimental condition Storage temperature 35 C., 45 C. Control (distribution) 25 C. temperature Storage period 1 hour Measurement temperature 20 C. Frequency of experiments 6 times Frequency of repeating Three times per lot experiments (three lots, nine times)

[0157] The initial hydrogen content of hydrogen water of the present invention was 1.220.015 ppm. This showed that high-concentration hydrogen was contained in the hydrogen water of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates results of measuring changes in the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water products for an hour. Compared to the initial hydrogen concentration, the hydrogen concentration of the conventional hydrogen water products ranged from 12.24 to 23.00% (reduced hydrogen water) or ranged from 5 to 17% (nano bubble hydrogen water) after an hour. Thus, the conventional hydrogen water products have a problem with preserving and maintaining the content of hydrogen. However, the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention was at least 86.07 to 88.12%. As described above, the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention was maintained at least 1.0 ppm even after an hour. Thus, the hydrogen water product of the present invention is thought to be more effective in the human body than the conventional hydrogen water products.

[0158] In particular, FIG. 3 shows that hydrogen was abundantly contained in the hydrogen water produced according to the present invention even at temperatures ranging from room temperature (25 C.) to 45 C. While the hydrogen concentration of the conventional hydrogen water products as a control group merely ranged from 0.1 ppm to 0.2 ppm at temperatures from room temperature (25 C.) to 45 C. one hour after the conventional hydrogen water products were opened, the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water product of the present invention was at least 1 ppm at temperatures from room temperature (25 C.) to 45 C. one hour after the hydrogen water product of the present invention was opened.

[0159] After opened, conventional beverages containing gas discharge gas fast when temperature rises above room temperature. On the contrary, after opened, hydrogen in the hydrogen water produced by means of the apparatus and method for producing hydrogen water of the present invention was maintained for a certain period of time even when temperature rose above room temperature.

Experimental Embodiment 2

Confirmation of the Quality of Hydrogen Water of the Present Invention in Relation to Long-Term Preservation

[0160] In order for an expiry date of a hydrogen water product of the present invention to be determined, changes in the hydrogen concentration of three lots (repeated three times per lot) of hydrogen water products (packaged in aluminum cans) produced according to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen water of the present invention were observed for one-month intervals while the three lots were stored in a thermo-hygrostat at 25 C., 35 C. and 45 C. for twelve months. In this case, the hydrogen water products were stored in the state where the hydrogen water products were not opened. As a control group, Beanus grace, which is reduced hydrogen water (electrolyzed hydrogen water), produced by Kanesa in Japan and packaged in an aluminum can), and nano bubble hydrogen water, which is injected with hydrogen gas, produced by NNB in Korea and packaged in an aluminum pouch, were used.

[0161] A hydrogen concentration is measured using a system equipped with DH-35A, a sensor for dissolved hydrogen, manufactured by Dong-A DKK.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Experimental condition Storage temperature 35 C., 45 C. Control (distribution) 25 C. temperature Storage period 12 months Measurement temperature 20 C. Frequency of experiments 6 times Frequency of repeating Three times per lot experiments (three lots, nine times)

[0162] FIG. 4 illustrates results of measuring changes in the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water products for twelve months. Contrary to the initial hydrogen concentration, the hydrogen concentration of the conventional hydrogen water products ranged from 30 to 38% (reduced hydrogen water) or ranged from 27 to 34% (nano bubble hydrogen water) twelve months later. Thus, the conventional hydrogen water products have a problem with preserving and maintaining the content of hydrogen. However, the hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention was at least 86 to 88%.

[0163] The hydrogen content of the hydrogen water product produced according to the above-described present invention is thought to be higher than that of the conventional hydrogen water products, and the shelf life of the hydrogen water product produced according to the present invention is thought to be more than twice as long as that (four to six months) of the conventional hydrogen water products.

Experimental Embodiment 3

Confirmation of the Positive Effects of Hydrogen Water of the Present Invention on Particulate Matter-Induced Diseases

<3-1> Changes in the Body Weight and the Weight of the Lungs of a Model with Pneumoconiosis

[0164] FIG. 5A illustrates an outline of an animal experiment. Specifically, a wistar rat (n=7/group) was provided with purified water (PW10 or PW30) and hydrogen water (HW10 or HW30) twice per day for ten weeks (oral administration through a drinking fountain) in doses listed in Table 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, particulate matter (CNP; carbon nanoparticles, Sigma-Aldrich Korea. Carbon Nanopowder) the diameter of which ranges 20 nm to 500 nm was directly sprayed (10-30 mL sprayed per kg of body weight) into the bronchi four weeks so as to cause particulate matter-induced pneumoconiosis, after the experimental materials were provided. Then, the experimental materials were further administered for six weeks. The weight of experimental animals was measured once per week while the experimental materials were administered for ten weeks. After the experimental materials were administered for ten weeks, autopsies were performed on the experimental animals so as to examine the levels of accumulated particulate matter and damage in the lung tissue of the experimental animals, and the reaction in the immune system in blood.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 The Number Experimental group Mark Dose of animals Control group (normal) Normal 7 Group where CNP 7 pneumoconiosis developed Group where PW10 10 7 pneumoconiosis ml/kg/day developed + group with low doses of purified water Group where PW30 30 7 pneumoconiosis ml/kg/day developed + group with high doses of purified water Group where HW10 10 7 pneumoconiosis ml/kg/day developed + group with low doses of hydrogen water Group where HW30 30 7 pneumoconiosis ml/kg/day developed + group with high doses of hydrogen water

[0165] FIG. 6 and Table 4 show that the body weight of rats decreased and then increased when particulate matter was sprayed into the bronchi of the rats the body weight of which normally increased (CNP challenge). The body weight of rats provided with purified water or hydrogen water increased a little faster.

[0166] Additionally, the weight of the lungs of rats exposed to particulate matter (CNP challenge) increased. It is thought that this resulted from the accumulated particulate matter and inflammatory responses. The weight of the lungs of the group where hydrogen water of the present invention was administered decreased up to a level similar to that of the lungs of the normal group, contrary to the group where purified water was administered (ref. Table 4).

<3-2> Confirmation of Effects on Suppressing the Accumulation of Particulate Matter in the Body and on Preventing and Treating Pneumoconiosis

[0167] The levels of accumulated particulate matter and damage in the lungs of the experimental animals in <3-1> were confirmed. An experimental method is specifically described as follows. Tissue was fixed with a neutral formalin solution and treated by means of usual operations of treating tissue so that a paraffin tissue slide may be made. Then the tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and levels of carbon nanoparticles and inflammation in the lung tissue were observed with an optical microscope.

[0168] Additionally, effects of hydrogen water on the suppression (removal) of the accumulation of particulate matter in blood and the activation of phagocytes of macrophages were confirmed through a following method.

[0169] Specifically, a carbon suspension (Pelikan c11/1432a, Barcelona, Spain) was centrifuged at 5,000 rpm for 15 minutes, and the supernatant liquid is diluted threefold in a saline solution containing 1.5% of gelatin so that a 30 mg/ml carbon suspension (particulate matter sample) may be produced. Each of the experimental materials (PW10, PW30, HW10, HW30) was orally administered into a male ICR mouse for seven days, the carbon suspension was intravenously injected into the male ICR mouse in a dose of 10 ml/kg on the next day, and then 50 l of blood was drawn from the male ICR mouse 0.5 minute and 10 minutes later. 1 ml of 0.1% Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 liquid was added to 50 l of the drawn blood so as to destruct red blood cells, absorbance was measure at 600 nm, and a carbon clearance (removal) rate was measured. Additionally, K (phagocytic index) was deducted through the following formula on the basis of the measured absorbance. In the following formula, C.sub.0.5 and C.sub.10 respectively denote the concentration of carbon at t.sub.0.5 and t.sub.10.

[00001]$K=\frac{1}{t_{10}-t_{0.5}}.Math.\log .Math.\frac{C_{0.5}}{C_{10}}$

[0170] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when particulate matter was sprayed into the bronchi, pneumoconiosis develops while the particulate matter was significantly accumulated in the lungs (5.6 out of 10 points, FIG. 7A) and the lungs were damaged (5.2 out of 10 points, FIG. 7B). The levels of accumulated particulate matter and lung damage in the group in which purified water was administered were similar to those in the CNP group. Thus, purified water did not have a meaningful effect on pneumoconiosis. In particular, the level of accumulated particulate matter in the PW30 group was higher than that in the CNP group. On the contrary, the levels of accumulated particulate matter and lung damage in the group in which hydrogen water of the present invention was administered were meaningfully lowered. Thus, the significant effects of hydrogen water of the present invention on preventing and treating pneumoconiosis were confirmed. Additionally, the effects of hydrogen water on preventing and treating pneumoconiosis were highly dependent on the dose of the hydrogen water.

[0171] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 8, particulate matter (carbon particle) directly injected into the blood in the group treated with hydrogen water of the present invention was significantly reduced compared to the group in which purified water was administered (FIG. 8A). In particular, the particulate matter (carbon) clearance rate in the blood of the HW10 group was 3.5 times higher than that of the CNP group as a positive control group while the particulate matter (carbon) clearance rate in the blood of the HW30 group was 6.7 times higher than that of the CNP group. Further, the activation of phagocytes of macrophages of the group treated with hydrogen water of the present invention significantly increased (FIG. 8B).

[0172] Hydrogen water of the present invention, as described above, significantly suppressed the accumulation of particulate matter and removed particulate matter in the lungs and blood, and significantly improved and alleviated the symptoms of pneumoconiosis caused by particulate matter.

<3-3> Effects on Suppressing Particulate Matter-Induced Allergy

[0173] The blood of the experimental animal in <3-1> was analyzed. As illustrated in Table 5, it turned out that that the number of monocytes and white blood cells (WBC) was reduced after particulate matter was sprayed. Thus, particulate matter is thought to undermine the immune system and cause a reduction in the number of platelets. Additionally, carbon nanoparticles are thought to cause an increase in the number of eosinophils, which is one of the causes of allergies. On the contrary, hydrogen water of the present invention meaningfully reduced the number of eosinophils involving allergic reactions (ref. Table 5).

<3-4> Effects on Suppressing Inflammation

[0174] It is known that various diseases such as pneumoconiosis caused by particulate matter are accompanied by inflammatory responses. As in <3-2>, hydrogen water of the present invention increased the activation of macrophages, and in general, it is known that activated macrophages secrete an inflammatory mediator such as NO etc. and involves an inflammatory repose. Accordingly, the effect of hydrogen water of the present invention on inflammation was confirmed. A specific method for performing an experiment is described as follow.

[0175] RAW264.7 cells as a macrophage cell line were used, divided by 110.sup.6 cells/ml per well in microwell plates and cultured at 37 C. A complex treatment was performed on the positive control group and experimental groups with interferon- (IFN-, 10 U/ml) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 g/ml). Then the experimental groups were treated with purified water (PW1, PW5, PW10, PW20) or hydrogen water of the present invention (HW1, HW5, HW10, HW20). After treated, the control and experimental groups were cultured in a CO.sub.2 incubator for 48 hours at 37 C. After 48 hours, 100 l of each culture liquid was collected and reacted with the same amount of Griess reagent (1% sulfanilamide, 0.1% N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride, 2.5% phosphoric acid) for 10 minutes, and absorbance was measured at the wavelength of 540 nm so that the content of nitrite from a nitrite standard curve was quantified.

[0176] As a result of the experiment, macrophages stimulated with IFN- and LPS, as illustrated in FIG. 9, secreted a large amount of NO. Hydrogen water of the present invention meaningfully suppressed the secretion of NO (FIG. 9B) while purified water had almost no effect on suppressing the secretion of NO (FIG. 9A). In general, activated macrophages are known for inducing inflammatory responses. Hydrogen water of the present invention suppressed the inflammation-related activation of macrophages while selectively increasing the activation of phagocytes as in experimental embodiment <3-2>.

[0177] A person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms within the technical spirit and essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments and experimental embodiments are provided only as examples and that the present invention is not construed as being limited to the embodiments and experiments. It should be further understood that the scope of the present invention is defined only according to the appended claims rather than the detailed description of the invention and that all the modifications and modified forms drawn from the meaning, scope and equivalent concept to which the claims are entitled are included within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS

[0178] 10: Water collecting container [0179] 20: Pump [0180] 30: Purification and sterilization part [0181] 40: First hydrogen gas supply part [0182] 50: Hydrogen water forming part [0183] 60: Controller [0184] 70: Fragrance mixing part [0185] 80: Hydrogen water packaging part [0186] 90: Container insertion part [0187] 100: Hydrogen blower [0188] 101: Timing sensor [0189] 110: Second hydrogen gas supply part [0190] 120: Liquid nitrogen insertion part [0191] 130: Seaming part