Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a concentrated liquid composition premix for providing a liquid detergent on dilution in water.

Background of the Invention

Consumers prefer to use various cleaning products for their house-hold chores. Laundry detergent, dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners are examples of such cleaning products. Often these products are available in various formats, such as, powder, bar, liquid, pods etc. Liquid format is one of the formats preferred by consumers.

A liquid detergent may contain detersive actives, sequestrants, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, enzyme etc. In addition, it contains significant amount of water. Preferably, water acts as carrier for said ingredients and helps in forming a homogenous composition. However, high water content makes the product bulky. Thus, packaging of the product requires substantial amount of material, such as, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate etc., which are often sourced from non-renewable resources. In this regard there is continuous effort to reduce such consumptions.

One of the ways to reduce such consumptions, is to have a product in liquid concentrated premix or dilutable format. A consumer is expected to dilute such product in water to form a liquid detergent and store it in a container. Such products are often termed as ‘dilutable’ or ‘dilute at home’ or ‘Do it Yourself’ (abbreviated as ‘DiY’), which implies that consumers prepare their own detergent from a concentrated premix by adding water into it. This differs from in-use dilution, where the consumer doses an aliquot of the detergent into to a bucket of water or in tub of a washing machine forming a ‘wash liquor’ and use it for washing. ‘Wash liquor’ is typically low in detersive active content, has viscosity comparable to water and used immediately after preparation. On other hand, ‘dilutable’ or ‘dilute at home’ or ‘DiY’ liquid detergents preferably contain higher amount of detersive active, as well as has certain product attributes.

Viscosity is one of such attributes, which can be correlated to factors, such as, pourability of the product, ease of dissolution of the product when added in water, as well as to sensory of the product. It is desired that the liquid detergent formed on dilution of a ‘DiY’ product or concentrated premix, has viscosity such that a consumer can relate it with conventional liquid detergents available in market. Typically, liquid products in detergent context have certain viscosity significantly higher than water.

Further, it is desired that the liquid detergent formed on dilution of a ‘DiY’ or ‘dilute at home’ product or concentrated premix, has viscosity such that a consumer can relate it with conventional liquid detergents available in market, i.e., viscosity of the liquid detergent should be comparable with conventional liquid detergent available in market,

In this regard, US 2005/0112081 (Clariant GmbH, 2005) discloses compositions comprising oxylakoylated polyglycerol esters, one or more organic solvents and water.

EP 3 714 945 A1 (Applechem Inc., 2018) discloses a liquid thickener composition comprising polyalkoxylated polyol polyester having guerbet moieties. Compounds contained therein relate to polyalkoxylated polyol polyester having a viscosity allows a product to be poured.

WO 2017/075681 (Oxiteno S.A., 2017) discloses a thickener composition comprising a mixture of one or more alkoxylated polyol esters, one or more ethoxylated sorbitan esters and glycerol, used to increase the viscosity of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and of surface and fabric cleaners, as well as to make these products easier to formulate. The thickener composition described is compatible with a great variety of formulations of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and of surface and fabric cleaners comprising one or more surfactants, co-surfactants, solvents, fragrances, emulsifiers, preservatives, salts, pigments and/or colouring agents, besides other inert compounds with regard to the end performance, this composition being capable of increasing the viscosity thereof in a stable a measurable manner.

W02012/082097 A1 (Colgate-Palmolive Co, 2012) discloses an aqueous, acidic, self - preserving, liquid cleaning composition, typically a dishwashing liquid, having a pH for the composition within the range of 2.5 to 5 initially and upon dilution, which composition comprises a plurality of surfactants, the surfactants including surfactant active components comprising from greater than 39% to up to 55% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, wherein the composition has a viscosity of from 80 to 3000 mPas as measured at 25° C, and the composition is dilutable with water to form a non -gelling diluted composition having up to five times the volume of the undiluted composition and a viscosity within the range of 80 to 3000 mPas as measured at 25° C at any dilution up to the five times dilution.

Although the prior art documents disclose various concentrated compositions, there is still a need for an improved concentrated liquid composition premix for providing a stable liquid detergent on dilution in water and the liquid detergent has one or more attributes similar to conventional liquid detergents available in market.

The present inventors while working on this have surprisingly found that a concentrated liquid composition premix comprising an alkoxylated polyol polyester having specific structure and a fatty alcohol provides a stable liquid detergent on dilution in water, wherein the liquid detergent has a viscosity comparable or higher than the composition premix and it is similar to conventional liquid detergents.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a concentrated liquid composition premix for forming a liquid detergent on dilution comprising: a) 30 to 90% wt. surfactant; b) an alkoxylated polyol polyester comprising at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester; and c) a C4 to C18 fatty alcohol.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a unit dose product for providing a liquid detergent on dissolution in water comprising a composition premix according to the first aspect contained in a water-dissoluble pouch.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a liquid detergent obtained by dissolving a composition premix according to the first aspect in water, wherein the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range 1 : 1 to 1 :20 by weight.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for providing a liquid detergent comprising steps of diluting a composition premix according to the first aspect in water, wherein the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range from 1 : 1 to 1 : 20 by weight.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from reading of the following detailed description. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of’ or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated

Detailed Description of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a concentrated liquid composition premix comprising: a) 30 to 90% wt. surfactant; b) an alkoxylated polyol polyester comprising at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester; and c) a C4 to C18 fatty alcohol.

Surfactant

The composition premix comprises a surfactant. The composition premix comprises 30 to 90 % wt., more preferably 40 to 85 % wt., even more preferably 45 to 80 % wt., most preferably 50 to 75 % wt. of surfactant.

Preferably the surfactant is selected form anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and combinations thereof.

Anionic surfactant

Preferably the composition premix comprises an anionic surfactant.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS). Preferably the linear alkylbenzene sulphonate has an alkyl chain with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the “para” position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically contains 11 to 15 carbon atoms, predominantly 12 carbon atoms. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulpho-phenyl isomers except for the 1 -phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. , HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. Preferably the counterion is an ammoniacal counterion. Preferably the counterion is selected from monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine (MIPA), monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Most preferred counterion is monoethanolamine (MEA) or monoisopropanolamine (MIPA).

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate (AES). Preferably the alkyl ether sulphate (AES) has alkyl chain containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphate may contain from 1 to 10 ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide units per molecule, preferably contain 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5 and most preferably 1 to 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphates having a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and containing an average of 1 to 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. A preferred example is lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) with an ammoniacal counterion, in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate with an ammoniacal counterion Preferably the ammoniacal counterion is selected from monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine (MIPA), monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Most preferred ammoniacal counterion is monoisopropanolamine (MIPA).

Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl ether sulphates, linear alkyl benzene sulphonates and combinations thereof with ammoniacal counterion selected from monoisopropylamine (MIPA), monoisopropylamine, ammonium, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA). Preferably, the ammoniacal counterions are independently selected for each anionic group.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulphonate with monoethanolamine (MEA-LAS) and/or linear alkylbenzene sulphonate with monoisopropanolamine (MIPA-LAS).

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate with monoisopropanolamine (MIPA-LES).

In a most preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises a combination of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate with monoethanolamine (MEA-LAS) and lauryl ether sulphate with monoisopropanolamine (MIPA-LES). Example of suitable anionic surfactant also includes alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS), such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates having alkyl chain length with 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

Preferably the anionic surfactant is present at an amount 50 to 100% wt. of the total amount of the surfactant. Preferably the amount of the anionic surfactant is in the range 30 to 90 %wt. of the composition premix. More preferably, the amount of the anionic surfactant is in the range 35 to 85 %wt., even more preferably 40 to 80 %wt. and most preferably 45 to 75% wt. of the composition premix.

Non-ionic surfactants

The composition premix may comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include water soluble aliphatic ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants including the primary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and secondary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates. This includes the condensation products of a higher alcohol (e.g., an alkanol containing about 8 to 16 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration) condensed with about 4 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, lauryl or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), tridecanol condensed with about 6 to 15 moles of EO, myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, the condensation product of EO with a cut of coconut fatty alcohol containing a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying from 10 to about 14 carbon atoms in length and wherein the condensate contains either about 6 moles of EO per mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO per mole of alcohol and tallow alcohol ethoxylates containing 6 EO to 11 EO per mole of alcohol.

Examples of the foregoing non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the NeodolTM (Shell), which are higher aliphatic, primary alcohol containing about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, such as C9 to C11 alkanol condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide. Such ethoxamers have an HLB (hydrophobic lipophilic balance) value of about 8 to 15 and give good O/W emulsification, whereas ethoxamers with HLB values below 7 contain less than 4 ethylene oxide groups and tend to be poor emulsifiers and poor detergents.

Another group of suitable non-ionic surfactants are alkyl polyglycosides(APG) which are sugar derivatives of fatty alcohol. Example of such surfactants are decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside.

Examples of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate suitable for the invention include those with an alkyl chain with a secondary ethoxylate joined thereto. The secondary ethoxylate comprises from 2 to 20 EO groups, preferably from 5 to 12 and most preferably 9 EO groups. The alkyl chain preferably comprises from 8 to 22 carbons, more preferably from 10 to 14 and most preferably 12. The alkyl chain is preferably saturated. Secondary ethoxylates suitable for the invention available commercially under tradename Tergitol® from Dow.

Other suitable non-ionic surfactant includes C10 to C18 fatty amide, for example, dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide (Ninol CAA, Stepan) and coco diethanolamide.

Preferably the amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in the range from 1 to 40% wt. for the composition premix. More preferably the amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in the range from 3 to 35% wt., even more preferably 5 to 30% wt. and most preferably 7 to 25% wt. of the composition premix.

Alkoxylated polyol polyester

The composition premix comprises an alkoxylated polyol polyester. The alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester.

The alkoxylated polyol polyester in combination with the fatty alcohol provides desired viscosity to the composition premix as well as to the liquid detergent formed on dilution of the composition premix. Surprisingly it is found that the liquid detergent formed on dilution has comparable or higher viscosity compared to the composition premix.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises 50 to 1000, more preferably 100 to 800 and most preferably 200 to 600 alkoxylate units.

Preferably each alkoxylate group comprises 30 to 150, even more preferably 30 to 120 and most preferably 30 to 80 alkoxylate units on average per polyol.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises a polyol having 3 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 20 even more preferably 5 to 15 and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

The polyol in the present invention can be natural polyols or synthetic polyols of having at least three hydroxyl groups, and their examples are shown (but not limited to) from the following classes of compounds:

Sugar alcohols, also called polyhydric alcohol or polyalcohol with at least three hydroxyl groups, having the general formula of HOCH2(CHOH)xCH2OH. Examples include, but not limited to, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotritol, maltotetraitol, and polyglycitol; Disaccharide, which is formed from two monosaccharide by dehydration via glycosidic linkage, examples include but not limited to, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose; Dextrin with a chemical structure of (C6H10O5)n, where n is from 2 to 20; Pentaerythritol and di-pentaerythritol; Dendrimer polyols, for examples, Bolton(R)H2004, H2003, and H20 have 6, 12, and 16 terminal hydroxyls, respectively; Polyglyceryls with 3 to 10 glycerin units, with six or more hydroxyl groups, and glycerol.

Preferably, the polyol is selected from polyols having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups, more preferably selected from sorbitol, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

The alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises at least two C4 to C40 fatty acid ester. Preferably the fatty acid ester has 10 to 30, more preferably 12 to 24 and most preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably the fatty acid ester independently selected from laurate, stearate, isostearate, guerbet acid ester and combinations thereof.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester has HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) values more than 10.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester is available with an organic career selected from of mono or polyhydric alcohols and ether, ester or amide derivatives and hydrophobic thickeners containing non-ionic alkanolamines, ethoxylated C10 to C14 alcohols, liquid alkanolamines and combinations thereof.

Preferred alkoxylated polyol polyesters include 40-50% PEG/PPG-120/10 trimethylolpropane trioleate; lauryl polyoxyl-6 glycerides I hydrogenated palm/palm kernel oil PEG-6 esters; PEG- 150 pentaerythrityl tetra-stearate, PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetra-stearate; PEG-20 glyceryl tristearate, PEG-20 glyceryl tri-isostearate, PEG-10 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-40 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-60 glyceryl trioleate; sorbeth-230 tetraoleate; and PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate, PEG- 120 methyl glucose trioleate.

Commercially available alkoxylated polyol polyesters include Sorbithix L-100 (Applechem LLC.), Versathis MBAL-LQ (Croda), Labrafil M2130 CS (Gattefosse), Sorbax PTO-20 (PCC), Atlas G1096 (Croda), Arylpon TT (BASF), SP Crothix MBAL LQ (Croda), Examlex GWS 320, GWIS 320, GWO 320, GWO 340, GWO 360 (Nihon Emulsions), and Novethix HC220 (Lubrizol).

One of the preferred alkoxylated polyol polyester is Sorbeth 230 tetraoleate with decyl glucoside and sorbitan laurate available under the tradename Sorbithix L100™ from Applechem Inc. Preferably the amount of the alkoxylated polyol polyester is in the range 1 to 15% wt. of the composition premix. More preferably the amount of the alkoxylated polyol polyester is in the range 1.5 to 12% wt., even more preferably 2 to 10% wt. and most preferably 3 to 8% wt. of the composition premix.

Fatty alcohol

The composition premix comprises a C4 to C18 fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol in combination with the alkoxylated polyol polyester provides desired viscosity in concentrate premix as well as in the liquid detergent formed on dilution. It is observed that the combination of the fatty alcohol and the alkoxylated polyol polyester helps in viscosity build-up in dilution.

Preferably the fatty alcohol has number of carbon atoms from 5 to 12, more preferably 5 to 10 and most preferably 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Preferably the fatty alcohol has a linear or branched fatty chain. Most preferred fatty alcohol is heptanol or octanol.

Preferably the amount of the fatty alcohol is in the range 0.1 to 15 %wt. of the composition. More preferably, the amount of fatty alcohol is in the range 0.5 to 12 %wt., even more preferably 1 to 10 %wt. most preferably 2 to 8 %wt. of the composition premix.

Viscosity

Preferably the composition premix has a viscosity in the range 100 to 1000 mPa.S, more preferably 200 to 900 mPa.S, and most preferably 300 to 800 mPa.S at 20 S' ¹ shear rate and 25 °C. Preferably the viscosity is measured by Rheometer using plate or cone geometry.

The composition premix provides a liquid detergent on dilution in water. Preferably the dilution ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1 :1 to 1 :20 by weight, more preferably 1 :2 to 1 :15, even more preferably 1:3 to 1:10 and yet more preferably 1 :4 to 1:8 by weight. Most preferred dilution ration of the composition premix to water is 1:5 by weight.

Preferably the liquid detergent has a viscosity in the range 100 to 2000 mPa.S, more preferably 200 to 1600 mPa.S, and most preferably 300 to 1200 mPa.S measured at 20 S' ¹ shear rate and 25 °C. It is observed that the liquid detergent formed on dilution has a viscosity comparable or higher than that of the composition premix.

£H

Preferably the composition premix has a pH value in the range 5.0 to 8.0, more preferably 5.5 to 7.5 and most preferably 6.0 to 7.0. The pH of the composition premix is strictly controlled such that the pH does not change during dilution by the consumer.

The composition premix preferably comprises a sequestrant. Preferably the sequestrant is selected from organic detergent builders or sequestrant materials. Examples include the alkali metal, citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, and citric acid. Other examples are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering agents sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

Other suitable organic builders/sequestrants include the higher molecular weight polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties. For example, such materials include appropriate polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, and polyacrylic/polymaleic acid copolymers and their salts, for example those sold by BASF under the name SOKALAN™.

The composition may comprise 0.5 to 20% wt. more preferably 1 to 10% wt. of sequestrant. A preferred sequestrant is Dequest® 2066 (Diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or Heptasodium DTPMP). Other suitable sequestrant is 1 -Hydroxyethylidene -1 ,1 , - diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA).

Water

The composition premix is in liquid concentrate format. Preferably, the composition premix comprises less than 10% wt. water. Preferably the amount of water includes the amount added to the composition premix during preparation and the amount added along with a further raw material in which it is incorporated. For example, many surfactants are commercially available as aqueous solutions or suspensions of surfactants.

Most preferably, the composition premix comprises less than 5% wt. water, and most preferably less than 1 % wt. water.

Preferably the composition is visually clear. The term ‘visually clear’ herein refer to a turbidity of less than 30 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) at 25° C.

Non-aqueous solvent

Preferably the composition premix comprises a non-aqueous solvent as carrier or balancing ingredient. Preferably the solvent is miscible or soluble in water. Preferably the solvent works as balance in the composition premix. Preferably the non-aqueous solvent comprises a hydrotrope. Hydrotrope may also work as balance in the composition premix. Hydrotrope are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols, e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; C3 to C9 triols, e.g., glycerol; polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 200 to 600, and alkyl aryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group, e.g., sodium and potassium salt of xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropyl benzene (cumene) sulfonates. Mixtures of any of said materials may also be used. Most preferred non-aqueous solvent is monopropylene glycol.

Examples of other non-aqueous solvent suitable for the invention include glycol ethers such as diethylene glycol alkyl ether, dipropylene glycol alkyl ether, dipropylene dimethyl ether; alkyl esters such as, alkyl levulinate, alkyl octanoate, methyl and alkyl soyate, ; C1 to C4 alkyl amide such as N, N-dimethyl alkenamide, more preferably N, N-dimethyl decenamide; alkyl alkoxylate such as benzyl alkoxylate.

The composition premix may comprise 0.1 to 20% wt., more preferably 0.5 to 18% wt., even more preferably 1 to 16 %wt., and most preferably 3 to 15 %wt. of non-aqueous solvent. Preferably the amount of the nonaqueous solvent stated above exclude the amount of liquid fatty alcohol.

The composition premix preferably comprises an effective amount of one or more enzyme preferably selected from the group comprising, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, xylanases, xantanase, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, carrageenases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, p-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, tannases, amylases, nucleases (such as deoxyribonuclease and/or ribonuclease), phosphodiesterases, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are mixtures of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, phosphodiesterase, and/or pectate lyase.

Preferably the level of an enzyme is from 0.1 to 600, more preferably from 0.5 to 450, most preferably from 1 to 400 mg active enzyme protein per 100 g finished product.

Preferably the protease enzyme is present in the greatest weight fraction. Preferably the protease is present a level that are greater than 3 times any other single enzyme. Examples of preferred enzymes are sold under the following trade names Purafect Prime®, Purafect®, Preferenz® (DuPont), Savinase®, Pectawash®, Mannaway®, Lipex ®, Lipoclean ®, Whitzyme ® Stainzyme®, Stainzyme Plus®, Natalase ®, Mannaway ®, Amplify ® Xpect ®, Celluclean ® (Novozymes), Biotouch (AB Enzymes), Lavergy ® (BASF)

Detergent enzymes are discussed in WO 2020/186028(Procter and Gamble), WO 2020/200600 (Henkel), WO 2020/070249 (Novozymes), WO 2021/001244 (BASF) and WO 2020/259949 (Unilever).

A nuclease enzyme is an enzyme capable of cleaving the phosphodiester bonds between the nucleotide sub-units of nucleic acids and is preferably a deoxyribonuclease or ribonuclease enzyme. Preferably the nuclease enzyme is a deoxyribonuclease, preferably selected from any of the classes EC 3.1.21.x, where x=l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; EC 3.1.22.y where y=l, 2, 4 or 5, EC 3.1.30. z where z= 1 or 2; EC 3.1.31.1 and combinations thereof.

Cosurfactant

The composition premix preferably also contains one or more cosurfactants, such as amphoteric and/or cationic surfactants in addition to the anionic and non-ionic surfactants described above.

Specific cationic surfactants include C8 to C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides and derivatives thereof in which one or two hydroxyethyl groups replace one or two of the methyl groups, and mixtures thereof. Cationic surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 %wt. of the composition premix.

Specific amphoteric surfactants include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Amphoteric surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% wt. of the composition premix.

Further optional ingredients

A composition may further contain optional ingredients to enhance performance and/or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam control or anti foam agent, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), fluorescers, soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer, optical brighter, degreaser, dyes etc. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount effective to accomplish its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are included individually at an amount of up to 10% by weight of composition premix.

The composition premix may further comprise performance boosting polymers, such as soil release polymer (SRP) and/or anti-redeposition polymers (ARP). Such polymers are particularly included when the composition premix is provided for forming laundry liquid detergents. In laundering process, soil release polymers help in detachment of soils from fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing, whereas anti-redeposition polymers stabilises the soil in wash liquor thereby preventing redeposition on fabrics.

Soil release polymer may be selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids (for example adipic acid, phthalic acid or terephthalic acid), diols (for example ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and polydiols (for example polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The copolyester may also include monomeric units substituted with anionic groups, such as for example sulfonated isophthaloyl units. Examples of such materials include oligomeric esters produced by transesterification/oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, dimethyl terephthalate (“DMT”), propylene glycol (“PG”) and poly(ethyleneglycol) (“PEG”); partly- and fully-anionic-end-capped oligomeric esters such as oligomers from ethylene glycol (“EG”), PG, DMT and Na-3,6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctanesulfonate; nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds such as those produced from DMT, Me-capped PEG and EG and/or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and/or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate, and copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate.

Other types of SRP may be used in the present invention include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, C1-C4 alkylcelluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses; polymers with poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobic segments such as graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), for example C1-C6 vinyl esters (such as poly(vinyl acetate)) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones; poly(vinyl caprolactam) and related co-polymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and/or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and polyester-polyamide polymers prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam, and polyethylene glycol.

Preferably soil release polymer, when included, is in the range 0.1 to 10 %wt., more preferably 0.5 to 9 %wt. and most preferably 1.0 to 8 % wt. of the composition premix.

Examples of suitable anti redeposition polymers for the present invention include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines. Polyethyleneimines are materials composed of ethylene imine units - CH2CH2NH- and, where branched, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by another chain of ethylene imine units. Preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines for use in the invention have a polyethyleneimine backbone of about 300 to about 10000 weight average molecular weight (Mw). The polyethyleneimine backbone may be linear or branched. It may be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. The alkoxylation may typically be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of both. Where a nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, a preferred average degree of alkoxylation is from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 alkoxy groups per modification. A preferred material is ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, with an average degree of ethoxylation being from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone.

When included, the composition premix will preferably comprise 0.025 to 8% wt., more preferably 0.05 to 7 %wt. and most preferably 0.1 to 6 % wt. of the anti-redeposition polymers.

The composition premix may also comprise an anti-foam agent. Anti-foam agents are well known in the art and include silicones and fatty acid.

Preferably, when present, the amount of fatty acid is in the range 1.3 to 3.0 %wt., more preferably from 1.4 to 2.0% wt. and most preferably from 1.6 to 1.65% wt. of the composition premix.

Suitable fatty acids in the present context include aliphatic carboxylic acids of formula RCOOH, where R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond. Preferred examples of such materials include saturated C12 to C18 fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or stearic acid; and fatty acid mixtures in which 50 to 100% (by weight based on the total weight of the mixture) consists of saturated C12 to C18 fatty acids. Such mixtures may typically be derived from natural fats and/or optionally hydrogenated natural oils (such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil or tallow).

The fatty acids may be present in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts and/or in the form of soluble salts of organic bases, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine. Mixtures of any of the above-described materials may also be used.

For formula accounting purposes, in the formulation, fatty acids and/or their salts (as defined above) are not included in the level of surfactant or in the level of builder.

Packaging and dosing The composition premix may be formulated to form liquid laundry detergents or dishwashing detergents on dilution in water. In a preferred aspect, there is provided a unit dose product for providing a liquid detergent on dissolution in water comprising the composition premix contained in water-dissoluble pouch.

Preferably the water-soluble pouch made of water-soluble film. Preferably the water-soluble film comprises a water dissoluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), including homopolymers thereof (e.g., including substantially only vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units) and copolymers thereof (e.g., including one or more other monomer units in addition to vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate units). Preferably the water-soluble film comprises partially hydrolysed PVOH.

Other water soluble polymers for use in addition to the PVOH polymers and PVOH copolymers in the blend can include, but are not limited to modified polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, water- soluble acrylate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethyleneimine, pullulan, water-soluble natural polymers including, but not limited to, guar gum, gum Acacia, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and starch, water-soluble polymer derivatives including, but not limited to, modified starches, ethoxylated starch, and hydroxypropylated starch, copolymers of the forgoing and combinations of any of the foregoing. Yet other water-soluble polymers can include polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylamides, polyacrylic acids and salts thereof, celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, polyaminoacids, polyamides, gelatines, methylcelluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses and salts thereof, dextrins, ethylcelluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses, maltodextrins, and polymethacrylates. Such water-soluble polymers, whether PVOH or otherwise are commercially available from a variety of sources. Any of the foregoing water-soluble polymers are generally suitable for use as film-forming polymers. In general, the water- soluble film can include copolymers and/or blends of the foregoing resins.

The water-soluble film may further contain other auxiliary agents and processing agents, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, surfactants, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, cross-linking agents, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, detackifying agents, antifoams, nanoparticles such as layered silicate-type nanoclays (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bleaching agents (e.g., sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite or others), aversive agents such as bitterants (e.g., denatonium salts such as denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, and denatonium chloride; sucrose octaacetate; quinine; flavonoids such as quercetin and naringen; and quassinoids such as quassin and brucine) and pungents (e.g., capsaicin, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, and resinferatoxin), and other functional ingredients, in amounts suitable for their intended purposes. Preferably the film comprises a taste aversive such as denatonium benzoate and/or a pungent agent such as capsaicin.

Alternatively, a composition premix of the present invention may be provided in multidose plastics bottle or a flexible pouch with a closure. A dosing measure may be supplied with the bottle or the pouch either as a part of the cap or as an integrated system. Preferably the bottle or the flexible pouch comprises a polymer selected from polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrene (PS), polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, poly hydroxy alkanoates, poly vinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), biodegradable thermoplastics, starch-based thermoplastics, their derivatives, and combination thereof.

It may also be possible to provide the composition premix filled in a container with sufficient empty space. A consumer is expected to add water in the container up to a pre-set level and form the liquid detergent at their ease. In such cases, the container may be made of polymeric materials suitable for packaging application. Examples of suitable polymers include polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrene (PS), polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, poly hydroxy alkanoates, poly vinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), biodegradable thermoplastics, starch-based thermoplastics, their derivatives, and combination thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a liquid detergent obtained by diluting the composition premix in water, wherein the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range from 1 :1 to 1:20. Preferably the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range from 1 :2 to 1:15, even more preferably from 1 :3 to 1:10 and yet more preferably 1:4 to 1 :8 by weight. Most preferred dilution ratio of the composition premix to water is 1 :5.

The liquid detergent may have a viscosity similar to conventional liquid detergent. Preferably the liquid detergent has a viscosity in the range from 100 to 2000 mPa.S, more preferably 200 to 1600 mPa.S, and most preferably 300 to 1200 mPa.S at 20 S-1 shear rate and 25 °C. Preferably, the liquid detergent has a viscosity comparable or higher than that of the composition premix. The liquid detergent may be a laundry or dishwashing detergent.

In another aspect, there is provided a process for providing a liquid detergent for cleaning, comprising steps of diluting a concentrated liquid composition premix according to the present invention in water, wherein the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range 1 :1 to 1 :20 by weight. More preferably the ratio of the composition premix to water is in the range 1 :2 to 1 :15, even more preferably :3 to 1:10 and yet more preferably 1 :4 to 1:8 by weight. Most preferred dilution ratio of the composition premix to water is 1 :5. The resulting liquid detergent is stable and may be kept by the consumer until ready for use.

The composition premix may have a viscosity in the range from 100 to 1000 mPaS at 20 S-1 shear rate and 25 °C. Since the composition premix is a viscous liquid as compared to water, it may take few minutes to from a homogenous liquid. It may be possible to accelerate the dilution process, by stirring the water with an implement, such as, glass rod or by hand. Faster the dilution is better, since consumer may not prefer to wait for long.

Preferably the liquid detergent provided on dilution, has viscosity in the range from 100 to 2000 mPa.S, more preferably 200 to 1600 mPa.S, and most preferably 300 to 1200 mPa.S at 20 S' ¹ shear rate and 25 °C. Preferably, the liquid detergent has a viscosity comparable or higher than that of the composition premix. The liquid detergent may be a laundry or dishwashing detergent. The invention will now be illustrated by means of the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

Formulations were prepared following the recipe provided in table 1 as set out below:

Table 1 :

Ex-1 is within the scope of the invention, wherein Ex- A to C are comparative examples and fall outside the scope of the invention.

Evaluation of viscosity Viscosity of each formulation were evaluated in two forms viz. neat and diluted. The term ‘neat’ herein refers to the composition used as it is without dilution. In diluted form, each composition was diluted with water in a ratio 1 :5 by weight.

Viscosity of each formulation was measured using Rheocompass (Anton Paar GmbH), at 21S' ¹ shear rate and (25±2) °C with CP50 geometry. The results of the evaluation are summarized below:

Table 2:

According to table 2, Ex 1 shows viscosity build-up on dilution i.e. , has higher viscosity on dilution. Further Ex 1 provides significantly higher viscosity on dilution compared to Ex A to C.