TEXTILE COATED WITH MALODOR REDUCING POLYMERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The presently claimed invention relates to a textile coated with at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I). The presently claimed invention further relates to a method for coating the textile by treating it with a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I). The presently claimed invention also relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various skin areas of the body contain sweat glands that produce perspiration or sweat, on the surface of the skin. Some skin areas of the body perspire more profusely than others, one reason being the higher density or concentration of sweat glands in some skin areas of the body. Furthermore, some skin areas of the body, where perspiration is produced, have only limited exposure to light and/or air due to their anatomical location and/or their being normally covered by clothing. The axillae, otherwise known as the underarms or armpits, are skin areas of the body where perspiration is produced, oftentimes profusely, and where there is typically minimal light and ventilation resulting in a damp environment. These skin areas present an environment especially favorable to the proliferation of various bacterial organisms that ordinarily colonize the surface of the epidermis and become mixed with the perspiration produced thereon.

Malodor may be generated from a number of sources, mostly microbial and in particular bacterial sources (including compounds derived or produced therefrom). Although perspiration by itself is essentially an odorless fluid, the degradation or decomposition of perspiration by the bacterial organisms on the skin causes an offensive odor, commonly referred to as body odor or malodor. Certain strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus generate volatile fatty acids which is the reason for axillary malodor. The malodor gets deposited on to the clothing worn by humans.

Commercial underarm deodorant products most commonly comprise an antiperspirant component thereby attempting to control body odor by reducing the amount of perspiration produced by and on the skin, but do not directly act on the underlying bacterial organisms responsible for degrading or decomposing the perspiration into body odor. The anti-odor components that are found in commercial underarm deodorant products generally comprise chemical agents which are selected for their ability to diffuse odor. In many products, the anti-odor components attempt to absorb or merely mask the odor. Like the anti-perspirant components, the anti-odor components do not directly act on the underlying bacterial organisms that are responsible for degrading or decomposing perspiration into body odor.

In addition, due to their large surface area and ability to retain moisture, textiles are known as being conducive to microorganisms’ growth, such as bacteria and fungi, which can be found almost everywhere and are able to quickly multiply, depending on the moisture, nutrients and temperature levels. The microorganism’s growth on textiles causes a range of undesirable effects, not only on the textile itself, but also on the user. The main effect includes the generation of unpleasant odor or malodor and an increased likelihood of user contamination. Fabric refresher products have become a popular product in today's consumer goods market. Such products typically involve a liquid composition that is sprayed onto surfaces, such as fabrics, to reduce or remove malodor from the surfaces. Some of these products can also provide a pleasing scent by incorporation of perfume into the composition. However, such products utilize strong perfume scents to mask malodors by providing a scent stronger than the malodor, but they do not treat the cause of the odor.

Accordingly, it is an object of the presently claimed invention to provide textiles which leads to less malodor SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Surprisingly, it has been found that the object is achieved by coating the textile with an amphiphilic polymer containing hydrophilic units derived from ethylene oxide and hydrophobic units derived from the hydrocarbyl moiety.

Thus, in one aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to a textile coated with at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) wherein

Ri each independently, denote unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-OR ₂ , C(=0)- NHR2, R each independently, denote linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to C½ alkyl

R3 each independently, denote H or CH3,

Rt each independently, denote H or CH3,

R5 each independently denote H or CH3,

X denotes O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. The integer in the range of 1 to 10, for example, denote 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising at least the steps of:

(a) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile,

(b) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) for a time period of 0.1 minute to 24 hours.

In an aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) onto the textile, (II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising the steps of: (I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours. In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to the use of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of the general formula (I) for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile. In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising

(i) at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I), (ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); and (iii) optionally, at least one additive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present compositions and formulations of the invention are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular compositions and formulations described, since such compositions and formulation may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the presently claimed invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)" etc. and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms "first", "second", "third" or “(A)”, “(B)” and “(C)” or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)", "i", "ii" etc. relate to steps of a method or use or assay there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, that is, the steps may be carried out simultaneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps, unless otherwise indicated in the application as set forth herein above or below.

In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presently claimed invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or “in another embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may do so. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In one aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a textile coated with at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I),

wherein

Ri each independently, denote unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ , C(=0)-NHR , R ₂ each independently, denote linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci ₆ alkyl,

R3 each independently, denote H or CH3,

Rt each independently, denote H or CH3,

R ₅ each independently denote H or CH3, X denotes O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. Compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I)

The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is represented by the following structure, wherein

Ri each independently, denote unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ , C(=0)-NHR ₂ ,

R ₂ each independently, denote linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci6 alkyl

R ₃ each independently, denote H or CH3,

R4 each independently, denote H or CH3,

Rs each independently denote H or CH3,

X denotes O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

Within the context of the presently claimed invention, the term "alkyl”, as used herein, refers to acyclic or cyclic saturated aliphatic residues, including linear or branched alkyl residues. As used herein, “branched” denotes a chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it. Branching occurs by the replacement of a substituent, e.g., a hydrogen atom, with a covalently bonded aliphatic moiety. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl is unsubstituted and includes as in the case of C1-C16 alkyl 1 to 16 carbon atoms.

Representative examples of linear and branched, unsubstituted acyclic C1-C16 alkyl include, but are not limited to methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «- decyl, «-undecyl, «-dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «-hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-propyl heptyl, 2-ethyl hexyl and /-butyl. In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl is C ₁ -C ₆ , linear and substituted with phenoxy (C ₆ H ₅ O- ). Representative examples of linear C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl substituted with phenoxy include, but are not limited to methyl phenoxy (-CH ₂ -O-C ₆ H ₅ ), ethyl phenoxy(-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -0-C ₆ H ₅ ), propyl phenoxy (- CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5), butyl phenoxy (-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5), pentyl phenoxy (-CH2-

CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5) and hexyl phenoxy (-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5).

In an embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) has a z value in the range of 4 to 150 such that the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is a single compound or a mixture of compounds, wherein the mixture of compounds have different z values in the range of 4 to 150.

The preferred embodiments Ai to A ₅ and Bi to B ₅ of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) according to the presently claimed invention are summarized in Table-1 and Table-2 below:

The more preferred embodiments Ar, to Aio and Be to B15 of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) according to the presently claimed invention are summarized in the Table-3, Table-4 and Table-5 below:

The most preferred embodiments An to An and Bn to B ₂₀ of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) according to the presently claimed invention are summarized in the Table-5, Table-6 and Table-7 below:

In an aspect, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is obtainable by reacting a mixture of

(i) at least one monomer A of the general formula (II)

^H2C Y ^RI (II)

R ₃ wherein

RI each independently, denote unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ , C(=0)- NHR ₂ ,

R ₂ each independently, denote linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci ₆ alkyl,

R ₃ each independently, denote H or CH3, and

( ⁱⁱ ) at least one macromer B of the general formula (III) wherein

R4 each independently, denote H or CH ₃ ,

R ₅ each independently denote H or CH ₃ , X denotes O or NH, and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is a polymer. As used herein, the term "polymer" generally denotes a molecule having monomer units between five and a hundred. Unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible isomeric configurations of the monomers including, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries configurations, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the molecule.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is obtainable by reacting a mixture of

(i) at least one monomer A of the general formula (II)

^H2C Y ^RI (II)

R ₃ wherein

Ri each independently denote unsubstituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R2, R ₂ each independently denote linear, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ci ₆ alkyl or linear C1-C6 alkyl substituted with phenoxy,

R3 each independently denote H or CH ₃ , and

(H) at least one macromer B of the general formula (III) wherein

Rt denotes CH3,

R5 denotes CH3, X denotes O, and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is obtainable by reacting a mixture of (i) at least one monomer A of the general formula (II) wherein Ri each independently denote unsubstituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ ,

R ₂ each independently denote linear, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl or linear C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl substituted with phenoxy,

R3 each independently denotes H or CH ₃ , and

(H) at least one macromer B of the general formula (III) wherein

Rt denotes CH3, R5 denotes CH3,

X denotes O, and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

In a most preferred embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is obtainable by reacting a mixture of

(i) at least one monomer A of the general formula (II)

^H2C Y ^RI (II)

R ₃ wherein

R _I each independently denote unsubstituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ ,

R2 each independently denote linear, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl or linear C1-C6 alkyl substituted with phenoxy,

R3 each independently denote H or CH3, and (ii) at least one macromer B of the general formula (III) wherein R4 denotes CH3,

R5 denotes CH3,

X denotes O, and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 100.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer A) is selected from the group consisting of methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, n-amyl (meth)acrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, isoamyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, allyl (meth)acrylate, 2-n-butoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-chloroethyl (meth)acrylate, sec-butyl-(meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl (meth)acrylate, cinnamyl (meth)acrylate, crotyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, cyclopentyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, furfuryl (meth)acrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl (meth)acrylate, methallyl (meth)acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-methoxybutyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenylethyl (meth)acrylate, phenyl(meth)acrylate, propargyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate and tetrahydropyranyl (meth)acrylate. Example of suitable acrylate esters include, without limitation, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, styrene, vinyl toluene, tert butylstyrene and a-methylstyrene.

In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer A) is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl(meth)acrylate, acrylic acid, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, styrene, vinyl toluene, tert butylstyrene and a- methylstyrene. In a most preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer A) is selected from the group consisting of methyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl(meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxy ethyl acrylate and styrene.

In one embodiment, the at least one macromer B) is an ester of acrylic acid and polyethylene glycol.

In another embodiment, the at least one macromer B) is at least one ester of methacrylic acid and polyethylene glycol. In a more preferred embodiment said polyethylene glycol is esterified on one end with acrylic acid or (meth)acrylic acid and has been functionalized on the other end, for example by pro forma etherification with a methyl group.

In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one macromer B) is at least one ester of acrylic acid and polyethylene glycol mono methyl ether.

In a most preferred embodiment, the at least one macromer B) is an ester of methacrylic acid and polyethylene glycol mono methyl ether. Polyethylene glycol in this context implies a polyalkylene oxide that consists essentially of oxyethylene units and optionally a terminal alkyl ether group. In particular, polyethylene glycol comprises less than 10 mol% of oxyalkylene units different from oxyethylene. Preferably, polyethylene glycol as used in this context comprises less than 5 mol %, more preferably less than 1 mol % of oxyalkylene units different from oxyethylene. In a preferred embodiment, polyethylene glycol as used herein consists of oxyethylene units and a terminal alkyl ether group. Polyethylene glycol is in many cases prepared by ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide using alcohols like methanol, ethanol, n/iso-propanol or n/sec/tert-butanol as a starter. In an especially preferred embodiment, polyethylene glycol as used herein consists of oxyethylene units and a terminal methyl ether group.

In another embodiment, the at least one macromer B) has a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 200 to 8,000 g/mol, more preferably in the range of 200 to 5,000 g/mol, even more preferably in the range of 200 to 4,000 g/mol and most preferably in the range of 200 to 3,000 g/mol as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is prepared by solution polymerization of the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B). By the term “solution polymerization” it is meant that the monomer A) and the macromer B) are at least partly dissolved in the same solvent and the polymerization reaction takes place in s homogenous phase without the aid of additional surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are dissolved in at least one solvent and are subsequently polymerized. The at least one solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol and water. Suitable alcohols are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, 2-propanol or isopropanol, butanol and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent is alcohol under the prerequisite that the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are soluble in a homogenous phase. Preferably, the at least one solvent is a mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one solvent is a mixture of alcohol and water. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one solvent is a mixture of water and isopropanol. In an embodiment, the solvent mixture comprises water and alcohol in the ratio of 1 : 1. In another preferred embodiment, the solvent mixture is an azeotrope of alcohol and water. Preferably, the solvent mixture is an azeotrope of isopropanol and water. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are dissolved in iso-propanol. In another embodiment, the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are dissolved in a solvent mixture of isopropanol and water. Preferably, the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are dissolved in a 1:1 azeotropic mixture of isopropanol and water. The azeotropic mixture can be recycled and reused.

In another embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is prepared by free radical polymerization of the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B).

In a preferred embodiment, initiators for the free radical polymerization are selected from redox, azo- or peroxide initiators including, but not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, metachloroperbenzoic acid, 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'- azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride and 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN).

In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is prepared by free radical polymerization of the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B). The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is prepared by free radical polymerization of the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) in a molar ratio of 0.05:1 to 50:1.

Preferably, the molar ratio of the at least one monomer A) to the at least one macromer B) is in the range of 0.2: 1 to 15:1, more preferably in the rage of 0.3 : 1 to 10: 1 and most preferably in the range of 1:1 to 9:1. The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) has a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 3,000 to 100,000 g/mol, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The number average molecular weight (Mn) is determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography using a mixed bed scouting column for water soluble linear polymers at 35°C. The eluent used is 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH=7.4 containing 0.01 M sodium azide. The polymer is used as 1.5 mg/mL concentrated solution in the eluent. Before injection all samples are filtered through a 0.2 pm filter. The calibration is carried out with narrow poly(ethylene glycol) samples having molecular weights between 106 and 1,378,000 g/mol.

The at least one compound comprising repeating units of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is a statistical copolymer in which the at least one monomer A) and the at least one macromer B) are distributed statistically.

The textile can be coated with the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) before or after the textile has been manufactured into garments as part of an industrial textile treatment process. Alternatively, the textile can be coated with the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as part of a laundering process. Suitable laundering processes include large scale and small-scale (e.g. domestic) processes. The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) may be a main wash detergent composition, in which case the textile compatible carrier may be a detergent and the composition may contain other additives, which are conventional in main wash detergent compositions. Alternatively, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) may be adapted to the use in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundering process, and the textile compatible carrier may be simply water. If the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is applied during the wash or rinse cycle of a laundry process, a progressive build-up of benefits is expected after each wash. In an embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) finds application as a pre-spotter. Pre-spotters are usually applied directly to difficult stains shortly before the normal washing process. The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) can be used as a conventional pre-spotter that is applied just before washing. The textile is washed in a standard washing machine using a conventional washing protocol. Alternatively, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) can be used as a pre-spotter for a substantial time before the fabric is laundered. The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) pre-spotter may act as a "bucketless soak". The term "bucketless soak" entails that there is no need for promptly running a laundry load after a stain occurred, or promptly after the pre-spotter was used.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of: (a) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile, and (b) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) for a time period of 0.1 minute to 24 hours. According to the presently claimed invention, the textile is at least partly coated with the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I). By the term “coated” it is meant that the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) was deposited on the surface of the textile, covering it at least partly. The at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is normally bound to the surface of the textile via physisorption like adhesion.

"Solution" in this context shall mean that the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is dissolved in at least one solvent or at least one solvent mixture. The at least one solvent is selected from methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, 2-propanol or isopropanol, butanol and water. The at least one solvent mixture comprises ethanol and water.

A "solution" comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) means that the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is completely or partly dissolved in the at least one solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the solution is a clear solution without any turbidity. In another embodiment, the solution comprises the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) at least partly in dissolved state but shows turbidity. More preferably, the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is clear. ‘Clear’ herein refers to the clarity observed visually.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of: (a) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile, and (b) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) for a time period of 1 minute to 12 hours. In an embodiment, the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is present in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(a) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile, (b) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) for a time period of 0.1 minute to 24 hours; and

(c) rinsing the textile of step (b).

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(a) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile, (b) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) for a time period of 1 minute to 12 hours; and

(c) rinsing the textile of step (b). In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for preparing textile with anti-malodor finish; said process comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a textile,

(b) subjecting the textile to pre-treatment

(c) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) on to the textile at a temperature in the range of about 25 to 50 °C; and

(d) subjecting the textile to post-treatment to obtain a textile with anti-malodor finish.

Typically, the pre-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of scouring at a temperature of about 55-60°C, drying at a temperature of about 90-160°C, heat setting on a stenter at a temperature of about 170-210°C, dyeing, singeing, crabbing and shearing. Typically, the post-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of drying at a temperature of about 90-160°C, pressing and kier decasting at a temperature of about 100-115°C. Scouring is a process in which the grey textile is subjected to washing with the help of synthetic detergents and stain removers in order to remove dirt, dust, stains and various oily substances from the textile and making it suitable for further chemical & mechanical processing.

Dyeing is a process where different types of dye stuffs are impregnated into the textile in order to achieve the desired colour.

Singeing is a process in which the textile is made to pass over a series of flames across the entire width to burn out the fibers protruding from the fabric surface. This is done to make the textile surface smooth.

Crabbing sets the cloth and yarn twist by rotating the textile over cylinders through a hot-water bath, or through a series of progressively hotter baths, followed by a cold-water bath. Crabbing is done to stabilize the textile before dyeing and finishing and is necessary only for wool fabrics. Heat Setting is a process of conferring stability upon fibers, yarns, or textiles, by means of dry heat.

In the shearing process the textile is passed over a set of rotating helical blades, across the width of the textile to clean the surface hair.

Decasting is a finishing treatment whereby a textile's physical and dimensional form is enhanced and then stabilized by the use of heat, moisture, pressure and time. Generally, a pressure decasting method produces a permanent change in textile properties by the action of heat and pressurized steam at greater than 100 kPa (1 atm) pressure on a mechanically constrained textile, and is usually performed during the final stages of textile production for several reasons: (a) to develop desirable aesthetic qualities in the textile such as handle, luster and smoothness, (b) to improve the dimensional stability of the textile particularly for purposes of garment assembly, and (c) to permanently set or preserve these qualities during textile use.

The term ‘textile’ covers clothing, carpeting, drapery and upholstery. In a preferred embodiment, the textile is made of fibers selected from the group consisting of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

In an embodiment, the natural fibers are selected from the group consisting of flax, jute, cotton, silk, sheep wool, angora, mohair and cashmere.

In another embodiment, the synthetic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefins and polyamide fibers.

Examples of synthetic fibers are polyurethane fibers such as Spandex ^® or Lycra ^® , polyester fibers, polyolefins such as elastofin and polyamide fibers such as nylon. Fibers may be single fibers or parts of textiles such as knitwear, wovens, or nonwovens.

Because the textile fabrics, in particular those made of rayon, viscose, cotton, and mixtures thereof, tend to wrinkle because the individual fibers are sensitive to bending, kinking, compression, and squeezing perpendicularly to the fiber direction, synthetic crease-prevention agents can be used. These include, for example, synthetic products based on fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkylol esters, fatty acid alkylolamides, or fatty alcohols that are usually reacted with ethylene oxide, or products based on lecithin or modified phosphoric acid esters. In an aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution, onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I), onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours, and

(III) rinsing the textile of step (II).

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of: (I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I), onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 10 minutes to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution, onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 10 minutes to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I), onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 10 minutes to 12 hours, and

(III) rinsing the textile of step (II).

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising the steps of: (I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) onto the textile, (II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to the use of the at least one compound comprising repeating units of the general formula (I) for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile.

In an embodiment, the adhesion of the microorganism to a textile is reduced by at least 40% from the initial value over two days as determined by placing the textile in a glass vessel in an inoculum of bacteria (diluted with saline). The textile is removed from the glass vessel and the cell number of the liquid is determined by diluting in saline and spot plating on Tryptone soy agar (TSA). The countable spots are enumerated.

In a preferred embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium.

In another preferred embodiment, the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium.

In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium is Staphylococcus.

In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus.

In hospitals and institutions and other places, where sterile conditions are necessary, it is highly desirable to provide linen, including bed linen; table linen; towels; gowns; jackets, and other frocks for personnel; etc., which does not readily serve as a carrier for germs and other infections organisms. Infection of institutionalized patients, especially by Staphylococcus organisms, presents a considerable problem in view of the resistance of such organisms to standard treatments.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising

(i) at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I),

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); and

(iii) optionally at least one additive.

‘Laundry’ herein refers to any item or article made from textile material or including textile materials itself, such as woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics and knitted fabrics. The textile materials can include natural or synthetic fibers such as silk fibers, linen fibers, cotton fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers such as nylon, acrylic fibers, acetate fibers, and blends thereof, including cotton and polyester blends. The fibers can be treated or untreated. Exemplary treated fibers include those treated for flame retardancy. The term “linen” is used to describe certain types of laundry items including bed sheets, pillow cases, towels, table linen, table cloth, bar mops and uniforms. In an embodiment, the laundry detergent composition comprises

(i) 0.1 % to 20 % by weight of at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I),

(ii) 2.0 % to 60 % by weight of at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); and (iii) 0.5 % to 80 % by weight of at least one additive, in each case based on the total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the laundry detergent composition as described above is in solid or liquid form.

The term ‘solid’ refers to a composition which is generally in a shape-stable form at ambient temperature, for example a powder, particle, agglomerate, flake or granule. A solid may have varying degrees of shape stability and will substantially retain its shape under moderate stress, pressure or mere gravity.

“Liquid” as used herein means that a continuous phase or predominant part of the laundry detergent composition is liquid and that the composition flows freely and is of constant volume at ambient temperature (i.e., suspended solids may be included). ‘Deformable’ herein denotes that the composition will flow on applying pressure or on gentle shaking. Gels are included in the definition of ‘liquid’ as used herein.

In an embodiment, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises (i) at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I),

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I);

(iii) optionally at least one additive; and

(iv) water.

Surfactant

The laundry detergent composition of the present composition comprises at least one surfactant. The at least one surfactant is not the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I).

The at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Suitable anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of salt of alkyl sulfate, alkyl ether sulfate, □ -olefin sulphonate and linear alkyl benzene sulphonate. The alkyl sulfates are compounds of the formula:

ROSO ₃ M ⁺ wherein

R denotes linear or branched, unsubstituted Ce-Cn alkyl, and

M denotes alkali metal or ammonium cation

For the purposes of the presently claimed invention, the term “C6-C22-alkyl” covers acyclic saturated hydrocarbon residues, which may be linear or branched and unsubstituted having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. The alkyl sulfates are obtained by sulfating the higher alcohols (Ce- C22 carbon atoms) produced from the glycerides of tallow, coconut oil, suitable vegetable oil or synthetic alcohols followed by neutralization with alkali hydroxide. Thus, the alkyl sulfates also contain reaction by-products such as free salt (for example sodium chloride is the free salt by product, when neutralization agent is sodium hydroxide), free fatty alcohol, salt of fatty alcohol. Therefore, the solid content of the alkyl sulfate will be different from the active content. Active content denotes ‘the amount of alkyl sulfate’ present in the composition, whereas the solid content denotes ‘a total of alkyl sulfate, fatty alcohol, salt of fatty alcohol and the free salt’ in the composition. ‘Free’ herein denotes that the salt is not bound to the fatty alcohol/ alkyl sulfate by any kind of chemical bonding. Alkyl ether sulfates are compounds of the formula R-0-(C ₂ H 0) _n -S0 ₃ M wherein R' denotes linear or branched, unsubstituted Ce-Cn alkyl, n is from 1 to 20, and

M denotes alkali metal or ammonium cation. The alkyl ether sulfates are produced by the ethoxylation of fatty alcohol and thus will generally be obtained in the form of mixtures comprising varying alkyl chain lengths and varying degrees of ethoxylation. Frequently such mixtures will inevitably also contain some non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. a-Olefin sulphonates are generally produced by sulphonating a -olefin. The a -olefins, which are sulphonated to form the surfactants used in the compositions of the presently claimed invention, may contain from about 10 to 22 carbon atoms and preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. They may be derived from a variety of processes such as, for example, by wax cracking, ethylene built up or dehydration of the corresponding primary alcohol. Exemplarya-olefins are 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1 -pentadecene, 1-hexadecene, 1 -heptadecene, 1- octadecene and the like and mixtures of the aforesaid. Sulphonation of these long chain olefins is typically carried out utilizing sulfur trioxide mixed with a diluent. After the sulphonation is completed, neutralization and hydrolysis of the acid mixture is carried out so that any by-product sultones which are formed are converted to the corresponding hydroxy-alkane sulphonates. Thus, as is well known in the art, the term a-olefin sulphonates as used herein includes not only the alkene sulphonate itself but also admixtures of the same that are formed as a result of the usual sulphonation neutralization, and hydrolysis procedure with substantial proportions of the corresponding water soluble hydroxyalkane sulphonates. Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LABS) is produced by sulphonation of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) and subsequent neutralization of the corresponding sulphonic acid (HLAS). Linear alkylbenzene is synthesized by the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins. Traditional processes for alkylation of aromatics compounds use Friedel-Craft type catalysts, for example, hydrofluoric acid, aluminum trichloride and the like.

Anionic surfactant may also include alkylamide sulphates of formula R6CONHR7OSO3M wherein

Rs denotes a C2-C22 alkyl,

R ₇ C2-C3 alkyl radical, and

M is a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal cation or ethoxy lated (EO) and/or propoxylated (PO) derivatives thereof, containing on average from 0.5 to 60 EO and/or PO units;

Further anionic surfactants are, salts of C8-C24, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, alkylglyceryl sulphonates, paraffin sulphonates, N-acyl N-alkyltaurates, alkylphosphates, isethionates, alkylsuccinamates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, sulphosuccinate monoesters or diesters, N-acyl sarcosinates, alkylglycoside sulphates, polyethoxycarboxylates, the cation being an alkali metal (sodium, potassium or lithium), a substituted or unsubstituted ammonium residue (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl- or tetramethylammonium, dimethylpiperidinium, etc.) or an alkanolamine derivative (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, etc.) and alkyl or alkylaryl phosphate esters.

Cationic surfactants are a well-known group of surface-active compounds which have at least one active cationic (positive ion) constituent. As the cationic surfactant, quaternary ammonium hydroxides such as octyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, dodecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, octyldimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide, decyldimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide, didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, beef tallow trimethylammonium hydroxide, and coconut oil trimethylammonium hydroxide, and their salts can be exemplified. Examples of amphoteric surfactants comprise betaines, sulphobetaines and carboxylates and sulphonates of fatty acids and of imidazole, such as alkyldimethylbetaines, alkylamidopropyldimethylbetaines, alkyldimethylsulphobetaines or alkylamidopropyldimethylsulphobetaines, such as Mirataine CBS sold by the company Rhodia, and the products of condensation of fatty acids and of protein hydrolysates; alkylamphoacetates or alkylamphodiacetates, in which the alkyl group contains from 6 to 20 carbon atoms; amphoteric alkylpolyamine derivatives such as Amphionic XL ^® sold by Rhodia and Ampholac 7T/X ^® and Ampholac 7C/X ^® sold by Berol Nobel.

Among the nonionic surfactants which may be mentioned in particular are condensates of alkylene oxide, in particular of ethylene oxide, with alcohols, polyols, alkylphenols, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides and fatty amines; oxide amines, sugar derivatives such as polyalkylglycosides or fatty acid esters of sugars, in particular sucrose monopalmitate; long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides; dialkyl sulphoxides; block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and of polyoxypropylene; polyalkoxylated sorbitan esters; fatty esters of sorbitan, poly(ethylene oxide) and fatty acid amides modified so as to give them a hydrophobic nature (for example fatty acid mono- and diethanolamides containing from 10 to 18 carbon atoms). Particularly, polyoxyalkylated (polyethoxyethylated, polyoxypropylated or polyoxybutylated) alkylphenols in which the alkyl substituent is C6-C12 and containing from 5 to 25 oxyalkylene units, glucosamides, glucamides and glycerolamides; polyoxyalkylated C8-C22 aliphatic alcohols containing from 1 to 25 oxyalkylene (oxyethylene, oxypropylene) units.

Additional examples of suitable surfactants are compounds generally used as surfactants denoted in Surface Active Agents, volume I by Schwartz and Perry, and Surface-Active Agents and Detergents, volume II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch.

Additive The laundry detergent composition which is in the form of a liquid or a solid comprises at least one additive. The at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide and fragrances

In case of the solid laundry detergent composition, the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, fillers and fragrances.

In case of the liquid laundry detergent composition, the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, viscosity modifiers and fragrances. Polyacrylates

Polyacrylates that are suitable for the use as cleaning agents include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile and hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers.

Dye transfer inhibitors Suitable dye transfer inhibitors are, in accordance with the invention, for example, homopolymers, copolymers and graft polymers of 1 -vinylpyrrolidone, 1 -vinylimidazole and 4-vinylpyridine N- oxide. Reaction products of homopolymers and copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine with chloroacetic acid are also suitable as dye transfer inhibitors.

Solvents

The liquid laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention contains water in an amount (based on the total composition) from 2.0 wt.% to 84.0 wt.%, whereby this, if desired, can also be replaced proportionally by a water-soluble solvent component. Non-aqueous solvents that may be used in the liquid laundry detergent compositions can be selected from monovalent or polyvalent alcohols, alkanolamines or glycol ethers. The solvents are preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycolethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1 -butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3 -methyl-3 - methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and mixtures thereof. Enzymes

Enzymes can be added to the laundry detergent composition for a wide variety of fabric laundering purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains and for the prevention of refugee dye transfer as well as for fabric restoration. Preferred enzymes are selected from cellulases, proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof. The choice of the enzymes is governed by several factors such as the pH-activity and/or stability optima, the thermostability, the stability versus active detergents and the builders. Along with enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems may also be used, such as for example, calcium ions, boric acid, boronic acids, propylene glycol and short chain carboxylic acids.

Bleaching compounds

The bleaching compounds may be bleach catalysts or bleach activators and combinations thereof. The laundry detergent compositions according to the presently claimed invention can comprise one or more bleach catalysts. Bleach catalysts can be selected from the group of oxaziridinium- based bleach catalysts, bleach-boosting transition metal salts or transition metal complexes such as, for example, manganese-, iron-, cobalt-, ruthenium- or molybdenum-salen complexes or carbonyl complexes. Manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium and copper complexes with nitrogen-containing tripod ligands and cobalt-, iron-, copper- and ruthenium-amine complexes.

The laundry detergent compositions according to the presently claimed invention can comprise one or more bleach activators, for example, tetraacetyl ethylene diamine, tetraacetylmethylene diamine, tetraacetylglycoluril, tetraacetylhexylenediamine, acylated phenolsulphonates such as for example n-nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonates or isononanoyloxybenzene sulphonates, N- methylmorpholinium acetonitrile salts ("MMA salts"), trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts, N- acylimides such as, for example, N-nonanoylsuccinimide, l,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxohexahydro-l,3,5- triazine ("DADHF) or nitrile quats (trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts). Chelating agents The composition according to the presently claimed invention may include a chelating/sequestering agent such as an aminocarboxylic acid, a condensed phosphate, a phosphonate and a polyacrylate. In general, a chelating agent is a molecule capable of coordinating (i.e., binding) the metal ions commonly found in natural water to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action of the other detersive ingredients of a cleaning composition. Useful aminocarboxylic acids include, for example, n-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTP A), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA). Examples of condensed phosphates are sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyro-phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate.

Builders The laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention may also include a detergent builder to assist in controlling mineral hardness. Inorganic or phosphorus-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates.

Examples of silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a SiCUINfeO ratio from 1.6: 1 to 3.2: 1 and the layered silicates. Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates. Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed detergent compositions and can also be a significant builder ingredient in liquid detergent formulations. Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. Synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X.

Organic detergent builders include a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds. As used herein, “polycarboxylate” refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in the salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, lithium and alkanolammonium salts are preferred.

One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate. Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly abcyclic compounds.

Other useful detergency builders include the ether hydroxypoly carboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, l,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulphonic acid and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5 tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof. Citrate builders, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of importance for liquid detergent formulations due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradabibty. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Fatty acids, e.g., C12 - Cl 8 monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the aforementioned builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity.

Alkali metal hydroxide

The laundry detergent compositions of the presently claimed invention may also include alkali metal hydroxide as an additive. Preferable alkali metal hydroxide is selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. Viscosity modifiers

The liquid laundry detergent compositions of the presently claimed invention may also comprise viscosity modifiers or thickeners for obtaining a desired viscosity of the laundry detergent composition. Suitable viscosity modifiers are polysaccharides, for e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, organic clays (organically modified or un-modified), polycarboxylates and silicates. Some examples of additional thickeners include soluble organic or inorganic thickener material. Some examples of inorganic thickeners include clays, silicates and other well- known inorganic thickeners. Some examples of organic thickeners include thixotropic and non- thixotropic thickeners. In some preferred embodiments, the thickeners have some substantial pro- portion of water solubility to promote easy removability. Examples of soluble organic thickeners are, but not limited to, carboxylated vinyl polymers such as polyacrylic acids and sodium salts thereof, ethoxylated cellulose, polyacrylamide thickeners, xanthan thickeners, guar gum, sodium alginate and algin by-products, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose and other similar aqueous thickeners that have some substantial proportion of water solubility.

Fillers The solid laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention may also include a minor, but effective amount of one or more of a detergent filler which does not perform as a cleaning agent per se but cooperates with the cleaning agent to enhance the overall cleaning capacity of the composition. Fillers also provide a structure to the solid laundry detergent compositions. Examples of fillers suitable for use in the present laundry detergent compositions are, but not limited to, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, starch and sugars.

Fragrances Suitable fragrances are those derived from natural sources or are synthetic aromatic substances. Natural aromatic substances are, for example, extracts from blossom (lilies, lavender, roses, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), from stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), from fruit (aniseed, coriander, carraway, juniper), from fruit peel (bergamot, lemons, oranges), from roots (mace, angelica, celery, cardamom, costus, iris, calmus), from wood (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiacum wood, cedar-wood, rose-wood), from herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), from needles and twigs (spruce, pine, scots pine, mountain pine), from resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Typical synthetic aromatic substances are, for example, products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol or hydrocarbon type. Aromatic substance compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals having from 8 to 18 hydrocarbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxy citronellal, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include, for example, anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol and terpinol; and the hydrocarbons include mainly the terpenes and balsams. Ethereal oils of relatively low volatility, which are chiefly used as aroma components, are also suitable for fragrance, e.g. sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, oil of cinnamon leaves, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavandin oil. Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners (called "whiteners") can be added to the laundry detergent corn-positions according to the presently claimed invention in order to eliminate greying and yellowing of the treated textile fabrics. These substances attach to the fibres and bring about a brightening and simulated bleaching effect by converting invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible longer-wave light, with emission of the ultraviolet light absorbed from the sunlight as pale bluish fluorescence to give pure white with the yellow shade of greyed and/or yellowed laundry. Suitable optical brighteners are compounds of the substance classes of the 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonic acids (flavonic acids), 4,4'-distyrylbiphenylene, methylumbelliferones, coumarins, dihydroquinolinones, 1,3-diarylpyrazolines, naphthalimides, benzoxazole, benzisoxazole and benzimid-azole systems, and the pyrene derivatives substituted by heterocycles.

Other additional Ingredients A wide variety of other ingredients, based on the state of laundry detergent composition, i.e. solid or liquid can be included, such as other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, soda ash, pearbzing polymers, biocides and other soil release polymers.

The presently claimed invention offers one or more of following advantages: 1. Prolonged freshness of textile.

2. Less frequent washing of textile, leading to a reduced consumption of water, energy and chemicals. 3. This microbial contamination is a great concern, mainly for textiles used in hospitals as medical devices or for health and hygienic care, but also in sports clothing, water purification systems, animal feed and the food industry. The textile of the presently claimed invention finds application in these industries.

In the following, specific embodiments of the presently claimed invention are described:

1 A textile coated with at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula

(I) wherein

Ri each independently, denote unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R ₂ , C(=0)-NHR ,

R ₂ each independently, denote linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ci ₆ alkyl or linear Ci-Ce alkyl substituted with phenoxy,

R3 each independently, denote H or CH3,

Rt each independently, denote H or CH ₃ ,

R ₅ each independently denote H or CH ₃ ,

X denotes O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. The textile according to embodiment 1 , wherein Ri denotes unsubstituted phenyl. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein R2, independently, denotes methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «-decyl, «-undecyl, «- dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «-hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2-propyl heptyl, tert-butyl, neo pentyl, methyl phenoxy, ethyl phenoxy, propyl phenoxy, butyl phenoxy, pentyl phenoxy and hexyl phenoxy. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Rt denotes CH3. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein X is O. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein the ratio of n:m is in the range of 0.1 : 1 to 10:1. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein z is an integer in the range of 5 to 120. The textile according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the average molecular mass is in the range of 5000 g/mol to 100000 g/mol. The textile according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the textile is made of fibers selected from the group consisting of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The textile according to embodiment 9, wherein the natural fibers are selected from the group consisting of flax, jute, cotton, silk, sheep wool, angora, mohair and cashmere. The textile according to embodiment 9, wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefins and polyamide fibers. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3, Rt and R5 each independently is selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3, Rt and R5 each independently is selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH; n is an integer, m is an integer, and n:m is in the range of 0.5: 1 to 6:1; and z is an integer in the range of 20 to 100 The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3, Rt and R5 each independently is selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH; n is an integer, m is an integer, and n:m is in the range of 0.5: 1 to 6: 1 ; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 20. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 each independently is selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt is CH3 and R5 is selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. 17. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

18. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is O, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

19. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R ₃ is H, Rt and R ₅ are CH ₃ , X is O, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 20 to 100.

20. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is O, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 20.

21. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is O, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 30 to 60.

22. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is O; n is an integer, m is an integer, and n: m is in the range of 0.5 : 1 to 6: 1 ; and z is an integer in the range of 30 to 60.

23. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri is phenyl, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are CH3, X is O; n is an integer, m is an integer, and n:m is in the range of 0.5: 1 to 2: 1 and z is an integer in the range of 30 to 60. 24. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-0R ₂ , R2 independently denotes linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to C½ alkyl, R3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

25. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-0R ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

26. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. 27. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR2, R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 each independently are selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150.

28. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 each independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is O, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. 29. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-0R ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 4 to 150. 30. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 15 to 80.

31. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, n-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-dodecyl and ethyl phenoxy, R3 is CH3, R4 and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 30 to 70.

32. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 independently denotes methyl, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 5 to 20. The textile according to embodiment 1, whereinRi denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 1S independently denotes methyl, R3 is CH3, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer, m is an integer, and n:m is in the range of 0.1:1 to 10:1; and z is an integer in the range of 5 to 20. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR2, R2 independently denotes ethyl phenoxy, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH, n is an integer in the range of 1 to 10, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 10; and z is an integer in the range of 15 to 80. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein Ri denotes -C(=0)-OR ₂ , R2 independently denotes ethyl phenoxy, R3 is H, Rt and R5 are each independently selected from H or CH3, X is selected from O or NH; n is an integer, m is an integer, and n:m is in the range of 1 < n:m < 10; and z is an integer in the range of 15 to 80. A method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) putting a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 33 in contact with the textile,

(II) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 33 for a time period of 0.1 minute to 24 hours. The method according to embodiment 36, wherein at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) comprising repeating units is present in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution. 38. The method according to embodiments 36 and 37, which further comprises the step of (c) rinsing the textile of step (b).

39. A process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35 onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35 in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours.

40. A process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35 onto the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 24 hours. 41. The process according to embodiment 39 and 40, wherein the at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) is present in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

(III) The process according to embodiments 39 and 40, which further comprises the step rinsing the textile of step (II). 42. Use of at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35, for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile. 43. The use according to embodiment 43, wherein the microorganism is a bacterium.

44. The use according to embodiment 44, wherein the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium. 45. The use according to embodiments 44 or 45, wherein the bacterium is Staphylococcus.

46. The use according to one or more of embodiments 43 to 46, wherein the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

47. The use according to one or more of embodiments 43 to 47, wherein the bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus. 48. A laundry detergent composition comprising

(i) at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35,

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); and (iii) optionally, at least one additive.

49. The laundry detergent composition according to embodiment 49 comprising (i) 0.1 % to 20 % by weight of at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35,

(ii) 2.0 % to 60 % by weight of at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); and

(iii) 0.5 % to 80 % by weight of at least one additive in each case, based on the total weight of the composition.

50. The laundry detergent composition according to embodiments 49 and 50 which is in solid or liquid form.

51. The laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 49 to 51, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. 52. The laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 49 to 52, wherein the at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide and fragrances. 53. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to embodiment 51 comprising

(i) at least one compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I) as defined in one or more of embodiments 1 to 35,

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the compound comprising repeating units of general formula (I); (iii) optionally, at least one additive; and

(iv) water. EXAMPLES

Compounds Isopropanol Styrene (Sty)

Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

/er/-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate phenoxy ethyl acrylate « - B uty 1 m eth aery 1 ate (n-BMA)

Nonionic surfactant based on saturated iso-Cn alcohol

PEGMA2000, polyethylene glycol methacrylic ester with an average molecular mass Mn of 2000 g/mol PEGMAIOOO, polyethylene glycol methacrylic ester with an average molecular mass Mn of 1000 g/mol

PEGMA550, polyethylene glycol methacrylic ester with an average molecular mass Mn of 550 g/mol PEGMA350, polyethylene glycol methacrylic ester with an average molecular mass Mn of 350 g/mol

2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile (AIBN) Tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate is a 75% suspension in isododecane Wfk30A is polyester test fabric available from Testfabrics, Inc

Determination of molecular weight Molecular weights were determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography using a mixed bed scouting column for water soluble linear polymers at 35°C. The eluent used was 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH=7.4 containing 0.01 M sodium azide. The polymer used as 1.5 mg/mL concentrated solution in the eluent. Before injection all samples were filtered through a 0.2 pm filter. The calibration was carried out with narrow poly(ethylene glycol) samples having molecular weights between 106 and 1.378.000 g/mol.

Polymer Synthesis

Example 1: Preparation of Polymer XI (1:1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA2000 in isopropanol) 300 parts by weight of isopropanol, 400 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 (50 wt% solution in water) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. To this was added 0.4 parts by weight of 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) (AIBN) dissolved in 20 parts by weight of isopropanol. After one hour, 2.0 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 100 parts by weight of isopropanol. 10.4 parts by weight of styrene dissolved in 80 parts by weight of isopropanol were added after 2 hours. Thereafter, 100 parts by weight of 1 -propanol and 2.0 parts by weight AIBN was added during the six hours. The total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for another 2 hours, before being subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 1 : 1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA2000.

Example 2: Preparation of Polymer X2 (1:1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA1000 in isopropanol)

300 parts by weight of isopropanol, 291 parts by weight of PEGMAIOOO (50 wt% solution in water) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75 °C followed by addition of 0.1 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 20 parts by weight of isopropanol. After one hour 1.5 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 100 parts by weight of isopropanol and 14 parts by weight of styrene dissolved in 80 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within the next 2 hours. Thereafter, 100 parts by weight of 1 -propanol and 1.6 parts by weight of AIBN were added over six hours. The total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for another 2 hours and then subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 1 : 1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA1000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 19390 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 47680 g/mol. Example 3: Preparation of Polymer X3 (3:1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA2000 in isopropanol)

300 parts by weight of isopropanol, 200 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 (50 wt% solution in water) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. At 70°C 0.1 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 20 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After one hour 1.2 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 100 parts by weight of isopropanol and 15 parts by weight of styrene dissolved in 80 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within the next 2 hours. Thereafter, 100 parts by weight of 1 -propanol and 1.2 parts by weight of AIBN were added during 6h. The total reaction mixture was kept at 75 °C for another 2 hours, before being subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3 : 1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA2000. Number average molecular weight Mn = 17100 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 32680 g/mol.

Example 4: Preparation of Polymer X4 (3:1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA1000 in isopropanol) 150 parts by weight of isopropanol, 200 parts by weight of PEGMAIOOO (50 wt% solution in water) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. At 70°C 0.1 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 20 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After one hour 1.4 parts by weight of AIBN dissolved in 100 parts by weight of isopropanol and 29 parts by weight of styrene dissolved in 80 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within the next 2 hours. Thereafter, 100 parts by weight of 1 -propanol and 1.4 parts by weight of AIBN were added during 6h. The total reaction mixture was kept at 75 °C for another 2 hours, before being subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3 : 1 copolymer of styrene and PEGMA1000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 19880 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 74240 g/mol.

Example 5: Preparation of Polymer X5 (3:1 copolymer ofMMA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol) 382 parts by weight of isopropanol, 10.5 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 5 parts by weight of

MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.21 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 10 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.89 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 90 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 94.5 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 45 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 108 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.05 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 10 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. 1.05 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 10 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3 : 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550. Number average molecular weight Mn = 3910 g/mol, weight average molecular weight Mw = 7420 g/mol. Example 6: Preparation of Polymer X6 (3:1 copolymer ofMMA and PEGMA1000 in isopropanol)

228 parts by weight of isopropanol, 20.2 parts by weight of PEGMA1000 (50 wt% solution in water) and 2.8 parts by weight ofMMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.18 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 10 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.62 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 90 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 181.8 parts by weight of PEGMA1000 and 25.2 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 72 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at

75°C. It was subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA 1000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 11800 g/mol, weight average molecular weight Mw = 17820 g/mol.

Example 7: Preparation of Polymer X7 (3:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA2000 in isopropanol) 330 parts by weight of isopropanol, 34.7 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 (50 wt% solution in water) and 2.51 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.27 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 4 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min, 2.43 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 36 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 312 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 and 22.6 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 270 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. Afterwards, the reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. The reaction mixture was subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA2000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 14680 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 22550 g/mol.

Example 8: Preparation of Polymer X9 (3:1 copolymer of phenoxyethyl acrylate (POEA) and PEGMA2000 in isopropanol)

352 parts by weight of isopropanol, 25 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 (50 wt% solution in water) and 3.47 parts by weight of phenoxyethyl acrylate (POEA) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.22 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min, 1.98 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 45 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 225 parts by weight ofPEGMA2000 and 31.2 parts by weight of phenoxy ethyl acrylate dissolved in 108 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction mixture was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.1 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Then, again, 1.1 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 10.5 hours. Purification of the reaction mixture by water steam distillation provided a 3:1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA2000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 16860 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 26700 g/mol. Example 9: Preparation of Polymer XI 0 (3:1 copolymer of n-BMA and PEGMA2000 in isopropanol)

225 parts by weight of isopropanol, 18.9 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 (50 wt% solution in water) and 1.94 parts by weight of «-butylmethacrylate (n-BMA) were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 80°C. 0.15 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min, 1.35 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 45 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 4 hours and 170.1 parts by weight of PEGMA2000 dissolved in 45 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours and 17.46 parts by weight of n-BMA dissolved in 45 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 2 hours. The reaction mixture was kept for 2 hours at 80°C. 0.75 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 80°C for 30 minutes. 0.75 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the reaction mixture was kept at 80°C for 2.5 hours. Purification of the reaction mixture by water steam distillation provided a 3 : 1 copolymer of n-BMA and PEGMA2000.

Number average molecular weight Mn = 22980 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 43210 g/mol.

Example 10: Preparation of Polymer XI 1 (3:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol)

409 parts by weight of isopropanol, 13.3 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 6.3 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.27 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.73 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 2.40 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 15.6 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 119.3 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 57.1 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 354 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.33 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 8.7 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.33 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 8.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by water steam distillation to obtain a 3 : 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550. Number average molecular weight Mn = 3780 g/mol; weight average molecular weight Mw = 6670 g/mol.

Example 11: Preparation of Polymer X12 (3:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350 in isopropanol) 394 parts by weight of isopropanol, 9.1 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 6.3 parts by weight of

MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.21 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.33 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.85 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 12.0 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 81.7 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 57.1 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 216 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.03 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.7 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.03 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby isopropanol was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 3:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350.

Example 12: Preparation of Polymer X13 (6:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol) 410 parts by weight of isopropanol, 10.3 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 9.8 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.27 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 2.4 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 15.6 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 92.1 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 87.9 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 360 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within

3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.3 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 8.7 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.3 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 8.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 6: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550. Example 13: Preparation of Polymer X14 (6:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in water/isopropanol)

252 parts by weight of isopropanol and 67.7 parts by weight of deionized water, 7.7 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 7.4 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C.

0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 68.9 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 66.2 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in a mixture of 206 parts by weight of isopropanol and 61 parts by weight of deionized water were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert- butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 6:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550. Example 14: Preparation of Polymer X15 (3:1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol)

420 parts by weight of isopropanol, 7.8 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 7.2 parts by weight of POEA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 70.4 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 64.6 parts by weight of POEA dissolved in 270 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby isopropanol was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 3: 1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550.

Example 15: Preparation of Polymer XI 6 (6:1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol)

320 parts by weight of isopropanol, 5.3 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 9.7 parts by weight of POEA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 47.7 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 87.3 parts by weight of POEA dissolved in 270 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby isopropanol was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 6: 1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550.

Example 16: Preparation of Polymer XI 7 (6:1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550 in water/isopropanol) 252 parts by weight of isopropanol, 61 parts by weight of deionized water, 5.3 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 9.7 parts by weight of POEA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 47.5 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 87.5 parts by weight of POEA dissolved in a mixture of 206 parts by weight of isopropanol and 60.9 parts by weight of deionized water were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert- butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 6:1 copolymer of POEA and PEGMA550.

Example 17: Preparation of Polymer X18 (9:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in isopropanol)

320 parts by weight of isopropanol, 6.2 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 8.9 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 55.4 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 80.0 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 270 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-

2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby isopropanol was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 9: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550.

Example 18: Preparation of Polymer X19 (9:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in water/isopropanol)

252 parts by weight of isopropanol and 67.7 parts by weight of deionized water, 6.2 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 8.9 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 55.4 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 80.0 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in a mixture of 206 parts by weight of isopropanol and 60.9 parts by weight of deionized water were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert- butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 9:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550.

Example 19: Preparation of Polymer X20 (9:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550 in water/isopropanol + dilution upon distillation)

252 parts by weight of isopropanol and 67.7 parts by weight of deionized water, 6.2 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 8.9 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 55.4 parts by weight of PEGMA550 and 80.0 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in a mixture of 206 parts by weight of isopropanol and 60.9 parts by weight of deionized water were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert- butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by approximately the double amount of water to obtain a 9: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA550.

Example 20: Preparation of Polymer X21 (6:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350 in isopropanol)

320 parts by weight of isopropanol, 6.3 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 8.8 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 56.7 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 79.2 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in 270 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl- 2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby isopropanol was removed and continuously replaced by a similar amount of water to obtain a 6: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350.

Example 21: Preparation of Polymer X22 (6:1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350 in water/isopropanol + dilution upon distillation)

252 parts by weight of isopropanol and 67.7 parts by weight of deionized water, 6.3 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 8.8 parts by weight of MMA were mixed under nitrogen and heated to 75°C. 0.2 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 1.3 parts by weight of isopropanol were added. After 5 min 1.8 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2- dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 11.7 parts by weight of isopropanol were added within 3.5 hours and 56.7 parts by weight of PEGMA350 and 79.2 parts by weight of MMA dissolved in a mixture of 206 parts by weight of isopropanol and 60.9 parts by weight of deionized water were added within 3 hours. The reaction was kept for 2 hours at 75°C. Afterwards, 1.0 parts by weight of tert-butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol was added and the reaction mixture kept at 75°C for 30 minutes. Another 1.0 parts by weight of tert- butyl-2,2-dimethylpropaneperoxoate dissolved in 6.5 parts by weight of isopropanol were added and the total reaction mixture was kept at 75°C for 2.5 hours. Finally, the reaction mixture was subjected to purification by vacuum distillation (approximately 30mbar) whereby the solvent mixture was removed and continuously replaced by approximately the double amount of water to obtain a 6: 1 copolymer of MMA and PEGMA350.

Coating of model surfaces and fouling evaluation

Method and model surface: The surface adsorption (SA) was determined by a Quartz-Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D, a special embodiment of the QCM method) which measures the resonance frequency of a freely oscillating quartz crystal after excitation. The shift in resonance frequency scales inversely proportionally with mass changes at the quartz surface. The SA was calculated from the shift of the 7th overtone of the resonance frequency according to the method of Sauerbrey. The Q-Sense (Biolin Scientific Holding AB) operating system has a mass sensitivity of about 10 ng/cm2. QCM measurements were performed using standard flow-through methods with a flow rate of 50 pL/min at 23°C.

As relevant model surface, Wfk30A was chosen. For preparation of Wfk30A coated sensors, briefly, 40 pL of Wfk30A [1% suspension in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)] were spin-coated on gold quartzes at room temperature (30 s at 4000 rpm). Subsequently, coated sensors were baked for 2h at 220°C and directly used for measurements.

Procedure for measurements in buffer:

The experiments comprised the following steps and used an aqueous HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)- 1 -piperazine ethanesulphonic acid) buffer with pH 7 (“buffer”): 1) 10 mmol/L buffer until a stable baseline was achieved;

2) 2 h 0.1 wt% polymer solution in buffer;

3) 2 h buffer;

4) 0.5 h 0.1 wt% milk powder in buffer;

5) 0.5 h buffer.

Adsorption of the polymers synthesized as described above, on the model surfaces was carried out by equilibrating the modified quartz sensor surface with 0.1 wt% of the polymer solution (unless otherwise stated) until a monolayer was formed (step 2 above). Afterwards, the sensor surface was rinsed with buffer until a stable mass reading was obtained (step 3 above). Milk fouling was monitored during exposure of the samples to 0.1 wt% solutions of milk powder for 0.5 h. The final mass change was recorded after another 0.5 h of rinsing with buffer (steps 4 and 5 above). The results (based on double determination) are given in Table 7. Table 7: QCM measurements of fouling caused by milk

QCM measurements in washing formulations:

Wash formulation 1 (0.75 g/L) and wash formulation 2 (4g/l) in lOmM HEPES (4-(2- hy droxy ethyl)- 1 -piperazine ethanesulphonic acid) buffer at pH 7 (“solvent”) was used. As “buffer”, an aqueous HEPES (4-(2-hy droxy ethyl)- 1 -piperazine ethanesulphonic acid) buffer (10 mM) with pH 7 was applied. Adsorption of the polymers XI 2, XI 3 and XI 4 on the model surfaces was carried out by equilibrating the modified quartz sensor surface with 0.015 wt% of the respective polymer solution until a monolayer was formed). Afterwards, the sensor surface was rinsed with buffer until a stable mass reading was obtained. Milk fouling was monitored during exposure of the samples to 0.1 wt% solution of milk powder for 0.5 h. The final mass change was recorded after another 0.5 h of rinsing with buffer. Same procedure was applied for 0.0075 wt.%, 0.01 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% polymer. The results are given in Table 8, Formulations I-VT Table 8: QCM measurements of fouling caused by milk

Formulation I: Wash formulation 1 0.75g/L, 0.015% polymer Formulation P: Wash formulation 24g/L, 0.01% polymer

Formulation IP: Wash formulation 24g/L, 0.1% polymer

Formulation IV: Wash formulation 24g/L 2, 1% polymer

Formulation V: Wash formulation 1 0.75g/L, 0.0075% polymer

Formulation VI: Wash formulation 1 0.75g/L, 0.00015% polymer

Bacteria anti-adhesion test Test organism: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (S. aureus)

The overnight cultures were diluted 1 : 10 in saline to achieve 3.4 - 3.7 x l0 ⁷ colony forming unit per ml (cfu/ml).

Contact time (bacteria) and temperature of inoculum: 2h at 35°C under shaking conditions (~ 100 mot 1 / min) Elution media (“Neutralizer”): Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 with 1% Tween 80 and 0.3% soy lecithin Rinsing medium: saline solution 0.85%

Dilution media: saline solution 0.85%

Nutrient medium: Tryptone soy broth, Tryptone soy agar (TSA) Incubation of TSA plates: 18 - 20h at 36°C

Procedure (test-1)

2 x 2 cm polyester fabric (made by WFK Testgewebe GmbH) was washed with 100 ml of a 0.1% solution of Lutensol T07. The test fabric was rinsed with hot water and deionized water. A 0.1% solution of each of the polymers XI to X10 in HEPES (2-(4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazinyl)- ethansulphonic acid) buffer was prepared. The test fabric was placed in 10 ml of this solution for a time of 18 hours at room temperature with continuous shaking at 60 rpm. Fabrics were used in a wet state after coating for subsequent procedures. The inoculum was prepared by adding one part of S. aureus to ten parts of saline (0.85 % NaCl solution). The fabrics were transferred with tweezers in saline solution and rinsed two times in 10 ml saline (10 sec resp.) and were then placed in 5 ml inoculum for 2h at 35°C under shaking conditions (~ 100 mot 1 / min) in a humid chamber. After 2h of incubation the fabrics were rinsed two times in 2 x 10 ml saline (10 sec resp.) by using tweezers. The bacteria were removed from the fabrics by shaking them in glass vessels with 30 g glass beads in 10 ml phosphate buffer for two min each side (~ 250 mot 1 / min). The fabrics were removed from the glass vessels and the cell number of the liquid was determined by diluting in saline and spot plating on TSA (5 mΐ spots). The countable spots were enumerated. The results of % reduction of bacteria after 2 hours is given in Table-9. Table-9: Bacteria anti-adhesion test results

Results in Table-9 are given as % reduction of bacteria of surviving bacteria in the inoculum after contact with the fabrics treated with the polymers in comparison to fabrics treated only with HEPES buffer.

As indicated in Table-9, a percentage reduction of more than 40 % is observed in all the cases. The polymers of the presently claimed invention prevent bacteria from adhering to the fabric. By limiting the adhesion of the bacteria to the surface of the fabric, a reduction in the ill-effects caused by these bacteria, such a malodour is reduced.

Procedure (test 2)

Single-fiber adjacent polyester fabric (made by testex) was used unwashed. Polymer X5 was diluted in wash formulation 1 (0.075 wt.%) to achieve use concentrations of 7.5 ppm, 15 ppm and 75 ppm. The test fabric was placed in 10 ml of this solution for a time of 18 hours at room temperature with continuous shaking at 60 rpm. Fabrics were used in a wet state after coating for subsequent procedures. The inoculum was prepared by adding one part of S. aureus to ten parts of saline (0.85 % NaCl solution). The fabrics were transferred with tweezers in saline solution and rinsed two times in 10 ml saline (10 sec resp.) and were then placed in 5 ml inoculum for lh at 35°C under shaking conditions (~ 100 mot 1 / min) in a humid chamber. After lh of incubation the fabrics were rinsed two times in 2 x 10 ml saline (2 min resp.) under shaking conditions (~ 150 mot 1 / min) to remove non-adherent bacteria. The bacteria were removed from the fabrics by shaking them in glass vessels with 30 g glass beads in 10 ml phosphate buffer for two min each side (~ 250 mot 1 / min). The fabrics were removed from the glass vessels and the cell number of the liquid was determined by diluting in saline and spot plating on TSA (5 mΐ spots). The countable spots were enumerated. The results of % reduction of bacteria after 1 hour are given in Table- 10. Table-10: Bacteria anti-adhesion test results

Bacteria anti-adhesion test (test 3)

Test organism:

Staphylococcus aureus DSM 20231 (S. aureus ) Inoculum: Oϋboo of 0.2 (in 100ml 30% Tryptic soy broth (TSB) and 0.25% glucose)

Contact time (bacteria) and temperature of inoculum: lh at 33°C under shaking conditions (~ 60 mot 1 / min)

Rinsing medium: saline solution 0.85%

Dye solution: 0.5mg/ml Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) in 30% TSB and 0.25% glucose Solvent: Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)

Procedure (test 3)

Prewashed polyester (93% with 7% Elastane) was punched out in round samples of 2cm in diameter. A 0.1% and 0.02% solution of each of the polymers of X5, X7 and X9, was prepared in HEPES (2-(4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazinyl)-ethansulphonic acid) buffer respectively. The test fabric was placed in 100 ml of the solution for a time of 2 hours at room temperature with continuous shaking at 40 rpm. Fabrics were used in a wet state after coating for subsequent procedures. The inoculum was prepared by adjusting a 2-3 h S. aureus suspension in 30% TSB and 0.25% glucose to an Oϋboo of 0.2. The fabrics were rinsed one time in TBOand were then placed in 100 ml inoculum for lh at 33°C under shaking conditions (~ 60 mot 1 / min). After the incubation period the fabrics were rinsed four times in 100 ml saline (4 min at 150 rpm resp.). The rinsed fabrics were transferred into new plates and submersed with 3 ml INT-solution and incubated for 30 min at 37°C and 40 rpm. The supernatant was discarded and 1 ml of DMSO was added directly on the fabric to dissolve the dye. The textiles were incubated again for 10 min at room temperature and 100 rpm. The INT-DSMO solution was transferred into a cuvette and OD was determined at a wavelength of 470 nm. The results of % reduction of bacteria after 1 hour are given in Table-11.

Table- 11 : Bacteria anti -adhesion test results out of HEPES buffer