Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising lipases. More
in particular, the present invention relates to dye transfer inhibiting compositions
comprising a specific class of lipase.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Detergent compositions comprising enzymes are well known in the art. It is also well
recognized that enzyme deactivation occurs in detergent compositions formulated with
enzymes.
The loss of detergent activity of enzymes is among others depending on the presence
of adjunct detergent ingredients.
One type of adjunct detergent ingredients that is added to detergent ingredients are
metallo catalysts.
Said metallo catalysts are added to detergent compositions in order to inhibit the
transfer of dyes from colored fabrics onto other fabrics washed therewith. These catalysts
have the ability to oxidize the fugitive dyes washed out of dyed fabrics before the
dyes have the opportunity to become attached to the fabrics in the wash.
Copending European patent application No EP 92870181.2 describes metallo catalysts
which are very efficient in eliminating the transfer of solubilized or suspended dyes.
[0003] It has now been found that with the use of a particular class of lipases an improved
overall detergency performance can be obtained with dye transfer inhibiting compositions
formulated with metallo-catalysts.
[0004] This finding allows to formulate detergent compositions which exhibit excellent dye
transfer inhibiting properties while not adversely affecting the lipolytic activity.
[0005] According to another embodiment of this invention a process is also provided for
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to inhibiting dye transfer compositions comprising
metallo catalysts and an efficient amount of bleaching agent in combination with a
specific class of lipases.
Detailed description of the invention
Lipase :
[0007] An essential ingredient of the present invention is an active lipolytic enzyme characterized
in that the aminoacid sequence contains no methionine.
Preferred lipases are the fungal lipases producible by
Humicola lanuginosa.
The lipases are producible by a host organism in which the DNA encoding for the lipase
has been cloned and expressed.
Preferably the lipase is producible by the host organism Aspergillus.
Highly preferred lipases are lipases producible by cloning the gene from the fungal
lipases producible by
Humicola languginosa and expressing the gene in in Aspergillus oryzae as described in European patent
Application 0 258 068, which is commercially available under the tradename Lipolase®.
This Lipolase is also described in US patent 4, 810,414.
[0008] Other suitable lipases equivalent to the lipase defined above are lipases which show
a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipases as descibed
hereinabove.
[0009] The lipases of the present invention are included in the dye transfer inhibiting
composition in such an amount that the final composition has a lipolytic enzyme activity
of from 10 to 10000 LU/g, preferably 20 to 5000 LU/g of the dye transfer inhibiting
composition.
[0010] A Lipase Unit (LU) is that amount of lipase which produces 1/umol of titratable fatty
acid per minute in a pH-stat under the conditions as described in Novo method (Novo
publication AF 95.4/1 which is available on request)
Metallo catalyst
[0011] The preferred usage range of the catalyst in the wash is 10⁻⁸ molar to 10⁻³ molar,
more preferred 10⁻⁶ - 10⁻⁴ molar.
[0012] The essential metallo porphin structure may be visualized as indicated in Formula
I in the accompanying drawings. In Formula I the atom positions of the porphin structure
are numbered conventionally and the double bonds are put in conventionally. In other
formulae, the double bonds have been omitted in the drawings, but are actually present
as in I.
[0013] Preferred metallo porphin structures are those substituted at one or more of the
5, 10, 15 and 20 carbon positions of Formula I (Meso positions), with a phenyl or
pyridyl substituent selected from the group consisting of

wherein n and m may be 0 or 1; A is selected from water-solubilizing group, e.g.,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or carboxylate groups; and B is selected from the group
consisting of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ polyethoxy alkyl and C₁-C₁₀ hydroxy alkyl.
[0014] Preferred molecules are those in which the substituents on the phenyl or pyridyl
groups are selected from the group consisting of -CH₃, -C₂H₅, -CH₂CH₂CH₂SO₃-, -CH₂--,
and - CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃-, -SO₃.
[0015] A particularly preferred metallo phorphin is one in which the molecule is substituted
at the 5, 10 15, and 20 carbon positions with the substituent

This preferred compound is known as metallo tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin.
The symbol X¹ is (=CY-) wherein each Y, independently, is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine,
fluorine or meso substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkaryl or heteroaryl.
[0016] The symbol X² of Formula I represents an anion, preferably OH⁻ or Cl⁻. The compound
of Formula I may be substituted at one or more of the remaining carbon positions with
C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or oxyalkyl groups.

Porphin derivatives also include chlorophyls, chlorines, i.e. isobacterio chlorines
and bacteriochlorines.
[0017] Metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof have
a structure given in formula II.

where X can be alkyl, alkyl carboxy, alkyl hydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkyl sulfate,
alkylsulfonate, sulfate, sulfonate, aryl.
[0018] The symbol X² of Formula II represents an anion, preferably OH⁻ or Cl⁻.
[0019] The symbol X can be alkyl, alkylcarboxy, alkylhydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkylsulfate,
alkylsulfonate, sulfate, sulfonate.
[0020] Metallo phthalocyanines and derivatives have the structure indicated in Formula III,
wherein the atom positions of the phthalocyanine structure are numbered conventionally.
The anionic groups in the above structures contain cations selected from the group
consisting of sodium and potassium cations or other non-interfering cations which
leave the structures water-soluble. Preferred phthalocyanine derivatives are metallo
phthalocyanine trisulfonate and metallo phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate.

Another form of substitution possible for the present invention is substitution
of the central metal by Fe, Mn, Co Rh, Cr, Ru, Mo or other transition metals.
[0021] Still a number of considerations are significant in selecting variants of or substituents
in the basic porphin or azaporphin structure. In the first place, one would choose
compounds which are available or can be readily synthesized.
[0022] Beyond this, the choice of the substituent groups can be used to control the solubility
of the catalyst in water or in detergent solutions. Yet again, especially where it
is desired to avoid attacking dyes attached to solid surfaces, the substituents can
control the affinity of the catalyst compound for the surface. Thus, strongly negatively
charged substituted compounds, for instance the tetrasulfonated porphin, may be repelled
by negatively charged stained surfaces and are therefore most likely not to cause
attack on fixed dyes, whereas the cationic or zwitterionic compounds may be attracted
to, or at least not repelled by such stained surfaces.
An efficient amount of bleaching agent
[0023] The dye transfer inhibiting compositions according to the present invention comprise
an efficient amount of bleaching agent.
[0024] According to the present invention, an efficient amount of bleach is by definition
the necessary amount of bleach which combined with a bleach catalyst leads to a level
of dye oxidation which is between 40% to 100%, preferably 40% to 60%, more preferred
60% to 80%, most preferred 80%-100% of the maximum (Z) per cent of dye oxidation that
can be achieved under the most optimal conditions determined by those skilled in the
art.
[0025] The bleaches suitable for the present invention can be activated or non-activated
bleaches.
[0026] Preferably, the bleaches suitable for the present invention include peroxygen bleaches.
Examples of suitable water-soluble solid peroxygen bleaches include hydrogen peroxide
releasing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, perborates, e.g. perborate monohydrate,
perborate tetrahydrate, persulfates, percarbonates, peroxydisulfates, perphosphates
and peroxyhydrates. Preferred bleaches are percarbonates and perborates.
[0027] The hydrogen peroxide releasing agents can be used in combination with bleach activators
such as tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (NOBS, described
in US 4,412,934),3,5,5-trimethylhexanoloxybenzenesulfonate (ISONOBS, described in
EP 120,591), or pentaacetylglucose (PAG), which are perhydrolyzed to form a peracid
as the active bleaching species, leading to improved bleaching effect.
[0028] The hydrogen peroxide may also be present by adding an enzymatic system (i.e. an
enzyme and a substrate therefore) which is capable of generating hydrogen peroxide
at the beginning or during the washing and/or rinsing process. Such enzymatic systems
are disclosed in EP Patent Application 91202655.6 filed October 9, 1991.
[0029] Other peroxygen bleaches suitable for the present invention include organic peroxyacids
such as percarboxylic acids.
Test Methods:
[0030] For a given catalyst concentration, temperature and pH, the following two test methods
can be used to estimate the optimum bleach level that gives the maximum level of dye
oxidation, i.e. Z.
(a) In solution dye bleaching:
[0031] In a detergent solution, fix the initial concentration of dye (e.g. 40 ppm) and catalyst.
Record the absorbance spectrum of this solution Using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer according
to procedures known to those skilled in the art. Add a given concentration of bleach
(H2O2, oxone, percarbonate, perborate, activated bleach, etc.) and stir the solution
containing the dye and catalyst. After stirring for 30 min, record again the absorbance
spectrum of the solution. The amount of dye oxidation can then be determined from
the change in the absorbance maximum for the dye. Keeping the experimental conditions
the same, vary the amount of bleach so as to achieve the maximum dye oxidation.
(b) Reduction of dye transfer from fabric to another fabric
[0032] In either a washing machine or launderometer, add a known bleeding fabric and a known
uncolored pick-up tracer (e.g. cotton) to the wash load. After simulating a wash cycle,
determine the amount of dye that has been picked up by the tracer according to methods
known to those skilled in the art. Now to separate washing machines, add the same
amount of bleeding fabric and pick-up tracer, a fixed amount of catalyst and vary
the bleach level. Determine the level of dye transfer onto the pick-up tracers and
vary the amount of bleach as to minimize dye transfer. In this way the most optimal
bleach concentration can be determined.
DETERGENT ADJUNCTS
[0033] A wide range of surfactants can be used in the detergent compositions. A typical
listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic classes, and species of
these surfactants, is given in US Patent 3,664,961 issued to Norris on May 23, 1972.
[0034] Mixtures of anionic surfactants are particularly suitable herein, especially mixtures
of sulphonate and sulphate surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:2, preferably
from 3:1 to 2:3, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:1. Preferred sulphonates include alkyl
benzene sulphonates having from 9 to 15, especially 11 to 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl
radical, and alpha-sulphonated methyl fatty acid esters in which the fatty acid is
derived from a C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty source preferably from a C₁₆-C₁₈ fatty source. In each
instance the cation is an alkali metal, preferably sodium. Preferred sulphate surfactants
are alkyl sulphates having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, optionally
in admixture with ethoxy sulphates having from 10 to 20, preferably 10 to 16 carbon
atoms in the alkyl radical and an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 6. Examples
of preferred alkyl sulphates herein are tallow alkyl sulphate, coconut alkyl sulphate,
and C₁₄-₁₅ alkyl sulphates. The cation in each instance is again an alkali metal cation,
preferably sodium.
[0035] One class of nonionic surfactants useful in the present invention are condensates
of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic moiety to provide a surfactant having an average
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) in the range from 8 to 17, preferably from 9.5
to 13.5, more preferably from 10 to 12.5. The hydrophobic (lipophilic) moiety may
be aliphatic or aromatic in nature and the length of the polyoxyethylene group which
is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield
a water-soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic
and hydrophobic elements.
[0036] Especially preferred nonionic surfactants of this type are the C₉-C₁₅ primary alcohol
ethoxylates containing 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, particularly
the C₁₄-C₁₅ primary alcohols containing 6-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol
and the C₁₂-C₁₄ primary alcohols containing 3-5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of
alcohol.
[0037] Another class of nonionic surfactants comprises alkyl polyglucoside compounds of
general formula
RO (C
nH
2nO)
tZ
x
wherein Z is a moiety derived from glucose; R is a saturated hydrophobic alkyl group
that contains from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; t is from 0 to 10 and n is 2 or 3; x is
from 1.3 to 4, the compounds including less than 10% unreacted fatty alcohol and less
than 50% short chain alkyl polyglucosides. Compounds of this type and their use in
detergent are disclosed in EP-B 0 070 077, 0 075 996 and 0 094 118.
[0038] Also suitable as nonionic surfactants are poly hydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants
of the formula

wherein R¹ is H, or R¹ is C₁-₄ hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or a
mixture thereof, R² is C₅-₃₁ hydrocarbyl, and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having
a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain,
or an alkoxylated derivative thereof. Preferably, R¹ is methyl, R² is a straight C₁₁-₁₅
alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof, and Z is derived
from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, in a reductive
amination reaction.
The compositions according to the present invention may further comprise a builder
system. Any conventional builder system is suitable for use herein including aluminosilicate
materials, silicates, polycarboxylates and fatty acids, materials such as ethylenediamine
tetraacetate, metal ion sequestrants such as aminopolyphosphonates, particularly ethylenediamine
tetramethylene phosphonic acid and diethylene triamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid.
Though less preferred for obvious environmental reasons, phosphate builders can also
be used herein.
[0039] Suitable builders can be an inorganic ion exchange material, commonly an inorganic
hydrated aluminosilicate material, more particularly a hydrated synthetic zeolite
such as hydrated zeolite A, X, B or HS.
[0040] Another suitable inorganic builder material is layered silicate, e.g. SKS-6 (Hoechst).
SKS-6 is a crystalline layered silicate consisting of sodium silicate (Na₂Si₂O₅).
[0041] Suitable polycarboxylates containing one carboxy group include lactic acid, glycolic
acid and ether derivatives thereof as disclosed in Belgian Patent Nos. 831,368, 821,369
and 821,370. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include the water-soluble
salts of succinic acid, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy) diacetic acid, maleic acid,
diglycollic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well as the ether
carboxylates described in German Offenlegenschrift 2,446,686, and 2,446,687 and U.S.
Patent No. 3,935,257 and the sulfinyl carboxylates described in Belgian Patent No.
840,623. Polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include, in particular,
water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as well as succinate derivatives
such as the carboxymethyloxysuccinates described in British Patent No. 1,379,241,
lactoxysuccinates described in Netherlands Application 7205873, and the oxypolycarboxylate
materials such as 2-oxa-1,1,3-propane tricarboxylates described in British Patent
No. 1,387,447.
[0042] Polycarboxylates containing four carboxy groups include oxydisuccinates disclosed
in British Patent No. 1,261,829, 1,1,2,2-ethane tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane
tetracarboxylates and 1,1,2,3-propane tetracarboxylates. Polycarboxylates containing
sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed in British Patent
Nos. 1,398,421 and 1,398,422 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,936,448, and the sulfonated
pyrolysed citrates described in British Patent No. 1,082,179, while polycarboxylates
containing phosphone substituents are disclosed in British Patent No. 1,439,000.
[0043] Alicyclic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis-tetracarboxylates,
cyclopentadienide pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis, cis, cis-tetracarboxylates,
2,5-tetrahydrofuran -cis - dicarboxylates, 2,2,5,5-tetrahydrofuran - tetracarboxylates,
1,2,3,4,5,6-hexane -hexacarboxylates and and carboxymethyl derivatives of polyhydric
alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. Aromatic polycarboxylates include
mellitic acid, pyromellitic acid and the phtalic acid derivatives disclosed in British
Patent No. 1,425,343.
[0044] Of the above, the preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up
to three carboxy groups per molecule, more particularly citrates.
Preferred builder systems for use in the present compositions include a mixture of
a water-insoluble aluminosilicate builder such as zeolite A or of a layered silicate
(sks/6), and a water-soluble carboxylate chelating agent such as citric acid.
[0045] A suitable chelant for inclusion in the detergent compositions in accordance with
the invention is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) or the alkali metal,
alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures
thereof. Preferred EDDS compounds are the free acid form and the sodium or magnesium
salt thereof. Examples of such preferred sodium salts of EDDS include Na₂EDDS and
Na₄EDDS. Examples of such preferred magnesium salts of EDDS include MgEDDS and Mg₂EDDS.
The magnesium salts are the most preferred for inclusion in compositions in accordance
with the invention.
Especially for the liquid execution herein, suitable fatty acid builders for use herein
are saturated or unsaturated C10-18 fatty acids, as well as the corresponding soaps.
Preferred saturated species have from 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The
preferred unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid.
Preferred builder systems for use in granular compositions include a mixture of a
water-insoluble aluminosilicate builder such as zeolite A, and a watersoluble carboxylate
chelating agent such as citric acid.
Other builder materials that can form part of the builder system for use in granular
compositions include inorganic materials such as alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates,
silicates, and organic materials such as the organic phosphonates, amiono polyalkylene
phosphonates and amino polycarboxylates.
Other suitable water-soluble organic salts are the homo- or co-polymeric acids or
their salts, in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals
separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms.
Polymers of this type are disclosed in GB-A-1,596,756. Examples of such salts are
polyacrylates of MW 2000-5000 and their copolymers with maleic anhydride, such copolymers
having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 70,000, especially about 40,000.
[0046] Detergency builder salts are normally included in amounts of from 10% to 80% by weight
of the composition preferably from 20% to 70% and most usually from 30% to 60% by
weight.
[0047] Other detergent ingredients that can be included are detersive enzymes which can
be included in the detergent formulations for a wide variety of purposes including
removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains, for example,
and prevention of fugitive dye transfer. The enzymes to be incorporated include proteases,
amylases, lipases, cellulases, and peroxidases, as well as mixtures thereof. Other
types of enzymes may also be included. They may be of any suitable origin, such as
vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin.
[0048] Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to provide up to about 5 mg
by weight, more typically about 0.05 mg to about 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of
the composition.
[0049] Suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular
strains of B.subtilis and B.licheniformis. Proteolytic enzymes suitable for removing
protein-based stains that are commercially available include those sold under the
tradenames Alcalase , Savinase and Esperase by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark) and Maxatase
and Maxacal by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands) and FN-base by
Genencor, Optimase and Opticlean by MKC.
[0050] Of interest in the category of proteolytic enzymes, especially for liquid detergent
compositions, are enzymes referred to herein as Protease A and Protease B. Protease
A is described in European Patent Application 130,756. Protease B is described in
European Patent Application Serial No. 87303761.8.
[0051] Amylases include, for example, α-amylases obtained from a special strain of B.licheniformis,
described in more detail in British Patent Specification No. 1,296,839 (Novo). Amylolytic
proteins include, for example, Rapidase, Maxamyl (International Bio-Synthetics, Inc.)
and Termamyl,(Novo Industries).
[0052] The cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase.
Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 11. Suitable cellulases are
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, which discloses fungal cellulase
produced from Humicola insolens. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028
; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832.
[0053] Examples of such cellulases are cellulases produced by a strain of Humicola insolens
(Humicola grisea var. thermoidea), particularly the Humicola strain DSM 1800, and
cellulases produced by a fungus of Bacillus N or a cellulase 212-producing fungus
belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas
of a marine mollusc (Dolabella Auricula Solander).
Other suitable cellulases are cellulases originated from Humicola Insulens having
a molecular weight of about 50KDa, an isoelectric point of 5.5 and containing 415
amino acids. Such cellulase are described in Copending European patent application
No. 93200811.3, filed March 19, 1993.
Especially suitable cellulases are the cellulases having color care benefits. Examples
of such cellulases are cellulases described in European patent application No. 91202879.2,
filed November 6, 1991 Carezyme (Novo).
[0054] Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g. percarbonate,
perborate, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. They are used for "solution bleaching",
i.e. to prevent transfer of dyes of pigments removed from substrates during wash operations
to other substrates in the wash solution. Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art,
and include, for example, horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidase such
as chloro- and bromo-peroxidase.
Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are disclosed, for example, in PCT Internation
Application WO 89/099813 and in European Patent application EP No. 91202882.6, filed
on November 6, 1991.
[0055] In liquid formulations, an enzyme stabilization system is preferably utilized. Enzyme
stabilization techniques for aqueous detergent compositions are well known in the
art. For example, one technique for enzyme stabilization in aqueous solutions involves
the use of free calcium ions from sources such as calcium acetate, calcium formate
and calcium propionate. Calcium ions can be used in combination with short chain carboxylic
acid salts, preferably formates. See, for example, U.S. patent 4,318,818. It has also
been proposed to use polyols like glycerol and sorbitol. Alkoxy-alcohols, dialkylglycoethers,
mixtures of polyvalent alcohols with polyfunctional aliphatic amines (e.g., such as
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, di-isopropanolamime, etc.), and boric acid or alkali
metal borate. Enzyme stabilization techniques are additionally disclosed and exemplified
in U.S. patent 4,261,868, U.S. Patent 3,600,319, and European Patent Application Publication
No. 0 199 405, Application No. 86200586.5. Non-boric acid and borate stabilizers are
preferred. Enzyme stabilization systems are also described, for example, in U.S. Patents
4,261,868, 3,600,319 and 3,519,570.
Other suitable detergent ingredients that can be added are enzyme oxidation scavengers
which are described in Copending European Patent aplication N 92870018.6 filed on
January 31, 1992. Examples of such enzyme oxidation scavengers are ethoxylated tetraethylene
polyamines.
Especially preferred detergent ingredients are combinations with technologies which
also provide a type of color care benefit. Examples of these technologies are polyvinylpyrrolidone
polymers and other polymers which have dye transfer inhibiting properties. Other examples
are cellulase and/or peroxidases and/or metallo catalysts for color maintance rejuvenation.
Such metallo catalysts are described in copending European Patent Application No.
92870181.2.
In addition, it has been found that the polyamine-N-oxide containing polymers eliminate
or reduce the deposition of the metallo-catalyst onto the fabrics resulting in improved
whiteness benefit.
[0056] Another optional ingredient is a suds suppressor, exemplified by silicones, and silica-silicone
mixtures. Silicones can be generally represented by alkylated polysiloxane materials
while silica is normally used in finely divided forms exemplified by silica aerogels
and xerogels and hydrophobic silicas of various types. These materials can be incorporated
as particulates in which the suds suppressor is advantageously releasably incorporated
in a water-soluble or water-dispersible, substantially non-surface-active detergent
impermeable carrier. Alternatively the suds suppressor can be dissolved or dispersed
in a liquid carrier and applied by spraying on to one or more of the other components.
[0057] A preferred silicone suds controlling agent is disclosed in Bartollota et al. U.S.
Patent 3 933 672. Other particularly useful suds suppressors are the self-emulsifying
silicone suds suppressors, described in German Patent Application DTOS 2 646 126 published
April 28, 1977. An example of such a compound is DC-544, commercially available from
Dow Corning, which is a siloxane-glycol copolymer. Especially preferred suds controlling
agent are the suds suppressor system comprising a mixture of silicone oils and 2-alkyl-alcanols.
Suitable 2-alkyl-alcanols are 2-butyl-octanol which are commercially available under
the trade name Isofol 12 R.
Such suds suppressor system are described in Copending European Patent application
N 92870174.7 filed 10 November, 1992.
[0058] Especially preferred silicone suds controlling agents are described in Copending
European Patent application N°92201649.8 Said compositions can comprise a silicone/silica
mixture in combination with fumed nonporous silica such as Aerosil
R.
[0059] The suds suppressors described above are normally employed at levels of from 0.001%
to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.01% to 1% by weight.
[0060] Other components used in detergent compositions may be employed, such as soil-suspending
agents, soil-release agents, optical brighteners, fabric softening clays, abrasives,
bactericides, tarnish inhibitors, coloring agents, and/or encapsulated or non encapsulated
perfumes.
[0061] Antiredeposition and soil suspension agents suitable herein include cellulose derivatives
such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, and homo-
or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts. Polymers of this type include
the polyacrylates and maleic anhydride-acrylic acid copolymers previously mentioned
as builders, as well as copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene, methylvinyl
ether or methacrylic acid, the maleic anhydride constituting at least 20 mole percent
of the copolymer. These materials are normally used at levels of from 0.5% to 10%
by weight, more preferably from 0.75% to 8%, most preferably from 1% to 6% by weight
of the composition.
Preferred optical brighteners are anionic in character, examples of which are disodium
4,4¹-bis-(2-diethanolamino-4-anilino -s- triazin-6-ylamino)stilbene-2:2¹ disulphonate,
disodium 4, - 4¹-bis-(2-morpholino-4-anilino-s-triazin-6-ylaminostilbene-2:2¹ - disulphonate,
disodium 4,4¹ - bis-(2,4-dianilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino)stilbene-2:2¹ - disulphonate,
monosodium 4¹,4¹¹ -bis-(2,4-dianilino-s-triazin-6 ylamino)stilbene-2-sulphonate, disodium
4,4¹ -bis-(2-anilino-4-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamino)stilbene-2,2¹
- disulphonate, disodium 4,4¹ -bis-(4-phenyl-2,1,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbene-2,2¹ disulphonate,
disodium 4,4¹bis(2-anilino-4-(1-methyl-2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamino)stilbene-2,2¹disulphonate
and sodium 2(stilbyl-4¹¹-(naphtho-1¹,2¹:4,5)-1,2,3 - triazole-2¹¹-sulphonate.
[0062] Other useful polymeric materials are the polyethylene glycols, particularly those
of molecular weight 1000-10000, more particularly 2000 to 8000 and most preferably
about 4000. These are used at levels of from 0.20% to 5% more preferably from 0.25%
to 2.5% by weight. These polymers and the previously mentioned homo- or co-polymeric
polycarboxylate salts are valuable for improving whiteness maintenance, fabric ash
deposition, and cleaning performance on clay, proteinaceous and oxidizable soils in
the presence of transition metal impurities.
[0063] Soil release agents useful in compositions of the present invention are conventionally
copolymers or terpolymers of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol and/or propylene
glycol units in various arrangements. Examples of such polymers are disclosed in the
commonly assigned US Patent Nos. 4116885 and 4711730 and European Published Patent
Application No. 0 272 033. A particular preferred polymer in accordance with EP-A-0
272 033 has the formula
(CH₃(PEG)₄₃)
0.75(POH)
0.25[T-PO)
2.8(T-PEG)
0.4]T(PO
-
H)
0.25((PEG)₄₃CH₃)
0.75
where PEG is -(OC₂H₄)O-,PO is (OC₃H₆O) and T is (pcOC₆H₄CO).
[0064] Also very useful are modified polyesters as random copolymers of dimethyl terephtalate,
dimethyl sulfoisophtalate, ethylene glycol and 1-2 propane diol, the end groups consisting
primarily of sulphobenzoate and secondarily of mono esters of ethylene glycol and/or
propane-diol. The target is to obtain a polymer capped at both end by sulphobenzoate
groups, "primarily", in the present context most of said copolymers herein will be
end-capped by sulphobenzoate groups. However, some copolymers will be less than fully
capped, and therefore their end groups may consist of monoester of ethylene glycol
and/or propane 1-2 diol, thereof consist "secondarily" of such species.
[0065] The selected polyesters herein contain about 46% by weight of dimethyl terephtalic
acid, about 16% by weight of propane -1.2 diol, about 10% by weight ethylene glycol
about 13% by weight of dimethyl sulfobenzoid acid and about 15% by weight of sulfoisophtalic
acid, and have a molecular weight of about 3.000. The polyesters and their method
of preparation are described in detail in EPA 311 342.
[0066] The detergent compositions according to the invention can be in liquid, paste, gels
or granular forms. Granular compositions according to the present invention can also
be in "compact form", i.e. they may have a relatively higher density than conventional
granular detergents, i.e. from 550 to 950 g/l; in such case, the granular detergent
compositions according to the present invention will contain a lower amount of "inorganic
filler salt", compared to conventional granular detergents; typical filler salts are
alkaline earth metal salts of sulphates and chlorides, typically sodium sulphate;
"compact" detergents typically comprise not more than 10% filler salt. The liquid
compositions according to the present invention can also be in "concentrated form",
in such case, the liquid detergent compositions according to the present invention
will contain a lower amount of water,compared to conventional liquid detergents. Typically,
the water content of the concentrated liquid detergent is less than 30%, more preferably
less than 20%, most preferably less than 10% by weight of the detergent compositions.
Other examples of liquid compositions are anhydrous compositions containing substantially
no water.
Both aqueous and non-aqueous liquid compositions can be structured or non-structured.
[0067] The present invention also relates to a process for inhibiting dye transfer from
one fabric to another of solubilized and suspended dyes encountered during fabric
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
[0068] The process comprises contacting fabrics with a laundering solution as hereinbefore
described.
[0069] The process of the invention is conveniently carried out in the course of the washing
process. The washing process is preferably carried out at 5 °C to 75 °C, especially
20 to 60, but the polymers are effective at up to 95 °C and higher temperatures. The
pH of the treatment solution is preferably from 7 to 11, especially from 7.5 to 10.5.
[0070] The process and compositions of the invention can also be used as detergent additive
products.
Such additive products are intended to supplement or boost the performance of conventional
detergent compositions.
The detergent compositions according to the present invention include compositions
which are to be used for cleaning substrates, such as fabrics, fibers, hard surfaces,
skin etc., for example hard surface cleaning compositions (with or without abrasives),
laundry detergent compositions, automatic and non automatic dishwashing compositions.
[0071] The following examples are meant to exemplify compositions of the present invention
, but are not necessarily meant to limit or otherwise define the scope of the invention,
said scope being determined according to claims which follow.
[0072] The stability of the various lipases in the presence of metallo catalysts were measured
as follows :
Detergent solutions (6.6 g/l) according to compositions as given in examples I, II
or III are adjusted to pH 10.0 and heated to 40°C after which lipase is added.
[0073] The stability of the lipases were determined by measuring the residual activity of
the various lipases.
The residual activity is the activity which is measured after 15 minutes and is expressed
as a percentage of the activity measured after 30 seconds. The measurements were made
by using the pH-stat method. (pH 9/ 40°C)
Example I :
[0074] A granular detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared,
having the following compositions :
| % by weight of the total detergent composition |
| Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate |
11.40 |
| Tallow alkyl sulphate |
1.80 |
| C₄₅ alkyl sulphate |
3.00 |
| C₄₅ alcohol 7 times ethoxylated |
5.00 |
| Tallow alcohol 11 times ethoxylated |
2.00 |
| Dispersant |
0.07 |
| Silicone fluid |
0.80 |
| Trisodium citrate |
14.00 |
| Sodium carbonate |
3.00 |
| Zeolite |
38.00 |
| Maleic acid actylic acid copolymer |
5.00 |
| Sodium silicate |
2.00 |
| Sodium sulphate |
3.50 |
| Mn-Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonated |
0.14 |
| Perborate monohydrate |
0.60 |
| Savinase 4T® |
1.2 |
| H₂O + minors |
Balance to 100 |

Example II :
[0075] A granular detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared,
having the following compositions :
| % by weight of the total detergent composition |
| Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate |
11.40 |
| Tallow alkyl sulphate |
1.80 |
| C₄₅ alkyl sulphate |
3.00 |
| C₄₅ alcohol 7 times ethoxylated |
5.00 |
| Tallow alcohol 11 times ethoxylated |
2.00 |
| Dispersant |
0.07 |
| Silicone fluid |
0.80 |
| Trisodium citrate |
14.00 |
| Sodium carbonate |
3.00 |
| Zeolite |
38.00 |
| Maleic acid actylic acid copolymer |
5.00 |
| Sodium silicate |
2.00 |
| Sodium sulphate |
3.50 |
| Fe tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphine |
0.07 |
| Perborate monohydrate |
0.3 |
| Savinase 4T® |
1.2 |
| H₂O + minors |
Balance to 100 |

Example III :
[0076] A granular detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared,
having the following compositions :
| % by weight of the total detergent composition |
| Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate |
7.00 |
| Tallow alkyl sulphate |
2.00 |
| C₄₅ alcohol 7 times ethoxylated |
5.00 |
| Tallow alcohol 11 times ethoxylated |
2.00 |
| Dispersant |
0.07 |
| Silicone fluid |
0.80 |
| Trisodium citrate |
6.00 |
| Sodium carbonate |
15.00 |
| Zeolite |
20.00 |
| Maleic acid actylic acid copolymer |
5.00 |
| Sodium silicate |
2.00 |
| Sodium sulphate |
3.50 |
| Mn-Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonated |
0.14 |
| Perborate monohydrate |
16 |
| TAED |
5 |
| Savinase 4T® |
1.8 |
| H₂O + minors |
Balance to 100 |

EXAMPLE IV (A/B/C)
[0077] A liquid detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared, having
the following compositions :
| % by weight of the total detergent composition |
| |
A |
B |
C |
| Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate |
10 |
- |
- |
| Polyhydroxy fatty acid amide |
- |
9 |
- |
| Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate |
- |
- |
9 |
| Alkyl sulphate |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Fatty alcohol (C₁₂-C₁₅) ethoxylate |
12 |
12 |
12 |
| Fatty acid |
10 |
10 |
10 |
| Oleic acid |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Citric acid |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Diethylenetriaminepentamethylene |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
| Phosphonic acid |
|
|
|
| NaOH |
3.4 |
3.4 |
3.4 |
| Propanediol |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
| Ethanol |
10 |
10 |
10 |
| Ethoxylated tetraethylene pentamine |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
| Termamyl® 300 KNU/g |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
| Carezyme® 5000 CEVU/g |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
| Protease 40 mg/g |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
| Lipolase® 100 KLU/g |
0.14 |
0.14 |
0.14 |
| Endoglucanase A 5000 CEVU/g |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
| Suds supressor (ISOFOLr) |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
| H₂O₂ |
7.5 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
| Metallo catalyst |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
| Minors |
up to 100 |
EXAMPLE V (A/B/C)
[0078] A compact granular detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared,
having the following formulation:
| % by weight of the total detergent composition |
| |
A |
B |
C |
D |
| Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate |
11.40 |
- |
- |
- |
| Polyhydroxy fatty acid amide |
- |
10 |
- |
- |
| Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate |
- |
- |
9 |
- |
| Tallow alkyl sulphate |
1.80 |
1.80 |
1.80 |
1.80 |
| C₄₅ alkyl sulphate |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
| C₄₅ alcohol 7 times ethoxylated |
4.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
| Tallow alcohol 11 times ethoxylated |
1.80 |
1.80 |
1.80 |
1.80 |
| Dispersant |
0.07 |
0.07 |
0.07 |
0.07 |
| Silicone fluid |
0.80 |
0.80 |
0.80 |
0.80 |
| Trisodium citrate |
14.00 |
14.00 |
14.00 |
14.00 |
| Citric acid |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
| Zeolite |
32.50 |
32.50 |
32.50 |
32.50 |
| Maleic acid acrylic acid copolymer |
5.00 |
5.00 |
5.00 |
5.00 |
| Cellulase (active protein) |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
| Savinase 4T® |
0.60 |
0.60 |
0.60 |
0.60 |
| Lipolase® 100T |
0.36 |
0.36 |
0.36 |
0.36 |
| Sodium silicate |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
| Sodium sulphate |
3.50 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
| Metallo catalyst |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
| Percarbonate |
|
|
15 |
10 |
| Perborate |
15 |
15 |
- |
- |
| TAED |
5 |
- |
5 |
- |
| H₂O + Minors |
up to 100 |
|
|
[0079] The above compositions (Example IV (A/B/C) and V (A/B/C/D)) were very good at displaying
excellent cleaning and detergency performance with outstanding color-care performance
on colored fabrics and mixed loads of colored and white fabrics.