COMPOSIÇÃO PARA LIMPEZA DE SUPERFÍCIES E CONTROLE DE INSETOS, MÉTODO DE LIMPEZA DE UMA SUPERFÍCIE E DE GARANTIA DE CONTROLE DE INSETOS PARA EVITAR QUE SEJAM ATRAÍDOS PARA A SUPERFÍCIE POR ATÉ 24 HORAS APÓS A LIMPEZA DA SUPERFÍCIE E USO DE UMA COMPOSIÇÃO

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition that is used to clean surfaces while controlling insects. The composition may be used on hard surfaces in homes like those on utensils, furniture, floors, walls, toilets and on soft surfaces like clothes, upholstery, bedsheets and blankets. The use of the composition on such surfaces ensures long lasting cleaning and control of insects from being attracted to such surfaces for up to 24 hours after the surface is cleaned. This has been achieved through use of a cleaning composition comprising a Bacillus bacterial spore, select essential oil constituent and a surfactant.

Description

1 / 24 COMPOSITION FOR CLEANING SURFACE AND CONTROLLING INSECTS, METHOD OF CLEANING A SURFACE AND GUARANTEEING INSECT CONTROL TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING ATTRACTED TO THE SURFACE FOR UP TO 24 HOURS AFTER CLEANING THE SURFACE AND USING A COMPOSITION Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition that is used to clean surfaces while controlling insects. The composition can be used on hard surfaces in domestic environments, for example, on utensils, furniture, floors, walls and toilets, and on soft surfaces such as clothing, upholstery, bedding and blankets. The use of the composition on these surfaces ensures prolonged cleaning and insect control, preventing insects from being attracted to these surfaces for up to 24 hours after the surface is cleaned. Background of the Invention

[0002] People like surfaces in their homes and other places of human interaction, such as offices, hotels, restaurants, and public places like airports, buses, and train stations, to be kept clean and sanitized. Surfaces like those in bathrooms and toilets are especially prone to getting dirty due to the nature of their use. Utensils and other surfaces in the kitchen, such as those on sinks, countertops, and stovetops, tend to become stained with food residue, requiring frequent cleaning. These surfaces are cleaned using hard surface cleaning compositions containing surfactants that aid in cleaning and antimicrobial agents that ensure the elimination of microorganisms. Although effective in immediately cleaning surfaces, these compositions generally become stained or dirty over time, for example, within a few hours.With the deposition of various types of stains and dirt on surfaces over time after cleaning, the... Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 9 / 68 2 / 24 Surfaces attract insects such as flies, cockroaches, ants, and termites. Fabrics with soft surfaces such as clothing, bedding, blankets, mattresses, and upholstered items like sofas, curtains, etc., also attract insects such as bedbugs, mites, and moths. Fabrics can be washed manually or in a washing machine to keep them clean and hygienic. However, these surfaces also become stained over time and attract insects.

[0003] Thus, there is a need to ensure deep cleaning of various types of surfaces mentioned above that is prolonged, so that after cleaning, the surface remains clean for a long period, for example, up to 24 hours after cleaning. Ensuring that the surface remains free of food, dirt or other types of stains for a long period also ensures that the crawling insects mentioned above are not attracted to these surfaces. This cleaning composition is highly desirable to consumers.The present inventors, in attempting to solve the above problem, found a combination of a Bacillus bacterial spore and a selected essential oil constituent in a surfactant-containing composition that not only ensured excellent cleaning and insect control immediately after the cleaning action, but also ensured that the surface remained clean and was effective in preventing insects from being attracted to these surfaces for a long period after cleaning.

[0004] Document WO2021 / 240315 (Setter) discloses a probiotic Bacillus surface sanitizer comprising a sanitizing agent, a probiotic Bacillus sp. and a surfactant, but not including any stabilizer, as well as a process for manufacturing the probiotic Bacillus surface sanitizer.

[0005] Document WO2021 / 094091 (Henkel) discloses a perfume vehicle composition comprising bacterial spores and at least one fragrance, wherein the fragrance at least partially is adsorbed onto the bacterial spores. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 10 / 68 3 / 24

[0006] The prior art known to the present inventors described above does not disclose a composition comprising a Bacillus bacterial spore and essential oil constituent selected therefrom with a surfactant that ensures prolonged cleaning and insect control.

[0007] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a composition that ensures prolonged cleaning of surfaces for up to 24 hours.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition that not only provides prolonged cleaning, but also ensures the protection of this surface against insects for extended periods of up to 24 hours after cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects, which comprises: (i) from 0.000005 to 1% by weight of a Bacillus bacterial spore; (ii) 0.001 to 1.0% by weight of an essential oil constituent selected from one or more of menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, β-caryophyllene and limonene; and (iii) a surfactant; in which the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of bacterial spores from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface and ensuring insect control to prevent them from being attracted to the surface for a long period after cleaning the surface, comprising the step of bringing the surface into contact with the composition of the first aspect, preferably diluted with water. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0011] For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be applied to any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including”, but not Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 11 / 68 4 / 24 necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. Thus, the term “comprising” means not limited to any subsequently stated elements, but optionally also encompassing unspecified elements of greater or lesser functional importance. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words including or having are used, these terms should be equivalent to comprising as defined above. Note that the examples presented in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Except in the examples, or where explicitly indicated otherwise, all numbers in this description that indicate quantities of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or use, should be understood as modified by the word “about”.Unless otherwise specified, numerical ranges expressed in the format “of xay” are understood to include x and y. When, for a specific characteristic, multiple preferred ranges are described in the format “xay”, it is understood that all ranges that combine the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless otherwise specified, quantities used in this document are expressed as a percentage by weight based on the total weight of the composition and are abbreviated as “% by weight”.

[0012] The present invention relates to insect control. Insect control according to the present invention is different from insect elimination (or insecticidal action) or insect repellency. In insect elimination or insecticidal action, the active ingredient used is very potent and is used to eliminate insects. The term 'insect repellency' means that the active ingredient is applied in such a way that the odor or vapors of the active ingredient repel insects, so that they are prone to fleeing the treated area. The present invention uses a different approach that is relatively safer and uses much milder active ingredients. The term 'insect control', according to the present invention, means that the treated surface is so clean that insects are not attracted to said surface for a long time. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 12 / 68 5 / 24 period after the cleaning action.

[0013] Insects that can be controlled on various surfaces cleaned using the composition of the invention include crawling insects such as ants, cockroaches, mites, moths, bedbugs, and termites. Additionally, the composition, especially on dishes and utensils, can be used to control flying insects such as flies. These insects are a nuisance or pose health risks; for example, ants colonize the kitchen and other areas and contaminate food. Cockroaches cause and spread diseases, while bedbugs cause itching and asthma. Mites are well known for causing allergies, while termites damage furniture. Houseflies are known as vectors of various diseases.Thus, consumers want to use cleaning products for cleaning surfaces and clothes and other fabrics in a domestic environment that not only clean but also control insects for a long period, for example, at least 6 hours, preferably 16 hours and even up to 24 hours after the cleaning action.

[0014] The composition of the invention comprises a combination of bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis. The term 'a combination of bacterial spores', according to the present invention, means that the spores of the bacteria may be included in the composition.

[0015] Yet another preferred aspect relates to a composition that additionally comprises bacterial spores selected from one or both of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis. A particularly preferred aspect of the present invention relates to a combination of bacterial spores comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0016] When a combination of bacterial spores is included in the composition of the invention, it is preferred that each of the bacterial spores be present in 1 to 70%, more preferably in 5 to 50% of the total number of bacterial spores. A further preferred aspect of the invention is Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 13 / 68 6 / 24 refers to a combination of three or a combination of all four bacterial spores selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus, each included in 5 to 40%, preferably 5 to 30% of the total number of bacterial spores. A particularly preferred aspect of the invention relates to the inclusion of the bacterial spores Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis, each included in 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 20%, most preferably 5 to 15% of the total number of bacterial spores.

[0017] The bacterial spore is included from 0.000005 to 1%, preferably from 0.00005 to 0.75%, even more preferably from 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight of the composition. The bacterial spores for inclusion in the composition of the invention may be in the form of a powder, having a count of about 10¹¹ CFU / g, but other methods of growth and introduction of the spores into the composition that are well known to those skilled in the art could be used. Thus, in the composition, the bacterial spore is preferably included at 10³ to 10¹¹ CFU / g, more preferably from 10⁴ to 10⁹ CFU / g, and, most preferably, from 10⁵ to 10⁸ CFU / g of the composition.

[0018] The composition of the invention comprises selected essential oil constituents. Constituents that may be included are one or more of menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, β-caryophyllene, and limonene. Of these, the most preferred constituents are one or more of citral and limonene. Essential oils that include the above constituents may also be included in place of the constituents in their pure state. These essential oils may be one or more of lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, and thyme oil. Of these, the most preferred essential oils are one or more of thyme oil, cinnamon oil, and eucalyptus oil, with lemongrass oil being the most preferred. The essential oil constituents are included in 0.001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.005% to 0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.005% to 0.3% by weight. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 14 / 68 7 / 24

[0019] The composition of the invention comprises a surfactant. The surfactant is preferably selected from one or more anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants. Of these, the surfactant is most preferably an anionic or non-ionic surfactant. The total amount of surfactant to be included in the composition of the invention is from 1 to 80% by weight of the composition.

[0020] If the surfactant is anionic, it is preferably selected from one or more of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, and a primary alkyl sulfate. If included, the anionic surfactant is preferably included in 1 to 30% by weight of the composition.

[0021] If the surfactant is cationic, it is preferably alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. If included, the cationic surfactant is preferably included at 0.005 to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0022] If the surfactant is non-ionic, it is preferably an alcohol ethoxylate. Non-ionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention are sold under the trade names Lialet, Link, Neodol and Alkonate. If included, the non-ionic surfactant is preferably included at 0.1 to 3% by weight of the composition.

[0023] The composition of the invention may be presented in a solid or liquid form, preferably in liquid form. If in liquid form, the composition preferably comprises 70 to 97% by weight of water.

[0024] The composition of the invention may be applied in any of the following types of product applications, which are described in detail below.

[0025] Laundry detergent composition:

[0026] The composition can be presented as a laundry detergent composition, in which the surfactant, preferably an anionic surfactant, is included from 1 to 80% by weight. The laundry detergent composition can be applied in solid or liquid form.

[0027] The laundry detergent composition to which the present invention can be applied is preferably in liquid form. The term “liquid” may include emulsions, suspensions and compositions having Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 15 / 68 8 / 24 fluid consistency, but more rigid, known as gels or pastes. Pourable liquid detergent compositions preferably have a viscosity of 200 to 1,500 mPa.s, preferably 200 to 700 mPa.s. These compositions generally have a continuous aqueous phase. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 50% by weight of water and more preferably at least 70% by weight of water. Water is generally present in an amount of 20% to 99.9%, preferably 40% to 80% by weight of the composition.

[0028] Liquid detergent compositions for washing clothes generally comprise from 1 to 30%, preferably from 2 to 15% by weight of one or more surfactants. The surfactant is generally anionic in nature. Preferred anionic surfactants are organic sulfates and sulfonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. Alkyl ether sulfates may contain from one to ten units of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per molecule and, preferably, contain from one to three units of ethylene oxide per molecule.The counterion for anionic surfactants is generally an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium; or an ammoniacal counterion such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of such counterions may also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0029] Surfactants of most preference are those of the alkylbenzene sulfonate type, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Some alkyl sulfate surfactant (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates with an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 16 / 68 9 / 24

[0030] Preferably, the composition comprises 5 to 20% by weight of nonionic surfactant based on the total weight of the composition. A preferred class of nonionic surfactant for use in the invention includes C8 to C18 aliphatic primary linear alcohol ethoxylates, more preferably C12 to C15, with an average of 3 to 20, more preferably 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Preferred nonionic surfactants are C16 / 18 alcohol ethoxylates.

[0031] Liquid laundry detergent compositions also generally comprise agents such as dirt-releasing polymers, hydrotropes, co-surfactants, complexing agents, polymeric thickeners, and colorants in addition to the components described above. Dirt-releasing polymers (DRPs) help improve the release of dirt from the fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing.

[0032] The SRP structure may also include termination groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymeric properties, for example, surface activity. Preferred SRPs for use in the invention include copolyesters formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and diol, preferably 1,2-propanediol, and further comprise a termination formed from alkylene oxide repeating units with an alkyl group at the termination. The SRP, when included, may vary from 0.1 to 10%, desirably from 0.3 to 7%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0033] One composition of the invention may incorporate non-aqueous vehicles, for example, hydrotropes, cosolvents and phase stabilizers. These materials are typically low molecular weight organic liquids, soluble in water or miscible in water, for example, C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols (e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (e.g., glycerol); polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 200 to 600; C1 to C3 alkanolamines, for example, mono-, di- and triethanolamines; and alkylaryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (e.g., xylene, Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 17 / 68 10 / 24 toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropylbenzene (cumene) sodium and potassium sulfonates). Non-aqueous vehicles, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 3%, preferably from 0.5 to 1% by weight of the composition. The preferred hydrotropes are monopropylene glycol and glycerol.

[0034] The liquid laundry detergent composition of the invention may contain one or more co-surfactants (for example, amphoteric (zwitterionic) and / or cationic surfactants), in addition to the non-saponaceous anionic and / or nonionic detergent surfactants described above. This co-surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0035] The liquid laundry detergent composition may also optionally contain relatively low levels of complexing agent or organic sequestering material. Examples include alkali metal citrates, succinates and malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. If used, the organic complexing materials may comprise from about 0.5% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, of the composition.

[0036] When the composition is a liquid detergent composition for washing clothes, it can be diluted with water in ratios such as 1:50, 1:100, 1:200 to form the liquid washing compound.

[0037] Solid compositions for laundry washing herein may assume various solid physical forms, including forms such as powder, granule, ribbon, spaghetti, paste, tablet, flake, pellet and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of a powder, granule or a bar.

[0038] The composition according to the present invention can be produced by various conventional methods known in the art, including mixing by drying, compaction, for example, agglomeration, extrusion, tablet formation, or spray drying of the various compounds comprising the detergent component, or combinations of these techniques. The powder or granule compositions preferably have a density greater than 350 grams / liter, Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 18 / 68 11 / 24 more preferably greater than 450 grams / liter or even greater than 570 grams / liter.

[0039] Typical solid laundry detergent compositions comprise one or more surfactants chosen from the anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, cationic, and amphoteric types, preferably the anionic type. These compositions in solid form typically comprise from 1 to 30% by weight of anionic surfactants. Details on the various components, such as anionic and nonionic surfactants, SRPs, hydrotropes, complexing agents, etc., which are described for the liquid detergent composition may also be included in the solid detergent composition. Additionally, they may comprise other adjuvants to provide benefits to the fabric being washed, for example, anti-redeposition polymers, which together may be included in 0 to 5% by weight of the composition.Complexing agents are generally included, especially to combat the harmful effects of hard water used to wash the fabric, and this accounts for up to 50%, typically 10 to 30% by weight of the composition. Other fabric-benefiting agents, such as colorants and optical brighteners, may be included up to 1% by weight of the composition. Bleaches may sometimes be included and, when included, account for up to 10% by weight of the composition, and fillers generally account for up to 40% by weight of the composition.

[0040] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has a pH of 7.0 to 10.5, preferably 7.0 to 10.2, even more preferably 8.5 to 10.2 when measured at a 1% by weight dilution in deionized water at 25 °C. The composition may preferably include a buffer.

[0041] Fabric conditioning composition

[0042] The composition of the invention can also be applied as a fabric conditioning composition that additionally comprises from 1 to 50% of a fabric softening active ingredient. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 19 / 68 12 / 24

[0043] A fabric conditioning composition is also called a fabric softener. Fabric conditioners comprise active materials that soften or condition fabric. Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include: quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymeric latices, and mixtures thereof. The fabric softening active is preferably selected from a quaternary ammonium compound, or silicone polymer and mixtures thereof, more preferably a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0044] Fabric softening compounds may preferably be cationic or non-ionic. Preferably, the fabric softening compounds of the present invention are cationic.

[0045] The fabric conditioning compositions for use according to the invention may be diluted or concentrated. Diluted products typically contain up to about 6% by weight of the softening compound composition, generally from about 1 to 5% by weight, whereas concentrated products may contain up to about 50% by weight of the softening compound composition, preferably from about 5 to about 50% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 25% by weight. In general, the products of the invention may contain from 1 to 50% by weight, preferably from 2 to 25% by weight of the softening compound composition, more preferably from 2 to 20% by weight of softening compounds.

[0046] The preferred softening compounds for use in the fabric conditioning compositions of the invention are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). The QACs preferably comprise at least one fatty acid-derived chain, more preferably at least two fatty acid-derived chains. Generally, fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Preferably, the fatty acid chains are palm or tallow fatty acids. Preferably, the fatty acid chains of the QACs comprise from 10 to Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 20 / 68 13 / 24 50% by weight of saturated C18 chains and 5 to 40% by weight of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains. In another preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QACs comprise 20 to 40% by weight, preferably 25 to 35% by weight of saturated C18 chains, and 10 to 35% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

[0047] The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds for use in the compositions of the present invention are thus termed “quaternary esters”. In particular, preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and triester-linked components.

[0048] The composition of the invention, applied as fabric conditioning compositions, may further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Typically, these may be included for the purpose of stabilizing the compositions. Suitable nonionic surfactants include the addition of ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide products with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

[0049] Preferably, the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of approximately 7 to approximately 20, more preferably 10 to 18, for example, 12 to 16. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant) based on a coconut chain and 20 EO groups is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant.

[0050] If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Thus, the tissue conditioning composition of the invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, preferably an ethoxylated fatty alcohol.

[0051] Softeners can be used in fabric conditioning compositions. When employed, they are normally present in approximately 0.1 to 20%, and particularly in approximately 0.5 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred softeners include fatty esters. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 21 / 68 14 / 24 and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters that can be used include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate, and fatty sugar esters, such as those described in document WO 01 / 46361 (Unilever).

[0052] The compositions of the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent. Particularly suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred. Preferably, the composition of the present invention comprises from 0.5 to 20% by weight of fragrance materials in the composition, more preferably from 1 to 15% by weight of fragrance materials, with the highest preference being from 2 to 10% by weight of fragrance materials.

[0053] The fabric conditioning composition is preferably in an aqueous form. The compositions preferably comprise 75 to 95% by weight of water.

[0054] The fabric conditioning composition can be used to treat fabrics in both a hand washing process and in a washing machine. Preferably, the fabric conditioner is used in the rinsing stage of the washing process.

[0055] Preferably, the clothes are treated with a dose of 10 to 100 mL of fabric conditioner for a load of 4 to 7 kg of clothes. More preferably, 10 to 80 mL for a load of 4 to 7 kg of clothes.

[0056] Dishwashing solution

[0057] The composition of the invention may be useful for preserving kitchen items, such as utensils and dishes, which can be cleaned using a dishwashing composition, preferably in liquid form. The various components in addition to the essential components claimed in the present invention are summarized below. Among the various components, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and hydrotropes, as detailed in the liquid detergent composition for laundry, may be used in the liquid dishwashing composition. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 22 / 68 15 / 24 Additionally, other components that may be included are detailed below.

[0058] Preferably, the composition further comprises an amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, an amphoteric surfactant is selected from and includes alkylamine oxides, alkylbetaines, alkylamidopropylbetaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sultains), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkyl amphoglycinates, alkylamidopropyl hydroxysultains, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. More preferably, an amphoteric surfactant selected from alkylamidopropylbetaines, even more preferably cocoamidopropylbetaine. The amphoteric surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount that preferably ranges from 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and even more preferably from 1 to 3% by weight.Mixtures of any of the materials described above may also be used. A good combination of surfactants for use in the present invention in the form of a dishwashing composition is one that has from 1 to 30% by weight of anionic surfactant and from 0.1 to 5% by weight of an amphoteric surfactant.

[0059] The liquid dishwashing composition may preferably comprise an organic acid or its salts comprising citric acid or its salt. Preferably, the organic acid or its salt may further comprise succinic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, hexanoic acid, cyclohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-methyloctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, benzoic acid, 4-methoxybenzoic acid and mixtures thereof. Examples of organic acid salts include corresponding salts of these organic acids which are preferably formed with sodium and potassium, more preferably with sodium, for example, trisodium citrate. More preferably, the organic acid or its salt may further comprise maleic acid or its salt. Even more preferably, the organic acid or its salt is Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 23 / 68 16 / 24 selected from citric acid or its salt, for example, trisodium citrate. Preferably, the composition does not include silver dihydrogen citrate.

[0060] The composition comprises an organic acid or its salts comprising citric acid or its salt from 0.2 to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 4% by weight, more preferably from 0.4 to 3% by weight, even more preferably from 0.5 to 3% by weight, even more preferably from 1 to 2% by weight.

[0061] Preferably, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises water in an amount ranging from 5 to 99% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 90% by weight, even more preferably from 15 to 80% by weight, even more preferably from 20 to 70% by weight, even more preferably from 30 to 65% by weight, even more preferably from 35 to 60% by weight, even more preferably from 40 to 55% by weight.

[0062] Preferably, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises one or more sequestrants. Preferably, the composition comprises a sequestrant that may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 4% by weight, even more preferably 0.5 to 2.5% by weight.

[0063] A preferred sequestrant is a phosphonic acid or a salt thereof. The phosphonic acid (or salt thereof) sequestrant is preferably selected from the group consisting of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP; commercially available as Dequest(R) 2010), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic) acid (DTPMP; commercially available as Dequest(R) 2066), hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic) acid (HDTMP), aminotris(methylenephosphonic) acid (ATMP), ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic) acid (EDTMP), tetramethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic) acid (TDTMP); and phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC). The sequestrant of most preference is 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). It is preferable that the sequestrant Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 24 / 68 17 / 24 should be added to the formulation in acidic form.

[0064] Optionally, the liquid dishwashing composition further comprises an enzyme with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Preferably, the composition further comprises an effective amount of at least one enzyme with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Examples of suitable enzymes include pectate lyase, protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, mannanase; with or without an appropriate stabilizing agent.

[0065] Preferably, the viscosity of the composition can suitably vary from about 200 to about 10,000 mPa.s at 25 °C at a shear rate of 21 s-1. This shear rate is the shear rate that is generally exerted on the liquid when poured from a bottle. Liquid household cleaning compositions generally have a viscosity of 200 to 1,500 mPa.s, preferably 100 to 800 mPa.s.

[0066] The liquid dishwashing composition preferably has a pH in the range of 2.0 to 8.0, preferably 2.5 to 7.5, more preferably 3.0 to 7.0, even more preferably 3.5 to 7.0, even more preferably 4.0 to 7.5, even more preferably 4.5 to 7.5, even more preferably 5.0 to 7.5, even more preferably 5.5 to 7.5 and even more preferably 6.0 to 6.5.

[0067] The liquid dishwashing composition may additionally comprise one or more polymers. Preferably, the polymers may be of the cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic types with molecular weights greater than 100,000 Daltons. These are known to increase the viscosity and stability of liquid compositions, to enhance the sensory experiences of the skin during and after use, and to enhance foam creaminess and foam stability. Examples of polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, silane, siloxane, and mixtures thereof. If present, the polymers may be present in the composition in an amount preferably ranging from 0.001 to 10% by weight, plus Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 25 / 68 18 / 24 preferably from 0.1 to 6% by weight, even more preferably from 1 to 3% by weight.

[0068] Preferably, the composition may be used in its original form, i.e., pure, or it may be diluted before use. The extent of dilution is generally dependent on market choice. In some markets a more concentrated product is desired while in others a more diluted product is preferred. When the composition is a liquid dishwashing composition, it is typically diluted with water at a weight ratio in the range of 1:1 to 1:10.

[0069] The liquid dishwashing composition may optionally include components such as fragrance, colorant, foaming agents, and odor-absorbing materials.

[0070] General purpose or toilet bowl cleaners

[0071] The composition of the invention can be formulated as a general-purpose cleaner that is generally used for cleaning floors (in which case it may be known as a floor cleaner) or used for cleaning toilets (in which case it may be known as a toilet cleaner). It can also be used to clean other hard surfaces such as furniture, tabletops, kitchen counters, and other surfaces in homes, offices, restaurants, and other public places. These compositions preferably include a cationic surfactant that, in addition to providing cleaning benefits, also ensures instant disinfection, i.e., elimination or inactivation of microorganisms.

[0072] Preferably, the cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium surfactant, preferably the quaternary ammonium surfactant is selected from one or more of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC), also known as benzalkonium chloride (BKC), bis-(C8C18) alkyldimethylammonium chloride, preferably didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), cetrimonium bromide, benzethonium chloride (BZE); and dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride. The preferred aspect of the invention provides Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 26 / 68 19 / 24 that the cationic surfactant be chosen from one or more of BKC or DDAC, preferably BKC.

[0073] The quaternary ammonium surfactants mentioned above are available as a single quaternary ammonium compound, as well as mixtures of two or more different quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, under the trade names BARDACTM, BARQUAT® and HYAMINE® (all together with Lonza); and BTC® (together with Stepan). Quaternary ammonium compounds available as a simple quaternary ammonium compound include didecyldimethylammonium chloride (available as BARDACT™ 2250 R and BTC® 1010, both 50% active; and BARDACT™ 2280 R and BTC® 1010-80, both 80% active), alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (available as BARQUAT® MB-50, BARQUAT® MX-50, BARQUAT® OJ-50, HYAMINE® 3500, BTC® 50, BTC® 50E, BTC® 65, BTC® 776, BTC® 824, BTC® 835; each 50% active; and the same is available as BARQUAT® MB-80, BARQUAT® MX-80, HYAMINE® 3500-80, BTC® 8248, BTC® 8358; each 80% active.

[0074] The composition, when formulated as a general purpose or toilet bowl cleaner, preferably comprises from 0.001 to 3% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight of cationic surfactant.

[0075] Components such as amphoteric surfactants and sequestering agents may be included in the floor cleaning composition and toilet bowl cleaning composition of the present invention. Details on the various types of amphoteric surfactants and sequestering agents are the same as those presented in the liquid dishwashing composition section, as below. General purpose cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners may be diluted before use. When diluted, they may be diluted with water at a weight ratio in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000.

[0076] The invention composition may also be presented as a toilet bowl block. A toilet bowl block is a solid composition that is hung on the rim of the toilet bowl, usually in a plastic cage-like container, so that each time the Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 27 / 68 20 / 24 When the toilet flush is activated, a quantity of water passes through the solid composition, diluting part of it before flushing the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl block preferably also includes a perfume to provide a pleasant, persistent odor after each flush.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for cleaning a surface and ensuring insect control to prevent them from being attracted to the surface for a long period, for example, up to 24 hours after cleaning the surface, comprising the step of bringing the surface into contact with a composition, according to any of the preceding claims, preferably diluted with water.

[0078] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the invention for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects.

[0079] The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the following non-limiting examples. Examples

[0080] Example A: Effect of a composition comprising an essential oil on insect control over time

[0081] A composition (Example A) as shown in Table 1 was prepared. Table 1 Ingredient % by weight Plantacare 2000 UP (Decyl glucoside) 1.50 Sodium hydroxide 0.05 Carbopol 0.20 Lemongrass oil 0.26 Water Up to 100

[0082] The lemongrass oil used in the composition as shown in Table 1 above contained 20 to 30% by weight of citral and 5 to 7% by weight of limonene.

[0083] The composition of Example A (as in Table 1 above) was used to Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 28 / 68 21 / 24 measure insect control using the protocol shown below:

[0084] Insect preparation

[0085] Ants were manually collected from the insectarium in a plastic container at least 1 hour before the start of the experiment.

[0086] Treatment method

[0087] The experiment was conducted in an area measuring approximately 55 cm x 55 cm confined using a wooden frame with dimensions of approximately 55 x 55 x 10 cm (length x width x height). The confined area was divided into two exact halves by marking, and this was the boundary for treatment and control. Before applying the test item, the surface was cleaned with 2% dextrose. After 1 hour, the test item was applied at the recommended dose (1 mL) to the test surface in one half. The amount of test items applied was assessed based on the pre- and post-test weight of the container. Table 2 Treated Untreated 55 cm x 55 cm 55 cm x 55 cm

[0088] Experiment procedure

[0089] The test item was applied uniformly to the surface one day before the start of the experiment. The following day, approximately 16 / 24 hours after application of the test item, a total of 20 ants were released in the center of the experimental area and allowed to acclimate for 10 minutes. To test the samples without probiotics, observation was performed 1, 4, and 6 hours after application of the product to the plate. An infrared light source was used to avoid disturbances due to changes in natural light. The ants were monitored for 1 hour and then removed from the area. After the end of each evaluable time, the insects were carefully collected and kept for mortality observations.

[0090] Assessments and calculation of prevention Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 29 / 68 22 / 24

[0091] The observation was carried out regarding the number of ants on the treated and untreated surfaces. Table 3 Time 1 hour after treatment 4 hours after treatment 6 hours after treatment (min) Control Treated Control Treated Control Treated 5 10 1 12 1 11 3 10 12 0 17 0 17 2 15 11 1 13 2 13 7 20 14 1 11 1 11 5 25 21 3 10 1 10 5 30 17 0 17 0 11 5 35 21 0 16 2 11 7 40 23 2 21 4 9 7 45 22 0 19 0 11 7 50 20 0 18 1 11 9 55 19 1 21 1 9 9 60 21 0 21 2 9 9

[0092] The data in Table 3 above indicate that a composition comprising only essential oil as an active insect control agent is effective for only about 1 to 4 hours, becoming ineffective around the 6th hour.

[0093] Example 1: Effect of a composition comprising an essential oil and a Bacillus bacterial spore mixture on insect control over time

[0094] A composition (Example 1) as shown in Table 4 was prepared. Table 4 Ingredient % by weight Plantacare 2000 UP (Decyl glucoside) 1.50 Sodium hydroxide 0.05 Bacillus bacterial spore composition 0.001 Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 30 / 68 23 / 24 Carbopol 0.20 Lemongrass oil 0.26 Water Up to 100

[0095] The bacterial spores in the table above were used at a concentration of 1 x 107 cfu / mL and were a mixture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus in a numerical ratio of 1:1:1:1.

[0096] The lemongrass oil used in the composition as shown in Table 4 above contained 20 to 30% by weight of citral and 5 to 7% by weight of limonene.

[0097] The composition of Example 1 (as in Table 4 above) was used to measure insect control using the protocol presented earlier:

[0098] The data are summarized in Table 5 below. Table 5: Time 8 hours after treatment (min) Control Treated 5 12 1 10 13 0 15 13 1 20 14 0 25 14 1 30 12 0 35 11 0 40 14 2 45 14 1 50 14 0 55 16 0 60 14 0

[0099] The data in Table 5 above indicate that a composition Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 31 / 68 24 / 24, comprising a combination of essential oil and a Bacillus bacterial spore composition as active insect control agents, is effective for up to 8 hours.

[0100] Other data were generated with the same composition at 4pm and 4pm, and the data are summarized in Table 6 below: Table 6 Time 16 hours after treatment 24 hours after treatment (min) Control Treated Control Treated 5 17 0 15 0 10 19 0 12 0 15 14 0 12 0 20 14 1 13 1 25 17 1 13 1 30 17 0 12 0 35 15 0 12 0 40 9 1 11 1 45 11 0 11 0 50 10 0 11 0 55 9 1 12 1 60 10 0 12 0

[0101] The data in Table 6 above indicate that a composition according to the present invention (Example 1) is effective in controlling insects for up to 16 to 24 hours. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 32 / 68

Claims

1 / 2 Claims 1. A composition for surface cleaning and insect control, characterized by comprising: (i) 0.000005 to 1% by weight of a Bacillus bacterial spore; (ii) 0.001 to 1.0% by weight of an essential oil constituent selected from one or more of menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, β-caryophyllene and limonene; and (iii) a surfactant; wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis; wherein said constituents are present by means of the inclusion of an essential oil selected from one or more of lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the bacterial spore further comprises Bacillus thuringiensis.

3. Composition, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said surfactant is selected from one or more anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants, preferably an anionic or non-ionic surfactant.

4. Composition according to claim 3, characterized in that said anionic surfactant is one or more of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and a primary alkyl sulfate.

5. Composition according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by comprising from 1 to 30% by weight of anionic surfactant.

6. Composition according to claim 3, characterized in that said cationic surfactant is alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

7. Composition according to claim 6, characterized by comprising from 0.005 to 2% by weight of cationic surfactant.

8. Composition, according to claim 3, characterized by Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 33 / 68 2 / 2, said non-ionic surfactant being an alcohol ethoxylate.

9. Composition, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by being in liquid form comprising from 70 to 97% by weight of water.

10. A method for cleaning a surface and ensuring insect control to prevent them from being attracted to the surface for up to 24 hours after cleaning the surface, characterized by comprising the step of bringing the surface into contact with a composition, as defined in any of the preceding claims, preferably diluted with water.

11. Use of a composition, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by being for surface cleaning and insect control. Petition 870250084375, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 34 / 68