Laundry composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a particulate composition for a powdered detergent, the composition comprising a perfume composition and a solid carrier embedded in a water-soluble matrix wherein the particulate composition has a volume median particle size (Dv (50)) of from about 90 [mu] m to about 190 [mu] m.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a granular composition for a powdered detergent, a method for preparing such a composition and the use of such a composition for obtaining a consumer product. Background of the Invention

[0003] It is known to incorporate encapsulated functional materials into consumer products such as home care, personal care and fabric care products. Functional materials include, for example, fragrances, cosmetic active ingredients and bioactive ingredients such as biocides and pharmaceuticals.

[0004] Spray drying is a well-known fragrance encapsulation technique. Such spray-dried fragrance compositions are generally prepared from an emulsion of the fragrance to be encapsulated, which is sprayed into a drying chamber. In this process, a biopolymer having surface-active properties is generally used as an emulsifier, which forms a water-soluble matrix upon spray drying, in which the fragrance is entrapped.

[0005] As an example, WO1999 / 055819A1 relates to a modified starch-encapsulated high-impact fragrance accord.

[0006] Such spray-dried compositions provide a powdered fragrance form that is simple to manufacture and exhibits good odor benefits. In addition, since consumers are now increasingly aware of environmental and resource protection, these encapsulations have become more attractive because they are generally based on biogenic materials. Spray-dried compositions thus have a low ecological footprint and allow for efficient encapsulation of fragrances. They also exhibit beneficial release properties.

[0007] From a safety point of view, commercial spray-dried compositions are evaluated according to their minimum ignition energy (MIE). The MIE value is used to evaluate the likelihood of ignition during processing and handling. The lower the MIE, the higher the risk of explosion, since a very small energy input can trigger a dust cloud explosion. The MIE is determined according to ASTM E 2019, Standard Test Method for Minimum Ignition Energy of a Dust Cloud in Air (ASTM, 2007b). The MIE required to ignite a dust cloud varies with the dust type, particle size and other factors. As would be expected, in a commercial environment, it is desirable to handle spray-dried compositions having an MIE value that does not cause ignition problems.

[0008] Commercially available detergent compositions contain perfumes that are mixed with or sprayed onto the compositions because most consumers now expect detergent products to be fragrant. In many parts of the world, handwashing is the primary means of washing fabrics. When handwashing soiled fabrics, the user is often in contact with the washing solution and very close to the detergent product used therein. Therefore, it is desirable and commercially beneficial to add perfume materials to such products, which can provide a fragrant experience for consumers at each step of the washing process. Various techniques have been developed to provide timed release of perfumes from the compositions so that they will remain olfactory pleasing for a longer period of time.

[0009] However, there is still a need to provide granular compositions suitable for incorporation into powdered detergents that can provide enhanced olfactory performance at different stages of the washing process and do not have a fire problem. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a granular composition for a powdered detergent, the composition comprising:

[0012] a) a perfume composition encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix; and

[0013] b) a solid carrier,

[0014] wherein the volume median particle size (Dv(50)) of the granular composition is from about 90 μm to about 190 μm, optionally from about 95 μm to about 150 μm, optionally from about 100 μm to about 125 μm.

[0015] In another aspect, a method of preparing the granular composition as described herein is provided.

[0016] The use of the granular composition as described herein is also provided, wherein the granular composition is incorporated into a powdered detergent.

[0017] In one aspect, a powdered detergent comprising the granular composition as described herein is provided.

[0018] Definitions

[0019] In the context of the present invention, a "biodegradable component" is a component that meets the criteria of "inherently biodegradable" and / or "readily biodegradable" in at least one OECD biodegradation study. To avoid any ambiguity, this means that if a component passes one test but fails one or more other tests, the passing result overrides the other test results.

[0020] Dv50 or Dv(50) represents the maximum particle size below which 50% of the sample volume exists - also known as the volume median particle size. It is also referred to as "volume weighted distribution" or Malvern volume weighted particle size distribution and is typically measured using light scattering techniques. The result of a Malvern measurement can be expressed as Dv50 (D - diameter, v - volume, 50 - percentage of the sample below that particle size, e.g., 50%).

[0021] Water activity is defined as the ratio of the water vapor pressure of a product containing a certain amount of water to that of pure water at the same temperature.

[0022] Detailed description

[0023] The preferred and / or optional features of the present invention will now be described. Unless the context otherwise requires, any aspect of the present invention can be combined with any other aspect of the present invention. Unless the context otherwise requires, any preferred or optional feature of any aspect can be combined, individually or in combination, with any aspect of the present invention and with any other preferred or optional feature.

[0024] The applicant has surprisingly and unexpectedly found that a granular composition for a powdered detergent can provide excellent olfactory properties compared to granular compositions having a Dv(50) value of less than about 90 μm or a Dv(50) value of greater than about 190 μm, the composition comprising:

[0025] a) a perfume composition encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix; and

[0026] b) a solid carrier,

[0027] wherein the volume median particle size (Dv(50)) of the granular composition is from about 90 μm to about 190 μm. More advantageously, such a granular composition does not have a fire problem.

[0028] Encapsulating the perfume ingredients in a water-soluble matrix not only protects them from environmental influences, thus maintaining the exact composition of the perfume, but also allows the perfume to be released in a more controlled manner. The perfume ingredients can be released from the matrix by a dual activation mode: under moisture (e.g., when dissolved in water) and / or mechanical activation (e.g., friction).

[0029] For a given ratio between the perfume composition and the encapsulating polymer, when the particle size of the encapsulating polymer is reduced, the total effective surface area of the matrix increases, and thus the dissolution rate of the polymer is relatively high. Therefore, the reduction in particle size results in a decrease in the thickness of the diffusion layer around the perfume oil droplets in the matrix particles, thereby leading to an increase in the concentration gradient. This results in the release of the perfume shortly after contact with water. On the other hand, a larger particle size leads to an increase in the thickness of the diffusion layer around the oil droplets, thereby resulting in a decrease in the concentration gradient and the dissolution rate.

[0030] Therefore, when incorporated into a detergent composition, it is necessary to determine the optimal range of the particle size of the granular composition in order to obtain the desired olfactory properties at different stages of the washing process.

[0031] The inventors have found that a granular composition as defined herein (where the volume median particle size of the granular composition is from 90 μm to about 190 μm, optionally from about 95 μm to about 150 μm, optionally from about 100 μm to about 125 μm) provides an optimal fragrance release profile when used in a powdered detergent.

[0032] Water-soluble matrix

[0033] The water-soluble matrix can comprise at least one material selected from starches (especially water-soluble modified starches), maltodextrin, mannitol, chitosan, gum arabic, alginate, cellulose, pectin, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The resulting fragrance formulations are easy and cost-effective to manufacture, for example by spray drying. They are prepared from non-toxic and biodegradable natural-based materials. Thus, this form has increased consumer appeal.

[0034] When the starch is a water-soluble modified starch, this starch can be made from native starch or pregelatinized starch. It can be extracted from tubers, legumes, grains and cereals, such as corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, waxy corn starch, oat starch, cassava starch, waxy barley starch, waxy rice starch, sweet rice starch, amioca starch, potato starch, tapioca starch and mixtures thereof.

[0035] The water-soluble modified starch can be selected from bleached starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, dydroxypropyl distarch glycerol, acetylated distarch phosphate, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated distarch adipate, sodium octenyl succinate starch and mixtures thereof.

[0036] The water-soluble modified starch has the ability to emulsify and stabilize emulsions. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the starch modifier, they have the ability to encapsulate fragrance droplets in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The modified starches as described above offer many advantages, including high emulsification and encapsulation properties, low viscosity (even at high solids content) and excellent antioxidant properties to ensure good fragrance preservation and stability of sensitive ingredients.

[0037] When the water-soluble matrix contains water-soluble modified starch, it may additionally contain materials selected from maltodextrin, mannitol, and mixtures thereof. Both maltodextrin and mannitol can increase the glass transition temperature of the matrix. Additionally, maltodextrin is a film-forming agent.

[0038] Maltodextrin is characterized by its dextrin equivalent (DE). The higher the DE, the lower the molecular weight of the maltodextrin. In the context of the present invention, maltodextrins with different DEs can be combined to provide optimized encapsulation properties. Without being bound by any theory, it is presumed that a mixture of low-DE and high-DE maltodextrins improves the fillability of the water-soluble matrix.

[0039] In addition to the above materials, the water-soluble matrix may also contain hemicellulose. In the context of the present invention, the term "hemicellulose" should be understood as polysaccharides selected from glucans, especially xyloglucans, mannans, especially glucomannans, and xylans, especially arabinoxylans and glucuronoxylans.

[0040] It has been found that adding hemicellulose to a water-soluble matrix, especially a starch matrix, results in modification of the matrix, improving its fragrance release performance under moisture and mechanical (e.g., friction) activities.

[0041] The hemicellulose is preferably xyloglucan, especially xyloglucan obtainable from tamarind seeds. Xyloglucan is the most abundant hemicellulose in the primary cell wall of non-graminaceous plants, usually accounting for 20 wt.-% of the wall dry mass. Xyloglucan has a main chain composed of 1,4-linked β-D-glucose residues. Up to 75% of the main chain residues are substituted at C6 with monosaccharide, disaccharide, or trisaccharide side chains. Preferably, the hemicellulose is xyloglucan obtainable from tamarind seeds, especially obtained from tamarind seeds, also known as "tamarind kernel powder" or "tamarind gum". In tamarind gum, the side chains consist of one or two α-D-xylopyranosyl units, optionally capped with β-D-galactopyranosyl, α-L-arabinofuranosyl, or β-D-xylopyranosyl.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water-soluble matrix is in particulate form.

[0043] Fragrance composition

[0044] The perfume composition comprises at least one perfume ingredient. Said at least one perfume ingredient can belong to different classes of organic compounds such as alcohols, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, terpenes, nitrogen- or sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds and essential oils, which can be of natural or synthetic origin. A plurality of these perfume ingredients are listed in the references such as S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, 1994, Montclair, New Jersey, USA.

[0045] Preferably, said at least one perfume ingredient has a boiling point of 275 °C or lower and an odor detection threshold of less than or equal to 50 parts per billion (ppb) measured at a normal standard pressure of 1013.25 hPa.

[0046] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fragrance ingredient is selected from acetophenone (1-phenylethanone); adoxal (2,6,10-trimethylundec-9-enal); AGRUMEX (2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); C6 hexanol (hexan-1-ol); C10 decanal (decanal); C11 MOA aldehyde (2-methyldecanal); C11 undecenal (undec-10-enal); C110 undecanal (undecanal); C12 lauryl aldehyde (dodecanal); C12 MNA aldehyde (2-methylundecanal); food grade C6 hexanal (hexan-1-al); food grade C8 octanal (octanal); C9 isononanal (3,5,5-trimethylhexanal); food grade C9 nonanal (nonanal); ISOC11 aldehyde ((E)-undec-9-enal); allyl pentyl glycolate (2-(3-methylbutoxy)prop-2-enyl acetate); allyl hexanoate (prop-2-enyl hexanoate); allyl cyclohexanepropionate (prop-2-enyl 3-cyclohexanepropionate); allyl heptanoate (prop-2-enyl heptanoate); ambroxan (3,8,8,11a-tetramethyldodecahydro-1H-3,5a-epoxynaphtho[2,1-c]oxepine); ambrettolide ((Z)-oxacycloheptadecen-10-one); ambrettofuran ((3aR,5aS,9aS,9bR)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran); amyl butyrate (amyl butyrate); amyl cinnamic aldehyde ((Z)-2-benzylideneheptanal); amyl salicylate (pentyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); anethole ((E)-1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)benzene); anisyl acetate (4-methoxybenzyl acetate); averrhoate (1-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)ethyl formate); anisaldehyde p-cresol (4-methoxybenzaldehyde); aurantiin ((E)-methyl 2-((7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctylidene)amino)benzoate); benzaldehyde (benzaldehyde); benzyl acetate (benzyl acetate); benzylacetone (4-phenylbutan-2-one); benzyl alcohol (phenylmethanol); benzyl benzoate (benzyl benzoate); benzyl cinnamate (benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); benzyl salicylate (benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); bicyclononalactone (octahydro-2H-chromen-2-one); borneol crystal ((1S,2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol); bornyl acetate ((2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl acetate); bourgeonal (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)propanal); butyl acetate (butyl acetate); p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (4-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); camphor ((1S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one);(-)-Carvone ((5R)-2-Methyl-5-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohex-2-en-1-one); Cedryl methyl ether ((1R,6S,8aS)-6-Methoxy-1,4,4,6-tetramethyloctahydro-1H-5,8a-methanoazulene); Allyl ionone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)hepta-1,6-dien-3-one); Synthetic cinnamic alcohol ((E)-3-Phenylprop-2-en-1-ol); Cinnamaldehyde ((2E)-3-Phenylprop-2-enal); Cinnamyl acetate (Acetic acid (E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-Hexenol ((Z)-Hex-3-en-1-ol); cis-Jasmone ((Z)-3-Methyl-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-enone); Citral ((E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dienal); Citronellal (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-enal); Citronellol (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-en-1-ol); Citronellyl acetate (Acetic acid 3,7-dimethylocta-6-en-1-yl ester); Citronellyl formate (Formic acid 3,7-dimethylocta-6-en-1-yl ester); Citronellonitrile (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-enenitrile); Lauronitrile (Dodecanenitrile); Florol (4-Cyclohexyl-2-methylbutan-2-ol); Dried methylcyclopentenolone (2-Hydroxy-3-methylcyclopent-2-enone); Musk T (Z)-3-Methylcyclotetradec-5-enone); Coumarin crystal (2H-Chromen-2-one); p-Cresyl methyl ether (1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene); Cuminaldehyde (4-Isopropylbenzonitrile); Phenylacetaldehyde (3-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1,3-dien-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); Alpha-damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); Delta-decalactone (5-Hexyloxolan-2-one); trans-4-Decenal ((E)-Dec-4-enal); Dihydroanethole (1-Methoxy-4-propylbenzene); Dihydromyrcenol (2,6-Dimethylocta-7-en-2-ol); Dimethylbenzyl carbinyl acetate (Acetic acid 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl ester); Dimethylbenzyl carbinyl butyrate (Butyric acid 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl ester); Dimethylheptanol (2,6-Dimethylheptan-2-ol); Diphenyl ether (Phenyl ether); Dodecenal ((E)-Dodec-2-enal); Ebony alcohol ((E)-3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)pent-4-en-2-ol); ESTERLY (Ethyl cyclohexylcarboxylate); Ethyl acetate; Ethyl acetoacetate (Ethyl 3-oxobutanoate); Ethyl cinnamate (Ethyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate);Ethyl hexanoate (Ethyl caproate); Linalool ethyl ((E)-3,7-dimethylnona-1,6-dien-3-ol); Ethyl maltol (2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one); Ethyl methyl-2-butyrate (Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate); Ethyl heptanoate (Ethyl heptanoate); Ethylvanillin (3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde); Ethyl ethylacetoacetate (1,4-Dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione); Natural eucalyptol ((1S,4S)-1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane); Eugenol (4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol); Synthetic oakmoss (Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate); Fenchol ((1S,2R,4R)-1,3,3-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol); Anisaldehyde (3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Florhydral (3-(3-Isopropylphenyl)butanal); Lypyral HC (Tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-2H-pyran-4-ol); Fresh menthone (2-(sec-Butyl)cyclohexanone); Fruit nitrile (2-Methyldecanenitrile); Gerponone (1-(5,5-Dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)penta-4-en-1-one); Geraniol ((E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol); Geranyl acetate (Acetic acid (E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl ester); Geranyl acetone ((E)-6,10-Dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one); Cyclopentadecenolide ((E)-Oxacyclohexadec-12-en-2-one); Methyl dihydrojasmonate (Methyl 3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentaneacetate); Piperonal crystal (Benzod[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carbaldehyde); trans-2-Hexenal ((E)-Hex-2-enal); cis-3-Hexenol ((Z)-Hex-3-en-1-ol); cis-3-Hexenyl acetate (Acetic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-Hexenyl isobutyrate (2-Methylpropanoic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-Hexenyl salicylate (2-Hydroxybenzoic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); Hexyl acetate (Hexyl acetate); Hexyl cinnamaldehyde ((E)-2-Benzylideneoctanal); Hexyl isobutyrate (Hexyl 2-methylpropanoate); Hexyl salicylate (Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); Hydroxycitronellal (7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal); Indole (1H-Indole); beta-Ionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); alpha-Ionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); Isoamyl acetate (Acetic acid 3-methylbutyl ester); Isoeugenol ((E)-2-Methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol); Isomenthone DL (2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone);Isopropyl 2-methylbutyrate (isopropyl 2-methylbutanoate); Isomethyl ionone ((E)-3-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); Cis-jasmone ((Z)-3-methyl-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-enone); Jasmolene (3-butyl-5-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); Jasmopyran (3-pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); Green flower phenol (methyl (Z)-hex-3-enoate); Lyral (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Limonene, (-)-limonene or (+)-limonene (1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexene); Linalool oxide (2-(5-methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-2-ol); Linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol); Linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate); MAHONIAL ((4E)-9-hydroxy-5,9-dimethyldec-4-enal); Maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one); Matricin (ethyl 2-methylvalerate); Mayol ((4-isopropylcyclohexyl)methanol); Rhodinyl alcohol (3-methyl-5-phenylpentan-1-ol); Melonal (2,6-dimethylhept-5-enal); Menthol, (-)-menthol or racemic menthol (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol); Menthone, isomenthone, (-)-menthone or racemic menthone (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone); Methyl anthranilate (methyl 2-aminobenzoate); Methyl benzoate (methyl benzoate); Methyl cinnamate (methyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); Methyl dantilis (2-ethoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)phenol); Methyl dihydrojasmonate (methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane-1-carboxylate); Methyl heptenone (6-methylhept-5-en-2-one); Methyl lactone (8-methyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-one); Methyl octynoate (methyl non-2-ynoate); Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); Musk enone ((Z)-3-methylcyclopentadecen-5-one); Citronellal (4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde); Myrcene (7-methyl-3-methyleneocta-1,6-diene); MYSTIKAL (2-methylundecanoic acid); Ambroxan (2-(2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propyl)cyclopentanone); Neo-furaneol ((E)-methyl non-2-enoate); NEROLEX ((2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol); Nerolidol ((E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-ol); β-Naphthyl ethyl ether crystal (2-ethoxynaphthalene);Neryl acetate HC ((Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate); Nirvanolide ((E)-13-methyloxacyclopentadecen-10-one); Nonadienal ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal); 2,6-Nonadienol ((2Z,6E)-nona-2,6-dien-1-ol); γ-Nonalactone (5-pentyloxolan-2-one); cis-6-Nonenal ((Z)-nona-6-enal); cis-6-Nonenol ((Z)-nona-6-en-1-ol); Nopol acetate (2-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)ethyl acetate); Nymphal (3-(4-(2-methylpropyl)-2-methylphenyl)propanal); 2-Octanone (octan-2-one); Sweet orange crystal (1-(2-naphthyl)ethanone); β-Phenylethyl methyl ether ((2-methoxyethyl)benzene); Peach aldehyde (5-heptyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one); Tetrahydrogeraniol (3,7-dimethyloctan-1-ol); Pharaoh's ketone (2-cyclohexylhepta-1,6-dien-3-one); Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate (2-(phenoxy)ethyl 2-methylpropanoate); Phenylacetaldehyde (2-phenylacetaldehyde); Phenylethyl acetate (2-phenylethyl acetate); Phenylethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol); Phenylethyl isobutyrate (2-phenylethyl 2-methylpropanoate); Phenylethyl phenylacetate (2-phenylethyl 2-phenylacetate); Phenylpropanol (3-phenylpropan-1-ol); β-Pinene (6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane); Pinonaldehyde (3-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propanal); Pomarose ((2E,5E)-5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one); Methyl citronellal B (1-methyl-4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde); Isopentenyl acetate (3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl acetate); Raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one); Rose oxide (4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran); Aromatic rose oxide (4-methyl-2-phenyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran); Sandalwood (3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)pentan-2-ol); Scentaurus Clean ((Z)-ethyl 2-acetyl-4-methyltridec-2-enoate); Scentaurus Juicy (4-(dodecylthio)-4-methylpentan-2-one); Civetone (cyclopentadecanone, hexadecanolide); Styralyl acetate (1-phenylethyl acetate); Super Muguet ((E)-6-ethyl-3-methyloct-6-en-1-ol);Yucca Musk (cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (E)-2-((3,5-dimethylhex-3-en-2-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropyl ester); propyl terpinene (1-methyl-4-prop-2-ylcyclohexa-1,4-diene); methyl terpineol (2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)prop-2-ol); terpineol (2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)prop-2-ol); terpinolene (1-methyl-4-(prop-2-ylidene)cyclohex-1-ene); terpineol acetate (acetic acid 2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)prop-2-yl ester); tetrahydrolinalool (3,7-dimethyloctan-3-ol); Tibetan Musk (oxacyclohexadecane-2-one); thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methyl Phenol); cyclopropylanisole (1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-methoxybenzene); tridecene-2-carbonitrile ((E)-trideca-2-enenitrile); neoprivetaldehyde (3-phenylbutyraldehyde); neoheliotropein (3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal); methylnonyl ketone (undecan-2-one); undecatriene ((3E,5Z)-undeca-1,3,5-triene); methyldecenol ((E)-4-methyldec-3-en-5-ol); vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde); cyclohexadecenone ((Z)-cyclohexadecan-5-enone); violet nitrile ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienenitrile); and ethylnaphthol (2-methoxynaphthalene). ;

[0047] In one embodiment, the fragrance composition comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, even more preferably at least eight, even more preferably still at least sixteen biodegradable ingredients.

[0048] The fragrance composition encapsulated in the water-soluble matrix of the present invention typically has a proportion of fragrance composition of up to about 60 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the fragrance composition encapsulated in the water-soluble matrix, which means that the majority of the mass of the fragrance composition encapsulated in the water-soluble matrix consists of the fragrance composition. Thus, by using biodegradable ingredients for the fragrance composition, the overall ecological footprint of the granular composition (independent of the matrix material) can be significantly improved. Biodegradation is a key process for removing fragrance ingredients from the environment.

[0049] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the biodegradable components are selected from acetophenone (1-phenylethanone); adoxal (2,6,10-trimethylundec-9-enal); AGRUMEX (2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); C6 hexanol (hexan-1-ol); C10 decanal (decanal); C11 MOA aldehyde (2-methyldecanal); C11 undecenal (undec-10-enal); C110 undecanal (undecanal); C12 lauryl aldehyde (dodecanal); C12 MNA aldehyde (2-methylundecanal); food-grade C6 hexanal (hexan-1-al); food-grade C8 octanal (octanal); C9 isononaldehyde (3,5,5-trimethylhexanal); food-grade C9 nonanal (nonanal); ISOC11 aldehyde ((E)-undec-9-enal); allyl amyl glycolate (2-(3-methylbutoxy)prop-2-enyl acetate); allyl hexanoate (prop-2-enyl hexanoate); allyl cyclohexanepropionate (prop-2-enyl 3-cyclohexanepropionate); allyl heptanoate (prop-2-enyl heptanoate); ambrettolide (3,8,8,11a-tetramethyldodecahydro-1H-3,5a-epoxynaphtho[2,1-c]oxepine); α-angelica lactone ((Z)-oxacycloheptadec-10-en-2-one); ambrein ((3aR,5aS,9aS,9bR)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran); amyl butyrate (amyl butyrate); amyl cinnamic aldehyde ((Z)-2-benzylideneheptanal); amyl salicylate (pentyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); anethole ((E)-1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)benzene); anisyl acetate (4-methoxybenzyl acetate); avermectin (1-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)ethyl formate); anisaldehyde p-cresol (4-methoxybenzaldehyde); aurantiin ((E)-methyl 2-((7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctylidene)amino)benzoate); benzaldehyde (benzaldehyde); benzyl acetate (benzyl acetate); benzylacetone (4-phenylbutan-2-one); benzyl alcohol (phenylmethanol); benzyl benzoate (benzyl benzoate); benzyl cinnamate (benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); benzyl salicylate (benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); bicyclononalactone (octahydro-2H-chromen-2-one); borneol crystal ((1S,2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol); bornyl acetate (acetate (2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl); bourgeonal (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)propanal); butyl acetate (butyl acetate); p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (4-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); camphor ((1S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one);(-)-Carvone ((5R)-2-Methyl-5-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohex-2-en-1-one); Cedryl methyl ether ((1R,6S,8aS)-6-Methoxy-1,4,4,6-tetramethyloctahydro-1H-5,8a-methanoazulene); Allyl ionone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)hepta-1,6-dien-3-one); Synthetic cinnamic alcohol ((E)-3-Phenylprop-2-en-1-ol); Cinnamaldehyde ((2E)-3-Phenylprop-2-enal); Cinnamyl acetate (Acetic acid (E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-Hexenol ((Z)-Hex-3-en-1-ol); cis-Jasmone ((Z)-3-Methyl-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-enone); Citral ((E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dienal); Citronellal (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-enal); Citronellol (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-en-1-ol); Citronellyl acetate (Acetic acid 3,7-dimethylocta-6-en-1-yl ester); Citronellyl formate (Formic acid 3,7-dimethylocta-6-en-1-yl ester); Citronellonitrile (3,7-Dimethylocta-6-enenitrile); Lauronitrile (Dodecanenitrile); Florol (4-Cyclohexyl-2-methylbutan-2-ol); Dried methylcyclopentenolone (2-Hydroxy-3-methylcyclopent-2-enone); Muscone ((Z)-3-Methylcyclotetradec-5-enone); Coumarin crystal (2H-Chromen-2-one); p-Cresyl methyl ether (1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene); Cuminaldehyde (4-Isopropylbenzonitrile); Phenylacetaldehyde (3-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1,3-dien-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); α-Damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); γ-Decalactone (5-Hexyloxolan-2-one); trans-4-Decenal ((E)-Dec-4-enal); Dihydroanethole (1-Methoxy-4-propylbenzene); Dihydromyrcenol (2,6-Dimethylocta-7-en-2-ol); Dimethylbenzyl carbinyl acetate (Acetic acid 2-methyl-1-phenylprop-2-yl ester); Dimethylbenzyl carbinyl butyrate (Butyric acid 2-methyl-1-phenylprop-2-yl ester); Dimethylheptanol (2,6-Dimethylheptan-2-ol); Diphenyl ether (Phenyl ether); Dodecenal ((E)-Dodec-2-enal); Ebony alcohol ((E)-3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)pent-4-en-2-ol); ESTERLY (Ethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate); Ethyl acetate (Ethyl acetate); Ethyl acetoacetate (Ethyl 3-oxobutanoate); Ethyl cinnamate (Ethyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); Ethyl hexanoate (Ethyl hexanoate);Ethyl linalool ((E)-3,7-dimethylnona-1,6-dien-3-ol); Ethyl maltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one); Ethyl methyl-2-butyrate (ethyl 2-methylbutyrate); Ethyl heptanoate (ethyl heptanoate); Ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde); Ethyl ethylacetoacetate (1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione); Natural eucalyptol ((1s,4s)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane); Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol); Synthetic oakmoss (methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate); Fenchol ((1S,2R,4R)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol); Anisaldehyde (3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Florhydral (3-(3-isopropylphenyl)butanal); Lypyral HC (tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-2H-pyran-4-ol); Fresh menthone (2-(sec-butyl)cyclohexanone); Fruit nitrile (2-methyldecanenitrile); Gerponone (1-(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)penta-4-en-1-one); Geraniol ((E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol); Geranyl acetate (acetic acid (E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl ester); Geranyl acetone ((E)-6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one); Civetone ((E)-oxacyclohexadec-12-en-2-one); Methyl dihydrojasmonate (methyl 3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentaneacetate); Piperonal crystals (benzod[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carbaldehyde); trans-2-Hexenal ((E)-hex-2-enal); cis-3-Hexenol ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol); cis-3-Hexenyl acetate (acetic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-Hexenyl isobutyrate ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl 2-methylpropionate); cis-3-Hexenyl salicylate ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl 2-hydroxybenzoate); Hexyl acetate (hexyl acetate); Hexyl cinnamaldehyde ((E)-2-benzylideneoctanal); Hexyl isobutyrate (hexyl 2-methylpropionate); Hexyl salicylate (hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); Hydroxycitronellal (7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal); Indole (1H-indole); β-Ionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); α-Ionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); Isoamyl acetate (3-methylbutyl acetate); Isoeugenol ((E)-2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol); Isomenthone DL (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone);Isopropyl 2-methylbutyrate (isopropyl 2-methylbutanoate); Isomethyl ionone ((E)-3-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); cis-Jasmone ((Z)-3-methyl-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-enone); Jasmyl acetate (3-butyl-5-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); Jasmolactone (3-pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); Green leaf acetate ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl methyl carbonate); Lyral (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-methylpropanal); Limonene, L-limonene or D-limonene (1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-yl-cyclohexene); Linalool oxide (2-(5-methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-2-ol); Linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol); Linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate); MAHONIAL ((4E)-9-hydroxy-5,9-dimethyl-4-decenal); Maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one); Matricin (ethyl 2-methylvalerate); Mayol ((4-isopropylcyclohexyl)methanol); Rhodinyl acetate (3-methyl-5-phenylpentan-1-ol); Melonal (2,6-dimethylhept-5-enal); Menthol, L-menthol or racemic menthol (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol); Menthone, isomenthone, L-menthone or racemic menthone (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone); Methyl anthranilate (methyl 2-aminobenzoate); Methyl benzoate (methyl benzoate); Methyl cinnamate (methyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); Methyl diantilis (2-ethoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)phenol); Methyl dihydrojasmonate (methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane-1-carboxylate); Methyl heptenone (6-methylhept-5-en-2-one); Methyl lactone (8-methyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-one); Methyl octynoate (methyl non-2-ynoate); Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); Musk enone ((Z)-3-methylcyclopentadecen-5-one); Citronellal (4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde); Myrcene (7-methyl-3-methyleneocta-1,6-diene); MYSTIKAL (2-methylundecanoic acid); Celestolide (2-(2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propyl)cyclopentanone); Neo-Frescolide ((E)-methyl non-2-enoate); NEROLEX ((2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol); Nerolidol ((E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-ol); β-Naphthyl ethyl ether crystals (2-ethoxynaphthalene);Neryl acetate HC ((Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate); Nirvanolide ((E)-13-methyloxacyclopentadecen-2-one); Nonadienal ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal); 2,6-Nonadienol ((2Z,6E)-nona-2,6-dien-1-ol); γ-Nonalactone (5-pentyloxolan-2-one); cis-6-Nonenal ((Z)-nona-6-enal); cis-6-Nonenol ((Z)-nona-6-en-1-ol); Nopol acetate (2-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)ethyl acetate); Nymphal (3-(4-(2-methylpropyl)-2-methylphenyl)propanal); 2-Octanone (octan-2-one); Sweet Orange Crystal (1-(2-naphthyl)ethanone); β-Phenylethyl methyl ether ((2-methoxyethyl)benzene); Peach Aldehyde (5-heptyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one); Tetrahydrogeraniol (3,7-dimethyloctan-1-ol); Pharaoh's Ketone (2-cyclohexylhepta-1,6-dien-3-one); Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate (2-(phenoxy)ethyl 2-methylpropanoate); Phenylacetaldehyde (2-phenylacetaldehyde); Phenylethyl acetate (2-phenylethyl acetate); Phenylethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol); Phenylethyl isobutyrate (2-phenylethyl 2-methylpropanoate); Phenylethyl phenylacetate (2-phenylethyl 2-phenylacetate); Phenylpropanol (3-phenylpropan-1-ol); β-Pinene (6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane); Pinonaldehyde (3-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propanal); Pomarose ((2E,5E)-5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one); Methyl Citronellal B (1-methyl-4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde); Isopentenyl acetate (3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl acetate); Raspberry Ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one); Rose Oxide (4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran); Aromatic Rose Oxide (4-methyl-2-phenyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran); Sandalwood (3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)pentan-2-ol); Scentaurus Clean ((Z)-ethyl 2-acetyl-4-methyltridec-2-enoate); Scentaurus Juicy (4-(dodecylthio)-4-methylpentan-2-one); Civetone (cyclopentadecanone, hexadecanolide); Styralyl acetate (1-phenylethyl acetate); Super Muguet ((E)-6-ethyl-3-methyloct-6-en-1-ol);Yucca Musk (cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (E)-2-((3,5-dimethylhex-3-en-2-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropyl ester); propyl terpinene (1-methyl-4-prop-2-ylcyclohexa-1,4-diene); methyl terpineol (2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)prop-2-ol); terpineol (2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)prop-2-ol); terpinolene (1-methyl-4-(prop-2-ylidene)cyclohex-1-ene); terpineol acetate (acetic acid 2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)prop-2-yl ester); tetrahydrolinalool (3,7-dimethyloctan-3-ol); Tibetan Musk (oxacyclohexadecane-2-one); thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methyl Phenol); cyclopropylanisole (1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-methoxybenzene); tridecene-2-carbonitrile ((E)-trideca-2-enenitrile); neoprivetaldehyde (3-phenylbutyraldehyde); neoheliotropein (3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal); methylnonyl ketone (undecan-2-one); undecatriene ((3E,5Z)-undeca-1,3,5-triene); methyldecenol ((E)-4-methyldec-3-en-5-ol); vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde); cyclohexadecenone ((Z)-cyclohexadecan-5-enone); violet nitrile ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienenitrile); and ethylnaphthol (2-methoxynaphthalene). ;

[0050] The above ingredients have all been identified as not only meeting at least one biodegradability criterion, but also being suitable for encapsulation in terms of their physical and chemical properties (e.g., lipophilicity and molecular size). Therefore, they provide a useful choice of fragrance ingredients for easily and reliably providing more sustainable fragrance encapsulants.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the amount of the fragrance composition, i.e. the amount of the at least one fragrance ingredient embedded in the water-soluble matrix, relative to the total weight of the fragrance composition embedded in the water-soluble matrix is ​​from about 35 wt.-% to about 60 wt.-%, preferably from about 45 wt.-% to about 55 wt.-%, preferably about 50 wt.-%.

[0052] Core-shell microcapsules

[0053] In the context of the present invention, the fragrance composition may be partially encapsulated in core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0054] Such compositions allow the release of fragrance by mechanical action or by activation with moisture and are particularly useful, for example, when used as a fragrance delivery means in consumer products that require core - shell microcapsules to adhere to the substrates to which they are applied, such as laundry detergents, to deliver optimal fragrance benefits.

[0055] The composition of the fragrance ingredient encapsulated in the core - shell microcapsules and the composition of the fragrance ingredient not encapsulated in the core - shell microcapsules can be the same or different. This results in a modulated release of the same or different odor impressions, depending on whether the encapsulate is exposed to moisture or mechanical stress. In particular, sequential release of the fragrance ingredients can be envisaged.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, the shell of the microcapsules or the core - shell can be made of biodegradable materials or non - biodegradable materials. In particular, the shell of the core - shell microcapsules can comprise polymers selected from melamine - formaldehyde polymers, urea - formaldehyde polymers, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyacrylates, polycarbonates and mixtures thereof.

[0057] Thermosetting resin

[0058] Core - shell microcapsules having a melamine - formaldehyde polymer shell have proven particularly suitable for fragrance encapsulation. They are described in the prior art, for example, in WO2008 / 098387A1, WO2016 / 207180A1 and WO2017 / 001672A1.

[0059] In addition, core - shell microcapsules having a polyurea or polyurethane polymer shell have been successfully used for fragrance encapsulation. They have the advantage of addressing consumer concerns about residual formaldehyde in the composition. Such capsules are also described in the prior art, for example, in WO2019 / 174978A1.

[0060] Core - shell microcapsules having a polyacrylate (i.e., one or more polymerized forms of mono - ethylenically unsaturated and / or poly - ethylenically unsaturated monomers) shell have also been successfully used for fragrance encapsulation. Such capsules are described in the prior art, for example, in WO2013 / 111912A1 or WO2014 / 032920A1.

[0061] Polymer stabilizer

[0062] In one embodiment, the shell can comprise a polymeric stabilizer formed by the combination of a polymeric surfactant and at least one aminosilane. The polymeric surfactant comprises a polysaccharide containing carboxylic acid groups. The aminosilane is as defined below. The shell can also comprise a polysaccharide, preferably a polysaccharide comprising β(1→4)-linked monosaccharide units, even more preferably a cellulose derivative, particularly selected from hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and carboxymethyl cellulose and combinations thereof, preferably hydroxyethyl cellulose. Such capsules are described in the prior art, for example in WO2020 / 233887A1.

[0063] Hydrated polymer phase and polymeric stabilizer

[0064] In one embodiment, the shell can comprise a hydrated polymer phase and a polymeric stabilizer at the interface between the shell and the core.

[0065] In such an arrangement, the polymeric stabilizer provides an impermeable encapsulating material, while the hydrated polymer phase provides the required deposition and adhesion to the substrate. Furthermore, without being bound by any theory, it is speculated that the hydrated polymer phase also provides an optimal point of attack for microbial degradation.

[0066] The polymeric stabilizer can be selected from a wide range of film-forming materials and resins. Preferably, the polymeric stabilizer is highly crosslinked in order to significantly reduce the diffusion of the encapsulated beneficial agent through the shell. Preferably, the impermeability of the shell is high enough to significantly prevent the leakage of the beneficial agent in an extractive base (such as a consumer product containing a surfactant).

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric stabilizer is a thermosetting resin.

[0068] Thermosetting resins are generally obtained by reacting polyfunctional monomers such as amines, isocyanates, alcohols or phenols, chloro-carboxylic acids, (meth)acrylates, epoxides, silanes and aldehydes.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric stabilizer is formed by the reaction of an aminosilane with a polyfunctional isocyanate. Such a polymeric stabilizer has the advantage of being highly crosslinked and is readily available to provide surface anchoring groups for fixing additional materials to complete the shell formation. These additional materials can comprise additional encapsulating materials, coatings, as well as simple and coacervate and hydrogels as described in more detail below.

[0070] The aminosilane used to form the polymeric stabilizer can be selected from compounds of formula (I).

[0071] Si(R 1 )(R 2 )f (OR 3 ) (3-f) Formula (I)

[0072] wherein R 1 is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl residue containing an amine functional group; R 2 are each independently a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R 3 are each independently H or a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and f is 0, 1, or 2.

[0073] The silyl groups can undergo a polycondensation reaction with each other to form a silica network at the oil / water interface, further stabilizing the interface.

[0074] In one embodiment, R 2 and R 3 are each independently methyl or ethyl.

[0075] In one embodiment, f is 0 or 1.

[0076] In one embodiment, R 1 is a C1-C 12 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl residue containing an amine functional group. Optionally, R 1 is a C1-C4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl residue containing an amine functional group.

[0077] In one embodiment, the amine functional group is a primary amine, secondary amine, or tertiary amine.

[0078] In one embodiment, the at least one aminosilane is a bipodal aminosilane. A "bipodal aminosilane" refers to a molecule containing at least one amino group and two residues, each of which bears at least one alkoxysilane moiety. Compared with conventional aminosilanes, bipodal aminosilanes are particularly advantageous for forming a stable oil-water interface. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this beneficial effect is due to the specific bidirectional arrangement of the silane moieties in the bipodal aminosilane molecule, which allows for the formation of a more tightly connected silica network at the oil-water interface.

[0079] In one embodiment, the bipodal aminosilane is a compound of formula (II).

[0080] (O-R 3 ) (3-f) (R 2 ) f Si-R 4 -X-R 4 -Si(O-R 3 ) (3-f) (R 2 )f Formula (II)

[0081] wherein X is -NR 5 -, -NR 5 -CH2-NR 5 -, -NR 5 -CH2-CH2-NR 5 -, -NR 5 -CO-NR 5 -, or

[0082]

[0083] R 2 each independently is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0084] R 3 each independently is H or a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0085] R 4 each independently is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;

[0086] R 5 each independently is H, CH3 or C2H5; and

[0087] f each independently is 0, 1 or 2.

[0088] In one embodiment, R 2 is CH3 or C2H5.

[0089] In one embodiment, R 3 is CH3 or C2H5.

[0090] In one embodiment, R 4 is -CH2-, -CH2-CH2- or -CH2-CH2-CH2-.

[0091] In one embodiment, R 5 is H or CH3.

[0092] In one embodiment, f is 0 or 1.

[0093] Examples of suitable bis-amine silanes include, but are not limited to, bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, N,N'-bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)urea, bis(3-(methyldiethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, N,N'-bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, bis(3-(methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl)-N-methylamine, N,N'-bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)piperazine, and combinations thereof.

[0094] In one embodiment, the bidentate aminosilane is bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, which has the advantage of releasing ethanol rather than the more toxic and less desirable methanol during the polycondensation of the ethoxysilyl groups.

[0095] The bidentate aminosilane can be a secondary aminosilane. Using a secondary bidentate aminosilane in place of a primary aminosilane reduces the reactivity of the polymer stabilizer towards electrophilic species, particularly aldehydes. Thus, beneficial agents containing high levels of aldehydes can be encapsulated with a lower tendency for adverse interactions between the core material and the shell material.

[0096] Other aminosilanes can also be used in combination with the above-mentioned bidentate aminosilanes, particularly the aminosilanes described above.

[0097] The polyfunctional isocyanate can be selected from organic isocyanates in which the isocyanate group is bonded to an organic residue (R-N=C=O or R-NCO). The polyfunctional isocyanate can be selected from alkyl, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and alkylaromatic, as well as anion-modified polyfunctional isocyanates, which have two or more (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) isocyanate groups in one molecule, and mixtures thereof.

[0098] Preferably, the polyfunctional isocyanate is an aromatic or alkylaromatic polyfunctional isocyanate, and the alkylaromatic polyfunctional isocyanate preferably has a methyl isocyanate group attached to an aromatic ring. Compared with alkyl and cycloaliphatic polyfunctional isocyanates, both aromatic and methyl isocyanate-substituted aromatic polyfunctional isocyanates have excellent reactivity. Among them, tris((3-(isocyanatomethyl)phenyl)carbamate)2-ethylpropane-1,2,3-triyl ester is particularly preferred because of its trifunctional nature that is conducive to the formation of intermolecular crosslinks and its intermediate reactivity that is conducive to the uniformity of the network structure. This alkylaromatic polyfunctional isocyanate is commercially available under the trade name Takenate D-100N (sold by Mitsui) or the trade name Quix 175 (sold by Covestro).

[0099] As an alternative to aromatic or alkylaromatic polyfunctional isocyanates, it may also be advantageous to add anion-modified polyfunctional isocyanates, since such polyfunctional isocyanates are capable of reacting at the oil / water interface or even in the aqueous phase near the oil / water interface. Particularly suitable anion-modified polyfunctional isocyanates have the formula (III).

[0100]

[0101] Formula (III) shows a commercially available anionic-modified polyisocyanate, which is a modified isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate, sold by Covestro under the trademark XP2547.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyfunctional isocyanate is tris((3-(isocyanatomethyl)phenyl)carbamate)2-ethylpropane-1,2,3-triyl ester. Particularly preferably, a polymer stabilizer is formed by the reaction of bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine and tris((3-(isocyanatomethyl)phenyl)carbamate)2-ethylpropane-1,2,3-triyl ester. This specific combination of a bidentate secondary amino silane and a polyfunctional isocyanate provides favorable interfacial stability and release properties. The stable interface is sufficiently impermeable to effectively encapsulate at least one beneficial agent contained in the core and has the desired surface functional groups.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrated polymer phase can be a coacervate layer, particularly a complex coacervate layer.

[0104] The so-called "complex coacervation" refers to the formation of an interfacial layer containing a polyelectrolyte mixture.

[0105] The phenomenon of coacervation can be observed under an optical microscope, where it is marked by the appearance of a ring around the core composition droplets. This ring consists of the above-mentioned polyelectrolyte-rich phase, which has a refractive index different from that of the surrounding aqueous phase.

[0106] Coacervation of polyelectrolytes is usually induced by bringing the polyelectrolyte to its isoelectric point (meaning the point at which the net charge of the polyelectrolyte is zero or close to zero). This can be achieved by changing the salt concentration or pH of the medium. In complex coacervation, the complexation occurs at a pH at which one polyelectrolyte has a total positive charge (poly-cation) and the other polyelectrolyte has a total negative charge (poly-anion), and as a result, the total charge of the complex is neutral.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a coacervate layer can be formed from a poly-cation and a poly-anion.

[0108] Preferably, pH is used as a parameter to drive coacervation. Therefore, the poly-cation preferably has a pH-dependent charge. This is the case for polymers with primary, secondary, and tertiary amino groups, such as polyamines, e.g., chitosan, and most proteins, e.g., gelatin. Proteins have the additional advantage that they are prone to temperature-dependent structural transitions, which can also be used to control the morphology of the coacervate layer. In particular, changing the temperature of some proteins can induce the formation of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structures of the protein, which can also be used to control the properties of the coacervate layer.

[0109] Chitosan has the advantages derived from chitin, which is a natural polymer.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polycation is selected from proteins, chitosan, and combinations thereof.

[0111] More particularly, the polycation may be a protein selected from gelatin, casein, albumin, polylysine, soy protein, pea protein, rice protein, hemp protein, and combinations thereof.

[0112] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protein is gelatin, and even more preferably type B gelatin.

[0113] Type B gelatin can be obtained from the alkali treatment of collagen and is well known for its ability to form complexes with anionic polyelectrolytes (such as negatively charged polysaccharides) under mild acidic conditions.

[0114] Gelatin is typically characterized by the so-called "Bloom Strength". In the context of the present invention, the Bloom Strength refers to the stiffness of the gelatin film, as measured by the so-called "Bloom gelometer" according to the official procedures of the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, Inc., revised in 2019, Chapter 2.1. According to this procedure, the Bloom Strength expressed in Bloom is equal to the weight required to vertically move a standardized plunger with a diameter of 12.5 mm to a depth of 4 mm into the gelatin gel, expressed in g, and the gelatin gel is prepared under controlled conditions, that is, by dissolving 6.67 wt.-% of gelatin in deionized water at 60 °C in a standardized tank and allowing the gel to form at 10 °C for 17 hours. The higher the weight, the higher the Bloom Strength of the gelatin used to prepare the test gel.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Bloom Strength of the type B gelatin is 90 to 250 Bloom.

[0116] If the Bloom Strength is too low, the gel is mechanically weak, and the coacervate layer obtained therefrom may not form a self-standing layer rich in gelatin phase around the core composition. If the Bloom Strength is too high, the coacervate layer and the gelatin-rich phase obtained therefrom may be too brittle.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the type B gelatin can be obtained from fish because fish gelatin is better accepted by consumers compared to beef or pork gelatin, which is mainly attributed to health issues, sociological background, or religious rules.

[0118] Alternatively, the protein can be a plant protein, particularly pea protein and / or soy protein, which has the advantage of being vegetarian.

[0119] The polycation can be a denatured protein. In contrast to a native protein, a denatured protein has been deprived of the ability to form secondary, tertiary or quaternary structures and is substantially amorphous. Compared to a native protein, such an amorphous protein can form a more impermeable membrane and thus also contributes to the encapsulation ability of the shell. Denaturation can be achieved by treating the protein with chemical or physical means, such as acid or base treatment, heating or exposure to a hydrogen bond disruptor.

[0120] In the case where the polycation is chitosan, the molecular weight of the chitosan can be from 3,000 to 1,000,000 g / mol, more particularly from 10,000 to 500,000 g / mol, even more particularly from 30,000 to 300,000 g / mol.

[0121] The polyanion can be any negatively charged polymer. However, since pH is preferably used to control the coacervation, it may be more advantageous if the charge of the polymer is pH-dependent. Such polymers can be selected from polymers having side-chain carboxyl groups, such as methacrylic acid and acrylic acid polymers and copolymers, hydrolyzed maleic anhydride copolymers and polysaccharides bearing carboxyl groups.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyanion is a polysaccharide comprising carboxylate groups and / or sulfate groups.

[0123] Polysaccharides comprising carboxylate groups are particularly suitable for complex coacervation with proteins. This is due to the fact that the net charge of these polysaccharides can be adjusted by adjusting the pH, thus promoting complexation with amphoteric proteins. Complexation occurs at a pH at which the protein has an overall positive charge and the polysaccharide has an overall negative charge, such that the overall charge of the complex is neutral. These polysaccharides include both unmodified native polysaccharides and modified polysaccharides from nature.

[0124] Polysaccharides comprising carboxyl groups can comprise uronic acid units, particularly hexuronic acid units. Such polysaccharides are widely available in nature.

[0125] Hexuronic acid units can be selected from galacturonic acid units, glucuronic acid units, particularly 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid units, guluronic acid units, mannuronic acid units and combinations thereof.

[0126] Polysaccharides comprising carboxyl groups can be branched. Branched polysaccharides comprising carboxyl groups have the advantage of forming a more compact network structure than linear polysaccharides and can thus contribute to the impermeability of the encapsulating shell, thereby reducing leakage and increasing the encapsulation efficiency.

[0127] The carboxylic acid groups may be present at least in part in the form of the corresponding carboxylate salts, in particular the corresponding sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salts of carboxylic acids.

[0128] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the polyanions are selected from pectin, gum arabic, alginate and combinations thereof.

[0129] In pectin, the carboxylic acid groups may be present in part in the form of the corresponding methyl esters. The percentage of carboxylic acid groups present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters may be from 3% to 95%, preferably from 4% to 75%, more preferably from 5 to 50%. Pectin containing 50% or more of carboxyl groups present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters is called "highly methoxylated". Pectin containing less than 50% of carboxylic acid groups present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters is called "low methoxylated".

[0130] Of the two variants of gum arabic, namely gum acacia Senegal and gum acacia Seyal, gum acacia Senegal is preferred because of its higher level of glucuronic acid.

[0131] The hydrated polymer phase may be a hydrogel.

[0132] In the context of the present invention, a "hydrogel" is a three-dimensional (3D) network of hydrophilic polymers that can swell in water while maintaining its structure due to chemical or physical cross-linking of individual polymer chains.

[0133] Such a hydrogel can be formed at the interface by several methods, in particular by self-assembly of polyelectrolytes around an existing interface, covalent grafting of preformed hydrogel particles in solution, polymerization of water-soluble monomers initiated at the interface, and phase separation of water-soluble macromolecules at the interface.

[0134] To avoid any ambiguity, in the context of the present invention, a coacervate layer cross-linked in particular by covalent bonds, in particular a complex coacervate layer, is considered to be a hydrogel.

[0135] The applicant has found that the use of hydrogels particularly enhances the deposition and adhesion of microcapsules on a substrate, in particular on a fabric.

[0136] The hydrogel may be interconnected with the polymer stabilizer, in particular by functional groups present on the surface of the stabilizer.

[0137] This allows the hydrogel layer to be locked onto the polymer stabilizer present at the droplet interface, such that the shell consists of a polymer composite rather than just a blend.

[0138] The crosslinking of the hydrogel and the interconnection of the hydrogel with the polymer stabilizer can be carried out sequentially or simultaneously.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogel is a crosslinked coacervate layer, in particular a composite coacervate layer crosslinked with a polyfunctional aldehyde, said polyfunctional aldehyde being more particularly a bifunctional aldehyde selected from succinaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, benzene-1,2-dialdehyde, benzene-1,3-dialdehyde, benzene-1,4-dialdehyde, piperazine-N,N-dialdehyde, 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dialdehyde and combinations thereof. Bifunctional aldehydes are known to be effective crosslinking agents for proteins.

[0140] The hydrogel can be thermosensitive and have a gelling temperature, in particular from 20 °C to 50 °C, preferably from 25 °C to 40 °C. When using such a hydrogel, the deposition performance of the capsules on the fabric can be increased when washing the fabric at a temperature above the gelling temperature of the hydrogel.

[0141] The shell can be further stabilized with a stabilizer. Preferably, the stabilizer contains at least two carboxylic acid groups. Even more preferably, the stabilizer is selected from citric acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, itaconic acid, poly(itaconic acid) and combinations thereof.

[0142] Coacervate layer

[0143] In one embodiment, the shell can comprise a composite coacervate layer formed from at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide. Such core-shell capsules have proven suitable for the encapsulation of beneficial agents and are described, for example, in WO1996 / 020612A1, WO2001 / 03825A1 or WO2015 / 150370A1.

[0144] The crosslinking of at least one protein with a first crosslinking agent and then the addition of at least one polysaccharide to form a composite coacervate layer is described in WO2021 / 239742A1.

[0145] In one embodiment, the shell of the microcapsules can be made of a biodegradable material or a non-biodegradable material. In one embodiment, the microcapsules are made of a biodegradable material.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the volume median diameter Dv(50) of a plurality of core-shell microcapsules is from 1 to 100 μm, preferably from 5 to 75 μm, more preferably from 8 to 60 μm, even more preferably from 10 to 30 μm. Microcapsules having a volume median diameter in the range from 10 to 30 μm show optimal deposition on different substrates such as fabrics and hair.

[0147] The resulting encapsulated composition, in the form of a microcapsule slurry suspended in an aqueous suspension medium, can be incorporated as such into a fragrance composition embedded within a water-soluble matrix. However, if desired, the slurry can be dried to provide the encapsulated composition in the form of a dry powder. Drying of the microcapsule slurry is conventional and can be carried out according to techniques known in the art, such as spray drying, evaporation, freeze drying or using desiccants. Generally, as is conventional in the art, the dried microcapsules will be dispersed or suspended in a suitable powder, such as powdered silica, which can be used as a filler or a glidant. Such a suitable powder can be added to the encapsulated composition before, during or after the drying step.

[0148] Combining the advantages of at least two encapsulation processes provides different mechanisms for releasing the functional material, such as a combination of moisture-induced release and mechanically-stress-induced release.

[0149] Solid carrier

[0150] Diluting the fragrance composition embedded in the water-soluble matrix in a carrier material allows for providing a formulation that complies with dust explosion regulations, as it is known that the explosion risk increases with the concentration of the fragrance component in the powder.

[0151] The solid carrier can be selected from urea, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium acetate, zeolite, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, gypsum, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sugars, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, citric acid or any water-soluble solid acid, fatty alcohol, fatty acid and mixtures thereof.

[0152] Relative to the total weight of the granular composition, the proportion of the solid carrier in the granular composition can be from about 50 wt.-% to about 95 wt.-%, preferably from about 60 wt.-% to about 70 wt.-%, for example about 66.7 wt.-%. Under such conditions, the granular composition can remain below the critical explosion value in terms of the explosion rating and the minimum ignition energy value.

[0153] Glidant

[0154] As an alternative to or in addition to the solid carrier, the granular composition according to the invention can also contain a glidant. The glidant is selected from silica, sodium salts, calcium salts and zeolites. The glidant limits the risk of powder agglomeration and blockage and simplifies the process of transferring the granular composition from one container to another.

[0155] The granular powder of the present invention has an MIE value higher than 1000 mJ, thus presenting a low fire risk.

[0156] Method

[0157] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for preparing the granular composition as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0158] a) preparing an emulsion of the perfume composition in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble matrix material;

[0159] b) subjecting the emulsion to drying, in particular spray drying or adsorption onto an absorbent, to obtain a composition in which the perfume composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix, and

[0160] c) mixing the composition with a solid carrier to obtain a granular composition.

[0161] In the emulsion step a), a soluble polymer can be dissolved in water, and then the perfume composition is added and mixed to obtain a pre-emulsion of good quality (i.e., droplets with a size of 10 - 50 μm). Using a two-stage high-pressure homogenizer, a stable emulsion can be prepared and stored in a buffer tank for drying. After high-pressure homogenization, the droplet size can be about 1 to 5 μm.

[0162] The drying step b) can be subdivided into three spray drying stages. The first stage occurring in the primary drying chamber can involve converting the atomized droplets into a dry powder. This operation can aim to achieve a powder moisture content of less than 10% wt (usually about 5% wt). This is mainly to strike a balance between obtaining a non-sticky powder that does not clog the internal fluidized bed (IFB), but without excessive high-temperature air to further reduce the moisture content in the short drying time in the primary drying chamber. The main chamber temperature can be 140 - 180 °C, and the main chamber pressure can be about -60 bar to -40 bar.

[0163] The IFB can be an extension of the bottom of the spray drying chamber, aiming to provide a longer residence time to remove the residual moisture content to about 2% wt. A longer residence time in the IFB can allow the use of low-temperature drying air in this second drying stage. The air flow rate and temperature used in the IFB can be subtly balanced to ensure sufficient secondary drying, but prevent excessive breakage of the agglomerates from the primary drying stage. The IFB temperature can be 50 °C - 70 °C, and the IFB pressure can be about 40 bar to 60 bar.

[0164] The fine powder returned to the top of the main chamber aims to induce forced agglomeration with the atomized droplets and the partially solidified powder from the nozzle. This can control the size distribution and the agglomeration structure of the final product.

[0165] The third stage of drying can be carried out in an external fluidized bed (EFB). The operation of the external bed can be a combination of drying (at the top of the bed) and cooling (gradually towards the end of the bed). The temperature of the drying air entering the bed can be controlled separately.

[0166] After the EFB stage, the powder can be collected and sieved before subjecting it to step c), in which the powdered flavor composition encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix is brought into contact with the solid carrier to obtain a granular composition having a desired volume median diameter (Dv(50)) of from about 90 μm to about 190 μm.

[0167] It is believed that the most important contributions to achieving the desired particle size are the emulsion formulation, the spray drying nozzle characteristics, and the interaction between the IFB and EFB parameters.

[0168] The flavor composition, the water-soluble matrix, and the solid carrier are as described herein.

[0169] The granular composition of the invention can be used to perfume consumer products that are anhydrous or have a water activity below 0.25, preferably below 0.1. These products include laundry care powdered detergents and solid single-dose detergents such as tablets, laundry care conditioning tablets, fabric fresheners, odorants, and household care compositions such as powdered hard surface cleaners and heavy-duty detergents such as dishwashing tablets.

[0170] Consumer products

[0171] The invention also relates to consumer products comprising the granular composition as described above, preferably fabric care products or household care products. Preferably, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent, preferably a hand laundry detergent.

[0172] Biodegradation is particularly important for the above categories of consumer products because, during and after their intended use, the components of these products enter the environment via domestic wastewater. Biodegradation is the main removal process in sewage treatment plants, environmental waters, and soil.

[0173] Consumer products can contain the composition as described above, preferably in an amount of from 0.005 to 5 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.01 to 1 wt.-%, and even more preferably from 0.02 to 0.5 wt.-%, optionally from about 0.3 wt.-% to about 0.4 wt.-%.

[0174] The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples:

[0175] Example 1: Preparation of flavor compositions encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix with different particle sizes A flavor composition encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix according to the invention can be prepared as follows:

[0176] Weigh tap water (82 g) into a stainless-steel beaker. Subsequently, weigh sodium starch octenyl succinate E1450 (40.0 g) and mannitol (10.0 g) into the same beaker. First, manually stir the resulting mixture with a stainless-steel rod, and then homogenize it with an IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax homogenizer at 13,500 rpm to obtain a homogeneous solution. Add flavor oil (50.0 g) to the resulting mixture. Use a two-stage high-pressure homogenizer to produce a stable emulsion. Control the droplet size to be between 1 μm and 5 μm by dynamic light scattering.

[0177] Carry out a three-stage spray-drying process on the emulsion.

[0178] The emulsion and spray-drying process parameters are defined as in Table 1:

[0179]

[0180]

[0181] Subsequently, mix the resulting spray-dried powder with anhydrous sodium sulfate at a weight ratio of the spray-dried powder to anhydrous sodium sulfate of 1:2 to provide a granular composition with various particle sizes.

[0182] Example 2: Preparation of a hand-wash powder laundry detergent containing the granular composition from Example 1 and olfactory evaluation of the resulting detergent samples during each stage of the laundry hand-wash cycle

[0183] Mix the granular compositions containing the spray-dried samples 1 to 6 obtained from Example 1 into the powder detergent base at a level of 0.3 wt% of the total weight of the detergent. Use samples 1 - 6 of flavor compositions encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix with different particle sizes to obtain six powder detergent samples PD1 - PD6.

[0184] After the laundry separation step (e.g., separation into baby clothes, white clothes, light-colored clothes, everyday clothes, dark clothes), the usual laundry hand-wash cycle involves the following steps:

[0185] a) Soaking, which involves pouring a pre-measured amount of the powder detergent into the wash water, soaking, wringing, and pulling the laundry out of the water;

[0186] b) Scrubbing;

[0187] c) Rinsing with water;

[0188] d) Optionally, repeat steps b) and c);

[0189] e) Hanging to dry.

[0190] The user can have an olfactory experience at each stage of the cycle.

[0191] Samples PD1 - PD6 were evaluated by an expert olfactory panel in the hand - washing protocol for cotton towels.

[0192] The hand - washing protocol is as follows:

[0193] - With 1500 g of water

[0194] - 6 grams of hand - washing detergent PD1 to PD6

[0195] - 2 cotton towels to fill the hand - washing bucket

[0196] - Subject the towels to the above - mentioned hand - washing cycle

[0197] - Evaluate each towel by 15 - 20 panelists above the washing container

[0198] - Evaluate the towels using the intensity scale shown below:

[0199] Intensity grade: 0 - no fragrance; 0.5 - very weak; 1 - weak; 1.5 - fairly weak; 2 - relatively weak; 2.5 - medium; 3 - relatively strong; 3.5 - fairly strong; 4 - strong; 4.5 - very strong; 5 - extremely strong.

[0200] A score of 1.5 is the minimum threshold for consumer - relevant performance.

[0201] The results are shown in Table 2:

[0202]

[0203]

[0204] It can be seen that detergents using powders with a particle size range below about 90 μm to about 190 μm (PD1) and detergents using powders with a particle size range above about 90 μm to about 190 μm (PD5 and PD6) showed lower fragrance intensities than detergents using the powders according to the present invention (PD2 - PD4).

[0205] In another set of measurements, granular compositions containing spray - dried samples 1 to 3 obtained from Example 1 were mixed into a powdered detergent base at a level of 0.37 wt% of the total weight of the detergent. Using samples 1 - 3 of a fragrance composition encapsulated in a water - soluble matrix with different particle sizes, three powdered detergent samples PD’1 - PD’3 were obtained. In the hand - washing protocol for cotton towels as described above, at each stage of the washing cycle, samples PD’1 to PD’3 were evaluated by an expert olfactory panel using the intensity scale as described above.

[0206] The results are shown in Table 3:

[0207]

[0208] The overall evaluation shows that, throughout the washing cycle, and not only during the initial stage of dissolving the detergent powder in water, the detergents using the powder according to the present invention (PD’2 and PD’3) have a continuous and higher performance than the detergents using a powder with a particle size below the range of about 90 μm to about 190 μm (PD’1).

Claims

1. A granular composition for a powder detergent, said composition comprising: a) a fragrance composition encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix; and b) a solid carrier, wherein the volume median particle size (Dv(50)) of the granular composition is from about 90 μm to about 190 μm, optionally from about 95 μm to about 150 μm, optionally from about 100 μm to about 125 μm.

2. The granular composition according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble matrix comprises at least one material selected from starches, especially water-soluble modified starches, maltodextrin, mannitol, chitosan, gum arabic, alginate, cellulose, pectin, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

3. The granular composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the water-soluble modified starch is selected from bleached starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, hydroxypropyl distarch glycerol, acetylated distarch phosphate, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated distarch adipate, acetylated distarch glycerol, sodium octenyl succinate starch, and mixtures thereof.

4. The granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble matrix further comprises a compound selected from maltodextrin, mannitol, and mixtures thereof.

5. The granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble matrix further comprises hemicellulose, especially xyloglucan, which is preferably obtainable from tamarind seeds.

6. The granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragrance composition comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, even more preferably at least eight, and even still more preferably at least sixteen biodegradable components.

7. The granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragrance composition is partially encapsulated in core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell surrounding the core.

8. The granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid carrier is selected from urea, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium acetate, zeolite, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, gypsum, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sugar, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, citric acid or any water-soluble solid acid, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

9. A method for preparing the granular composition according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising the steps of: a) preparing an emulsion or suspension of the fragrance composition in an aqueous solution of a matrix material; b) subjecting the emulsion to drying, especially spray drying or adsorption onto an absorbent, to obtain a composition in which the fragrance composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix; and c) mixing the composition with a solid carrier to obtain a granular composition.

10. Use of the granular composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the granular composition is incorporated into a consumer product, optionally wherein the consumer product is a fabric care product, optionally wherein the fabric care product is a powdered laundry detergent, optionally wherein the powdered laundry detergent is a hand-wash powdered detergent.

11. A consumer product comprising the granular composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, optionally wherein the consumer product is a fabric care product, optionally wherein the fabric care product is a powdered laundry detergent, optionally wherein the powdered laundry detergent is a hand-wash powdered detergent.

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