Fragrance composition

Abstract

A perfume composition comprising water and a plurality of microcapsules encapsulating a benefit agent dispersed therein wherein the composition is free or substantially free of a surfactant.

Description

[0001] Invention Field

[0002] This invention relates to fragrance compositions that can be applied to washed fabrics to impart a fresh scent. Background of the Invention

[0004] Consumers expect their washed fabrics to emerge from the washing machine with a fresh scent, and that the fragrance should persist during drying and remain on the dry fabric for several days. Traditionally, laundry detergents and fabric conditioners have been fragrance-loaded to achieve this effect. However, detergents and fabric conditioners can be quite corrosive to some fragrance ingredients, limiting the range of fragrance blends that perfumers can deliver. Furthermore, due to the way these laundry care products are used in the washing cycle, a significant amount of fragrance can be lost in the wastewater during the wash and rinse cycles.

[0005] In contrast, fragrance enhancers are a newer type of garment treatment product available on the market. They can be used in conjunction with traditional detergents and fabric conditioners to provide a longer-lasting fragrance impression on washed fabrics.

[0006] More common solid fragrance enhancers are available in the form of beads or tablets and are typically added at the start of a wash cycle, dissolving over time to release the fragrance, which then settles on the washed fabric. Less common liquid fragrance enhancers are designed to be added after the wash cycle has ended. Both forms can provide consumers with enhanced perception of fragrance during the wet phase of the wash cycle, during drying, and on the dried fabric.

[0007] Both forms typically utilize pure fragrance and encapsulated fragrance. The combination of pure and encapsulated fragrance provides a continuous and lasting scent impression on the fabric. The pure fragrance component primarily helps enhance the scent perception on wet fabric, while the encapsulated component primarily helps enhance the scent perception on dry fabric. Furthermore, the encapsulated component can be released during fabric treatment, typically under mechanical force.

[0008] Unlike solid fragrance enhancer compositions, there is relatively little patent literature related to liquid fragrance enhancer compositions. WO2018 / 073238 discloses a so-called "ringing gel composition" that can be used as a liquid fragrance enhancer. The composition comprises an aqueous phase, a fragrance, a surfactant system, and a so-called "linker," which can be one or more of an alcohol, a salt or ester of certain carboxylic acids, a fatty acid or its salt, or a surfactant.

[0009] WO2023067041 discloses a liquid fragrance enhancer composition comprising water, pure fragrance, and encapsulated fragrance. The composition is further characterized by containing a surfactant and a very low loading of encapsulated fragrance.

[0010] WO2023006523 discloses a transparent aqueous fragrance composition. The fragrance composition comprises a fragrance oil (but not an encapsulated fragrance oil), a solvent surfactant containing a monoalkyl glycerol ether, nonionic and ionic surfactants, and water. The composition is not intended as a finished consumer product, but rather as a product intended for dilution into consumer products, including fabric fragrance enhancers.

[0011] US2022387268 discloses an oil-in-water emulsion comprising water, pure fragrance oil (but excluding encapsulated fragrance oil), surfactant, and stabilizer. The emulsion is further characterized by the presence of a surfactant. This emulsion is not intended as a finished consumer product, but rather is designed to be diluted into consumer products, including fabric fragrance enhancers.

[0012] The compositions mentioned above are relatively complex systems containing many petrochemically derived components that do not contribute to olfactory signals. The main component among these is surfactant. The use of surfactants in compositions containing microencapsulated fragrances is also problematic because they are highly extractable, causing premature leakage of the fragrance from the capsules. This, in turn, reduces the ability of such compositions to deliver a time-controlled, long-lasting freshness on treated fabrics.

[0013] Existing compositions also contain relatively low levels of fragrance, or are intended to be diluted into the base of consumer products. Needless to say, dilution systems would require larger volumes to achieve a perceptible fragrance signal. Furthermore, from an environmental perspective, the cost of storing and transporting consumer products containing large amounts of water and low levels of fragrance does not represent the most efficient use of resources.

[0014] There is still a need to provide fabric treatment compositions, more particularly in the form of fragrance enhancers, which are capable of delivering consumer-perceptible fragrance signals to washed and treated fabrics, said fabric treatment compositions being water-based, surfactant-free, and capable of incorporating high concentrations of fragrance in a stable manner. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a fragrance composition, particularly a fragrance composition for treating fabrics, wherein the composition comprises a plurality of microcapsules encapsulating a beneficial agent suspended in an aqueous suspension medium, and wherein the fragrance composition is free of or substantially free of surfactants.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating a fabric, the method comprising the step of applying a fragrance composition according to a first aspect of the present invention to the fabric.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention provides the use of the fragrance composition according to the first aspect of the invention as a fabric treatment composition to provide an olfactory experience suggesting a fresh scent when applied to a fabric.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fabric treatment composition substantially composed of the fragrance composition according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a fabric treatment composition according to a fourth aspect of the invention packaged in a container, the container being adapted for consumer use to dispense the composition onto a fabric.

[0020] Details, embodiments, and preferred embodiments provided with respect to any one or more of the aspects described herein will be further described herein, and are equally applicable to all aspects of the invention. Unless otherwise stated herein, or clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of all possible variations of the embodiments, embodiments, and preferred embodiments described below.

[0021] Detailed description of the invention

[0022] The present invention is based on the following surprising discovery: a fragrance composition with a very simple structure comprising an aqueous suspension in which a very high level of encapsulated fragrance is dispersed, the composition being free of or substantially free of surfactants, yet still possessing the required stability and viscosity to be easily and uniformly dispensed from a container and to come into contact with fabrics to be treated with the composition, more particularly with washed and / or conditioned fabrics.

[0023] In the context of this invention, the term "substantially free" means that, in terms of the extent to which a surfactant is present in the fragrance composition, it is not added to the composition with the intention of forming part of it, or preferably, it is not present at an analytically detectable level, or is not present at all. Therefore, for the purposes of this invention, if a surfactant is present, it is present only incidentally or merely as an impurity among the other ingredients, rather than intentionally included in the fragrance composition in an amount necessary to achieve a functional effect. Preferably, the fragrance compositions according to the invention are surfactant-free.

[0024] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the flavoring composition is free from or substantially free from any anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, or betaine, or any mixture thereof, with a molecular weight typically of 2000 g / mol or less, more particularly 1000 g / L or less.

[0025] As used herein, the term "fragrance composition" refers to a composition that is a finished consumer product intended for application to fabrics requiring treatment to deliver an effective and lasting fragrance impression. The fragrance composition is intended for use on fabrics. It is not intended to be used as a component of another fabric treatment product, nor is it intended to deliver any other benefits or conventional laundry properties such as cleaning, stain removal, deodorizing, or disinfecting effects, and therefore does not contain any auxiliary active ingredients that could deliver such effects. For example, the term "fragrance composition" as used herein does not include laundry cleaning compositions, laundry detergents, fabric softening compositions, fabric strengthening compositions, laundry pre-washers, laundry pretreatment agents, laundry rinsing additives, washing additives, post-rinsing fabric treatment agents, ironing aids, etc.

[0026] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the fragrance composition itself is used as a fabric treatment composition, and more specifically as a liquid fragrance enhancer composition. The fragrance enhancer composition is a consumer product designed to be added to fabrics after a wash cycle. Its function is to deposit fragrance onto the washed fabric; it is not intended to provide any other benefits or conventional laundry properties such as cleaning, stain removal, deodorizing, or disinfecting effects, and the composition does not contain any auxiliary active ingredients that could provide such effects. Typically, the liquid fragrance enhancer is added to the wash load via the fabric conditioner dispensing compartment during the rinsing cycle.

[0027] The fragrance composition according to the invention is characterized by containing a very high concentration of encapsulated fragrance.

[0028] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the fragrance composition contains 20 wt.% to 60 wt.%, and more particularly 30 wt.% to 40 wt.%, of fragrance-containing microcapsules based on the total weight of the fragrance composition.

[0029] In a specific embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the fragrance composition further comprises pure fragrance dispersed or dissolved in the aqueous suspension medium.

[0030] As used in this invention, the term "pure fragrance" refers to a fragrance component or mixture of fragrance components present in a fragrance composition in an unencapsulated form. This term is not intended to imply that a pure fragrance contains only fragrance components. Other commonly used ingredients in the fragrance industry, such as fragrance solvents and preservatives, may also be present in pure fragrances.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of the invention, based on the total weight of the flavoring composition, the flavoring composition contains 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% pure flavoring, more particularly 2 wt.% to 15 wt.% pure flavoring, still more particularly 3 wt.% to 12 wt.%, for example 5 wt.% or 10 wt.% pure flavoring.

[0032] In a specific embodiment of the invention, based on the total weight of the flavoring composition, the flavoring composition contains 0.1 wt.% to 20 wt.% pure flavoring, more particularly 0.5 wt.% to 15 wt.% pure flavoring, still more particularly 2 wt.% to 12 wt.%, for example 5 wt.% or 10 wt.% pure flavoring.

[0033] Given the high concentration of encapsulated and pure fragrances incorporated, and the fact that the fragrance composition is designed to be applied directly to the fabric during the washing cycle, rather than being diluted as a component of another laundry treatment product containing auxiliary functional ingredients such as surfactants or fabric conditioners, it is possible to produce an effective and lasting fragrance impression on the treated fabric.

[0034] However, despite the high microcapsule loading in the fragrance composition according to the invention, the fragrance composition can still be easily and uniformly dispensed onto fabric directly or via a washing machine compartment from a suitable container. In particular, the fragrance composition is substantially homogeneous and substantially flowable, even after prolonged storage, for example, at room temperature, or at temperatures including 4°C and 40°C and in between, for up to one month.

[0035] "Substantially homogeneous and substantially flowable" means that the flavoring composition can be easily and uniformly distributed with only very gentle stirring. Under the storage conditions described above, phase separation phenomena, such as emulsion stratification and sedimentation, occur very slowly or not at all.

[0036] The rates of emulsion stratification and sedimentation can be determined using a so-called Turbiscan AGS instrument. The Turbiscan instrument measures the colloidal stability of a liquid system filled in a vertical tube by measuring the intensity of transmitted and backscattered light from the liquid system. These intensities allow for direct monitoring of local physical heterogeneity at a vertical resolution as low as 20 μm. Instabilities (sedimentation or emulsion stratification, aggregates, agglomerates, or coalescence) are detected and monitored at different intervals over time. Such phenomena cause slight changes in the system's turbidity, which can be graphically represented along the vertical axis. Colloidal stability is given by the Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI): the lower the index, the higher the colloidal stability. A complete description of how to calculate this index can be found at https: / / www.formulaction.com / en / knowledge-center / turbiscan-stability-index. TSI values ​​are provided by the software built into the Turbiscan AGS instrument.

[0037] In a specific embodiment of the invention, a flavoring composition having a TSI value of less than 5 is considered stable in terms of phase separation. More preferably, the composition has a TSI value of less than 3.

[0038] Another characteristic of the flavoring compositions according to the invention is their viscosity. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the flavoring compositions have a viscosity of 250 to 1000 mPas, more particularly 350 to 600 mPas, and still more particularly 350 to 500 mPas, when measured by rheological determination using, for example, a Hacke rheometer equipped with a cone-plate measuring unit P60 Ti-L, at 21 s. -1 It operates at a shear rate and a temperature of 25°C. This viscosity is significantly higher than that of conventional liquid flavor enhancers, and it offers the advantage of presenting a rich appearance to consumers while also preventing spillage during the dispensing of the flavor composition.

[0039] The applicant surprisingly found that the phase stability of the fragrance composition and its viscosity were at least unaffected by, and even improved by, the presence of pure (i.e. unencapsulated) fragrance oil dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous phase.

[0040] Surprisingly, a significant amount of pure fragrance can be incorporated into the aqueous phase. Although the applicant believes, but does not intend to be bound by theory, that the stabilizing polymers and / or suspending agents contained in the suspension medium spatially stabilize the pure fragrance droplets coexisting with the microcapsules in the suspension in some way. The stabilizing polymers and suspending agents that can be contained in the suspension medium are described in more detail below.

[0041] Typically, the pH of a flavoring composition is between 2 and 10, particularly between 3.5 and 8, and even more particularly between 4 and 7. If the pH is too low or too high, degradation of the microcapsules may occur, or the charge of the stabilizing polymer and / or suspending agent may not be suitable for effectively stabilizing the flavoring composition to prevent phase separation.

[0042] Regarding the encapsulated fragrance, there are different types of known microcapsules, all of which can be used in this invention. However, preferably, the microcapsules are in the form of so-called "core-shell" microcapsules, which consist of a core containing a fragrance ingredient or a mixture thereof and any other desired beneficial agents such as cosmetic active ingredients, dyes, etc., and a shell surrounding the core.

[0043] The microcapsules are characterized by a volume-weighted median diameter, measured by light scattering, ranging from about 0.5 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, particularly 5 to 60 micrometers, and more particularly 10 to 50 micrometers. The steps of the static light scattering method for determining the volume median diameter Dv(50) of microcapsules include laser diffraction particle size analysis and Mie scattering theory. The principles of Mie theory and how to use static light scattering to measure the average and median diameters of multiple particles with size distributions can be found, for example, in HC van de Hulst, *Light scattering by small particles*. Dover, New York, 1981. The volume median diameter Dv(50) can be calculated using software provided with the light scattering measurement apparatus.

[0044] The microcapsules may be characterized by an average core-to-shell weight ratio of at least about 80 to 20, at least about 85 to 15, at least about 90 to 10, at least about 95 to 5, at least about 98 to 2, or at least about 99 to 1.

[0045] As used herein, the core-to-shell weight ratio refers to the weight percentage of core material to shell material based on the total weight of the microcapsules. A high core-to-shell material ratio can advantageously produce highly efficient encapsulations with a high content of fragrance or other beneficial agents in each microcapsule. This allows for high microcapsule loading of fragrance compositions according to the invention.

[0046] The microcapsule shell preferably comprises a polymer material selected from amino plastic resins, such as resins formed by the reaction of formaldehyde or glyoxal with melamine, urea, and guanidine; polyurea resins, such as resins formed by the addition polymerization of polyfunctional isocyanates with polyfunctional amines, more particularly with polyethyleneimine; terpolymers derived from polyamines, polyols, and substituted methylene moieties; polyurethane resins, such as resins formed by the addition polymerization of polyfunctional isocyanates with polyfunctional alcohols; polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid and their esters; polyamides; polysiloxanes; styrene and / or ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers; polysaccharides, such as gum arabic, pectin, and carboxymethyl cellulose; and proteins, such as gelatin and pea protein; and combinations thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment, the shell of the microcapsule comprises a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, a urea-formaldehyde polymer, a polyurea or polyurethane polymer, a polyamide, a polyacrylate, a polycarbonate, a polymer stabilizer formed by combining a polymer surfactant with at least one aminosilane, a composite cohesive layer formed by crosslinking at least one protein with a first crosslinking agent and at least one polysaccharide, or a hydrated polymer and a polymer stabilizer formed by reacting an aminosilane with a polyfunctional isocyanate, preferably wherein the shell of the microcapsule is a hydrated polymer and a polymer stabilizer formed by reacting an aminosilane with a polyfunctional isocyanate.

[0048] In one embodiment, the core-shell microcapsule may be as described in WO2023 / 020883A1.

[0049] Microcapsules can be coated onto, for example, the outer surface of a shell using deposition aids such as cationic polymers, nonionic polymers, anionic polymers, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polymers may be selected from: polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde, partially hydroxylated polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde, polyethyleneamine, polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, cationic polysaccharides such as chitosan and cationic guar gum, nonionic polysaccharides such as hyperbranched glycogen and locust bean gum; polyvinyl alcohol, anionic polysaccharides, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof. Deposition aids may also function as suspending agents.

[0050] The microcapsule core material may contain one or more fragrance ingredients. The core may contain a mixture of at least three, or even at least five, or at least seven or more fragrance ingredients. Mixtures of fragrance ingredients can provide a more complex and desired aesthetic, and / or better flavor performance or lifespan, for example, at various points of contact. However, it may also be desirable to limit the number of fragrance ingredients to reduce or limit formulation complexity and / or cost.

[0051] Based on the total weight of the core, the microcapsule core material may contain approximately 1 wt.% to 100 wt.% of fragrance components. Preferably, based on the total weight of the core, the core may include 50 wt.% to 100 wt.% of fragrance components; more preferably, based on the total weight of the core, the core may include 80 wt.% to 100 wt.% of fragrance components.

[0052] As mentioned above, microcapsules can also encapsulate other fragrance excipients commonly used in the fragrance industry, such as common fragrance solvents, extenders, etc., such as vegetable oils, modified vegetable oils, monoesters, diesters and triesters of C4-C24 fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, dodecyl phenyl ketone, lauryl laurate, methyl behenate, methyl laurate, methyl palmitate, methyl stearate and mixtures thereof, preferably isopropyl myristate. Microcapsules can also contain other beneficial agents, such as cosmetic active ingredients, dyes, etc.

[0053] Microcapsules can be used to deliver fragrance to fabrics during or after a laundry process. Typical fragrance ingredients that can be used in this invention have a molecular weight of at least about 100 g / mol. Fragrance ingredients belong to the general chemical classification, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers, nitriles, and alkenes, such as terpenes. Common fragrance ingredients that can be used in this invention are described in various references, such as, “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals”, Volumes I and II; Steffen Arctander Allured Pub. Co. (1994) and “Perfumes: Art, Science and Technology”, Miller, PM and Lamparsky, D., Blackie Academic and Professional (1994).

[0054] The fragrance ingredients used in this invention also include so-called "pro-perfumes". Sometimes, pro-perfumes are also called profragrances or fragrance precursors. Regardless of their nomenclature, they typically contain covalent bonds between carrier residues and residues of one or more fragrance ingredients. These one or more fragrance ingredients are released upon exposure to triggers such as water, light, heat, or other environmental triggers, for example, by hydrolysis breaking the bonds. Pro-perfumes can modulate the release profile of the fragrance ingredient, thereby producing a lasting refreshing benefit. Furthermore, because the total amount of the fragrance ingredient is not released all at once or otherwise available, the olfactory effect of the ingredient is mitigated.

[0055] When the fragrance composition according to the invention contains pure fragrance, any of the fragrance components or excipients mentioned above may be used equally and independently in the encapsulated fragrance and the pure fragrance.

[0056] Pure spices and encapsulated spices can be similar or different in terms of aroma characteristics.

[0057] As described above, the aqueous suspension medium for flavoring compositions typically comprises a stabilizing polymer and a suspending agent. The stabilizing polymer is usually derived from the early stages of the microencapsulation process, where it serves to disperse the flavoring in the aqueous suspension medium and acts as a microencapsulation template prior to microcapsule formation. After microcapsule formation, residual amounts of these stabilizing polymers may remain in the aqueous suspension medium.

[0058] Stable polymers include acrylic copolymers, more particularly acrylic / acrylate crosslinked polymers, such as those available under the trademark Carbopol (from Lubrizol); acrylic copolymers with sulfonate groups, such as those available under the trademark LUPASOL (from BASF), e.g., LUPASOL PA 140 or LUPASOL VFR; copolymers of acrylamide and acrylic acid; copolymers of alkyl acrylates and N-vinylpyrrolidone, such as those available under the trademark Luviskol (e.g., LUVISKOL K 15, K 30, or K 90, from BASF); sodium polycarboxylate (from Polyscience Inc.) or sodium polystyrene sulfonate (from Polyscience Inc.); vinyl and methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers (e.g., AGRIMER). TM VEMA TM AN (from ISP) and ethylene, isobutylene or styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers (e.g., ZEMAC) TM Cationic polymers, more particularly polyampholytes; polyvinylpyrrolidone; poly(vinyl alcohol-co-acetate), such as products available under the trademark Mowiol (from Kuraray); polysaccharides, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified starch, pectin and gum arabic; and proteins, such as gelatin; and combinations thereof.

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of stable polymer in the fragrance composition is 0.1 wt.-% to 5 wt.-%, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the flavoring composition comprises a suspending agent.

[0061] Suspenders are commonly used in the slurry of microcapsules to keep the microcapsules stably suspended in an aqueous suspension medium.

[0062] The suspending agent may be any of those known in the art for suspending microcapsules in aqueous slurries.

[0063] In a more specific embodiment, the suspending agent comprises a poly((meth)acrylate-co-(meth)acrylate alkyl ester) crosspolymer or a polysaccharide or a combination thereof, preferably a polysaccharide.

[0064] Such polysaccharides include hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, xanthan gum, bacterial-derived cellulose such as diutan gum, and combinations thereof. In addition to their excellent suspending ability, the advantage of such suspending agents is that they are not only entirely biologically derived but also biodegradable. Wood-derived cellulose, such as microfibrillated cellulose, can also be used.

[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of suspending agent in the fragrance composition is 0.005 wt.-% to 1 wt.-%, preferably 0.05 wt.-% to 0.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0066] In a specific embodiment, the composition may contain two or more different encapsulated fragrances, more specifically fragrances with different odor characteristics.

[0067] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating a fabric, the method comprising the step of applying a fragrance composition as described herein to the fabric.

[0068] The fragrance composition can be applied directly to the fabric, for example, by spraying it onto the fabric surface from a suitable container. However, the fragrance composition is preferably used to impart fragrance to the fabric during the washing operation, so it can be added to the washing machine compartment and then applied to the fabric.

[0069] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the fragrance composition is present in the washing machine during a washing or conditioning operation.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the fragrance composition is provided to the washing machine individually in discrete fabric treatment operations; however, it may be provided to the washing machine simultaneously or sequentially at time intervals in washing or conditioning operations along with one or more other separate and discrete additional fabric treatment products, such as detergents or fabric conditioners, containing auxiliary active ingredients.

[0071] In a specific implementation, the additional fabric treatment product is a detergent, a fabric conditioner, or a combination thereof.

[0072] The fragrance composition can be added to the washing machine at any stage of the washing or conditioning cycle. That is, it can be added before the wash begins, during the washing and / or conditioning steps, or after the washing or conditioning steps.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for treating fabrics with a fragrance composition is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0074] - Clean the fabric;

[0075] - Optionally, the fabric may be treated; and

[0076] - Add the fragrance composition to the cleaned and optionally treated fabric.

[0077] In a particular embodiment, the fragrance composition is added to the fabric conditioner dispensing compartment of the washing machine such that the composition is carried into the rinsing cycle of the washing cycle.

[0078] Due to the high concentration of the encapsulated fragrance and optionally pure fragrance used in the fragrance composition according to the invention, the composition can be applied in a relatively compressed amount.

[0079] In a particular embodiment, during a fabric treatment operation, the fragrance composition may be applied to the fabric in an amount of about 0.1g to about 5g, more particularly 0.4g to about 3g.

[0080] The flavoring composition can be formulated and applied in doses of about 0.02g to about 3.5g, more particularly 0.1g to 2.0g of total flavoring.

[0081] In embodiments of the invention, the fragrance composition can be added to the fabric conditioner dispenser drawer of a washing machine, such that the composition is carried into the rinsing cycle of the washing process. The dosage can be poured, pumped, or sprayed into the drawer.

[0082] In embodiments of the invention, the fragrance composition may be contained in a water-soluble container that dissolves in water and can be directly placed into a fabric load in a washing machine. The water-soluble container may be designed to remain insoluble throughout the washing cycle but dissolve during the rinsing cycle of the washing process. This type of water-soluble container is well known in the art and typically consists of a single dose or sachet containing the composition to be dispensed and a water-soluble film surrounding the composition. Suitable water-soluble films include modified polyvinyl alcohol and / or cellulose-based polymers.

[0083] In a specific embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting the fabric with the fragrance composition during a washing cycle, optionally with a separate detergent composition and / or fabric conditioning composition at time intervals.

[0084] When fabrics are treated with a detergent composition during a washing cycle, the step of contacting the fabric with the fragrance composition according to this disclosure may occur simultaneously during the cleaning cycle or during a rinsing cycle following the cleaning cycle. For the purposes of this disclosure, cleaning, rinsing, and / or treatment may include, but is not limited to, scrubbing and mechanical agitation.

[0085] This treatment can be performed in any suitable automatic washing machine, such as a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. Indoor drying of the treated fabric can be performed in a machine dryer, a form of active fabric drying. Indoor drying may also, or optionally, include the step of hanging the garment on a line or rack, or other steps of passively drying the fabric.

[0086] Fabrics may include any fabric that can be washed or treated under normal consumer use conditions. Fabrics may include cotton, polyester, Lycra, and wool.

[0087] According to a third aspect of the invention, this disclosure relates to the use of the fragrance composition as a fabric treatment composition, and more specifically as a fragrance enhancer, to provide an olfactory experience suggesting a fresh scent when applied to fabrics, particularly washed and / or treated fabrics.

[0088] Therefore, the present invention relates to the fragrance composition as described above and instructions for end users to use it as a fragrance enhancer in laundry care applications, i.e., instructions for adding the fragrance composition directly or indirectly to washed or treated fabrics via a compartment in a washing machine.

[0089] Aqueous slurries containing high concentrations of fragrance-enhancing microcapsules are known in the art. However, they are not known on their own or used in consumer products, particularly as fragrance enhancers. That is, they are used as components of other fabric treatment products, such as detergents, and especially fabric conditioners, where they exist at extremely high dilutions, resulting in end-consumer products containing relatively low concentrations of encapsulated fragrances that are closely mixed with auxiliary laundry active ingredients such as detergent and fabric softener components.

[0090] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fabric treatment composition substantially composed of the fragrance composition described in the first aspect of the invention, and more particularly of a fragrance enhancer.

[0091] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the fabric treatment composition, particularly the fragrance enhancer composition, according to the third and fourth aspects of the invention is packaged in a container suitable for consumer use to dispense fragrance onto fabric.

[0092] In a particular embodiment, the fragrance is dispensed onto the fabric when the composition is added to the washing machine during a washing or conditioning operation.

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging containing the composition is suitable for handling by a consumer performing laundry operations.

[0094] More specifically, the packaging includes a bottle that may be equipped with a dispensing device that allows the consumer to measure in a uniform and consistent manner.

[0095] More specifically, the bottle may include a nozzle, optionally include a pump spray device for applying the composition, or a bottle having a dispensing device that includes a valve device for accurately metering a defined dose of the composition.

[0096] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the packaging includes instructions for the end user to use the composition in a laundry operation as a fabric treatment composition, more specifically as a fragrance enhancer composition. More specifically, these instructions include instructions for adding the fragrance composition directly or indirectly through a compartment in the washing machine to washed or treated fabrics.

[0097] The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the following embodiments.

[0098] Example 1: Preparation of microencapsulated slurry

[0099] In Example 1.1, as described in Example 1 of EP3310892B1, a slurry containing cationic amino plastic microcapsules was obtained using 350 g instead of 300 g of the fragrance composition and 400 g instead of 550 g of water. The solids content of the slurry was measured using a thermal balance operated at 120°C. The solids content, expressed as a percentage of the initial slurry deposited on the balance, was taken when the rate of weight change due to drying decreased to below 0.1 wt% / min. The solids content was 42.3 wt%, based on the total weight of the slurry. The volume-weighted median diameter of the capsules was Dv50 = 10 μm.

[0100] In Example 1.2, a slurry containing anionic amino plastic microcapsules was obtained as described in Method P5.1 of Example 1.3 of US8,119,587B2. The solids content, as measured above, was 42 wt.%. The encapsulation yield was 100%, expressed as the ratio of the encapsulated fragrance composition to the nominal amount of the fragrance composition. The volume-weighted median diameter of the capsules was Dv50 = 13.6 μm.

[0101] In Example 1.3, a slurry containing amphoteric amino plastic microcapsules was obtained as described in Example 3 of WO2018 / 197266A1. The solids content, as measured above, was 44 wt.%. The volume-weighted median diameter of the capsules was Dv50 = 17.5 μm.

[0102] In Example 1.4, a slurry containing polyurea microcapsules was obtained as described in Example 1.2 of WO2023 / 017014A1. The solids content, as measured above, was 38.9 wt.%. The volume-weighted median diameter of the capsules was Dv50 = 14 μm.

[0103] In Example 1.5, as described in Example 1 of WO2023 / 020883A1, a slurry comprising a hydrated polymer phase and polymer stabilizer microcapsules was obtained, wherein the polymer stabilizer microcapsules comprise a hydrated polymer phase and a polymer stabilizer. The solids content measured as described above was 32 wt.%. The volume-weighted median diameter of the capsules was Dv50 = 30 μm.

[0104] Example 2: Fragrance composition and stability

[0105] A series of fragrance compositions were prepared, as reported in the table. The pure fragrance was simply added to the slurry at room temperature in a vessel equipped with a turbine or a beam Mig agitator with an inclined beam, while being mixed with a microcapsule slurry. The stirring speed was 630 rpm for Example 1.1, 630 rpm for Example 1.2, 480 rpm for Example 1.3, 580 rpm for Example 1.4, and 450 rpm for Example 1.5.

[0106] After the slurry was stored at 40°C for two weeks, the stability of the composition relative to phase separation was evaluated using a Turbiscan AGS instrument. The evaluation was conducted at a temperature of 25°C.

[0107] Table 1: Stability of Fragrance Compositions Containing Cationic Amino Plastic Microcapsules

[0108]

[0109] Table 2: Stability of Fragrance Compositions Containing Polyurea Microcapsules

[0110]

[0111] Table 3: Stability of Fragrance Compositions Containing Amphoteric Amino Plastic Microcapsules

[0112]

[0113] Table 4: Stability of Fragrance Compositions Containing Anionic Amino Plastic Microcapsules

[0114]

[0115] As clearly shown in Tables 1 to 5, mixing pure fragrance with microcapsule slurry at levels of 1 to 6 wt.% pure fragrance had no significant effect on the stability of the composition regarding phase separation. Furthermore, when mixed with slurry sample 1.1 (Table 1), the pure fragrance even had a stabilizing effect.

[0116] Example 3: Olfactory properties of fragrance enhancers

[0117] In Examples 3.1.1 to 3.1.3, different amounts of pure fragrance A were mixed with different amounts of slurry sample 1.4, which contained approximately 34 wt.% of encapsulated fragrance B in the polyurea microcapsules according to Example 1.4. In Example 3.1.1, no pure fragrance was used. In Example 3.1.2, 5 wt.% of pure oil was added, and in Example 3.1.3, 10 wt.% of pure oil was added.

[0118] In Examples 3.2.1 to 3.2.3, different amounts of pure fragrance C were mixed with different amounts of slurry sample 1.3, which contained approximately 34 wt.% of encapsulated fragrance D in amphoteric amino plastic microcapsules according to Example 1.3. In Example 3.2.1, no pure fragrance was used. In Example 3.2.2, 5 wt.% of pure oil was added, and in Example 3.2.3, 10 wt.% of pure oil was added.

[0119] Spices A, B, C, and D differ in their aroma characteristics.

[0120] The spice composition sample was stored at 40°C for one month before use.

[0121] Spray both fragrance enhancers 3.1 and 3.2 directly onto the fabric softener dispenser drawer of a front-loading washing machine. Five sprays correspond to approximately 2g of fragrance enhancer.

[0122] At a temperature of 40℃, 1kg of towels and 75g of unscented liquid detergent are rinsed in a front-loading washing machine. The total volume of water is 20L.

[0123] For this evaluation, the terry cloth was handled carefully to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the microcapsules. Fragrance intensity was measured immediately after the fabric was removed from the machine, on a wet fabric, and before and after gently rubbing the fabric between the hands on a dry terry cloth. Olfactory evaluation was performed before and after rubbing 24 hours after the terry cloth was dried at room temperature. Olfactory performance (intensity) was assessed by a panel of four experts, rated on a scale of 1-10 (2 = almost imperceptible, 4 = weak, 6 = moderate, 8 = strong, 10 = very strong).

[0124] The results are reported in Tables 5 and 6.

[0125] Table 5: Olfactory properties of the selected fragrance compositions containing polyurea microcapsules after washing and conditioning. The reported figures are fragrance intensities. The amount of fragrance composition provided is 2g.

[0126]

[0127] Table 6: Olfactory properties of the selected fragrance compositions containing amphoteric amino plastic microcapsules after washing and conditioning. The reported figures are fragrance intensities. The amount of fragrance composition provided is 2g.

[0128]

[0129] Example 4: Comparative Example

[0130] The performance results obtained in Example 3 after applying the fragrance composition five times (2 g) during the washing process were compared with the performance results obtained by applying the recommended amount of a comparative commercial product. The results are reported in Table 7.

[0131] Using a Hacke rheometer equipped with a P60 Ti-L cone-plate measuring unit, the measurement was completed in 21 seconds. -1 The shear rate and viscosity of the four compositions were measured at 25°C.

[0132] Table 7: Comparison of the fragrance compositions according to the present invention with two commercial products. The figures reported are fragrance intensities.

[0133]

[0134] As can be clearly seen from Table 7, the fragrance composition of the present invention is applied at a much lower amount compared to the comparative products, yet its performance on wet fabrics is at least as good as these comparative products. The fragrance composition according to the present invention provides significantly better post-rub performance than the comparative products. Furthermore, due to its higher viscosity, the fragrance composition according to the present invention is less prone to undesirable spillage when pouring or spraying the composition.

[0135] Example 5: Deposition of fragrance on fabric

[0136] A fragrance deposition study was conducted on 100% cotton fabric, using...

[0137] a) Five sprays (2g) of the fragrance enhancer prepared according to the present invention, by mixing 95% of a slurry containing about 34 wt.% of a fragrance encapsulated in anionic amino plastic microcapsules (as described in US8,119,587B2) and 5% pure fragrance D; and

[0138] b) Apply the recommended amount of a commercial reference fragrance enhancer based on polyethylene glycol.

[0139] Samples consisting of two 100% cotton T-shirts were washed in a Miele front-loading European washing machine.

[0140] Apply the fragrance enhancer composition to the wash sample in the following manner:

[0141] a) Add the fragrance enhancer of the present invention to the fabric softener drawer, i.e., during the rinsing cycle;

[0142] b) Add the commercial reference to the drum at the start of the washing cycle.

[0143] The fragrance deposition of each T-shirt was analyzed in two groups: the first group analyzed wet, freshly washed shirts, and the second group analyzed shirts that had been dried for 4 days.

[0144] Each group was extracted with dichloromethane using a Buchi SpeedExtractor E-914 to measure the amount of fragrance deposited on the sample. Methyl decanoate (50 μL of 10,000 ppm hexane solution) was used as a reference standard. Extracts obtained from each group were injected using a splitless method in GC / MS / FID (Agilent GC 6890 / MS5975 - FID Non-POLAR - Rxi5-ms) for fragrance detection and quantification using the reference standard.

[0145] For wet samples, the amount of fragrance recovered from the fragrance enhancer according to the invention is 242 micrograms of fragrance per gram of sample. In comparison, the commercial reference value is 36 micrograms per gram.

[0146] For the dried sample, the amount of fragrance recovered from the fragrance enhancer according to the invention was 124 micrograms of fragrance per gram of sample. In comparison, the commercial reference value was 13 micrograms per gram.

[0147] The results showed that, compared with commercially available reference compositions, the fragrance retention rate was excellent on cotton fabrics treated with the fragrance enhancer according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A fragrance composition comprising a plurality of microcapsules encapsulating a beneficial agent suspended in an aqueous suspension medium, wherein the composition is free of or substantially free of surfactants.

2. The flavoring composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is free from or substantially free from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, or betaine, or any mixture thereof, having a molecular weight generally of 2000 g / mol or less, more particularly 1000 g / L or less.

3. The fragrance composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microcapsules are present in an amount of 20 wt.% to 60 wt.%, more particularly 30 wt.% to 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fragrance composition.

4. The fragrance composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising pure fragrance dispersed or dissolved in the aqueous suspension medium.

5. The fragrance composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pure fragrance is present in an amount of 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more particularly 2 wt.% to 15 wt.%, still more particularly 3 wt.% to 12 wt.%, for example 5 wt.% or 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

6. The fragrance composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous suspension medium comprises a suspending agent.

7. The flavoring composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspending agent is a polysaccharide selected from hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, xanthan gum, ditan gum, bacterial microfibrillated cellulose, and combinations thereof.

8. The fragrance composition according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the amount of suspending agent in the fragrance composition is 0.005 wt.-% to 1 wt.-%, preferably 0.05 wt.-% to 0.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

9. A method for treating a fabric, optionally a washed fabric, the method comprising the step of applying a fragrance composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to the fabric.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fragrance composition is applied to the fabric in the washing machine during or after a washing or conditioning operation.

11. The method of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the fragrance composition is added to the washing machine in a fabric treatment operation, and in a separate step, one or more additional fabric treatment products comprising detergent, fabric conditioner or mixtures thereof are added to the washing machine at simultaneous or sequential time intervals.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising the following steps: - Clean the fabric; - Optionally, the fabric may be treated; and - Add the fragrance composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the cleaned and optionally treated fabric.

13. Use of the fragrance composition according to claims 1 to 8 as a fragrance enhancer to provide an olfactory experience suggesting a fresh scent when applied to fabrics.

14. A flavor enhancer, which consists essentially of a flavor composition according to claims 1 to 8 in a container, the container being equipped with a dispensing device that enables a consumer to measure a uniform and consistent dose of the flavor composition.

15. The fragrance enhancer of claim 14, further comprising instructions for adding the fragrance composition to washed or treated fabrics directly or indirectly via a compartment in a washing machine for the end user.

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