Fabric treatment composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to cleaning compositions for reducing off-flavors on surfaces, in particular to compositions for cleaning soft surfaces, such as those of fabrics. The composition ensures that the fabric remains free of off-odor for a long period of time after the surface is cleaned with the composition. This is accomplished by the combination of rhamnolipids and bacillus bacterial spores in a composition containing a surfactant.

Description

A fabric treatment composition Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to compositions for reducing odors on soft surfaces. Specifically, this invention relates to a fabric treatment composition that ensures that soft surfaces (such as fabrics) remain fresh and odor-free for an extended period after cleaning with the composition. Background Technology

[0002] Washing fabrics, also known as laundry, is a daily household chore for most people. Typically, fabrics are washed by contacting a laundry detergent composition, either rinsing with water once or multiple times, and finally drying. During the washing step, fabrics are cleaned by mechanical agitation using hands and / or by using suitable cleaning tools (e.g., a brush) in so-called hand washing methods. Alternatively, in so-called machine washing methods, fabrics are cleaned by mechanical agitation performed by a machine. After the washing step involving the detergent composition, the fabric is rinsed two or three times with plenty of water to remove the composition. In one or more rinsing steps, the fabric may be treated with a fabric conditioning composition to provide a softening benefit. The drying step is then carried out by using a dryer or simply exposing the fabric to air, and if possible, to sunlight. Despite the use of a good detergent composition and adequate drying, fabrics often still have a musty odor at the end of the treatment. It has been observed that water quality (e.g., hard water) has a significant impact on the odor of fabrics washed in it.

[0003] Therefore, when cleaning most surfaces, it is necessary to ensure sufficient cleanliness and hygiene while minimizing odors for a period of time after the cleaning step, using less caustic chemicals. The inventors of this invention, while searching for a solution to this problem, unexpectedly discovered a combination of Bacillus spores and rhamnolipid biosurfactants in the laundry treatment composition that not only effectively cleans surfaces but also ensures that fabrics retain a fresh odor for a long time with minimal subsequent odor formation.

[0004] Cleaning compositions containing biosurfactants are known, for example, US7556654B1, which discloses combinations of this type of surfactant with enzymes to produce cleaning benefits. The cleaning composition is shown to be formed by the action of bacteria and yeast on lipopeptides and sophorolipids, as well as enzymes derived from kelp. It does not disclose a combination of rhamnolipids and Bacillus spores that ensures a significant reduction in odors long after cleaning.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment composition for cleaning fabric surfaces that provides anti-odor benefits for a long time after the fabric surface has been cleaned. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a fabric treatment composition comprising (i) 0.05 to 10% by weight of rhamnolipin; and (ii) 0.000005 to 1% by weight of Bacillus bacterial spores comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis; and (iii) a fabric treatment active substance selected from anionic surfactants or fabric softening active substances.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing odors on a surface is provided, the method comprising the step of contacting the surface with a composition of the invention, preferably diluted with water. Detailed Implementation

[0008] To avoid ambiguity, any feature of one aspect of the invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including”, but not necessarily “consisting of” or “made up of”. Thus, the term “comprising” means not limited to any of the elements subsequently stated, but optionally also covers unspecified elements of primary or secondary functional importance. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words “comprising” or “having” are used, these terms mean equivalent to “comprising” as defined above. It should be noted that the examples given in the following specification are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples themselves. Except as expressly stated in the embodiments or otherwise, all figures in this specification indicating the amount of material or reaction conditions, the physical properties of the material, and / or uses should be understood to be modified by the word “about”. Unless otherwise stated, numerical ranges expressed in the format “x to y” should be understood to include both x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the form of “x to y” for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also considered. Unless otherwise stated, the amounts used herein are expressed as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the composition and are abbreviated as "weight%".

[0009] "Fabric treatment composition" refers to a composition used in any step of the process of washing fabrics. It can be a "laundry detergent composition" or a "fabric conditioning composition" as defined below.

[0010] "Laundry detergent composition" refers to a composition used to clean fabrics to remove dirt and stains.

[0011] "Fabric conditioning composition" refers to a composition containing conditioning active substances that provide softness to fabrics and is typically added after the fabric cleaning step.

[0012] According to the present invention, "surfactant" refers to surfactants other than rhamnolipids claimed in this invention.

[0013] The compositions of the present invention comprise rhamnolipids. Rhamnolipids are a class of glycolipids. They are composed of rhamnolipids combined with β-hydroxy fatty acids. Rhamnose is a sugar. Fatty acids are ubiquitous in animals and plants.

[0014] Rhamnolipids are discussed in E. Deziel et al., Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (2010) 86:1323-1336. Rhamnolipids are produced by Glycosurf, AGAE Technologies, and Urumqi Unite Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. Rhamnolipids can be produced by strains of the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*. They can also be produced by recombinant cells of *Pseudomonas putida*, wherein the recombinant cells contain increased activity of at least one of enzymes a / P hydrolase, rhamnosyltransferase I, or rhamnosyltransferase II compared to wild-type cells.

[0015] Rhamnolipids are divided into two main categories: monorhamnolipids and dirhamnolipids. Monorhamnolipids have a single rhamnose ring. A typical monorhamnolipid produced by *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is L-rhamnosyl-β-hydroxydecyl-β-hydroxydecanoate (RhaC). 10 C 10 It can be called Rha-C. 10 -C 10 , having formula C 26 H 48 O9. Monorhamnolipids have a single rhamnosine ring.

[0016] The IUPAC name is 3-[3-[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxane-2-yl]oxydecanoyloxy]decanoic acid.

[0017] Dirhamnolipids have two rhamnosine rings. A typical dirhamnolipid is L-rhamnosyl-L-rhamnosyl-β-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoate (Rha2C). 10 C 10 It can be called Rha-Rha-C. 10 -C 10 , having formula C 32 H 58 O 13 .

[0018] The IUPAC name is 3-[3-[4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxane-2-yl)oxyoxane-2-yl]oxydecanoyloxy]decanoic acid.

[0019] In practice, depending on the carbon source and bacterial strain, various other minor components with different alkyl chain length combinations exist alongside the more common rhamnolipide combinations described above. The ratio of monorhamnolipide to dirhamnolipide can be controlled by the production method. Some bacteria produce only monorhamnolipide (see US5767090: Example 1), and some enzymes can convert monorhamnolipide to dirhamnolipide.

[0020] In various published materials, monorhamnolipids are designated Rha-, which can be abbreviated as Rh or RL2. Similarly, dirhamnolipids are designated Rha-Rha or Rh-Rh or RL1. Due to historical reasons, "rhamnolipid 2" is a monorhamnolipid, and "rhamnolipid 1" is a dirhamnolipid. This has led to some ambiguity in the use of "RL1" and "RL2" in the literature.

[0021] Throughout this patent specification, we use the terms monorhamnolipid and dirhamnolipid to avoid such possible confusion. However, if the abbreviations are used, R1 is monorhamnolipid and R2 is dirhamnolipid. For more information on the confusion of terminology in the prior art, see the introduction to US 4814272.

[0022] The following rhamnolipids produced by the following bacteria have been detected: (C12:1, C14:1 represent fatty acyl chains with double bonds).

[0023] Rhamnolipids produced by *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (monor ... -C10, Rha-Rha-C8-C12:1, Rha-Rha-C10-C8, Rha-Rha-C10-C10, Rha-Rha-C10-C12: 1. Rha-Rha-C10-C12, Rha-Rha-C12-C10, Rha-Rha-C12:1-C12, Rha-Rha-C10-C14:1.

[0024] Rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (not identified as monorhamnolipids or dirhamnolipids): C8-C8, C8-C10, C10-C8, C8-C12:1, C12:1-C8, C10-C10, C12-C10, C12:1-C10, C12-C12, C12:1-C12, C14-C10, C14:1-C10, C14-C14.

[0025] Rhamnolipids (monorhamnolipids only) produced by *Pseudomonas chlororaphis*: Rha-C10-C8, Rha-C10-C10, Rha-C12-C10, Rha-C12:1-C10, Rha-C12-C12, Rha-C12:1-C12, Rha-C14-C10, and Rha-C14:1-C10.

[0026] Rhamnolipids (di-rhamnolipids only) produced by Burkholdera pseudomallei: Rha-Rha-C14-C14.

[0027] Rhamnose lipids (di-rhamnose lipids only): Rha-Rha-C14-C14, produced by Burkholdera plantarii (Pseudomonas plantarii).

[0028] The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) holds over 100 archived *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* strains. Many other strains are only available from manufacturers of commercial rhamnolipin. Furthermore, various research institutions worldwide may have isolated thousands of strains. Some work has progressed to typing them into groups. Each strain possesses distinct characteristics, including how much rhamnolipin it produces, what types of rhamnolipin it produces, what it metabolizes, and the conditions under which it grows. Only a small percentage of strains have been studied in depth.

[0029] Through evaluation and selection, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* strains can be isolated to produce rhamnolipids at higher concentrations and more efficiently. Strains can also be selected to produce fewer byproducts and metabolize different raw materials or contaminants. This production is greatly influenced by the environment in which the bacteria grow.

[0030] A typical dirhamnolipid is L-rhamnosyl-L-rhamnosyl-β-hydroxydecyl-β-hydroxydecanoate (Rha2C) 10 C 10 , having formula C 32 H 58 O 13 ).

[0031] In practice, depending on the carbon source and bacterial strain, various other minor components with different alkyl chain length combinations exist alongside the more common rhamnolipide combinations described above. The ratio of monorhamnolipide to dirhamnolipide can be controlled by the production method. Some bacteria produce only monorhamnolipide (see US6767090: Example 1), and some enzymes can convert monorhamnolipide to dirhamnolipide.

[0032] Preferably, the rhamnolipids are selected from: - Rhamnolipids produced by *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (monor ...

[0033] - Monorhamnolipids can also be produced by *Pseudomonas putida* by introducing the genes rhlA and rhlB from *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* [Cha et al., Bioresour Technol. 2008. 99(7): 2192-9] - Rhamnolipids produced by *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (dirhamnolipids): Rha-Rha-C8-C10, Rha-Rha-C8-C12:1, Rha-Rha-C10-C8, Rha-Rha-C10-C10, Rha-RhaC10-C12:1, Rha-Rha-C10-C12, Rha-Rha-C12-C10, Rha-Rha-C12:1-C12, Rha-Rha-C10-C14:1- Rhamnolipids produced by Burkholderia melioides (di-rhamnolipids only): Rha-Rha-C14-C14.

[0034] - Rhamnolipids produced by Burkholdera plantarii (Pseudomonas plantarii) (di-rhamnolipids only): Rha-Rha-C14-C14- Rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which were not initially identified as mono- or di-rhamnolipids: C8-C8, C8-C10, C10-C8, C8-C12:1, C12:1-C8, C10-C10, C12-C10, C12:1-C10, C12-C12, C12:1-C12, C14-C10, C14:1-C10, C14-C14.

[0035] Preferably, the rhamnolipid is L-rhamnosyl-(3-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoate) (RhaC 10 C 10 , having formula C 26 H 48 O9).

[0036] Preferably, the rhamnose glycolipid contains at least 50% by weight of dirhamnose glycolipid, more preferably at least 60% by weight of dirhamnose glycolipid, even more preferably 70% by weight of dirhamnose glycolipid, and most preferably at least 80% by weight of dirhamnose glycolipid.

[0037] Preferably, the rhamnose glycolipid is a dirhamnose glycolipid of the following formula: Rha2C 8-12 C 8-12 The preferred alkyl chain length is C8 to C9. 12 The alkyl chain can be saturated or unsaturated. The most preferred dirhamnolipid is an example of a dirhamnolipid with the following formula: Rha2C 8-12 C 8-12 This is referred to herein as rhamnolipin R2, and may be supplied by Evonik. The composition comprises 0.05 to 10%, preferably 0.1 to 5%, more preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight of the composition of rhamnolipin.

[0038] The compositions of the present invention comprise 0.000005 to 1% by weight of Bacillus spores comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. A preferred aspect relates to compositions comprising combinations of bacterial spores comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis. According to the present invention, a combination of bacterial spores means that bacterial spores may be included in the composition.

[0039] Another preferred aspect relates to a composition comprising one or both of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus thuringiensis. A particularly preferred aspect of the invention relates to combinations comprising bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0040] Preferably, each type of bacterial spore is present at 1 to 70% of the total number of bacterial spores, more preferably 5 to 40%. An even more preferred aspect of the invention relates to bacterial spores of *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, *Bacillus megaterium*, and *Bacillus subtilis* comprising 5 to 40% of the total number of bacterial spores. A particularly preferred aspect of the invention relates to bacterial spores of *Bacillus pumilus* and *Bacillus thuringiensis* each comprising 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 20%, and most preferably 5 to 15% of the total number of bacterial spores.

[0041] Bacterial spores are contained in the composition at a weight of 0.000005 to 1%, preferably 0.00005 to 0.75%, and more preferably 0.0001 to 0.5%. The bacterial spores used in the compositions of the present invention can be counted to about 10. 11 The composition is in powder form at CFU / g, but other methods known to those skilled in the art for growing and introducing spores into the composition are also possible. Therefore, in the composition, bacterial spores are preferably present at 10% of the composition. 3 Up to 10 11 cfu / g, more preferably 10 4 Up to 10 9 cfu / g, with the optimal value being 10. 5 Up to 10 8 cfu / g is included.

[0042] The compositions of the present invention comprise a fabric treatment active substance selected from anionic surfactants or fabric softening active substances. When the composition is a laundry detergent composition, the fabric treatment active substance is anionic surfactant. When the composition is delivered as a fabric conditioning composition, the fabric treatment active substance is a fabric softening active substance.

[0043] Laundry detergent composition The composition can be delivered as a laundry detergent composition, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. The term "anionic surfactant" is used to refer to an anionic surfactant other than the rhamnolipids claimed in this invention. The anionic surfactant is preferably contained in an amount of 1 to 80% by weight. The laundry detergent composition can be delivered in solid form or as a liquid.

[0044] The laundry detergent compositions that can be delivered according to the present invention are preferably in liquid form. The term liquid can encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having a flowable but relatively stiff consistency, referred to as gels or pastes. Pourable liquid detergent compositions preferably have a viscosity of 200 to 1,500 mPa·s, more preferably 200 to 700 mPa·s. Such compositions typically have an aqueous continuous phase. Preferably, the composition contains at least 50% by weight of water, and more preferably at least 70% by weight of water. Water is typically present in an amount of 20% to 99.9%, preferably 40% to 80% by weight of the composition.

[0045] Liquid laundry detergent compositions typically contain 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, one or more surfactants. The surfactants are generally anionic in nature. Preferred anionic surfactants are organic sulfates and sulfonates having an alkyl group containing about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; the term "alkyl" is used for the alkyl moiety including a higher acyl group. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. Alkyl ether sulfates may contain 1 to 10 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counterions of anionic surfactants are typically alkali metals, such as sodium or potassium; or ammonia counterions, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of these counterions may also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0046] The most preferred surfactants are alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly straight-chain alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with alkyl chain lengths of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Some alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS) can be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates with alkyl chain lengths of 10 to 18.

[0047] Preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains 5 to 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. Preferred types of nonionic surfactants used in this invention include aliphatic C8 to C96 species. 18 C is preferred 12 To C 15 The linear primary alcohol ethoxylate has an average of 3 to 20, more preferably 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Preferred nonionic surfactants are C16 / 18 alcohol ethoxylates.

[0048] In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, liquid laundry detergent compositions typically contain agents such as stain-removing polymers, water-soluble solvents, co-surfactants, builders, polymeric thickeners, and color-correcting dyes. Stain-removing polymers (SRPs) help remove dirt from fabrics by modifying the fabric surface during washing.

[0049] The SRP structure may also include end-capping groups to control molecular weight or modify polymer properties, such as surface activity. Preferred SRPs for use in this invention comprise copolyesters formed by the condensation of terephthalate and glycol (preferably 1,2-propylene glycol), and further comprise end caps formed from repeating monomers of alkyl-terminated epoxy alkyl groups. When included, the SRP may be in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composition, ideally 0.3 to 7%, more preferably 0.5 to 5%.

[0050] The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated with non-aqueous carriers, such as co-solvents, co-solvents, and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids, such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol and n-propanol or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols (e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (e.g., glycerol); having a weight-average molecular weight (M) in the range of about 200 to 600. w The composition includes polyethylene glycol; C1 to C3 alkanolamines, such as mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine; and alkyl aryl sulfonates (such as xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and sodium and potassium cumene sulfonate) having up to three carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group. When included, a non-aqueous carrier may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 3%, preferably from 0.5% to 1% by weight of the composition. Preferred co-aqueous solvents are monopropylene glycol and glycerol.

[0051] In addition to the aforementioned non-soap anionic and / or nonionic detergency surfactants, the liquid laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may contain one or more co-surfactants (such as amphoteric (amphoionic) and / or cationic surfactants). When included, such co-surfactants may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0052] The liquid laundry detergent composition may optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builders or chelating agents. Examples include alkali metal citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates, and polyacetylates. If used, the organic builder material may comprise from about 0.5% to 20% by weight of the composition, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight.

[0053] When the composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, it can be diluted with water at ratios such as 1:50, 1:100, or 1:100 to form a detergent solution.

[0054] The solid form of laundry detergent compositions described herein can take various physical solid forms, including forms such as powder, granules, strips, slivers, pastes, tablets, flakes, lozenges, and strips, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granules, or strips.

[0055] The solid laundry detergent compositions according to the invention can be prepared by a variety of conventional methods known in the art, including dry mixing, pressing such as coagulation, extrusion, tableting, or spray drying of various compounds contained in the detergent components, or combinations of these techniques. The powder or granular compositions preferably have a density greater than 350 g / L, more preferably greater than 450 g / L, or even greater than 570 g / L.

[0056] Typical solid laundry detergent compositions contain one or more surfactants selected from anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, cationic, and amphoteric types, preferably anionic. These solid compositions typically contain 1 to 30% by weight of anionic surfactants. Details regarding various components described for liquid detergent compositions, such as anionic and nonionic surfactants, SRPs, water-soluble solvents, builders, etc., may also be included in solid detergent compositions. Furthermore, they may contain other auxiliaries to provide benefits to the washed fabrics, such as anti-redeposition polymers, which may be included together at 0 to 5% by weight of the composition. Builders are typically included, in particular, to counteract the adverse effects of water hardness used to wash fabrics, and these constitute up to 50% by weight of the composition, typically 10 to 30%. Other fabric-beneficial agents such as color-correcting dyes and optical brighteners may be included at up to 1% by weight of the composition. Bleach may sometimes be included, and when included, it constitutes up to 10% by weight of the composition, and fillers typically constitute up to 40% by weight of the composition.

[0057] When measured at 1% by weight in deionized water at 25°C, the solid laundry detergent composition according to the invention preferably has a pH of 7.0 to 10.5, more preferably 7.0 to 10.2, and even more preferably 8.5 to 10.2. The composition may preferably contain a buffer.

[0058] Fabric conditioning compositions The compositions of the present invention can also be delivered as fabric conditioning compositions, wherein the surfactant is a fabric softening active substance. The fabric softening active substance can be cationic or nonionic, preferably cationic in nature. It is preferably contained in 1 to 50% by weight.

[0059] Fabric conditioning compositions are also known as fabric softeners. Fabric conditioning agents contain active materials that soften or condition fabrics. Examples of suitable fabric softening active substances include: quaternary ammonium compounds, siloxane polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes, and mixtures thereof. The fabric softening active substance is preferably selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, or siloxane polymers and mixtures thereof, and more preferably quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0060] The fabric conditioning composition used according to the invention can be diluted or concentrated. Diluted products typically contain up to about 6% by weight of the softening compound, typically about 1 to 5% by weight, while concentrated products can contain up to about 50% by weight of the softening compound, preferably about 5 to about 50% by weight, more preferably 6 to 25% by weight. Overall, the products of the invention can contain 1 to 50% by weight of the softening compound, preferably 2 to 25% by weight, more preferably 2 to 20% by weight.

[0061] The preferred softening compound used in the fabric conditioning composition of the present invention is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The QAC preferably contains at least one chain derived from a fatty acid, more preferably at least two chains derived from fatty acids. Generally, a fatty acid is defined as an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Preferably, the fatty acid chain is palm or tallow fatty acid. Preferably, based on the weight of the total fatty acid chains, the fatty acid chains of the QAC contain 10 to 50% by weight of saturated C18 chains and 5 to 40% by weight of monounsaturated C18 chains. In a further preferred embodiment, based on the weight of the total fatty acid chains, the fatty acid chains of the QAC contain 20 to 40% by weight, preferably 25 to 35% by weight of saturated C18 chains and 10 to 35% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight of monounsaturated C18 chains.

[0062] The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound used in the compositions of the present invention is a so-called "ester quaternary ammonium salt". Particularly preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-ester linking components.

[0063] The compositions of the present invention, delivered as fabric conditioning compositions, may further comprise nonionic surfactants. Typically, they may include surfactants for the purpose of stabilizing the composition. Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and fatty amines.

[0064] Preferably, the nonionic surfactant has about 7 to about 20, more preferably 10 to 18, for example, 12 to 16 HLB. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant), based on coconut oil chains and 20 EO groups, is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant.

[0065] If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Therefore, the fabric conditioning composition of the present invention preferably contains 0.1 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, preferably a fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0066] Fabric softening agents can be used in fabric conditioning compositions. When used, they are typically present at 0.1 to 20% by weight, particularly 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred fabric softening agents include fatty esters and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters that can be used include fatty monoesters, such as glyceryl monostearate, and fatty glycolipids, such as those disclosed in WO 01 / 46361 (Unilever).

[0067] The compositions of the present invention may contain fat chelating agents. Particularly suitable fat chelating agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Fatty alcohols are the most preferred. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain 0.5 to 20% by weight of a flavoring substance, more preferably 1 to 15% by weight of a flavoring substance, and most preferably 2 to 10% by weight of a flavoring substance.

[0068] The fabric conditioning composition is preferably in an aqueous form. The composition preferably contains 75 to 95% by weight of water.

[0069] Fabric conditioning compositions can be used to treat fabrics during hand washing or machine washing. Preferably, the fabric conditioning agent is used during the rinsing stage of the washing process.

[0070] Preferably, a fabric conditioner is used to treat a garment load of 4 to 7 kg. More preferably, 10 to 80 ml is used for a garment load of 4 to 7 kg.

[0071] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing odors on a surface is provided, comprising the step of contacting the surface with a composition of the invention, preferably diluted with water.

[0072] The invention will now be illustrated with the aid of the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0073] Example The rhamnolipids used in the following experiments were obtained from Evonik Industries, Germany, under the name ZZDL-RHEANCE.

[0074] Examples AF, 1-5: The effect of a combination of bacterial spores and rhamnolipin, measured by olfactory testing, on the reduction of damp odors Function .

[0075] Obtain the samples shown in Table 1 and measure the odor produced using the following method.

[0076] Clothing odor testing: • Autoclave 10 Place a 10 cm polyester fabric sample into a sterile Piper plate. Inoculate 200 μl of a culture mixture containing tryptone, mucin, and BSA dropwise to cover the entire fabric sample. Then allow it to dry in LAF for 15 min. Using sterile forceps, pick up each fabric sample and place it into a sterile black screw-cap bottle. Add 7 ml of hard water to the bottle. Inoculate different concentrations of treatment into the corresponding bottles. Seal the bottles and incubate at 37°C for 48-72 hours. After incubation, smell each tube and score it on a scale of 0 to 5 (0 for no odor and 5 for the strongest odor).

[0077] Odor detection through olfactory testingOdor was measured on a scale of 0 (no damp odor) and 5 (strong damp odor). The untreated control had the strongest odor. Odor scores were given by a panel of five experts in a blinded test.

[0078] The bacterial spores in the table below are at a concentration of 10 7 CFU / ml usage.

[0079] Table 1

[0080] In the table above (and subsequent tables), the following abbreviations are used for various bacterial spores: Ba: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; Bm: Bacillus megaterium; Bs: Bacillus subtilis; Bl: Bacillus licheniformis; Bp: Bacillus pumilus; Bt: Bacillus thuringiensis; @: refers to spores contained in amounts of 5 to 40% of the total number of bacterial spores contained in Ba, Bm, and Bs, and 5 to 15% of Bp and Bt.

[0081] The data in the table above indicate that the combination of various bacterial spores of the Bacillus genus and rhamnolipids provides a synergistic interaction in reducing damp odors on fabrics.

[0082] Examples GK, 6-9: Bacterial spores (at three different concentrations) and rhamnolipin (at two different concentrations) measured by olfactory testing The effect of combinations of different concentrations on reducing damp odors.

[0083] Obtain the samples shown in Table 2 and measure the generated odors using the clothing odor determination method as described above for Examples AF and 1-5.

[0084] The bacterial spore combinations (referred to as "probiotics") in the table below are Ba + Bm + Bs + Bp + Bt, with the following concentrations: Ba, Bm, and Bs comprise 5 to 40% of the total number of bacterial spores, while Bp and Bt comprise 5 to 15% of the total number of bacterial spores.

[0085] Table 2

[0086] The data in the table above show that the present invention is effective in reducing damp odors on fabrics for combinations of bacterial spores and rhamnolipin at various concentrations.

Claims

1. A fabric treatment composition comprising (i) 0.05 to 10% by weight of rhamnolipin; and (ii) 0.000005 to 1% by weight of Bacillus spores, including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis; and (iii) a fabric treatment active substance selected from anionic surfactants or fabric softening active substances.

2. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising Bacillus pumilus.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or both of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus thuringiensis.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims is a laundry detergent composition, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

5. The composition according to claim 4, comprising 1 to 80% by weight of anionic surfactant.

6. The composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein it is a liquid composition further comprising 5 to 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is a fabric conditioning composition, wherein the fabric softening active substance is nonionic or cationic in nature.

8. The composition according to claim 7, wherein the fabric softening active substance is cationic in nature.

9. The composition according to claim 7 or 89, comprising 1 to 50% by weight of a fabric softening active substance.

10. A method for reducing odors on a surface, comprising the step of contacting the surface with a composition according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably diluted with water.

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