WASHING OR CLEANING AGENTS CONTAINING POLYESTERASE

Description

[0001] The present invention lies in the field of enzyme technology, in particular the anti-pilling effect of enzymes, such as those used, for example, in washing or cleaning agents. The invention relates to an agent, in particular a washing or cleaning agent, which contains a polyesterase as defined herein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning textiles and the use of the agent according to the invention for removing soiling. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of a polyesterase for reducing pilling effects and for anti-graying in an agent, preferably a washing or cleaning agent.

[0002] With repeated washing, textiles of all kinds will eventually pill. Pilling is the formation of small balls or fuzz in fabrics. These small balls of fuzz occur particularly in short-fiber fabrics. Long-fiber and twisted fibers, on the other hand, pill less. Generally, these balls are caused by loose fibers in the fabric or fibers that have detached from the weave. Synthetic fibers, due to their smooth surface, are more prone to pilling than natural fibers because synthetic fibers can be released from the fabric more quickly than rough natural fibers. In wool fabrics, these fibers "felt" primarily due to mechanical friction, forming balls on the surface.

[0003] The main effect of pilling is a visual impairment. The formation of pills on the surface quickly makes fabrics look used and older than they actually are. Additionally, colored textiles appear less vibrant. However, the functionality of the fabric is hardly or not at all impaired. Pilling occurs particularly in areas subject to high mechanical stress, usually the shoulder and waistband areas. Due to the continuous thinning of the fabric, these stressed areas are particularly at risk of developing holes or even tearing. This unwanted pilling results in affected textiles being rejected and thrown away by consumers faster than would be necessary based on the functionality of the textile.

[0004] Furthermore, textiles tend to turn gray during washing. This is because both dirt and detached pigments from colored clothing are released during the washing process. Despite attempts to keep these pigments in the wash solution using various detergent ingredients, it is often impossible to prevent the dirt / pigments from settling on the clothing and remaining there. This is the so-called graying effect. This is particularly pronounced with some synthetic fibers such as polyamide, but also polyester.

[0005] A technical solution to reduce the pilling effect is currently only available for cotton textiles. Cellulases are used in cleaning agents to reduce the pilling effect (DE 69632910 T3). This means that cellulases are used in the detergent to have an anti-pilling or anti-gray effect and thus ensure that clothes look like new for longer. However, cellulases only work on cotton textiles. For other textiles, such as polyester textiles, there is no comparable way to reduce pilling. It is therefore desirable and there is a demand for solutions that reduce pilling in textiles, especially textiles containing synthetic fibers such as polyester, in order to keep clothes looking new for as long as possible, i.e. the colors should remain vibrant, the shape should be retained and the surfaces should remain smooth and undamaged.

[0006] Furthermore, WO 2017 / 129436 A1 discloses improved anti-pilling on polyester through the use of a cutinase. Cutinases are also known from WO 2012 / 113827 A1 in connection with food processing methods.

[0007] Surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention have found that the polyesterase described herein is Thermomonospora curvatais active under washing process conditions and exhibits various care properties for PET textiles. This is surprising insofar as previously known cutinases and PET esterases are more active at higher temperatures (>= 60 °C) and are also only able to degrade PET very slowly. However, the polyesterase used here shows rapid PET degradation at 40 °C. It was found that the enzyme prevents pilling on new polyester textiles and, in combination with a cellulase, supports this effect on polyester / cotton blend textiles. Furthermore, it can reduce pills that have already formed, i.e., it can cause a so-called "renew" effect. Furthermore, the polyesterase prevents the graying of white laundry and the fading / graying of colored laundry.It was further found that, with the appropriate dosage, all of these positive washing properties can be achieved without significant damage to the fiber. Because the textiles stay looking new for longer, they are worn longer and replaced less frequently. This leads to a reduction in the CO2 footprint, as less polyester is used.

[0008] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a washing or cleaning agent, characterized in that it contains a polyesterase which has at least 83% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1 over its entire length.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for cleaning textiles, characterized in that a washing or cleaning agent according to the invention is used in at least one process step. The textiles are preferably polyester-containing textiles or are made of polyester.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is further directed to the use of a washing or cleaning agent as described herein, particularly preferably a liquid washing agent, for removing soiling.

[0011] Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention includes the use of the polyesterase described herein for reducing pilling effects and / or increasing the anti-grey effect of a washing or cleaning agent, particularly preferably a liquid washing agent, wherein the agent contains the polyesterase.

[0012] In further preferred embodiments, the polyesterase contained in the agent according to the invention comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or consists essentially of it. In various embodiments of the invention, the invention also encompasses polyesterases derived from the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, for example by mutagenesis.

[0013] In various embodiments of the invention, the polyesterase comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91.5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 98.8%, 99.0%, 99.2%, 99.4% or 99.6% identical to the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1 over its entire length or consists of such a sequence.

[0014] In various further embodiments, the agent is characterized in that (a) the polyesterase is obtainable from a polyesterase as defined above as the starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and / or (b) the polyesterase is obtainable from a polyesterase as defined above as the starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and comprises an amino acid sequence which corresponds to the starting molecule over a length of at least 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261 or 262 contiguous amino acids.

[0015] The agents according to the invention preferably contain the polyesterase in an amount of 0.00001 to 1% by weight, more preferably in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight, particularly preferably in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1% by weight, in each case based on the active protein.

[0016] The identity of nucleic acid or amino acid sequences is determined by sequence comparison. This sequence comparison is based on the BLAST algorithm, which is established and commonly used in the state of the art (see, for example, Altschul et al. (1990) "Basic local alignment search tool", J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410, and Altschul et al. (1997) "Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs", Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402) and is essentially performed by matching similar sequences of nucleotides or amino acids in the nucleic acid or amino acid sequences. A tabular assignment of the relevant positions is called an alignment. Another algorithm available in the state of the art is the FASTA algorithm. Sequence comparisons (alignments), especially multiple sequence comparisons, are created using computer programs. Frequently used, for example, are the Clustal series (see e.g. Chenna et al.(2003) "Multiple sequence alignment with the Clustal series of programs", Nucleic Acid Res. 31:3497-3500), T-Coffee (cf. e.g. Notredame et al. (2000) "T-Coffee: A novel method for multiple sequence alignments", J. Mol. Biol. 302:205-217) or programs based on these programs or algorithms. Furthermore, sequence comparisons (alignments) are possible using the computer program Vector NTI ®< Suite 10.3 (Invitrogen Corporation, 1600 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, USA) with the specified standard parameters, whose AlignX module for sequence comparisons is based on ClustalW.

[0017] Such a comparison also allows a statement to be made about the similarity of the compared sequences to one another. This is usually expressed as percent identity, i.e. the proportion of identical nucleotides or amino acid residues at the same positions or corresponding positions in an alignment. The broader term homology in amino acid sequences includes conserved amino acid substitutions, i.e. amino acids with similar chemical activity, since these usually exert similar chemical activities within the protein. Therefore, the similarity of the compared sequences can also be expressed as percent homology or percent similarity. Identity and / or homology statements can be made for entire polypeptides or genes, or just for individual regions. Homologous or identical regions of different nucleic acid or amino acid sequences are therefore defined by similarities in the sequences.Such regions often exhibit identical functions. They can be small and comprise only a few nucleotides or amino acids. Such small regions often perform essential functions for the overall activity of the protein. It may therefore be useful to refer sequence matches only to individual, possibly small regions. Unless otherwise stated, however, statements of identity or homology in this application refer to the entire length of the respective nucleic acid or amino acid sequence.

[0018] In various embodiments, the polyesterase comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91.5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 98.8%, 99.0%, 99.2%, 99.4% or 99.6% homologous to the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1 over its entire length.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the polyesterase is characterized in that its anti-pilling performance is not significantly reduced compared to that of a polyesterase comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequences given in SEQ ID NO:1, i.e., it has at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the reference anti-pilling performance. The anti-pilling performance can be determined in a washing system containing a detergent in a dosage of between 4.5 and 7.0 grams per liter of wash liquor and the polyesterase, wherein the polyesterases to be compared are used at the same concentration (based on active protein), and the anti-pilling performance is determined as described herein. For example, the washing process can be carried out for 60 minutes at a temperature of 60°C, and the water can have a water hardness of between 15.5°C and 16.5°C (German hardness).The concentration of polyesterase in the detergent intended for this washing system is from 0.00001 to 1 wt.%, preferably from 0.0001 to 0.5 wt.%, particularly preferably from 0.001 to 0.1 wt.%, based on active, purified protein.

[0020] A preferred liquid detergent for such a washing system is composed as follows (all values ​​in weight %): 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% anionic surfactants, 2.4% C 12 -C 18 Na salts of fatty acids, 4.4% nonionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1.4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% antifoam, 2% glycerin, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1.6% enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannanase), and the remainder: demineralized water. The dosage of the liquid detergent is preferably between 4.5 and 6.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example, 4.7, 4.9, or 5.9 grams per liter of wash liquor. Washing is preferably carried out in a pH range between pH 8 and pH 10.5, preferably between pH 8 and pH 9.

[0021] In the context of the invention, the anti-pilling performance is determined at 60 °C using a liquid detergent as stated above, wherein the washing process is preferably carried out for 60 minutes.

[0022] Anti-pilling performance can be monitored through visual inspection. In this case, a panel of testers assigns a score on a scale of 1-5 to the laundry being tested. A score of 1 represents very heavily pilled laundry, while a score of 5 represents non-pilled laundry.

[0023] By using the same activity of each polyesterase, it is ensured that even if there is a discrepancy in the ratio of active substance to total protein (the specific activity values), the respective enzymatic properties, such as anti-pilling performance, are compared. In general, a low specific activity can be compensated for by adding a larger amount of protein.

[0024] Proteins can be combined into groups of immunologically related proteins through reaction with an antiserum or a specific antibody. The members of such a group are characterized by having the same antigenic determinant recognized by an antibody. They are therefore structurally so similar to one another that they are recognized by an antiserum or specific antibodies. A further subject of the invention therefore relates to polyesterases which are characterized by having at least one, and increasingly preferably two, three, or four, identical antigenic determinants with a polyesterase used in an agent according to the invention. Due to their immunological similarities, such polyesterases are structurally so similar to the polyesterases used in the agents according to the invention that a similar function can be assumed.

[0025] Other polyesterases used in the agents according to the invention may have further amino acid modifications, in particular amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions, compared to the polyesterase described in SEQ ID NO:1. Such polyesterases are further developed, for example, by targeted genetic modification, i.e., by mutagenesis methods, and optimized for specific applications or with regard to special properties (for example, with regard to their catalytic activity, stability, etc.). Furthermore, nucleic acids encoding the polyesterases used can be introduced into recombinant approaches and thus used to generate completely novel polyesterases or other polypeptides.

[0026] The aim is to introduce targeted mutations such as substitutions, insertions, or deletions into the known molecules in order, for example, to improve the cleaning performance of enzymes according to the invention. For this purpose, in particular, the surface charges and / or the isoelectric point of the molecules and thus their interactions with the substrate can be altered. For example, the net charge of the enzymes can be altered in order to influence substrate binding, particularly for use in detergents and cleaning agents. Alternatively or additionally, one or more corresponding mutations can further increase the stability of the polyesterase and thereby improve its cleaning performance. Advantageous properties of individual mutations, e.g., individual substitutions, can complement each other.A polyesterase that has already been optimized with respect to certain properties, for example with respect to its activity and / or its anti-pilling performance, can therefore be further developed within the scope of the invention.

[0027] The invention therefore further relates to an agent comprising a polyesterase, which is characterized in that it is obtainable from a polyesterase as described above as the starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution. The term "conservative amino acid substitution" means the exchange (substitution) of one amino acid residue for another amino acid residue, whereby this exchange does not lead to a change in the polarity or charge at the position of the exchanged amino acid, e.g., the exchange of a non-polar amino acid residue for another non-polar amino acid residue. Conservative amino acid substitutions within the scope of the invention include, for example: G=A=S, I=V=L=M, D=E, N=Q, K=R, Y=F, S=T, G=A=I=V=L=M=Y=F=W=P=S=T. The homology of the polyesterases modified in this way to the polyesterase with SEQ ID NO:1 is preferably as defined above.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the polyesterase is characterized in that it is obtainable from a polyesterase contained in an agent according to the invention as a starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and comprises an amino acid sequence which corresponds to the starting molecule over a length of at least 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260 or 261 contiguous amino acids.

[0029] In various embodiments, the polyesterases obtainable in this way still exhibit the sequence identities defined herein of at least 83% with the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:1 even after mutagenesis / substitution.

[0030] For example, it is possible to delete individual amino acids at the termini or in the loops of the enzyme without losing or reducing the hydrolytic activity. Furthermore, such fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis can also reduce the allergenicity of the enzyme in question and thus improve their overall usability. Advantageously, the enzymes retain their hydrolytic activity even after mutagenesis, i.e. their hydrolytic activity corresponds at least to that of the starting enzyme, i.e. in a preferred embodiment the hydrolytic activity is at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of the activity of the starting enzyme. Other substitutions can also have advantageous effects. Both individual amino acids and several contiguous amino acids can be exchanged for other amino acids.

[0031] In various embodiments, the polyesterase may have one or more further amino acids at the N- or C-terminal end in addition to the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1. In certain embodiments, such N-terminal peptides may be the naturally occurring signal peptides for the polyesterase or a single methionine residue. In such embodiments, the polyesterase has, for example, the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:2. All embodiments disclosed above in the context of the mature polyesterase according to SEQ ID NO:1 are also applicable to the polyesterase having the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:2.

[0032] The invention relates to an agent characterized by containing a polyesterase as defined herein. The agent is a washing or cleaning agent.

[0033] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all percentages given in connection with the compositions / agents described herein refer to % by weight, in each case based on the respective mixture / agent.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, fatty acids or fatty alcohols or their derivatives—unless otherwise stated—represent branched or unbranched carboxylic acids or alcohols or their derivatives, preferably with 6 to 22 carbon atoms. In particular, the oxo alcohols or their derivatives obtainable, for example, by the Roelen oxo synthesis can also be used accordingly.

[0035] Whenever alkaline earth metals are mentioned below as counterions for monovalent anions, this means that the alkaline earth metal is naturally present in only half the amount of the anion - sufficient to balance the charge.

[0036] This invention encompasses all conceivable types of washing or cleaning agents, both concentrated and undiluted, for use on a commercial scale, in washing machines, or for hand washing. These include, for example, detergents for textiles, carpets, or natural fibers, for which the term "detergent" is used. The washing and cleaning agents within the scope of the invention also include washing aids, which are added to the detergent during manual or machine washing to achieve an additional effect.Furthermore, detergents and cleaning agents within the scope of the invention also include textile pre- and post-treatment agents, i.e., agents with which the laundry is brought into contact before the actual washing process, for example, to loosen stubborn dirt, as well as agents that impart further desirable properties to the laundry in a step following the actual textile washing process, such as a pleasant feel, crease resistance, or low static charge. Fabric softeners, among others, are included among the latter agents.

[0037] The detergents or cleaning agents according to the invention, which can be in the form of powdered solids, in densified particle form, as homogeneous solutions, gels, or suspensions, can contain, in addition to the polyesterase described above, all known ingredients customary in such agents, with at least one further ingredient preferably being present in the agent. The agents according to the invention can contain, in particular, surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, in particular peroxygen compounds, or bleach activators. They can also contain water-miscible organic solvents, other enzymes, sequestering agents, electrolytes, pH regulators, and / or other auxiliaries such as optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, foam regulators, dyes, and fragrances, as well as combinations thereof.

[0038] In particular, a combination of the agent according to the invention with one or more other ingredients is advantageous, since such an agent, in preferred embodiments according to the invention, exhibits improved cleaning performance due to resulting synergisms. Such synergism can be achieved in particular by combining the agent according to the invention with a surfactant and / or a builder and / or a peroxygen compound and / or a bleach activator.

[0039] Advantageous ingredients of the compositions according to the invention are disclosed in the international patent application WO 2009 / 121725, beginning on page 5, penultimate paragraph, and ending on page 13 after the second paragraph.

[0040] It is to be understood that the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but not to limit it, and in particular, the invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise stated, all percentages are by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Numerical ranges given in the format "from x to y" include the stated values. Where multiple preferred numerical ranges are given in this format, it is to be understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the various endpoints are also encompassed.

[0041] In addition to the polyesterase, the agents according to the invention preferably also contain at least one compound from the class of surfactants, in particular selected from anionic and non-ionic, but also cationic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants.

[0042] Suitable surfactants are, for example, anionic surfactants of the formula (I) R-SO 3 -< Y +< (I).

[0043] In this formula (I), R represents a linear or branched unsubstituted alkylaryl radical. Y +< represents a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferred being alkali metal ions, including Na +< or K +< , with Na +< being most preferred. Other cations Y +< can be selected from NH 4 +< , ½ Zn 2+< , ½ Mg 2+< , ½ Ca 2+< , ½ Mn 2+< and mixtures thereof.

[0044] "Alkylaryl," as used herein, refers to organic radicals consisting of an alkyl radical and an aromatic radical. Typical examples of such radicals include, but are not limited to, alkylbenzene radicals such as benzyl, butylbenzene radicals, nonylbenzene radicals, decylbenzene radicals, undecylbenzene radicals, dodecylbenzene radicals, tridecylbenzene radicals, and the like.

[0045] In various embodiments, such surfactants are selected from linear or branched alkylbenzenesulfonates of the formula A-1 in which R' and R" together contain 9 to 19, preferably 11 to 15 and in particular 11 to 13 C atoms. A particularly preferred representative can be described by the formula A-1a:

[0046] In various embodiments, the compound of formula (I) is preferably the sodium salt of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate.

[0047] In agents according to the invention, the at least one compound from the class of anionic surfactants of the formula (I) is contained in the washing or cleaning agent in an amount of 0.001 to 30 wt.%, preferably 0.001 to 10 wt.%, further preferably 2 to 6 wt.%, even more preferably 3 to 5 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the cleaning agent.

[0048] In various embodiments, the agents according to the invention preferably contain at least one anionic surfactant of the formula R 1< -O-(AO) n -SO 3 -< X +< (II).

[0049] In this formula (II), R 1< represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R 1< are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals, and mixtures thereof, with preference given to those having an even number of carbon atoms. Particularly preferred radicals R 1< are derived from C 12 -C 18 fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or from C 10 -C 20 oxo alcohols.

[0050] AO stands for an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably for an ethylene oxide group. The index n stands for an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 10. Very particularly preferably, n stands for the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. X +< stands for a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions and among them Na +< or K +< , with Na +< being extremely preferred. Further cations X +< can be selected from NH 4 +< , ½ Zn 2+< , ½ Mg 2+< , ½ Ca 2+< , ½ Mn 2+< and mixtures thereof.

[0051] In summary, agents in various embodiments thus contain at least one anionic surfactant selected from fatty alcohol ether sulfates of the formula A-2 with k = 11 to 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Particularly preferred representatives are Na-C 12-14 fatty alcohol ether sulfates with 2 EO (k = 11-13, n = 2 in formula A-2).

[0052] In various embodiments, the cleaning agent contains the at least one anionic surfactant of formula (II) in an amount of 2 to 10 wt.%, preferably 3 to 8 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning agent.

[0053] Other anionic surfactants that can be used are the alkyl sulfates of the formula R 2< -O-SO 3 -< X +< (III).

[0054] In this formula (III), R 2< represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred R 2< radicals are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals, and mixtures thereof, with preference given to those having an even number of carbon atoms. Particularly preferred R 2< radicals are derived from C 12 -C 18 fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or from C 10 -C 20 oxo alcohols. X +< stands for a monovalent cation or the n-th part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions and among them Na +< or K +< , with Na +< being extremely preferred.Further cations X +< can be selected from NH 4 +< , ½ Zn 2+< , ½ Mg 2+< , ½ Ca 2+< , ½ Mn 2+< and mixtures thereof.

[0055] In various embodiments, these surfactants are selected from fatty alcohol sulfates of the formula A-3 with k = 11 to 19. Particularly preferred representatives are Na-C 12-14 fatty alcohol sulfates (k = 11-13 in formula A-3).

[0056] In various embodiments, the agent may contain at least one other surfactant in addition to the anionic surfactants described above, in particular those of formulas (I) to (III), or alternatively thereto. Alternative or additional surfactants include, in particular, other anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, as well as cationic, zwitterionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

[0057] In various embodiments, the agents comprise at least one non-ionic surfactant, in particular at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate.

[0058] Suitable nonionic surfactants are those of the formula R 3< -O-(AO) m -H (IV), in which R 3< represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, AO represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group and m represents integers from 1 to 50.

[0059] In the above-mentioned formula (IV), R 3< represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R 2< are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals, and mixtures thereof, with preference being given to those having an even number of carbon atoms. Particularly preferred radicals R 3< are derived from C 12 -C 18 fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or from C 10 -C 20 oxo alcohols.

[0060] AO represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably an ethylene oxide group. The index m represents an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, and in particular from 2 to 10. Most preferably, m represents the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0061] In summary, the fatty alcohol alkoxylates to be used preferably are compounds of the formula with k = 11 to 19, m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Particularly preferred representatives are C 12 - 18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO (k = 11-17, m = 7 in formula (V)).

[0062] Further nonionic surfactants which may be contained in the described agents within the meaning of the present invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl glycosides, alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, amine oxides, fatty acid alkanolamides, hydroxy mixed ethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and alkoxylated alcohols.

[0063] Suitable amphoteric surfactants are, for example, betaines of the formula (R iii< )(R iv< )(R v< )N +< CH 2 COO -< , in which R iii< is an alkyl radical optionally interrupted by heteroatoms or heteroatom groups having 8 to 25, preferably 10 to 21 carbon atoms and R iv< and R v< are identical or different alkyl radicals having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, in particular C 10 -C 18 alkyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine and C 11 -C 17 alkylamidopropyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine.

[0064] Suitable cationic surfactants include the quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula (R vi< )(R vii< )(R viii< )(R ix< )N +< X-, in which R vi< to R ix< are four identical or different, in particular two long-chain and two short-chain, alkyl radicals and X -< is an anion, in particular a halide ion, for example didecyldimethylammonium chloride, alkylbenzyldidecylammonium chloride and mixtures thereof. Other suitable cationic surfactants are the quaternary surface-active compounds, in particular those containing a sulfonium, phosphonium, iodonium or arsonium group, which are also known as antimicrobial agents. By using quaternary surface-active compounds with antimicrobial action, the agent can be given an antimicrobial effect or its antimicrobial effect, which may already be present due to other ingredients, can be improved.

[0065] In various embodiments, the total amount of surfactants based on the weight of the agent is 2 to 30 wt.%, preferably 5 to 25 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 20 wt.%, most preferably 14 to 18 wt.%, wherein the (linear) alkylbenzenesulfonates are present at most in an amount of 0.001 to 30 wt.%, preferably 0.001 to 10 wt.%, further preferably 2 to 6 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 5 wt.%, based on the weight of the agent.

[0066] Detergents or cleaning agents according to the invention can contain other enzymes in addition to polyesterase. These can be hydrolytic enzymes or other enzymes in a concentration appropriate for the effectiveness of the agent. One embodiment of the invention thus represents agents comprising one or more enzymes. Preferred enzymes for use are all enzymes that can exhibit catalytic activity in the agent according to the invention, in particular a protease, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, tannase, xylanase, xanthanase, xyloglucanase, β-glucosidase, pectinase, carrageenase, perhydrolase, oxidase, oxidoreductase or a lipase, as well as mixtures thereof. Enzymes are advantageously present in the agent in an amount of 1 × 10 -8 to 5 wt.%, based on active protein. Increasingly preferably, each enzyme is present in an amount of from 1 × 10 -7< to 3 wt%, from 0.00001 to 1 wt%, from 0.00005 to 0.5 wt%, from 0.0001 to 0.1 wt%.-% and particularly preferably from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt.%, based on active protein, in agents according to the invention. The enzymes particularly preferably exhibit synergistic cleaning performance against certain soils or stains, i.e., the enzymes contained in the agent composition support each other in their cleaning performance. Synergistic effects can occur not only between different enzymes, but also between one or more enzymes and other ingredients of the agent according to the invention.

[0067] The amylase(s) is / are preferably an α-amylase. The hemicellulase is preferably a β-glucanase, a pectinase, a pullulanase, and / or a mannanase. The cellulase is preferably a cellulase mixture or a single-component cellulase, preferably or predominantly an endoglucanase and / or a cellobiohydrolase. The oxidoreductase is preferably an oxidase, in particular a choline oxidase, or a perhydrolase.

[0068] The proteases used are primarily alkaline serine proteases. They act as nonspecific endopeptidases, meaning they hydrolyze any acid amide bonds found within peptides or proteins, thereby breaking down protein-containing soils on the items being cleaned. Their pH optimum is usually in the significantly alkaline range.

[0069] The protein concentration can be determined using known methods, for example, the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid; 2,2'-biquinolyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) or the biuret method. The active protein concentration is determined by titrating the active sites using a suitable irreversible inhibitor (for proteases, for example, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)) and determining the residual activity (cf. M. Bender et al. (1966), J. Am. Chem. Soc. 88(24):5890-5913).

[0070] In the cleaning agents described herein, the enzymes to be used can also be formulated together with accompanying substances, such as those from fermentation. In liquid formulations, the enzymes are preferably used as liquid enzyme formulation(s).

[0071] The enzymes are generally not provided in the form of pure protein, but rather in the form of stabilized, storable, and transportable preparations. These prefabricated preparations include, for example, solid preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion, or lyophilization or, particularly in the case of liquid or gel-like products, solutions of the enzymes, preferably as concentrated as possible, with little water content, and / or containing stabilizers or other additives.

[0072] Alternatively, the enzymes can be encapsulated for both solid and liquid dosage forms, for example by spray-drying or extrusion of the enzyme solution together with a preferably natural polymer, or in the form of capsules, for example those in which the enzymes are enclosed as if in a solidified gel, or in those of the core-shell type, in which an enzyme-containing core is coated with a water-, air-, and / or chemical-impermeable protective layer. Additional active ingredients, such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaching agents, or dyes, can be applied in superimposed layers. Such capsules are applied using methods known per se, for example by shake or roll granulation or in fluid-bed processes. Such granules, for example by applying polymeric film formers, are advantageously low in dust and, due to the coating, are stable during storage.

[0073] Furthermore, it is possible to package two or more enzymes together so that a single granulate has multiple enzyme activities.

[0074] In various embodiments, the agent according to the invention can comprise one or more enzyme stabilizers. Therefore, the agent according to the invention can further contain an enzyme stabilizer, for example, selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium sulfate, lower aliphatic alcohols, and boric acid, as well as their esters and salts. Of course, two or more of these compounds can also be used in combination. The salts of the aforementioned compounds can also be used in the form of hydrates, such as sodium sulfate decahydrate.

[0075] The term "lower aliphatic alcohols," as used herein, includes monoalcohols, diols, and higher-hydric alcohols with up to 6 carbon atoms. Polyols belonging to the group of lower aliphatic alcohols include, in particular, polyols, for example, glycerol, (mono)ethylene glycol, (mono)propylene glycol, or sorbitol, without the invention being limited to these.

[0076] In addition to the at least one enzyme stabilizer selected from the above group, a composition according to the invention may also contain at least one further stabilizer. Such stabilizers are known in the art.

[0077] Reversible protease inhibitors protect the enzymes contained in a detergent or cleaning agent from proteolytic degradation by reversibly inhibiting the enzymatic activity of the proteases contained in the agent. Benzamidine hydrochloride, boronic acids, or their salts or esters are frequently used as reversible protease inhibitors, especially derivatives with aromatic groups, such as ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenylboronic acids, especially 4-formylphenylboronic acid, or the salts or esters of the aforementioned compounds. Peptide aldehydes, i.e., oligopeptides with a reduced C-terminus, especially those consisting of 2 to 50 monomers, are also used for this purpose. Peptide reversible protease inhibitors include, among others, ovomucoid and leupeptin.

[0078] Other enzyme stabilizers include amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanolamine, and propanolamine and their mixtures; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid; other dicarboxylic acids; or salts of these acids. End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose. Some organic acids used as builders can also stabilize an enzyme. Calcium and / or magnesium salts, such as calcium acetate, are also used for this purpose.

[0079] Polyamide oligomers or polymeric compounds such as lignin, water-soluble vinyl copolymers or cellulose ethers, acrylic polymers, and / or polyamides stabilize the enzyme preparation against, among other things, physical influences or pH fluctuations. Polyamine N-oxide-containing polymers act simultaneously as enzyme stabilizers and dye transfer inhibitors. Other polymeric stabilizers are linear C 8 -C 18 polyoxyalkylenes. Alkyl polyglycosides can also stabilize the enzymatic components of the inventive agent and, preferably, can additionally enhance their performance. Crosslinked N-containing compounds preferably fulfill a dual function as soil-release agents and enzyme stabilizers. Hydrophobic, nonionic polymers particularly stabilize any cellulase present.

[0080] Reducing agents and antioxidants increase the stability of enzymes against oxidative degradation; for example, sulfur-containing reducing agents, such as sodium sulfite and reducing sugars, are common for this purpose.

[0081] In one embodiment, the agents according to the present invention are liquid and contain water as the main solvent, i.e., they are aqueous agents. The water content of the aqueous agent according to the invention is typically 15 to 70 wt.%, preferably 20 to 60 wt.%. In various embodiments, the water content is more than 5 wt.%, preferably more than 15 wt.%, and particularly preferably more than 50 wt.%, in each case based on the total amount of agent.

[0082] Non-aqueous solvents may also be added to the product. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include mono- or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines, or glycol ethers, provided they are miscible with water within the specified concentration range. The solvents are preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether and mixtures of these solvents.

[0083] The one or more non-aqueous solvents are usually present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, preferably 1 to 8 wt.%, based on the total composition.

[0084] In addition to the components mentioned above, the agents according to the invention can contain other ingredients that further improve the application and / or aesthetic properties of the cleaning agent. These include, for example, additives to improve flow and drying properties, to adjust viscosity, and / or for stabilization, as well as other auxiliaries and additives commonly found in cleaning agents, such as UV stabilizers, perfume, pearlescent agents, dyes, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, bittering agents, organic salts, disinfectants, structuring polymers, defoamers, encapsulated ingredients (e.g., encapsulated perfume), pH adjusters, and skin-feel-improving or conditioning additives.

[0085] An agent according to the invention, in particular a washing or cleaning agent, preferably contains at least one water-soluble and / or water-insoluble, organic and / or inorganic builder.

[0086] Generally applicable builders include, in particular, aminocarboxylic acids and their salts, zeolites, silicates, carbonates, organic (co)builders, and—where there are no environmental objections to their use—phosphates. However, these agents are preferably phosphate-free.

[0087] The water-soluble organic builder substances include polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid and sugar acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, in particular methylglycinediacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as well as polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) and 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin as well as polymeric (poly)carboxylic acids, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids and copolymers thereof, which may also contain small amounts of polymerizable substances without carboxylic acid functionality. Suitable, although less preferred, compounds of this class are copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ethers, vinyl esters, ethylene, propylene and styrene, in which the proportion of acid is at least 50% by weight.The organic builders can be used, particularly for the production of liquid agents, in the form of aqueous solutions, preferably in the form of 30 to 50 percent by weight aqueous solutions. All of the acids mentioned are generally used in the form of their water-soluble salts, especially their alkali metal salts.

[0088] Organic builders can, if desired, be present in amounts of up to 40 wt.%, in particular up to 25 wt.%, and preferably from 1 to 8 wt.%. Amounts close to the stated upper limit are preferably used in paste-like or liquid, especially water-based, compositions according to the invention. Laundry aftertreatment compositions according to the invention, such as fabric softeners, can optionally also be free of organic builders.

[0089] Suitable water-soluble inorganic builder materials include, in particular, alkali metal silicates and, if there are no concerns about their use, also polyphosphates, preferably sodium triphosphate. Suitable water-insoluble, water-dispersible inorganic builder materials include, in particular, crystalline or amorphous alkali metal aluminosilicates, if desired, in amounts of up to 50 wt.%, preferably not more than 40 wt.%, and in liquid compositions in particular from 1 to 5 wt.%. Among these, crystalline sodium aluminosilicates of detergent quality, in particular zeolite A, P and optionally X, are preferred. Amounts close to the stated upper limit are preferably used in solid, particulate compositions. Suitable aluminosilicates, in particular, have no particles with a grain size exceeding 30 µm and preferably consist of at least 80 wt.% particles with a size below 10 µm.

[0090] Suitable substitutes or partial substitutes for the aluminosilicate mentioned are crystalline alkali silicates, which can be present alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates. The alkali silicates usable as builders in the agents according to the invention preferably have a molar ratio of alkali oxide to SiO 2 of less than 0.95, in particular from 1:1.1 to 1:12, and can be amorphous or crystalline. Preferred alkali silicates are sodium silicates, in particular amorphous sodium silicates, with a molar Na 2 O:SiO 2 ratio of 1:2 to 1:2.8. As crystalline silicates, which can be present alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates, crystalline layered silicates of the general formula Na 2 Si x O 2x+1 · y H 2 O are preferably used, in which x, the so-called modulus, is a number from 1.9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20 and preferred values ​​for x are 2, 3 or 4.Preferred crystalline layered silicates are those in which x in the general formula mentioned assumes the values ​​2 or 3. In particular, both beta- and delta-sodium disilicates (Na 2 Si 2 O 5 y H 2 O) are preferred. Virtually anhydrous crystalline alkali silicates produced from amorphous alkali silicates of the above general formula, in which x is a number from 1.9 to 2.1, can also be used in agents according to the invention. In a further preferred embodiment of agents according to the invention, a crystalline sodium layered silicate with a modulus of 2 to 3 is used, such as can be produced from sand and soda. Crystalline sodium silicates with a modulus in the range from 1.9 to 3.5 are used in a further preferred embodiment of agents according to the invention.If alkali aluminosilicate, especially zeolite, is also present as an additional builder substance, the weight ratio of aluminosilicate to silicate, based on anhydrous active substances, is preferably 1:10 to 10:1. In agents containing both amorphous and crystalline alkali silicates, the weight ratio of amorphous alkali silicate to crystalline alkali silicate is preferably 1:2 to 2:1 and in particular 1:1 to 2:1.

[0091] Builder substances are, if desired, present in the compositions according to the invention preferably in amounts of up to 60% by weight, in particular from 5 to 40% by weight. Water-soluble builders are particularly preferred in liquid formulations. Laundry aftertreatment compositions according to the invention, such as fabric softeners, are preferably free of inorganic builders.

[0092] Polymeric thickeners within the meaning of the present invention are the polycarboxylates which act as polyelectrolytes to thicken, preferably homo- and copolymers of acrylic acid, in particular acrylic acid copolymers such as acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, and the polysaccharides, in particular heteropolysaccharides, as well as other customary thickening polymers.

[0093] Suitable polysaccharides or heteropolysaccharides are polysaccharide gums, for example gum arabic, agar, alginates, carrageenans and their salts, guar, guaran, tragacanth, gellan gum, ramsan gum, dextran or xanthan gum and their derivatives, e.g., propoxylated guar gum, as well as their mixtures. Other polysaccharide thickeners, such as starches or cellulose derivatives, can be used alternatively, but preferably in addition, to a polysaccharide gum. These include starches of various origins and starch derivatives, e.g., hydroxyethyl starch, starch phosphate esters or starch acetates, or carboxymethylcellulose or its sodium salt, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxypropylmethyl or hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, or cellulose acetate.

[0094] Acrylic acid polymers suitable as polymeric thickeners are, for example, high molecular weight homopolymers of acrylic acid (INCI Carbomer) crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether, in particular an allyl ether of sucrose, pentaerythritol or propylene, which are also referred to as carboxyvinyl polymers.

[0095] Particularly suitable polymeric thickeners are the following acrylic acid copolymers: (i) copolymers of two or more monomers from the group of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and their simple esters, preferably formed with C 1-4 alkanols (INCI Acrylates Copolymer), which include, for example, the copolymers of methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (CAS 25035-69-2) or of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (CAS 25852-37-3); (ii) cross-linked high molecular weight acrylic acid copolymers, which include, for example, copolymers of C 10-30 alkyl acrylates cross-linked with an allyl ether of sucrose or pentaerythritol with one or more monomers from the group of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and their simple esters, preferably formed with C 1-4 alkanols (INCI Acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer).

[0096] The content of polymeric thickener is usually not more than 8 wt.%, preferably between 0.1 and 7 wt.%, particularly preferably between 0.5 and 6 wt.%, in particular between 1 and 5 wt.% and most preferably between 1.5 and 4 wt.%, for example between 2 and 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agent.

[0097] To stabilize the agent according to the invention, particularly with a high surfactant content, one or more dicarboxylic acids and / or their salts can be added, in particular a composition of sodium salts of adipic, succinic, and glutaric acid, such as is available under the trade name Sokalan®< DSC. They are advantageously used in amounts of 0.1 to 8 wt.%, preferably 0.5 to 7 wt.%, in particular 1.3 to 6 wt.%, and particularly preferably 2 to 4 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning agent.

[0098] However, if their use can be dispensed with, the agent according to the invention is preferably free of dicarboxylic acid (salts).

[0099] The detergents according to the invention can be compared with reference detergents to determine the increased anti-pilling performance of the detergents according to the invention. Such a detergent system can be composed as follows (all data in % by weight): Reference detergent: 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% other anionic surfactants, 2.4% C 12 -C 18 Na salts of fatty acids (soaps), 4.4% nonionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1.4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% defoamers, 2.0% glycerin, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1.6% enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannanase), the remainder demineralized water.Inventive agent: 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% other anionic surfactants, 2.4% C 12 -C 18 Na salts of fatty acids (soaps), 4.4% nonionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1.4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% defoamer, 2.0% glycerin, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1.6% enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannanase), 0.009% polyesterase, the remainder demineralized water. The preferred dosage of the liquid detergent is between 4.5 and 6.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example 4.7, 4.9, or 5.9 grams per liter of wash liquor. Washing is preferably carried out in a pH range between pH 8 and pH 10.5, preferably between pH 8 and pH 9.

[0100] The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention encompass all solid, powdered, liquid, gel-like, or pasty dosage forms of agents according to the invention, which may optionally also consist of multiple phases and may be present in compressed or uncompressed form. The agent may be in the form of a free-flowing powder, in particular with a bulk density of 300 g / l to 1200 g / l, in particular 500 g / l to 900 g / l or 600 g / l to 850 g / l. Solid dosage forms of the agent also include extrudates, granules, tablets, or pouches. Alternatively, the agent may also be liquid, gel-like, or pasty, for example in the form of a non-aqueous liquid detergent or a non-aqueous paste, or in the form of an aqueous liquid detergent or a water-containing paste. Furthermore, the agent may be in the form of a one-component system. Such agents consist of one phase.Alternatively, a product can also consist of multiple phases. Such a product is therefore divided into several components (multi-component system).

[0101] Another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning textiles, characterized in that an agent according to the invention is used in at least one process step. The textiles preferably contain or consist of polyester.

[0102] In various embodiments, the method described above is characterized in that the agent according to the invention is used at a temperature of 0 to 100 °C, preferably 0 to 80 °C, more preferably 30 to 70 °C and most preferably at 40 to 60 °C.

[0103] This includes both manual and mechanical processes, with mechanical processes being preferred. Processes for cleaning textiles are generally characterized by the fact that various cleaning-active substances are applied to the items to be cleaned in several process steps and are washed off after the contact time, or by the items to be cleaned being treated in some other way with a detergent or a solution or dilution of this detergent. All conceivable washing or cleaning processes can be enhanced in at least one of the process steps by the use of a washing or cleaning agent according to the invention and then represent embodiments of the present invention. All facts, objects, and embodiments described for agents according to the invention are also applicable to this subject matter of the invention.Therefore, at this point, express reference is made to the disclosure at the corresponding point with the note that this disclosure also applies to the above methods according to the invention.

[0104] Since enzymes naturally possess catalytic activity and exhibit this activity even in media that otherwise lack cleaning power, such as mere buffer, a single and / or the only step of such a process can consist of bringing a polyesterase, the sole cleaning-active component, into contact with the soil, preferably in a buffer solution or water. This represents a further embodiment of this subject matter of the invention.

[0105] Alternative embodiments of this subject matter of the invention also include processes for treating textile raw materials or for textile care, in which an agent according to the invention is active in at least one process step. Among these, processes for textile raw materials, fibers, or textiles with synthetic components are preferred, and especially for those with polyester.

[0106] Furthermore, the invention also covers the use of the agent described herein, for example as washing or cleaning agents as described above, for the (improved) removal of soiling, for example from textiles, in particular polyester textiles.

[0107] Finally, the invention also relates to the use of a polyesterase for reducing pilling effects of a washing or cleaning agent, preferably a detergent, particularly preferably a liquid detergent, wherein the washing or cleaning agent contains the polyesterase. The polyesterase is a polyesterase as defined herein. In various embodiments of the use, the polyesterase is present in the washing or cleaning agent in an amount of 0.00001 to 1 wt. %, preferably in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.5 wt. %, particularly preferably in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 wt. %. In further various embodiments, the polyesterase, which brings about a reduction in the pilling effect, is applied to textiles, in particular textiles consisting of polyester or comprising polyester.

[0108] All facts, objects, and embodiments described for the agents according to the invention and the polyesterase are also applicable to the other subject matters of the invention. Therefore, express reference is made here to the disclosure at the appropriate point, with the note that this disclosure also applies to the above-mentioned method according to the invention and the uses according to the invention. Examples Example 1: Expression

[0109] For the expression of polyesterase, a synthetic gene with a Trichoderma codon usage adapted nucleotide sequence. The gene was Gibson Assembly fused with different secretion signals and inserted into a plasmid for amplification in Escherichia coli This expression plasmid has a strong promoter for the expression of the corresponding mRNA of the polyesterase gene and other elements that allow the selection of Escherichia colicells that have taken up the expression construct after transformation.

[0110] The corresponding construct for transformation and subsequent integration into the genome of Trichoderma reesei was isolated from this plasmid by restriction with Emergency I. This transformation fragment contains the elements for expression of the polyesterase gene and a gene that allows the selection of successfully transformed cells in Trichoderma reesei allowed.

[0111] After selecting the most productive expression strain, the polyesterase was produced by fermentation in sufficient quantities to be used for washing application tests. Example 2: Washing test Detergent matrix used

[0112] This is a commercially available detergent matrix used for the wash test: Chemical name % wt. active substance in raw material % wt. active substance in the formulation demineralized water 100 rest Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid 96 3-7 Anionic surfactants (FAEOS) 70 2-6 C12-C18 fatty acid sodium salt 30 0,3-1 Non-ionic surfactants (FAEO) 100 3-7 Phosphonates 40 0,1-0,8 citric acid 100 0,1-2 NaOH 50 0,3-1 Defoamers tq 0,005-0,01 Glycerin 99,5 0,3-1 Preservatives 100 0,05-0,1 boric acid 100 0,3-1 Optical brightener 90 0,01-0,08 Thickener 25 1-3 Enzymes (except polyesterase) 100 0,5-2 Dye, perfume Dosage 50 mL Washing test to determine the anti-pilling performance of enzymes

[0113] Twenty identical tests are conducted consecutively in a standard washing machine. Various polyester and blended fabrics are used as the textiles to be evaluated, one of which is new and the other pre-pilled. After the 20 tests, the pill reduction of the pre-pilled fabrics and the pill formation of the new fabrics are visually assessed.

[0114] The pre-pilled fabrics are produced by 20 repeated washing cycles at 40 °C in standard washing machines.

[0115] After each wash cycle, the entire laundry is dried in the dryer. Washing conditions:

[0116] Water with 16° dH, 2.5 kg clean laundry, 40 °C normal program, 50 ml detergent as described above per machine. Dosage of the polyesterase to be tested: 50 mg active enzyme per washing machine. Sample 1: only detergent as described above (comparison reference). Sample 2: detergent + 50 mg polyesterase (SEQ ID NO:1) (according to the invention).

[0117] Result after 20 washes on 100% polyester textile: Visual sampling of the pills, scale 1-5, very heavily pilled = 1, not pilled = 5 Sample 1: 1.6 Sample 2: 3.3 A change of 0.5 units is considered significant.

[0118] The polyesterase according to the invention significantly improves the pill appearance.

Claims

1. A washing or cleaning agent, characterized in that it comprises a polyesterase which has at least 83% sequence identity over its entire length with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1.

2. The washing or cleaning agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the polyesterase comprises an amino acid sequence which has a sequence identity of at least 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91.5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95 .5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 98.8%, 99%, 99.2%, 99.4% or 99.6%.

3. The washing or cleaning agent according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that (a) the polyesterase is obtainable from a polyesterase according to claim 1 or 2 as starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and / or (b) the polyesterase is obtainable from a polyesterase according to claim 1 or 2 as starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and comprises an amino acid sequence which, over a length of at least 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261 or 262 contiguous amino acids corresponds to the starting molecule.

4. The washing or cleaning agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyesterase is present in the detergent or cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.00001 to 1% by weight, preferably in an amount of from 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight, particularly preferably in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.1% by weight.

5. The washing or cleaning agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that (a) it comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, water-miscible organic solvents, further enzymes, sequestering agents, electrolytes, pH regulators, optical brighteners, greying inhibitors, foam regulators, dyes and fragrances, and combinations thereof; and / or (b) it is in solid or liquid, preferably liquid, form.

6. A process for cleaning textiles, characterized in that a washing or cleaning agent according to one of Claims 1 to 5 is used in at least one process step.

7. A process according to Claim 6, characterized in that the textiles comprise polyester or consist thereof.

8. The use of a washing or cleaning agent according to one of claims 1 to 5 for removing stains, in particular from polyester-containing textiles.

9. Use of a polyesterase which has at least 83% sequence identity over its entire length with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1 to reduce pilling effects and / or to increase the anti-graying effect of a washing or cleaning agent, preferably a washing agent, particularly preferably a liquid washing agent, wherein the washing or cleaning agent comprises the polyesterase.

10. The use according to claim 9, wherein (a) the polyesterase is as defined in claim 2 or 3; and / or (b) the polyesterase is present in the detergent or cleaning agent in an amount as defined in claim 4; and / or (c) the detergent or cleaning agent is as defined in claim 5.