Cleaning compositions comprising renewable surfactant

Abstract

Disclosed are cleaning compositions comprising a surfactant derived from a renewable source and methods of making said cleaning compositions. The cleaning compositions may comprise an extract derived from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe. a secondary surfactant, and a carrier. The extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe may comprise at least one saponin.

Description

CLEANING COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING RENEWABLE SURFACTANTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority’ to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 532,098, filed August 11, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 532,117, filed August 11, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 653,526, filed May 30, 2024, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.FIELD

[0002] This application relates to extracts from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe such as, but not limited to, extracts comprising saponin.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many common consumer, commercial, and industrial cleaning compositions include one or more surfactants. For example, many liquid detergents include a blend of synthetic anionic, nonionic, and conditioning cationic surfactants, along with any number of additional ingredients such as builders, dispersants, soil-release polymers, enzymes and bleaching agents to improve cleaning performance. Increasingly it has been recognized that surfactants may be derived in whole or in part from biomass resources that include organic materials that are available on a renewable or recurring basis such as crop residues, wood residues, grasses, and aquatic plants. For example, sulfosuccinate surfactants are derived from alkylpolyglucosides (APGs). which in turn are derived from coconut oil and com syrup. While renewable surfactants are known, attempts to replace one or more geologically derived surfactants have resulted in cleaning compositions with poor cleaning capability and poor foam stability’ with low viscosity, such as less than 200 cps at ambient temperature, which may denote poor cleaning to consumers. Thus, there is a need for detergent compositions that a derived from a renewable source and comprise a surfactant.SUMMARY

[0004] Described herein are cleaning compositions that include a significant proportion of ingredients from biomass resources. In certain embodiments, it is possible to replace geologically derived surfactants with biomass-derived surfactants. The cleaning compositionsand methods of using the same, may comprise a surfactant derived from a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe. In some cases, the extract may comprise at least one saponin. The extract may further comprise one or more of a lipid, a protein, an inorganic salt, a saccharide, a polysaccharide and / or an organic acid. In some examples, the extract may comprise less than 50% saponin or from about 10% to about 50% saponin. In some examples, saponin may be the primary surfactant in the cleaning composition. In some examples, the extract may be combined with a secondary and / or a tertiary surfactant, either of which may be an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a combination thereof. In some examples, at least one, or a plurality or of the surfactants in the composition may be renewable such that the bio-based carbon content of the cleaning composition may be from about 50% to about 100% by weight of the overall cleaning composition. In some examples, at least one, or a plurality or of the surfactants in the composition may be renewable such that the bio-based carbon content of the cleaning composition may be greater than 75% by weight of the overall cleaning composition.

[0005] A secondary surfactant may be provided based on weight percent of the cleaning composition (e.g., 0.1 to 30 wt. %, 1 to 20 wt. %, or 2 to 15 wt. %). For example, the cleaning composition may comprise about 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.27.28, 29, or 30 weight percent (wt. %) of a secondary surfactant. A tertiary surfactant may be provided based on weight percent of the cleaning composition (e.g., 0.1 to 30 wt. %, 1 to 20 wt. %, or 2 to 15 wt. %). For example, the cleaning composition may comprise about 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21,22, 23.24, 25,26, 27,28, 29, or 30 wt. %ofa tertiary surfactant.

[0006] The Hesperaloe extract and the secondary surfactant may be provided in particular percent weight-to-weight ratios (%w / w), for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of secondary surfactant to Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20: 1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1,3:1,2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, orl:20%w / w.The Hesperaloe extract and tertiary surfactant may be provided in particular %w / w ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of tertiary surfactant to Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1,4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1. 1:2, 1:3, 1:4. 1:5, 1:6, 1:7. 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15. 1:16. 1:17, 1:18, 1 : 19, or 1 : 20 %w / w. The secondary surfactant and tertiary surfactant may be provided in particular weight-percent ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of secondarysurfactant to tertiary surfactant may be about 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1. 15:1. 14:1.13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1,3:1,2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, or 1:20 %w / w. Various composition ranges of primary7, secondary or tertiary surfactants within each of these %w / w ratio ranges may be used.

[0007] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise solely an extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe. In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise an extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe and a secondary' surfactant. In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise an extract of a non- woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe, a secondary- surfactant, and a tertiary surfactant. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise an extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe and a plurality- of surfactants (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more surfactants).

[0008] In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise a carrier or diluent. The carrier may be carriers used in liquid cleaning compositions. For example, the carrier may be water. In some examples, the carrier may be another solvent than water and / or a solvent that is substantially free of water. For example, the carrier may comprise an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, or similar monohydric alcohols. In other examples, the carrier may comprise other organic solvents such as. but not limited to, those disclosed herein. In some examples, the carrier may comprise water in combination with other types of solvents.

[0009] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise at least one saponin extracted from a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe, an anionic surfactant and water. In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise at least one saponin extracted from anon-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe. a nonionic surfactant and water. In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise at least one saponin extracted from a non- woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe, an amphoteric surfactant and water. In certain examples, the at least one saponin may be a mixture of saponins as described herein.

[0010] In certain examples, each of the at least one saponin derived from Hesperaloe, and / or any of the secondary and / or tertiary- and / or additional extractants (e.g., saponins) may be renewable. For example, the nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant may be a renewablesurfactant. The renewable components of the cleaning composition may be such that the renewable content of the cleaning composition may range from about 50% to about 100%.

[0011] In some examples, the extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe may comprise saponins and at least one, or a plurality of lipids, proteins, inorganic salts, saccharides, polysaccharides, organic acids, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the cleaning composition may be substantially free from alkyl glycosides, alcohol ethoxylates, or both.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following nonlimiting drawings.

[0013] FIGS. 1 A and IB illustrate a triterpenoid saponin and a steroidal saponin, respectively.

[0014] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate various novel saponins extracted from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe according to the present invention including, 25(27)- dehydrofucreastatin (FIG. 2A); 5(6),25(27)-disdehydroyuccaloiside C (FIG. 2B); and 5(6)- disdehydroyuccaloiside C (FIG. 2C).

[0015] FIG. 3 provides a schematic flow diagram for example multistage processes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 provides a schematic flow diagram for an example method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a spider plot of attribute results for examples of cleaning compositions described herein.DEFINITIONS

[0018] As used herein, the articles “a,'’ “an,'’ and “the” can be used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e.. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article, unless the language and / or context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “about” as used in connection with a numerical value throughout the specification and the claims denotes an interval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in the art. In general, such interval of accuracy is ±10%. All numbers in this description indicating amounts, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and / or use are to be understood as modified by theword “about;’ except as otherwise explicitly indicated. As an additional matter, all percentage amounts of the components of the cleaning composition are by weight percent of the overall composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “include”, “includes” and “including” are meant to be non-limiting.

[0020] The term “renewable” is synonymous with the terms “biobased,” “sustainable,” “sustainably derived,” or “from sustainable sources” and means bio-derived (derived from a renewable resource, e.g., plants) or “non-geologically derived.”

[0021] “Geologically derived” means derived from, for example, petrochemicals, natural gas, or coal. “Geologically derived” materials cannot be easily replenished or regrown (e.g., in contrast to plant- or algae-produced oils).

[0022] As used herein, the term “renewable component” refers to a component that is derived from renewable feedstock and contains renewable carbon. A renewable feedstock is a feedstock that is derived from a renewable resource, e.g., plants, and non-geologically derived. A material may be partially renewable (less than 100% renewable carbon content, from about 1% to about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% renew able carbon content) or 100% renewable (100% renew able carbon content). A renewable material may be blended with a nonrenewable material.

[0023] The term “renewable carbon” generally refers to the bio-derived carbon determined in accordance with ASTM D6866, which distinguishes carbon resulting from renew able inputs from those derived from geologically derived inputs.

[0024] The term “bio-based carbon content” generally refers to a measure of the amount of carbon present in a product that is derived from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks.

[0025] As used herein, the term “biomass” generally refers to whole plants and plant organs (i.e., leaves, stems, flow ers, roots, etc.) of the genus Hesperaloe including, for example, Hesperaloe funifera, Hesperaloe nocturna, Hesperaloe parviflora, and Hesperaloe chiangii. In some instances, water-soluble solids may be prepared from biomass comprising an above ground portion of the Hesperaloe plant, and more particularly the portion of the Hesperaloe plant above the crown, and still more preferable the leaves of the Hesperaloe plant.

[0026] As used herein, the term “saccharide” is used interchangeably with the terms “polysaccharide,” “oligosaccharide,” and “sugar,” the definitions of which are well known tothose skilled in the art of carbohydrate chemistry. It should be noted that saccharides can be in the form of mono-, oligo- and / or polysaccharides. Preferably saccharides are water-soluble and do not include cellulose, hemicellulose or mono-, oligo- and / or polysaccharides bound to other compounds, such as glycosides (arabinose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and glucuronic acid) bound to a triterpenoid to form a saponin.

[0027] As used herein the term "saponin" generally refers to a glycoside comprising a sugar component referred to as a glycone and a non-sugar component referred to as an aglycone. Depending on the structure of the aglycone, the saponin may be classified as a triterpenoid saponin, illustrated in FIG. 1A, or as a steroidal saponin, illustrated in FIG. IB. The aglycone portion of the saponin may be either a pentacyclic triterpenoid or a tetracyclic triterpenoid, both of which contain 30 carbon atoms. Whether steroidal or triterpenoid, saponins may be mono, bi or tridesmodic. Monodesmodic saponins have a single saccharide, normally attached at C-3. Bidesmodic saponins have two saccharides, often with one attached through an ether linkage at C-3 and the other either attached through an ester linkage at C-28 or through an ether linkage at C-20 (pentacyclic and tetracyclic triterpene saponins, respectively), or through an ether linkage at C-26 (furostane saponins). In certain instances, Hesperaloe biomass may comprise at least about 5 wt. % of total saponins, such as from about 5 to about 25 wt. %, or about 5 to about 15 wt. %, or from about 8 to about 12 wt. %, based upon the bone-dry weight of the biomass.

[0028] As used herein the term “surfactant” generally refers to a substance or compound that reduces surface tension when dissolved in water or water solutions, or that reduces interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid and includes cationic, anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric agents and / or combinations thereof. Surfactants are composed of a polar part and a non-polar part.

[0029] As used herein, an anionic surfactant are surfactants that cany' a negatively charged functional (i.e., head) group.

[0030] As used herein, cationic surfactants are surfactants that have a positively charged functional group.

[0031] As used herein, non-ionic surfactants are surfactants that have a polar head group that is not electrically charged. Non-ionic surfactants usually rely on a functional group able to deprotonate but only to a very low degree.

[0032] As used herein, amphoteric surfactants are surfactants with a dual charge. The ionic charge of an amphoteric surfactant can change between anionic properties, an isoeletricneutral stage and cationic properties depending upon the pH value. Amphoteric surfactants have characteristics of stability against electrolytes, acids, alkalis, and hard water.

[0033] As used herein, zwitterionic surfactants are surfactants with an equal number of positively and negatively charged functional groups resulting in an overall neutral charge. Zwitterionic surfactants have characteristics of high-water solubility, high surface activity, and thermal and chemical stability.

[0034] As used herein the term "water soluble solids" generally refers to dry matter which remains after the extract has been centrifuged, filtered and all water is evaporated. The procedure for measuring w ater soluble solids of a biomass extract of the present invention is described in detail in the Examples provided herein. Water soluble solids may be expressed on a percentage basis relative to the mass of bone dry biomass. Dry weight means the sample is substantially free of w ater.

[0035] As used herein the term "water insoluble solids" generally refers to the fraction of extract that is removed by centrifugation and filtration in the course of measuring water soluble solids, as described in the Examples provided herein.

[0036] The term “substantially free of’ or “substantially free from” as used herein refers to either the complete absence of an ingredient or a minimal amount thereof merely as impurity or unintended byproduct of another ingredient. A composition that is “substantially free” of / from a component means that the composition comprises less than about 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01%, or even 0%, by w eight of the composition, of the component.

[0037] Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

[0038] All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every low er numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification w ill include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrow er numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. Forexample, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10.%DETAILED DESCRIPTIONCompositions

[0039] Described herein are cleaning compositions comprising one or more renewable components. As used herein, the phrase “cleaning composition” includes compositions and formulations designed for personal care and cleaning. Such compositions include but are not limited to, shampoo compositions, body wash compositions, pet cleaning compositions, compositions and products for hair care, compositions and products for personal care, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The cleaning compositions may be in the form of a liquid, a powder, a single-phase or multi-phase unit dose, a gel, a paste, a bar, or a flake. The cleaning compositions may comprise one or more saponins derived non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe, for example, Hesperaloe funifera, Hesperaloe noctiirna, Hesperaloe parviflora, and Hesperaloe chiangii.

[0040] In some examples, the cleaning composition include but are not limited to, fabric and upholstery cleaning compositions, automotive cleaning compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, products for household cleaning, a shampoo, a hand soap, a body wash, a face wash, a pet wash, or other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to cleaning compositions that comprise renewable components and exhibit good performance, allowing for the removal of geologically derived surfactants, particularly geologically derived nonionic surfactants, from cleaning compositions. The geologically derived surfactants may be replaced with surfactants derived from Hesperaloe biomass.

[0042] The cleaning compositions described herein may have greater cleaning capability and foam stability than conventional formulations. The compositions described herein may overcome the challenges presented by mineral contaminants that can lead to poor cleaning capability and poor foam stability, exhibited by other renewable cleaning compositions. In some examples, the cleaning composition may exhibit reduced surface tension of less than 50dynes / cm or less than 25 dynes / cm. For example, the surface tension of the cleaning compositions may be about 14 dynes / cm, 15 dynes / cm, 16 dynes / cm, 17 dynes / cm, 18 dynes / cm, 19 dynes / cm, or 20 dynes / cm. For comparison, the surface tension of water at 25 °C is 71.78 dynes / cm. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a lower surface tension may enhance wetting capability of the cleaning composition and allow the cleaning composition to penetrate tight spaces more easily, thus affecting the ability of the composition to clean a substrate or surface. Some consumers may view soaps, shampoo, and other cleaning compositions having greater viscosity to be superior to those with low viscosity.Conventional renewable surfactants may impart low viscosity in cleaning compositions, such as less than 200 cps at ambient temperature. The renewable surfactants disclosed herein may not negatively impact viscosity in the same manner as conventional renewable surfactants.

[0043] The compositions disclosed herein may comprise from about 1 wt. % to about 100 wt. % renewable components. For example, the compositions may comprise about 1. 5, 10, 15. 20. 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75. 80. 85. 90. 95. or 100 wt. % renewable components. The cleaning compositions described herein may comprise a renewable component derived from Hesperaloe biomass, particular an extract prepared from Hesperaloe biomass and more particularly a water-soluble extract prepared from Hesperaloe biomass, such as a crude Hesperaloe extract or a saponin-enriched extract. The Hesperaloe extract may comprise saponins and may be included in the cleaning composition such that the composition may comprise at least about 0.5% saponin to about 25 % saponin derived from Hesperaloe (e.g.. from about 1 to 25 wt. %, 2 to 20 wt. %, or 3 to 10 wt. %). For example, the cleaning compositions may comprise about 0.5, 0.75, 1. 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 wt. % saponin. In some examples, the cleaning composition may be substantially free from saponins derived from sources other than Hesperaloe biomass. In this manner, the saponins in the cleaning composition may be renewable saponins.

[0044] In some examples, the cleaning compositions may comprise one or more saponins extracted from a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe, where the one or more saponins may comprise 25(27)-dehydrofucreastatin (FIG. 2A), 5(6),25(27)-disdehydroyuccaloiside C (FIG. 2B), 5(6)-disdehydroyuccaloiside C (FIG. 2C), furcreastatin, yuccaloiside C, or combinations thereof.

[0045] The cleaning compositions may be provided in liquid form and may comprise water from 1% to about 95% by weight of the composition. For example, the compositionsmay comprise about 1. 5, 10, 15, 20. 25. 30. 35. 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95 wt. % water. In addition to water, the cleaning composition may comprise from about 1% to about 20% of one or more solvents. For example, the compositions may comprise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 wt % solvent. Suitable solvents may include lipophilic fluids, including siloxanes, other silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and / or glycerine derivatives such as glycerine ethers. Monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol, methanol, propanol, isopropanol) may be used in some examples for solubilizing surfactants, and polyols such as those containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerine, and 1,2-propanediol) may be used.

[0046] Suitable solvents may include ethanol, diethylene glycol (DEG), 2-methyl-l ,3- propanediol (MPD), dipropylene glycol (DPG), oligamines (e.g., di ethylenetriamine (DETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)), glycerine, propoxylated glycerine, ethoxylated glycerine, ethanol, 1,2-propanediol (also referred to as propylene glycol), diethylene glycol, 1,3- propanediol, 2,3 -butanediol, cellulosic ethanol, renewable propylene glycol, renewable dipropylene glycol, renewable 1,3-propanediol, other solvents known in the art, or combinations thereof. Biobased propylene glycol is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,928,148 and available from ADM. Biobased 1,3-propanediol is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,436,046 and available from DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company, LLC.

[0047] In addition to Hesperaloe extract and more particularly one or more saponins derived from Hesperaloe biomass, the cleaning composition may comprise additional surfactants and / or adjunct components. In some examples, the cleaning compositions may comprise an additional surfactant, e.g., a secondary surfactant, a tertiary surfactant, a further surfactant, etc. The composition may comprise from about 1% to about 75%, or from about 2% to about 35%, or from about 5% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of an additional surfactant, e.g., a secondary surfactant, a tertiary surfactant, or further surfactant. An additional surfactant may comprise anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, ampholytic surfactants, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise a nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant, where a weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant may be from about 3: 1 to about 1:3. For example, the ratio of the anionic surfactant to nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant may be about 3: 1, 2: 1, 1 : 1. 1 :2, or 1 :3.

[0048] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise a Hesperaloe extract and an anionic surfactant as the secondary and / or tertiary surfactant. The Hesperaloe extract and anionic surfactant may be provided in particular weight-percent ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of anionic surfactant to Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1,3:1,2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6. 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, or 1:20 %w / w.

[0049] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise a Hesperaloe extract and an amphoteric surfactant as the secondary and / or tertiary surfactant. The Hesperaloe extract and amphoteric surfactant may be provided in particular weight-percent ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of amphoteric surfactant io Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1.3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6. 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, or 1:20 %w / w.

[0050] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise a Hesperaloe extract and a nonionic surfactant as the secondary and / or tertiary surfactant. The Hesperaloe extract and nonionic surfactant may be provided in particular weight-percent ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of nonionic surfactant to Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20: 1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1.3:1,2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4. 1:5, 1:6. 1:7. 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17. 1:18. 1:19, or 1:20 %w / w.

[0051] In some examples, a cleaning composition may comprise a Hesperaloe extract and a cationic surfactant as the secondary and / or tertiary surfactant. The Hesperaloe extract and cationic surfactant may be provided in particular weight-percent ratios, for example from about 20:1 to about 1:20, from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 5:1 to about 1:5. For example, the ratio of cationic surfactant to Hesperaloe extract saponin may be about 20: 1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1,6:1,5:1,4:1,3:1,2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4. 1:5, 1:6. 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17. 1:18. 1:19. or 1:20 %w / w. In some examples, the cationic surfactant may be a renewable cationic surfactant.

[0052] An anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight. For example, the compositions may comprise about 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 %w / w of an anionic surfactant. With respect to one another, the by -weight ratio of Hesperaloe derived saponin to anionic surfactant may be from about 5 : 1 to about 1 : 5 , or from about 5 : 1 to about 1 : 3, or from about 5: 1 to about 1: 1, or from about 5: 1 to about 3: 1.

[0053] Suitable anionic surfactants may include geologically-derived alkoxylated alkyl sulfates (e.g., petroleum-derived ethoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactants), non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonic detersive surfactants, e.g., alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenze sulfonate, secondary alkane sulfonate, and alcohol ethoxysulfates. Other anionic surfactants may include alkali metal salts of alkyl benzene sulfonates, in which the alkyl group contains from about 9 to about 15 carbon atoms, in straight chain (linear) or branched chain configuration. In some examples, the anionic surfactants may be renewable, such as anionic surfactants derived from renewable isoprenoid-based polybranched detergent alcohols, renewable alkyl benzene sulfonate, renewable alcohol sulfate, and renewable paraffin sulfonate as described in US Patent No. 9,994,497, which is herein incorporated by reference, methyl ester sulfonates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, including those ethers of C8-18 alcohols (e.g., those derived from tallow and coconut oil), and alkyl ether carboxylates derived from (natural) fatty alcohols. Isoprenoid- based surfactants and isoprenoid derivatives (e.g., famesene-based surfactants) may be used; famesene is available from Amyris, Inc. (Emery ville, CA). In certain examples, the anionic surfactant may comprise sodium laureth sulfate.

[0054] Hesperaloe derived saponins may function as nonionic surfactants and the cleaning compositions described herein may be substantially free from additional nonionic surfactants. In other examples, the cleaning composition may further comprise an additional nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant(s), which may be a renewable nonionic surfactant. The additional nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 20% by weight. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise from 1% to about 30% by weight of an additional nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactant. For example, the compositions may comprise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 wt. % nonionic surfactant. With respect to one another, the by -weight ratio of Hesperaloe derived saponins to nonionic surfactant may be from about 3: 1 to about 1 :3, or from about 3: 1 toabout 1 :2, or from about 3: 1 to about 1 : 1, or from about 2: 1 to about 1:2, or from about 2: 1 to about 1 : 1.

[0055] Suitable additional nonionic surfactants include alkyl glycosides and ethoxylation and / or propoxylation products of alkyl glycosides or linear or branched alcohols in each case having 12 to 18 C atoms in the alkyl moiety and 3 to 20, or 4 to 10. alkyl ether groups. In some examples, the nonionic surfactant may comprise fatty alcohol ethoxylates derived from renewable fatty alcohol. In other instances, the nonionic surfactant may comprise amine oxide, which may be derived from renewable sources, such as natural fatty7alcohols.

[0056] Examples of nonionic surfactants may include, but are not limited to, polyalkoxylated alkanolamides, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene poly oxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalky lene castor oils, polyoxyalkylene alkylamines, glycerol fatty acid esters, alkylglucosamides, alkylglucosides, alkylamine oxides, amine oxide surfactants, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, or a mixture thereof. In some examples, the nonionic surfactant may be alcohol ethoxylate (AE), alcohol propoxylate, or a mixture thereof.

[0057] In other examples, the cleaning composition may further comprise an amphoteric surfactant(s). which may be a renewable nonionic surfactant. For example, cocamidopropyl betaine may be used as an amphoteric extractant. Other amphoteric surfactants may include, but are not limited to cocoamphoacetate, cocoamphodiacetate, alkylamidopropylamine N- oxide, alkyldimethylamine N-oxide, alkylbetain and alkylamidopropylbetaine.

[0058] The cleaning composition may also include one or more adjunct ingredients. Suitable adjunct ingredients include builders, structurants or thickeners, polymeric dispersing agents, other polymeric agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems, chelating agents, suds suppressors, colorants, softeners, perfumes, and perfume micro-capsules. In some cases, the cleaning composition may optionally include bleaching compounds, bleaching agents, bluing agents, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, metal catalysts, pearlescent pigments, or dye transfer inhibiting agents.

[0059] In some examples, the cleaning compositions may comprise an enzyme. The enzyme may be, for example, one or more of a protease, lipase, cutinase, amylase, carbohydrase, cellulase, pectinase, mannanase, arabinase, galactanase, xylanase, and / or peroxidase, but others are also possible. In general, the properties of the selected enzyme(s) should be compatible with the selected cleaning composition, (i.e., pH-optimum,compatibility with other enzymatic and non-enzymatic ingredients, etc.). The enzyme(s) may be included in the cleaning composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all the enzy mes that are added to the cleaning composition. The enzyme(s) may be present in the cleaning composition in effective amounts, such as from about 0 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of enzyme, or from about 0.001 to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.2 to about 2 weight percent, or from about 0.5 to about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0060] Neutralizers may be optionally added to and included in the cleaning composition. Exemplary neutralizers include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, triethanol amine, monoethanol amine, buffers, or other compounds that adjusts the pH of the cleaning composition. Neutralizers may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of from about 0 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In some examples, a neutralizer may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of from about 0 to about 3 weight percent, or an amount of from about 0 to about 2 weight percent. The pH of a formulated cleaning composition may be from about 7.0 to about 11.5, such as from about 7.5 to about 11.0.

[0061] Optical brighteners may optionally be included in the cleaning composition. Optical brighteners adsorb ultraviolet and / or violet light and re-transmit it as visible light, typically a visible blue light. In some examples, optical brighteners may be used in shampoo formulations to increase the luminance and sparkle of the hair or correct dull, yellowish discoloration without darkening the hair. Optical brighteners include, but are not limited to, derivatives of diaminostilbene disulfonic acid or the alkali metal salts thereof. Suitable compounds are, for example, salts of 4,4'-bis(2-anilino-4-morpholino-l,3,5-triazinyl-6- aminojstilbene 2,2'-disulfonic acid or compounds of similar structure which, instead of the morpholino group, bear a diethanolamino group, a methylamino group, an anilino group or a 2-methoxy ethylamino group. Optical brighteners of the substituted diphenylstyry l type may furthermore be present, such as the alkali metal salts of 4.4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, 4,4'- bis(4-chloro-3-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, or 4-(4-chlorostyryl)-4'-(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl. A mixture of the above-stated optical brighteners may be used. Optical brighteners may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of from about 0 to about 1 w eight percent. In some examples, optical brighteners may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.5 weight percent, or an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent, or anamount of from 0.005 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0062] Foam inhibitors may also optionally be included in the cleaning composition. Suitable foam inhibitors include, but are not limited to, soaps of natural or synthetic origin, which include an elevated proportion of C18-C24 fatty acids. Suitable non-surfactant foam inhibitors are, for example, organopolysiloxanes and mixtures thereof with microfine, optionally silanized silica as well as paraffins, waxes, microcrystalline waxes and mixtures thereof with silanized silica or bis-fatty acid alkylcnediamides. Mixtures of different foam inhibitors may be used, for example mixtures of silicones, paraffins or waxes. In some examples, mixtures of paraffins and bistearylethylenediamide may be used. The cleaning composition may include the foam inhibitor in an amount of from about 0 to about 5 weight percent. In some examples, a foam inhibitor may be present in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 3 weight percent, or an amount of from about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0063] Chelators bind and remove calcium, magnesium, or other metals from water, and may optionally be included in the cleaning composition. Many compounds can be used as water softeners, including but not limited to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid). nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid). I -hydroxy ethane- 1,1 -di phosphonic acid, iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), or other chelating agents. Chelators may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of from about 0 to about 5 weight percent. In some examples, chelators may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 3 weight percent or an amount of from about 0.02 to about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0064] In some examples, the cleaning compositions may optionally include one or more essential oils. Essential oils may be used for fragrance, cleaning properties, preservation, and therapeutic benefits. In some examples, bittering agents may optionally be added to hinder accidental ingestion of the cleaning composition. Bittering agents have an undesirable taste and may discourage accidental ingestion by children or others. Bittering agents may comprise denatonium benzoate, aloin, and others. Bittering agents may be present in the cleaning composition at an amount of from about 0 to about 1 weight percent, or an amount of from about 0 to about 0.5 weight percent, or an amount of from about 0 to about 0. 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0065] The cleaning compositions disclosed herein may include mineral impurities such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise calcium in an amount up to 2500 ppm, preferably up to 1000 ppm, and more preferably up to 200 ppm. For example, the composition may comprise up to about 200, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 ppm Ca. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise magnesium in an amount up to 2500 ppm, preferably up to 1000 ppm, and more preferably up to 100 ppm. For example, the composition may comprise up to about 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 ppm magnesium. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise a total amount of calcium and magnesium in an amount up to 5000 ppm, preferably up to 1000 ppm, and more preferably up to 300 ppm. For example, the composition may comprise up to about 300, 500, 1 00, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, or 5000 ppm total of Ca + Mg. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise crude protein in an amount up to 6,000 ppm. For example, the composition may comprise up to about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000. 5000, or 6000 ppm crude protein. In some examples, the cleaning composition may comprise crude protein in an amount up to 20,000 ppm (e.g., 10,000 ppm, 12,500 ppm, 15,000 ppm, or 17,500 ppm).

[0066] In some examples, Hesperaloe extracts and saponin enriched Hesperaloe extracts may have the composition and physical properties set forth in Table 1.Table 1Methods of Makins and Use

[0067] Saponins may be derived from non-woody plants of the genus Hesperaloe, for example. Hesperaloe funifera. Hesperaloe nocturna. Hesperaloe parviflora, and Hesperaloe chiangii. The saponins may be extracted from Hesperaloe biomass by grinding, cutting, pressing, crushing, and / or mechanical abrasion (e.g., milling, depithing, or a combination thereof) of the biomass in combination with solvent extraction. In some examples, the biomass may be subjected to compression to remove intercellular and intracellular liquid.Compression may be carried out using one or more opposed counter-rotating rolls, a mechanical press, a screw press or direct hydraulic pressure.

[0068] The initial extract may be a crude extract, which may include, for example, fats, proteins, saccharides, polysaccharides, saponins, sapogenins, minerals (also referred to as inorganic salts), and organic acids. The extracted substances may also include waterinsoluble components that may be suspended in the Hesperaloe crude extract. The crude extract may be subjected to further processing to produce a Hesperaloe extract with increased saponin concentration (also referred to herein as Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract).

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates an example multistage process 300 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated multistage process 300, a mill and press 302 is used to produce a Hesperaloe crude extract (juice) 304 from Hesperaloe biomass 301 . The crude extract 304 is purified to remove at least a portion of the fats, proteins, saccharides, polysaccharides, and / or waterinsoluble components by heat and / or centrifuge 314. The resulting Hesperaloe processed extract (clarified juice) 316 is further purified by centrifuge, filtration or heat 320 to produce a Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract (syrup) 322. In some examples, the extract 316 may be filtered using one or more membranes having a pore size sufficient to allow saponin retention, which is described in more detail herein. The Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract 322 may be further purified by centrifuge or filtration 340 to produce a clarified Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract 342. In some examples, the clarified extract 342 may be further processed 360 to produce a preserved Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract 362.

[0070] The Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may be produced, for example, by milling (and optionally imbibition and / or depithing) Hesperaloe biomass in the presence of a solvent. Generally, processing Hesperaloe biomass removes at least about 25% of the water-soluble solids from the biomass, more preferably at least about 50%, still more preferably at least about 75%, such as from about 25% to about 98%, such as from about 50% to about 90%, such as from about 75% to about 90%. Examples of useful solvents may include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, 1 -butanol, 2-butanol, 2-butanone, t- butyl alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, 1,2- di chloroethane, diethylene glycol, diethyl ether, diglyme, 1,2-dimethoxy ethane, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, 1,4-di oxane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol, glycerin, heptane, hexamethylphosphoramide, hexamethylphosphorous triamide, hexane, methanol, methyl-t-butyl ether, methylene chloride. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. pentane,perchloroethylene, petroleum ether, 1 -propanol. 2-propanol, pyridine, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, triethylamine, trifluorotoluene, water, xylene, the like, and any combination thereof.

[0071] In one example, the process for producing a Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may comprise contacting a Hesperaloe biomass with a solvent comprising water and separating the water-soluble fraction from the insoluble biomass fraction. In another example, the extractant solution may comprise, in addition to water, a surfactant, another solvent, and / or Hesperaloe crude extract. The Hesperaloe crude extract can come from, for example, an earlier extraction step or an earlier milling step. In yet another example, a Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may also be produced with a first extraction using acetone or diethyl ether to remove lipids and pigments followed by a second extraction using methanol as a solvent, or a mixture of methanol and water. In another example, the solvent may be a 4: 1 ethanol-water solvent.

[0072] Additional details of milling and other processes used to produce the Hesperaloe crude extract 304 produced from the Hesperaloe biomass are described in US Patent App. Pub. No. 2023 / 0233644, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] The amount of water-insoluble solids recovered from a biomass may vary depending on the extraction efficiency; however, in certain instances from about 1 grams to about 100 grams of water-soluble solids may be extracted per kilogram of bone-dry biomass, such as from about 1 grams to about 30 grams per kilogram, such as from about 10 grams to about 50 grams per kilogram.

[0074] The amount of water-soluble solids recovered from a biomass may vary depending on the extraction efficiency; however, in certain instances from about 100 grams to about 400 grams of water-soluble solids may be extracted per kilogram of bone-dry biomass, such as from about 120 grams to about 350 grams per kilogram, such as from about 150 grams to about 300 grams per kilogram.

[0075] A Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may have a water-soluble solids concentration of about 5% to about 90%, such as about 5% to about 30%, such as about 25% to about 60%. such as about 50% to about 90%, based on a total weight of the Hesperaloe crude extract. The Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise saccharides and polysaccharides at a concentration of at least about 1 wt . %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, such as from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %. based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise saponins at a concentration of at least about 0.5 wt. %, such as at least 1 wt. %, such as at least 5 wt. %, such as from about 0.5 wt. % to about40 wt. %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, such as from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. Additionally and / or alternatively, the Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise sapogenins at a concentration of at least about 0.5 wt. %, such as at least 1 wt. %, such as at least 5 wt. %, such as from about 0.5 wt. % to about 40 wt. %. such as from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, such as from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, based upon the total weight of w ater-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise proteins at a concentration of at least about 1 wt. %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, such as from about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise fats at a concentration of about 0 wt. % to about 25 wt. %. such as about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, such as about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based upon the total w eight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe crude extract may comprise inorganic salts at a concentration of about 5 wt. % to about 35 wt. %, such as about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, such as about 7 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids.

[0076] The Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may be purified by one or more treatment steps 314 to remove at least a portion of the fats, proteins, saccharides, polysaccharides, and / or water-insoluble components and produce the Hesperaloe processed extract 316. Examples of treatments may include, but are not limited to. flocculation, centrifugation, foam fractionation, solvent extraction, the like, and any combination thereof. For example, the Hesperaloe crude extract 304 may be purified by flocculation followed by centrifugation 314 to facilitate removal of the flocculants. In this example, the resulting supernatant is the Hesperaloe processed extract 316. Alternatively, additional treatments (e.g., solvent extraction or foam fractionation) may be performed on the supernatant to produce the Hesperaloe processed extract 316.

[0077] Centrifugation may be used to remove higher density substances from the Hesperaloe processed extract and, when used in combination with flocculation, to remove flocculants from the Hesperaloe processed extract. Suitable revolutions per minute (rpm) to achieve a desired g-force that removes the foregoing may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation. After centrifugation, the supernatant may be the Hesperaloe processed extract, or the supernatant may be further purified to produce the Hesperaloe processed extract. In some examples, centrifugation and flocculation followed by centrifugation may be preferred to minimize the amount of solvent needed to remove at leasta portion of the fats, proteins, saccharides, polysaccharides, and / or water-insoluble components.

[0078] When centrifugation follows flocculation, an amount of time between initiating flocculation and starting centrifugation may be about 30 minutes or less, such as about 15 minutes or less, such as about 5 minutes or less, such as about 1 minute or less, such as about 10 seconds or less to about 30 minutes, such as about 10 seconds to about 15 minutes, such as about 10 second to about 5 minutes.

[0079] In other instances, a saponin enriched Hesperaloe extract may be prepared using foam fractionation. Foam fractionation is a separation process where gas is passed through (e.g.. bubbled through) a fluid, typically contained in a column, to produce a foam at the top of the fluid. The foam is collected and optionally broken to produce a liquid. The collected fluid (e.g., the foam and / or liquid from a broken foam) typically has higher concentrations of surface-active agents (e.g., surfactants, emulsifiers, detergents, lipids, and the like) compared to the pre-foamed fluid. The collected fluid may also include substances solubilized by the surface-active agents (e.g., inorganic salts and organic acids). In a foam fractionation process, the collected fluid may be the Hesperaloe processed extract or may be further purified to produce the Hesperaloe processed extract.

[0080] Again, one or more treatments may be used to remove at least a portion of the fats, proteins, saccharides, polysaccharides, and / or water-insoluble components from of the Hesperaloe crude extract to produce the Hesperaloe processed extract, also referred to herein as a saponin enriched extract.

[0081] The amount of water-soluble solids recovered from the Hesperaloe crude extract will vary depending on the treatment and its efficiency. The Hesperaloe processed extract may have a water-soluble solids concentration of from about 5% to about 90%, such as from about 5% to about 30%, from about 25% to about 60%, or from about 50% to about 90%, based on a total weight of the Hesperaloe processed extract. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise saccharides and polysaccharides at a concentration of at least about 1 wt. %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise saponins at a concentration of at least about 0.5 wt. %, such as at least 1 wt. %, at least 5 wt. %, from about 0.5 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise sapogenins at a concentration of at leastabout 0.5 wt. %, such as at least 1 wt. %, at least 5 wt. %. from about 0.5 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise proteins at a concentration of at least about 1 wt. %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise fats at a concentration of from about 0 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, such as from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of water-soluble solids. The Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise inorganic salts at a concentration of from about 5 wt. % to about 35 wt. %, such as from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, based upon the total w eight of water-soluble solids. For example, the Hesperaloe processed extract may comprise at least about 1 wt. % saccharides and polysaccharides, at least about 0.5 wt. % saponins, at least about 0.5 wt. % sapogenins, at least about 1 wt. % proteins, from about 0 wt. % to about 20 wt. % fats, and from about 5 wt. % to about 35 wt. % inorganic salts, each based upon a total weight of water-soluble solids of the Hesperaloe processed extract.

[0082] The Hesperaloe processed extract may be fdtered through one or more membranes 320 to produce a Hesperaloe saponin-enriched extract 322. The one or more membranes includes at least one membrane with a pore size sufficient to enrich a saponin concentration on a dry basis in a retentate relative to a saponin concentration on a dry basis in the Hesperaloe processed extract. Stated another way, at least one of the membranes has a pore size sufficient to allow saponin retention. It should be noted that 100% saponin retention is not implied, but saponin retention is preferably at least 50 wt. %. and more preferably at least 80 wt. %. Said membrane may have a pore size characterized by a distance measurement (e.g., nm or pm) or a nominal molecular weight limit (NMWL). For example, the membrane that allows saponin retention may have a pore size of about 5 nm or less, such as from about 0.5 nm to about 5 nm. or from about 0.5 nm to about 3 nm. If the pore size is characterized by NWML, the membrane that allows saponin retention may have a pore size (or NMWL) of about 600 Da or less, such as from about 100 Da to about 600 Da, from about 100 Da to about 500 Da, or from about 300 Da to about 500 Da.

[0083] Also disclosed are methods of making and using the cleaning compositions described herein. A method of making a cleaning composition 440 is shown in FIG. 4. The method may comprise combining a Hesperaloe extract with a carrier 410; and optionally.adding a secondary surfactant to the mixture of extract and carrier 420. The secondary surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a cationic surfactant. The method may further comprise adding an optional tertiary surfactant to the mixture of extract, secondary' surfactant, and carrier 430. A tertiary surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a cationic surfactant. The extract may comprise at least one saponin. The Hesperaloe extract may comprise a crude extract, a processed extract, a preserved extract, or combinations thereof. The extract may further comprise one or more of a lipid, a protein, an inorganic salt, a saccharide, a polysaccharide and / or an organic acid. The method may further comprise adding an additive to the mixture. Additives may include, but are not limited to, an enzyme, a bleach activator, an anti-redeposition agent, a neutralizer, an optical brightener, a foam inhibitor, a chelator, a buffering agent, a bittering agent, a water softener, an electrolyte, a pH regulator, a colorant, a scent, a processing aid, an antimicrobial agent, a preservative, or combinations thereof.

[0084] A method of using the cleaning compositions described herein may comprise wetting a substrate to be cleaned, adding a cleaning composition to the substrate, massaging or otherwise applying the cleaning composition to the wet substrate; and rinsing the substrate. In some examples, the substrate may comprise human hair, human skin, or pet hair.

[0085] In other examples, the substrate may comprise fabric such as clothing or upholstery, hard surfaces such as glass, ceramic, or metal, or other personal items.EXAMPLES

[0086] The following non-limiting examples illustrate the present disclosure. It should be noted that various changes and modifications can be applied to the following examples and processes without departing from the scope of this disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims. Therefore, it should be noted that the following examples should be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any sense.

[0087] Total biomass water soluble solids was determined using an Accelerated Solvent Extraction system (ASE) (Dionex TM ASE™ 350 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA)). Approximately 10 grams of harvested biomass was dried to a constant weight in an oven, typically 4 hours at 125 °C. After drying 1.5 - 2.0 grams of the bone dry biomass was accurately weighed and the weight (Wb) recorded to the nearest 0.001 gram. Using water asthe solvent, biomass was extracted using the conditions set forth in Table 2. The ratio of biomass to solvent was generally 21 : 1 and five consecutive water extraction cycles were performed. At the end of each extraction cycle, the liquid phase was collected, dried under vacuum at approximately 40 °C and the weight of the dried material (Wi) was recorded to the nearest 0.001 g. The total weight of water soluble solids (We) was calculated by summing the weight of solids recovered from each extraction cycle (Wi). Total water soluble solids as a percentage of bone dry biomass was then determined using the following equation: Water Soluble Solids (wt. %)= We / Wb *100.Table 2

[0088] The total water soluble solids in biomass extract was determined by withdrawing an appropriate aliquot, about 10-50 mL, transferring to clean, dry, centrifuge tube. The tube was centrifuged at 7000 rpm for 20 minutes. The weight of extract (WI) was calculated. An aliquot of the supernatant was transferred to clean, pre-weighed beaker (Do), and weighed. The beaker and sample were weighed to the nearest 0.001 g and the weight (D2) recorded. The beaker containing the sample was placed at 140 °C in a hot air oven for overnight drying. The beaker was removed from the oven and desiccated to cool to room temperature then weighed to the nearest 0.001 gram (DI). The weight percentage of soluble solids, based upon the weight of the extract, was determined using the formula below:(Dl - Do)x 100Dl= mass of empty beaker+ dried soluble solids, Do = mass of empty beaker, D2 = mass of biomass extract and empty beaker.Example 2: Method for Determining, Total Saponins

[0089] Total saponins were measured generally as described in Makkar, Harinder P.S., Sidhuraju, P., Becker, Klaus (2007) Plant Secondary' Metabolites, chapter 17, pp 93-100. A standard saponin solution was prepared by weighing 10 mg of diosgenin (MilliporeSigma >93%). dissolving in 16 mL of methanol and adding 4 mL of distilled water. The solutionwas mixed thoroughly to yield a 0.5 mg / mL diosgenin solution in 80% methanol solvent. The standard was used to produce a calibration curve by transferring various amounts of the standard (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 pl) into 13-mm glass test tubes. A solution of 80% aqueous methanol was added to a total volume of 100 pL.

[0090] Prior to testing, samples of biomass extract were adjusted to about 0.5 wt. % total solids by dilution with water to ensure absorbency result fell along the saponin standard calibration curve range. Samples of diluted extract (20-pL) were pipetted into 13-mm glass test tubes and the volume was brought up to 100 pL with 80 pL methanol. Each sample was tested in triplicate.

[0091] To each sample 100 pL of vanillin reagent (prepared by dissolving 800 mg of vanillin in 10 mL of 99.5% ethanol (analytical grade)) and then 1 .0 mL of 72% (v / v) sulfuric acid (72% (v / v) sulfuric acid prepared by adding 72 mL of sulfuric acid (analytical grade, 95%, w / w) to 28 mL of distilled water) were added. Solutions were mixed well and heated at 60 °C for 10 minutes. Samples were then cooled in an ice bath and 1 mL of solution was transferred into respective cuvette and absorbance at 544 nm was read. The total mass of saponins in the sample was calculated based upon the standard absorbency curve as follows:Saponin (pg) = [Slope] ^Measured Absorbency - [Intercept]Example 3

[0092] Samples of cleaning compositions were prepared according to Table 3. Sodium laureth sulfate and / or cocamidopropyl betaine were combined with Hesperaloe liquid extract (ALF), Desert King Yucca extract, or lauryl glucoside (APG), water and other inactive ingredients. Sample 1 was a representative conventional composition. The inactive ingredients were identical for all compositions and included ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), cocamide monoisopropanolamine, glycerin, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and / or citric acid.Table 3

[0093] The extracts and sample compositions were analyzed for protein, fat, minerals, and saponin, shown in Tables 4 and 5.Table 4Table 5

[0094] The surface properties of the sample compositions w ere evaluated for surface tension using EXPTM 442 and wetting time using Drave's test method, shown in Table 6.Table 6Example 4

[0095] The sensory parameters of the compositions were evaluated by The National Food Lab using panelists trained to conduct quantitative descriptive testing according to ASTM E2082 (2020) Swatch Methodology. The tests were conducted by four panelists with one replication as shown in Table 7. Higher values are desirable for ease of spread, ease of detangling, and bubble size. Lower values are desirable for force to comb and ease of rinsing.Table 7

[0096] For a specific attribute (row), values not sharing an uppercase letter are significantly different at the 95% confidence level (LSD, p<0.05).

[0097] For a specific attribute (row), values not sharing a lowercase letter are significantly different at the 90% confidence level (LSD, p<0.1).

[0098] Rows without letters indicate no significant difference.

[0099] Values with an asterisk (*) indicate the significantly highest sample for a given attribute and values with a hashtag (#) indicate the significantly lowest sample for a given attribute.

[0100] The levels of impurities in ALF did not impact performance or stability of the cleaning compositions comprising ALF. The total amount of calcium and magnesium in the compositions including ALF ranged from 1849 ppm to 6161 ppm. The performance of the compositions with ALF (Samples 2, 3, 6, 7) performed similar to or better than the composition comprising yucca (Sample 4), which had lower amounts of calcium and magnesium (442 ppm total).

[0101] Sensory characteristics of the cleaning compositions were also evaluated. FIG. 5 shows a spider plot of the 15 characteristics that w ere evaluated by panelists trained to conduct quantitative descriptive testing according to ASTM E2082 (2020) Swatch Methodology. The tests were conducted by four panelists with one replication. The characteristics evaluated included firmness, stickiness, stringiness, ease of spread, speed to foam, amount of foam, cushion of foam, w etness of foam, bubble size, ease of detangling(wet), force to comb (wet), wet feel / slipperiness (wet), residue (wet), ease of detangling (dry), force to comb (dry), wet feel / slipperiness (dry), residue (dry), pliability, and static.

Claims

We claim:

1. A cleaning composition comprising: an extract of a non-woody plant of the genus Hesperaloe, the extract comprising at least one saponin; a secondary surfactant; and a carrier.

2. The cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the extract to the secondary surfactant is from 20: 1 to 1 :20.

3. The cleaning composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is substantially free from alkyl glycosides and alcohol ethoxylates.

4. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the carrier is water and wherein the cleaning composition is formulated as a liquid cleaning composition.

5. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-4, w herein a bio-based carbon content of the cleaning composition is from 50 wt. % to 100 wt. %.

6. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the secondary surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or combinations thereof.

7. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a tertiary surfactant.

8. The cleaning composition of claim 7, wherein a weight ratio of the primary surfactant to tertiary surfactant is from about 20: 1 to about 1:20.

9. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the secondary and / or the tertiary surfactant comprises cocamidopropyl betaine.

10. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-9. wherein at least one of the secondary and / or the tertiary surfactant comprises sodium laureth sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenze sulfonate, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, or alcohol ethoxysulfate.

11. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the extract further comprises a lipid, a protein, an inorganic salt, a saccharide, a polysaccharide, an organic acid, or combinations thereof.

12. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the secondary surfactant is present in an amount from 0.1 wt. % to 30 wt. %, and / or the tertiary surfactant is present in an amount from 0.1 wt. % to 30 wt. %.

13. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one saponin is present in an amount from 1 wt. % to 25 wt. %.

14. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising an additive comprising an enzyme, a bleach activator, an anti-redeposition agent, a neutralizer, an optical brightener, a foam inhibitor, a chelator, a buffering agent, a water softener, an electrolyte, a pH regulator, a colorant, a scent, a processing aid, an antimicrobial agent, a preservative, or combinations thereof.

15. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the amount of the at least one saponin in the extract, on a dry basis, is up to about 50 wt. %.

16. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the non- woody plant comprises Hesperaloe funifera, Hesperaloe nocturna, Hesperaloe parviflora, Hesperaloe chiangii, or a combination thereof.

17. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the composition is a shampoo, a hand soap, a body wash, a face wash, or a pet w ash.

18. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the saponin comprises 25(27)-dehydrofucreastatin, 5(6),25(27)-disdehydroyuccaloiside C, 5(6)- disdehydroyuccaloiside C, furcreastatin, yuccaloiside C, or combinations thereof.

19. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the composition comprises calcium in an amount up to 2500 ppm.

20. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the composition comprises magnesium in an amount up to 2500 ppm.21 . The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1 -20, wherein the composition comprises a total amount of magnesium and calcium of up to 5000 ppm.

22. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the composition comprises crude protein in an amount of up to 20,000 ppm.

23. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the extract comprises a crude extract, a processed extract, a preserved extract, or combinations thereof.

24. A method of making the cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-23, the method comprising: combining the Hesperaloe extract with the carrier to form a mixture; and adding the secondary surfactant to the mixture of extract and carrier.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: adding optional additives and / or a tertiary surfactant to the mixture.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the Hesperaloe extract comprises a crude extract, a processed extract, a preserved extract, or combinations thereof.

27. A method of using the cleaning composition of any one of claims 1-23, the method comprising: wetting a substrate to be cleaned;adding the cleaning composition to the substrate; massaging or otherwise applying the cleaning composition to the wet substrate; and rinsing the substrate.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the substrate is human hair, human skin, or pet hair.

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