Laundry Additives

Abstract

The present invention relates to liquid chemical formulations useful as household laundry additives for inactivating and / or modifying one or more allergens on textiles and / or killing house dust mites. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing such formulations and methods for using the formulations for inactivating and / or modifying one or more allergens on textiles and / or killing house dust mites.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to liquid chemical formulations useful as household laundry additives for inactivating and / or denaturing one or more allergens on textiles and / or killing house dust mites. [Background technology]

[0002] Allergies to house dust mites and other environmental allergens are prevalent among many people, especially in humid climates. Affected individuals experience mild to severe allergic reactions, including sneezing, wheezing, itchy and watery eyes, rhinitis, itchy skin, the appearance of hives on the skin, and other effects. Common allergens include house dust mites, pollen, grass, and animal dander.

[0003] In addition to the dust mites themselves, their bodies, secretions and feces contain proteins that are allergenic to sensitive individuals. Dust mite diet includes skin flakes, pollen and fungal spores. Shed human skin flakes combined with the warmth and humidity of the indoor environment mean that the average home provides the perfect environment for dust mites and their allergens.

[0004] While exposure to outdoor allergens can be reduced by limiting time spent outdoors, indoor allergens are found in household textiles such as clothing, linens, towels, bedding, soft toys, and long fiber carpets. Given the close proximity of clothing and other textiles in everyday situations, the presence of allergens on textiles can exacerbate allergic reactions. While some allergens may be removed by washing in cold water, others, such as dust mites, require washing at high temperatures, which may not be compatible with all textile products.

[0005] Miticidal, miticidal and anti-allergen actives can be used to remove mites and allergens present on textiles, but delivering these actives in an efficient and easy-to-use manner is difficult given the physical properties of the actives. Although washing textiles may remove some allergens, the direct addition of actives to kill dust mites and / or denature or inactivate allergens is unlikely to be successful given the incompatibility of such actives with the aqueous nature characteristic of home washing conditions.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for compositions suitable for use in killing house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating allergens in household textiles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to stable, non-toxic, non-flammable aqueous laundry formulations that are used as additives under domestic laundry conditions to kill and subsequently remove any mites and / or allergens present on fabrics and textiles that are washed and / or rinsed in the presence of the emulsion. The formulations described herein contain acaricides to kill house dust mites, which are known to cause allergic reactions in affected individuals.

[0008] The formulations described herein contain benzyl benzoate, a known acaricide, as an active ingredient. Because benzyl benzoate has very low water solubility, the formulations are provided in the form of homogeneous oil-in-water emulsions that are compatible with aqueous environments. The benzyl benzoate-containing emulsions described herein contain one or more emulsifiers that allow for the formation and stabilization of the emulsion. The emulsions are stable and provided to end users as concentrates, making them "ready to use" for consumers in a home setting.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an anti-house dust mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, said emulsion comprising: i) an oil phase comprising benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers; ii) an aqueous phase containing preservatives, emulsion stabilizers and pH adjusters; The present invention provides an anti-house dust mite laundry formulation comprising:

[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the emulsion comprises benzyl benzoate present in an amount of about 10% to about 25% by weight.

[0011] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of sorbitan esters, ethoxylated castor oil, and ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In one embodiment, the emulsion comprises sorbitan oleate. In another embodiment, the emulsion comprises ethoxylated castor oil. In another embodiment, the emulsion comprises ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In an embodiment of the first aspect, the emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight.

[0012] In addition to the dust mites themselves, their body, secretions and feces contain proteins that cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Since these allergenic parts of dust mites are found where dust mites are present, i.e. on household textiles, the formulations described herein may also contain one or more allergen denaturing agents that allow the denaturation and / or inactivation of these protein allergens. Optionally, the formulations may further comprise agents for denaturing or inactivating one or more additional allergens.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, said emulsion comprising i) an oil phase comprising benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers; and ii) an aqueous phase containing one or more allergen denaturants, emulsion stabilizers, pH adjusters and preservatives; The present invention provides an anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen laundry formulation comprising:

[0014] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the emulsion comprises one or more allergen denaturants present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0015] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the allergen denaturing agent comprises urea.

[0016] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the emulsion urea is in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises benzyl benzoate present in an amount of about 10% to about 20% by weight.

[0018] In another embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of sorbitan esters, ethoxylated castor oil, and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0019] In another embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight.

[0020] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises an emulsion stabilizer present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight.

[0021] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises a pH adjuster that increases the pH of the emulsion.

[0022] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion includes a pH adjuster that increases the pH of the emulsion, the pH adjuster being present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0023] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises a pH adjuster that lowers the pH of the emulsion.

[0024] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion includes a pH adjuster that lowers the pH of the emulsion, the pH adjuster being present in an amount between about 0.1% and about 0.5% by weight.

[0025] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the emulsion comprises a preservative present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0026] The formulations disclosed herein with anti-house dust mite properties include benzyl benzoate, a known acaricide and miticide. Benzyl benzoate is a small organic compound with extremely low water solubility, which makes it difficult to both formulate and use in aqueous environments. The amount of benzyl benzoate in the formulation must be sufficient to provide acaricide and / or miticide effects, but also depends on the dosage, i.e., the amount of emulsion used by consumers under standard conditions.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the formulations described herein in the form of oil-in-water emulsions provide a sufficient amount of benzyl benzoate to inactivate one or more mites. In some embodiments, the mite is a house dust mite. In other embodiments, the mite is a scabie mite.

[0028] In some embodiments, the formulation includes one or more allergen denaturants that provide anti-allergen properties and result in an anti-allergen formulation. In one embodiment, the emulsion includes urea as an allergen denaturant. In another embodiment, the emulsion includes triethanolamine as an allergen denaturant. In a further embodiment, the emulsion includes both urea and triethanolamine as allergen denaturants. In one embodiment, the emulsion includes a total of about 1% to about 10% by weight of one or more allergen denaturants. In some embodiments, the emulsion includes two allergen denaturants, which are present in the same or different amounts. In one embodiment, the emulsion includes two allergen denaturants, which are present in the same amount. When benzyl benzoate is present in the formulation and one or more allergen denaturants are also present, the formulation is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion and has both anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen properties.

[0029] The formulations described herein in the form of oil-in-water emulsions of the present invention include one or more emulsifiers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, applicants believe that the use of emulsifiers can modify the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the emulsion so that benzyl benzoate (and other ingredients) are soluble and remain part of the emulsion. Achieving the desired HLB to maintain an emulsion containing benzyl benzoate requires judicious selection of both the type of emulsifier and the specific emulsifier, since not all emulsifiers are chemically compatible with the other ingredients or are chemically compatible under certain conditions. When an emulsion includes multiple emulsifiers, the HLB of the emulsion is affected by each emulsifier. In this situation, the HLB of the emulsion is affected not only by the type and exact nature of the emulsifier, but also by the ratio in which the emulsifiers are provided. Additionally, other considerations related to the selection of one or more emulsifiers include overall cost, physical properties, the amount used and specific to emulsions having multiple emulsifiers, the ratio of emulsifiers present, etc. When multiple emulsifiers are present, their effects may combine to contribute to the stability of the emulsion and the shelf life of the product.

[0030] In one embodiment of the first and second aspects, the oil-in-water emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers, and at least one emulsifier is a sorbitol-based surfactant. In a further embodiment, the at least one emulsifier is an esterified sorbitol-based surfactant. In a further embodiment, the at least one emulsifier is a polyethoxylated sorbitol-based surfactant. In another embodiment, the at least one emulsifier is an esterified polyethoxylated sorbitol-based surfactant.

[0031] In further embodiments, one or more emulsifiers are present in an amount sufficient to provide a stable oil-in-water emulsion, the properties of the emulsion depending on the properties of its components. In one embodiment, one or more emulsifiers are present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, one or more emulsifiers are present in an amount of about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or about 10% by weight.

[0032] In some embodiments, the emulsions disclosed herein include more than one emulsifier. In some embodiments, the emulsion includes two emulsifiers in a ratio of about 1:1 to about 10:1, such as about 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, or about 10:1. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is provided as part of the oil phase of the oil-in-water emulsion.

[0033] The formulations disclosed herein may contain one or more allergen denaturants, optionally chemical allergen denaturants, suitable for removing any allergens present (e.g., parts of house dust mites that contain protein allergens). Thus, there is provided herein a formulation in the form of an emulsion, in particular an oil-in-water emulsion, that contains an allergen denaturant, which is suitable for use in textiles and is non-toxic and harmless to consumers.

[0034] In one embodiment, the formulation contains one allergen denaturing agent. In another embodiment, the formulation contains multiple allergen denaturing agents. The formulations disclosed herein contain one or more allergen denaturing agents in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight.

[0035] The formulations described herein that are emulsions are oil-in-water emulsions, which means that they contain water phase as a major component and oil phase as a minor component.The emulsions disclosed herein may contain one or more solvents.Since the emulsions are used as laundry additives, they must be compatible with and effective in aqueous environments.In addition, the active agents delivered in the emulsions must show the necessary manufacturing and storage stability under standard conditions.

[0036] The use of one or more other non-emulsifier ingredients, such as suspending agents, thickening agents, emulsion stabilizers, etc., may also contribute (where appropriate) to maintaining the formulation as an emulsion. In one embodiment, the formulation includes an emulsion stabilizer. In one embodiment, the emulsion stabilizer is xanthan gum. In one embodiment, the formulation includes an emulsion stabilizer in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion and includes an emulsion stabilizer in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In other embodiments, the emulsion stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9% or about 1% by weight. It will be understood that the exact nature of the emulsion stabilizer used will depend on the other ingredients in the emulsion, the nature of the emulsifiers present, and the properties of the emulsion without the stabilizer. In addition to stabilizing an emulsion, emulsion stabilizers can also provide other characteristics, such as thickening the emulsion.

[0037] In other embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more additional additives. In one embodiment, the emulsion further comprises a pH adjuster. In one embodiment, the pH adjuster acts to increase the pH of the emulsion. In another embodiment, the pH adjuster acts to decrease the pH of the emulsion. Although a sufficiently high or low pH environment can also denature proteins, emulsions and formulations with pH values ​​that can denature allergen proteins may not be compatible with textiles, washing machines, and general consumer use. As described herein, it has been found that the addition of a pH adjuster provides a non-neutral emulsion, which can contribute to the denaturation and inactivation of allergen proteins.

[0038] In some embodiments, the emulsion further comprises a pH adjuster that increases the pH of the emulsion. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster is triethanolamine. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster in the emulsion is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. When the emulsion comprises a pH adjuster that increases the pH of the emulsion, the pH of the resulting emulsion is typically greater than about 7. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is greater than about 8. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is greater than about 9. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is greater than about 10.

[0039] In other embodiments, the emulsion includes a pH adjuster that lowers the pH of the emulsion. When the emulsion includes a pH adjuster that lowers the pH of the emulsion, the pH of the resulting emulsion is typically less than about 7. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is less than about 6. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is less than about 5. In some embodiments, the pH of the resulting emulsion is less than about 4.5. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster is lactic acid.

[0040] In another embodiment, the emulsion further comprises one or more preservatives. The presence of a preservative in the emulsion serves to improve the shelf life and storage stability of the emulsion, meaning that the formulation provided to the consumer remains in the form of an emulsion for a longer period of time and that undesirable bacterial or fungal growth does not occur in the emulsion. The presence of a preservative in the emulsion serves to improve the shelf life and storage stability of the emulsion, meaning that the formulation provided to the consumer remains in the form of an emulsion for a longer period of time and that undesirable bacterial or fungal activity does not occur in the emulsion. In one embodiment, the emulsion comprises one preservative. In another embodiment, the emulsion comprises multiple preservatives. In one embodiment, the preservative is phenoxyethanol. In another embodiment, the preservative is benzoisothiazolinone. In another embodiment, the emulsion comprises both phenoxyethanol and benzoisothiazolinone as preservatives. In one embodiment, the formulation disclosed herein comprises one or more preservatives in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein include phenoxyethanol in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight.In another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein include phenoxyethanol and benzoisothiazolinone in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight.

[0041] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of killing one or more house dust mites on a textile comprising contacting said textile with a formulation as defined in the first aspect.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of killing one or more house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating one or more allergens in a textile, the method comprising contacting the textile with a formulation as defined in the first or second aspect.

[0043] In one embodiment, the method of the third and fourth aspects comprises adding the formulation to a wash cycle comprising textiles having one or more dust mites and / or allergens. In one embodiment, the formulation is added to a wash cycle conducted in cold water. In another embodiment, the formulation is added to a wash cycle comprising a laundry detergent. In another embodiment, the method comprises rinsing the textiles with the formulation. In another embodiment, the method comprises diluting the formulation and rinsing the textiles with the formulation.

[0044] In another embodiment, the method comprises the step of contacting a textile with a formulation as defined in the first or second aspect, wherein said emulsion is diluted.

[0045] In other embodiments, the method further comprises rinsing the textile to remove the denatured or inactivated one or more mites and / or allergens.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of immersing a textile in an anti-allergen and / or anti-mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion as defined in the first or second aspect for a time sufficient to kill one or more house dust mites and / or denature or inactivate one or more allergens present on the textile.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a formulation as defined in the first or second aspect for killing one or more house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating one or more allergens present in a textile.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an anti-house dust mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising the steps of: i) preparing an oil phase by suspending or solubilizing benzyl benzoate in one or more emulsifying agents; ii) preparing an aqueous phase by dissolving one or more preservatives, emulsion stabilizers and pH adjusters in water; and iii) combining the oil phase and the aqueous phase with mixing. The present invention provides a method having the following structure:

[0049] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an anti-house dust mite and / or anti-allergen laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising the steps of: i) preparing an oil phase by suspending or solubilizing benzyl benzoate in one or more emulsifying agents; ii) preparing an aqueous phase by dissolving one or more allergen denaturants, one or more preservatives, an emulsion stabilizer, and a pH adjuster in water; and iii) combining the oil phase and the aqueous phase with mixing. The present invention provides a method having the following structure:

[0050] In some embodiments of the sixth and seventh aspects, the blending is performed under high shear.

[0051] In another embodiment of the sixth and seventh aspects, the combining is carried out at room temperature.

[0052] In another embodiment of the sixth and seventh aspects, an oil phase is added to the aqueous phase.

[0053] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides an anti-house dust mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion produced by the process defined in the sixth aspect.

[0054] According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides an anti-house dust mite and / or anti-allergen laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion produced by the process defined in the seventh aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to exclude other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0056] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" means within an acceptable error range of a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. With respect to the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

[0058] As used herein, the term "emulsion" refers to a mixture of two or more phases, where each phase is liquid and one phase is dispersed in another phase to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The emulsions described herein can be composed of an oil phase and an aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the oil phase is dispersed in the aqueous phase or vice versa. However, in preferred embodiments, the emulsions described herein include an oil phase dispersed in the aqueous phase. The emulsions can be prepared by any means, but low energy means are preferred as such methods are more efficient. Such means can include mixing after heating the phases, mixing under high shear, etc. Other means of achieving emulsification are also contemplated.

[0059] As used herein, the term "oil-in-water emulsion" refers to an emulsion in which the oil phase of the emulsion is dispersed in the aqueous phase of the emulsion. The term "oil phase" refers to a non-aqueous phase, which typically contains components that are only slightly soluble or insoluble in water. The oil phase may contain one or more non-aqueous solvents or carriers, typically solvents or carriers that can solubilize components that exhibit little water solubility. The term "aqueous phase" refers to an aqueous phase that may contain components dissolved therein, for example components that generally exhibit water solubility greater than non-aqueous solubility.

[0060] As used herein, the term "laundry" refers to the cleaning of one or more textiles. Preferably, the textiles are household textiles, such as clothing, linens, bedding, towels, and the like.

[0061] As used herein, the term "mite" refers to one or more small or microscopic parasitic arachnids of the subclass Astigmatism. Typically, the mite is a house mite or dust mite. The terms "house mite" and "dust mite" are used interchangeably herein. House mites include, for example, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (European house mite), D. farinae (American house mite), D. evansi, D. microceras, D. halterophilus, D. siboney, D. neotropicalis, D. alexfaini, D. anisopoda, D. chirovi, D. deanei, D. rwandae, D. scheremeteroskyi, D. sheremetewskii, D. The species can be any of the following: D. scheremetewskyi, D. simplex, Euroglyphus maynei (Main house mite), E. longior, Hirstia domicola, Malayoglyphus carmelitus, M. intermedius, Pyroglyphus africanus, Sturnophagoides brasiliensis, or Biomia tropicalis.

[0062] As used herein, the term "allergen" refers to a substance that induces an allergic reaction in a subject when it is in the vicinity of the subject. An allergic reaction is an immune response in a subject, which is mediated by events such as the release of histamine from immune cells and inflammatory reactions. Examples of allergens include dust mites, other mites, animal products from animals and other insects (such as animal fur, saliva, dander, dust mite feces, eggs, larvae, etc.), pollen from flowers and / or other plants, weeds, grasses, trees or parts thereof, and mold. In the home environment, common allergens include dust mites, cat and dog hair, pollen, grasses, etc. Other examples of allergens include fungal allergens, where fungal spores induce an allergic reaction. Sources of allergens from fungi include mushrooms. A subject who is allergic to a particular allergen may develop an allergic reaction when exposed to or in the vicinity of that particular allergen. Examples of allergic reactions include sneezing, wheezing, swelling and / or inflammation of the airways, watery eyes, asthma, eczema or atopic dermatitis, urticaria or hives, etc. In one embodiment, the allergen comprises dust mites or dust mite excreta. In another embodiment, the allergen is derived from fur, hair or dander from a household pet, e.g., a mammalian household pet such as a cat or dog. In other embodiments, the allergen may comprise, for example, pollen or mold.

[0063] As used herein, the term "anti-allergen" refers to a substance that reduces or ameliorates an allergic response in a subject who is sensitive to an allergen and / or has experienced an allergic reaction in response to an allergen. Anti-allergen substances can act by denaturing a protein allergen, rendering it unable to cause an allergic response in the subject.

[0064] As used herein, the term "anti-dust mite" refers to a substance that reduces or eradicates one or more dust mites. Thus, anti-dust mite agents can reduce or ameliorate allergic reactions in subjects who are sensitive to and / or have developed allergic reactions to dust mites, particularly dust mites.

[0065] As used herein, the term "acaricide" refers to a substance that, when administered to one or more mites, is capable of reducing or eradicating the mites.

[0066] The formulations having anti-house dust mite properties described herein contain benzyl benzoate in an amount sufficient to provide acaricidal and / or miticidal effects when the emulsion is added to a wash cycle. In some embodiments, the benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 10% to about 25% by weight. In other embodiments, the benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 15% to about 25% by weight. In one embodiment, the benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25% by weight. In another embodiment, the benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 15% by weight. In another embodiment, benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 17% by weight. In another embodiment, benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of about 20% by weight. In some embodiments, benzyl benzoate is present in the formulation provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0067] As used herein, the term "emulsifier" refers to a substance that stabilizes an emulsion by reducing the surface tension between one or more liquids in the mixture. Emulsifiers may be ionic or nonionic, although nonionic emulsifiers may be preferred in some cases. Ionic emulsifiers may be anionic or cationic emulsifiers. Emulsifiers may be added to mixtures of liquids that are immiscible and would form separate phases in the absence of the emulsifier. Addition of the emulsifier to such a mixture results in the formation of an emulsion. Other terms in the art may be used interchangeably with the term "emulsifier". Examples of other terms include surfactants, surface active agents, wetting agents, detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, dispersing agents, and the like, each of which (and others not listed here) are used to refer to agents that stabilize emulsions. Types of emulsifiers include those based on amines, sorbitan, sorbitol, glycols, glycerol, sucrose, glucosides, fatty alcohols, and the like. Other emulsifiers can be based on fatty acids and modifications thereof, such as castor oil. The emulsifiers may be esterified one or more times with suitable fatty acids, such as long chain fatty acids, the number of ester groups depending on the nature of the fatty acid and the number of positions that can be esterified. Some long chain fatty acids include fatty acids having 8-30 carbon atoms and can be saturated or unsaturated. In some embodiments, the long chain fatty acids have 10-30 carbon atoms, 12-30 carbon atoms, 12-25 carbon atoms, 15-25 carbon atoms, 16-22 carbon atoms, 18-22 carbon atoms, or 18-20 carbon atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of fatty acids that may provide ester groups as part of the emulsifiers of the present invention include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and oleic acid. The fatty acids can form esters with glycerol, sorbitan, sorbitol, etc. Examples of such emulsifiers include "Span" emulsifiers (sorbitan-based), etc. The emulsifiers may, for example, be ethoxylated one or more times.Emulsifiers can also be derivatized, for example, by introducing one or more ethylene glycol groups to provide polyethylene glycol (i.e., ethoxylate) derivatives. Examples of such emulsifiers include "Tween" emulsifiers (sorbitan based), ethoxylated fatty alcohols, and ethoxylated castor oil. In some embodiments, the emulsifier has 1-10 moles of ethoxylation. In other embodiments, the emulsifier has 2-9 moles of ethoxylation. In other embodiments, the emulsifier has 3-8 moles of ethoxylation.

[0068] The choice of emulsifier and the amount of it present in the oil-in-water emulsion can contribute to the overall stability of the emulsion and to the solubility and suspension of the benzyl benzoate and other components of the emulsion. The one or more emulsifiers can be selected based on their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values, for example, the use of emulsifiers with different HLB values ​​in a specific ratio can be used to approximate the HLB of a component with limited solubility. In some embodiments of the present invention, an emulsifier is selected to provide an HLB close to that of the benzyl benzoate to improve emulsification of the benzyl benzoate. In some embodiments, the emulsion of the present invention comprises a single emulsifier. In other embodiments, the emulsion comprises multiple different emulsifiers. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is a sorbitol-based emulsifier. In another embodiment, the emulsifier is an esterified sorbitol-based emulsifier. The emulsifier may be esterified with one or more groups, such as with a fatty acid. In another embodiment, the emulsifier is an ethoxylated sorbitol-based emulsifier. The emulsifier may contain one or more ethoxyl groups, i.e. the emulsifier may be polyethoxylated.

[0069] In one embodiment, one or more emulsifiers of the formulation comprise one or more long chain fatty acids. In one embodiment, one or more emulsifiers of the formulation comprise one or more ethylene glycol groups, which may also be referred to as ethylene oxide groups or oxyethylene groups. In another embodiment, one or more emulsifiers of the formulation comprise one or more ethylene glycol groups in an amount of about 1 to about 200 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0070] In one embodiment, one or more emulsifiers of the formulation are sorbitan-based. In one embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier is esterified. In a further embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier is esterified with one or more fatty acids. In one embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier is esterified with one or more C8-C 30 In another embodiment, the long chain fatty acid is C 10 ~C 30 In another embodiment, the long chain fatty acid is a C 10 ~C 20fatty acid. In some embodiments, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises one, two, or three long chain fatty acid ester groups. In one embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises one long chain fatty acid ester group. In another embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises two long chain fatty acid ester groups. In another embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises three long chain fatty acid ester groups. In some embodiments, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprising a long chain fatty acid ester group also comprises one or more ethylene glycol groups. In some embodiments, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises ethylene glycol groups in an amount of about 3 to about 40 moles of ethylene glycol per each sorbitan group. In another embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises about 5 to about 30 moles of ethylene glycol per each sorbitan group. In a further embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises about 15 to about 25 moles of ethylene glycol per each sorbitan group. In one embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises one, two or three long chain fatty acid ester groups and from about 15 to about 15 moles of ethylene glycol for each sorbitan group in the emulsifier. In one embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier comprises three long chain fatty acid ester groups, the ester groups being derived from oleic acid. In a particular embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier is sorbitan trioleate. In a further embodiment, the sorbitan-based emulsifier is sorbitan trioleate further comprising from about 15 to about 25 moles of ethylene glycol.

[0071] In one embodiment, one or more emulsifiers of the formulation are based on castor oil containing primarily triglycerides, specifically ricinoleic acid and its fatty acid esters. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is hydrogenated castor oil. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is a castor oil blend. In yet another embodiment, the emulsifier is a castor oil containing one or more ethylene glycol groups. In another embodiment, the emulsifier is a castor oil that is both hydrogenated and contains multiple polyethylene glycol groups. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is a castor oil containing about 1 to 200 moles of ethylene glycol for each castor oil base. In one embodiment, the emulsifier is a castor oil blend containing multiple polyethylene glycol groups. In one embodiment, the emulsifier contains about 10 moles to about 100 moles, about 10 moles to about 50 moles, about 20 moles to about 50 moles, about 30 moles to about 50 moles, or about 40 moles of polyethylene glycol. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil.

[0072] In one embodiment, the one or more emulsifiers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, the fatty alcohols contain 6-30 carbon atoms, 8-24 carbon atoms, 8-20 carbon atoms, or 8-16 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, the fatty alcohols contain 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the emulsifiers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols containing about 3 to about 25 moles of ethoxylation. In some embodiments, the emulsifiers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols containing about 3 to about 20 moles of ethoxylation, about 3 to about 15 moles of ethoxylation, about 3 to about 10 moles of ethoxylation, or about 3 to about 8 moles of ethoxylation. In one embodiment, the emulsifiers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols containing 8-16 carbon atoms and about 3 to about 10 moles of ethoxylation. In another embodiment, the emulsifiers are ethoxylated fatty alcohols containing about 12 carbon atoms and about 3 to about 8 moles of ethoxylation.

[0073] In one embodiment, the emulsions described herein include one or more emulsifiers in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the emulsions include one or more emulsifiers in an amount of about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% by weight.

[0074] In some embodiments, the emulsions described herein include multiple emulsifiers. In some embodiments, the emulsions described herein include multiple emulsifiers, each of which is present in the emulsion in the same or different amounts. In some embodiments, the emulsions described herein include multiple emulsifiers in different amounts, each of which is present in the emulsion in a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:10, such as about 1:1, about 1:1, about 1:2, about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, or about 1:10. The amount and ratio of emulsifiers present may depend on several factors, such as the exact nature of each emulsifier, the amount of benzyl benzoate in the emulsion, and other ingredients in the emulsion.

[0075] As used herein, the term "textile" refers to a fabric material made by weaving, knitting, bonding, interlacing, or knitting a series of threads or yarns. The threads or yarns of a textile can be the same or different and can be derived from animal sources (e.g., animal hair, fur, or skin), plant sources (e.g., grass, straw, bamboo, cotton, rayon, modal, and hemp), or synthetic sources (e.g., polyester, acrylic, nylon, spandex, lurex, aramid, or carbon fiber). The textile can then be used to make items such as clothing, towels, linens, home furnishings, covers, and the like.

[0076] As used herein, the terms "denaturation" and "inactivation" with respect to allergens refer to a process in which the activity of the allergen is improved, thereby reducing the effect of the allergen and the associated allergic reaction. Allergens can be denatured chemically, i.e., by exposure to a chemical compound. Alternatively, allergens can be denatured or inactivated by exposing them to conditions such as heat, high pH, ​​or low pH.

[0077] The formulations described herein may include one or more allergen denaturing agents. As most allergens are proteinaceous in nature, denaturing protein allergens generally reduces the allergic reaction caused by the allergen. Although sufficient heat (i.e., high temperature) is known to denature proteins, the use of heat alone may not be sufficient to denature all allergens and reduce their effects. Also, high temperatures may not be suitable for some textiles. Without wishing to be bound by theory, applicants believe that the use of chemical allergen denaturing agents (instead of altering either the temperature or pH to which the textile is exposed) provides a more efficient denaturation of allergens.

[0078] In some embodiments, the formulation comprising one or more allergen denaturants is provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises one or more allergen denaturants in a total amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises one or more allergen denaturants in a total amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.5%, about 0.8%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% by weight.

[0079] In some embodiments, the formulations described herein include multiple allergen denaturing agents, each present in the formulation in the same or different amounts. In some embodiments, the formulations described herein include multiple allergen denaturing agents in different amounts, the allergen denaturing agents are present in the formulation in a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:10, e.g., about 1:1, about 1:2, about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, or about 1:10.

[0080] In some embodiments, the formulations disclosed herein include a component capable of denaturing a protein allergen. In some embodiments, the formulation includes urea as an allergen denaturant. In some embodiments, the formulation includes urea as an allergen denaturant in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 0.1% by weight. In other embodiments, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 0.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 1% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 2% by weight. In a further embodiment, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 4% by weight. In yet another embodiment, the formulation includes urea in an amount of about 5% by weight.

[0081] As discussed above, high or low pH environments may also denature allergen proteins, but such environments may damage textiles. Formulations as defined herein may contain ingredients that essentially modify the pH of the emulsion in which they are dissolved or suspended. The use of certain ingredients in the formulation may serve multiple purposes. For example, some formulations as defined herein include triethanolamine as an allergen denaturant. Because triethanolamine contains a basic nitrogen group, this compound can act as a base and increase the pH of the emulsion. Because triethanolamine is a weak base, the pH of the formulation increases, but extreme pH conditions that would be detrimental to textiles are avoided. Without wishing to be bound by theory, applicant believes that the use of ingredients such as triethanolamine may function as an allergen denaturant by chemically denaturing proteins and resulting in a slight increase in pH, which is also known to denature allergens.

[0082] In one embodiment, the formulations described herein include triethanolamine as a pH adjusting agent. In another embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 0.1% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 0.5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 1% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 2% by weight. In a further embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 4% by weight. In yet another embodiment, the formulation includes triethanolamine in an amount of about 5% by weight.

[0083] In some embodiments, the formulations described herein include a pH adjuster that reduces the pH of the formulation. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster that reduces the pH of the formulation is an acid. For example, a formulation including an acid may result in an emulsion having a pH of less than about 7. In some embodiments, the acid is a weak acid. In other embodiments, the acid is a strong acid. In some embodiments, the acid is an organic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is an inorganic acid. Without wishing to be bound by theory, applicants believe that the use of a suitable acid to provide a formulation having a pH of less than about 7 results in a stable emulsion including benzyl benzoate, specifically an emulsion including benzyl benzoate at a concentration suitable for use herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the acid is lactic acid. In some embodiments, with the inclusion of a pH adjuster, the resulting formulation has a pH of about 4.0 to about 7.0, about 4.0 to about 6.0, about 4.0 to about 5.5, or about 4.0 to about 5.0. In some embodiments, the formulation has a pH of less than about 6.5, less than about 6, less than about 5.5, less than about 5, or less than about 4.5. In some embodiments, the formulation has a pH of about 5.5, about 5, about 4.5, or about 4.

[0084] In some embodiments, the formulations disclosed herein comprise an acid in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.1% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.2% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.3% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.4% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 1% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 2% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 3% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 4% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an acid in an amount of about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the formulations disclosed herein comprise a weak acid. In some embodiments, the weak acid is lactic acid. In certain embodiments, the formulation comprises lactic acid in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises lactic acid in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, or about 0.1% to about 0.2% by weight. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises lactic acid in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, or about 0.5% by weight.

[0085] The formulations described herein may also contain one or more preservatives. The use of preservatives in the formulations described herein may be done to provide additional storage stability of the formulation so that the formulation remains stable for a sufficient period of time. When the formulation is provided as an emulsion, the use of one or more preservatives may also directly or indirectly contribute to the stability of the emulsion. For example, the formulation may include one or more preservatives to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in the formulation that would result in the formulation being unsuitable for the intended use. Thus, the use of preservatives may be done to prevent degradation of ingredients in the formulation and / or undesirable bacterial and fungal growth. In some embodiments, the formulations described herein include one or more preservatives. In one embodiment, the formulations described herein include one preservative. In other embodiments, the formulations described herein include multiple preservatives. In some embodiments, the formulations include one or more preservatives present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In one embodiment, the formulations include one or more preservatives present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more preservatives in an amount of about 2% to about 5% by weight. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more preservatives in an amount of about 2% to about 4% by weight. In certain embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more preservatives selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzoisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and iodopropynyl butyl carbamate.

[0086] In one embodiment, the formulations described herein include phenoxyethanol as a preservative. In some embodiments, the phenoxyethanol is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the phenoxyethanol is present in an amount of about 0.5%, about 0.75%, about 1%, about 1.25%, or about 1.5% by weight.

[0087] In another embodiment, the formulations described herein include benzisothiazole as a preservative. In some embodiments, the benzisothiazole is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the benzisothiazole is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.25%, about 0.5%, about 0.75%, or about 1% by weight.

[0088] In some embodiments, the formulations described herein include both phenoxyethanol and one or more additional preservatives. In some embodiments, the formulations include phenoxyethanol and one or more additional preservatives present in a ratio of about 1:1 to about 10:1. In some embodiments, the phenoxyethanol and additional preservatives are present in the formulation in a ratio of about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, or about 10:1. In some embodiments, the combined amount of phenoxyethanol and additional preservatives in the formulation is about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight. In certain embodiments, the combined amount of phenoxyethanol and additional preservative in the formulation is about 1%, about 1.25%, about 1.5%, about 1.75%, about 2.0%, about 2.25%, about 2.5%, about 2.75%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, or about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one additional preservative. In some embodiments, the additional preservative is benzoisothiazolinone. In other embodiments, the additional preservative is methylisothiazolinone. In another embodiment, the additional preservative is iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises more than one additional preservative. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises two additional preservatives. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises three, four, or five additional preservatives. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate as preservatives. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate as preservatives. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol as preservatives. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate as preservatives. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, and benzyl alcohol as preservatives. In other embodiments, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, and benzyl alcohol as preservatives.In another embodiment, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate and benzyl alcohol as preservatives, hi yet another embodiment, the formulation comprises phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and benzyl alcohol as preservatives.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the formulations described herein include sodium benzoate as a preservative. In some embodiments, the sodium benzoate is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the sodium benzoate is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1% by weight.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the formulations described herein include potassium sorbate as a preservative. In some embodiments, the potassium sorbate is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the potassium sorbate is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1% by weight.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the formulations described herein include benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In some embodiments, the benzyl alcohol is present in an amount of about 0.1% to 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the sodium benzoate is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1% by weight.

[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, a formulation of the invention includes benzyl benzoate, sorbitan trioleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, urea, triethanolamine, benzisothiazole, and water. In another exemplary embodiment, a formulation of the invention includes benzyl benzoate, sorbitan trioleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, triethanolamine, and water.

[0093] In another exemplary embodiment, a formulation of the invention comprises benzyl benzoate, sorbitan trioleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, urea, triethanolamine, and water. In another exemplary embodiment, a formulation of the invention comprises benzyl benzoate, sorbitan trioleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, and water.

[0094] In another exemplary embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises benzyl benzoate, sorbitan monooleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, lactic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and water. In another exemplary embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises benzyl benzoate, sorbitan monooleate, ethoxylated castor oil blend, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, lactic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, and water. In some exemplary embodiments, the sorbitan monooleate is ethoxylated. In some exemplary embodiments, the sorbitan monooleate is polyethoxylated.

[0095] The formulations described herein are intended for use as laundry formulations under standard conditions and are themselves aqueous-based. The formulation disclosures herein describe the non-water components of the formulation and their relative amounts, with the remainder of the formulation being considered to be water.

[0096] The formulations described herein may also be adjusted for other ingredients, such as additional solvents, other active substances, etc. The additional solvents may be selected depending on the physical properties they may impart to the overall formulation, such as maintaining an emulsion, improving the solubility of one or more ingredients, or modifying the physical properties (e.g., specific gravity, viscosity, etc.) of the overall formulation. The formulations may also include other ingredients that are used to change the visual appearance of the final product, but do not affect the use or activity of the formulation.

[0097] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount sufficient to produce a beneficial result. The effective amount of a given component can depend on the nature of that component and the result to be achieved.

[0098] According to a particular aspect, the present invention provides a method of killing house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating allergens in a textile by contacting the textile with a formulation as defined herein. The method may comprise adding the formulation of the present invention to a textile as part of a domestic washing cycle, the washing cycle being carried out in cold or hot water. In some embodiments, the washing cycle is carried out in cold water. The method comprises contacting the textile with a formulation as defined herein, the formulation being diluted in water. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of soaking and / or rinsing the textile with the formulation as described herein. The method of killing house dust mites and / or deactivating or denaturing allergens in a textile may comprise the further step of removing the mites and / or allergens by rinsing the textile after contacting with a formulation as defined herein.

[0099] The formulations described herein are intended for use at home by consumers, i.e., the emulsion is simply added to the wash cycle of a standard domestic washing machine. The formulations can be provided as concentrates, and the water in the wash cycle is sufficient to dilute the concentrate so that the intended dose of benzyl benzoate and / or allergen denaturant is achieved. The intended dose of benzyl benzoate provided by the formulations disclosed herein ranges from about 50g per 25 liters of water to about 100g per 25 liters of water. In one embodiment, the dose of benzyl benzoate provided by the formulations disclosed herein is about 75g per 25 liters of water.

[0100] In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulations described herein maintain anti-dust mite and / or anti-allergen activity in the presence or absence of laundry detergent. Thus, embodiments of the invention contemplate adding the formulations described herein to a wash cycle using laundry detergent. Alternatively, the formulations can be added to a wash cycle after the laundry detergent has been added to the textile and has already contacted the textile. Alternatively, the formulations can be used in a wash cycle to kill dust mites and / or denature or inactivate allergens without the use of laundry detergent in the same wash cycle. The formulations described herein can be used in a wash cycle with a water temperature of, for example, about 15°C to about 50°C, meaning that the wash cycle can be a cold water cycle or a hot water cycle. By way of example only, the wash cycle can utilize a water temperature of about 15°C, about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, or about 50°C.

[0101] The formulations described herein can be used as laundry additives as an adjunct to other anti-dust mite and anti-allergen prevention, removal and control strategies such as, for example, regular washing of bedding, use of other anti-mite and anti-allergen bed coverings (e.g., mattress covers, quilt covers, pillowcases), maintaining a low humidity environment, use of antihistamines, regular vacuuming, and use of air filters.

[0102] The formulations disclosed herein can be prepared by standard means known in the art.For example, when the formulation is provided in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, the emulsion can be achieved by blending an oil phase and an aqueous phase, with each phase containing a specific component of the overall emulsion.In some embodiments, the emulsion is formed by blending an oil phase and an aqueous phase under high shear.In some embodiments, the emulsion is formed by blending an oil phase and an aqueous phase at room temperature.In some embodiments, the oil phase is added to the aqueous phase while blending, and the blending can be performed under high shear.

[0103] In some embodiments, the oil phase comprises benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers. The oil phase can be produced by combining benzyl benzoate with one or more emulsifiers. In some embodiments, benzyl benzoate can be gradually added to one or more emulsifiers while blending. In some embodiments, the oil phase can be produced by gradually adding benzyl benzoate to one or more emulsifiers while blending under high shear. In other embodiments, the oil phase can be produced by combining multiple emulsifiers to produce a homogenous oil phase, followed by adding benzyl benzoate and further blending.

[0104] In some embodiments, the aqueous phase comprises one or more preservatives, emulsion stabilizers, and pH adjusters. In certain embodiments, the aqueous phase comprises multiple preservatives. The aqueous phase can be produced by combining one or more preservatives, emulsion stabilizers, and pH adjusters with water and mixing until a homogeneous solution is obtained. The components of the aqueous phase can be added sequentially or together with mixing during and / or after the addition of the components.

[0105] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or publicly known matter is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or understanding, or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or publicly known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification pertains.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention includes all such variations and modifications within its spirit and scope. The present invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, and any combination of any two or more of said steps or features. EXAMPLES

[0107] The following examples are illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting in any way the general nature of the disclosure of the descriptions throughout this specification.

[0108] Example 1 - Formulation Example Exemplary anti-house dust mite laundry formulations (1807C, 2110C and 2110D) and exemplary anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen laundry formulations (1807B, 1807D and 1807F) are provided in Tables 1 and 2. All ingredients are listed as weight percent.

[0109] Table 1. Examples of laundry preparations

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111] Table 2. Examples of laundry preparations [Table 2]

[0112] Formulation examples 2110C, 2110D and 2110F have a pH of 4.5 to 5.0.

[0113] Stability studies demonstrated that formulation 2110F retained the appearance of a white, homogenous, fluid emulsion with constant pH and constant viscosity over a period of 12 weeks when stored at either 4°C, 25°C, or 40°C.

[0114] Preparation of emulsions The formulation of the present invention can be an oil-in-water emulsion that can be made by combining one or more oil phases with one or more aqueous phases. The formulation containing benzyl benzoate is an oil-in-water emulsion, in which benzyl benzoate is incorporated as part of the oil phase, taking into account its low water solubility. The oil and aqueous phases of the oil-in-water emulsion are mixed under conditions and for a time such that a homogeneous emulsion is produced and the phase boundary between the oil and aqueous phases is indistinguishable.

[0115] The condition of the components of the formulation disclosed herein may vary depending on the nature of the components and the overall emulsion. For example, the components may be combined at room temperature. Depending on the nature and physical properties of the components in the formulation, the order and method of combining them may vary. Thus, the preparation disclosed herein ensures that the components remain in a dissolved or solution or suspension state to provide the formulation disclosed herein.

[0116] The procedure for preparing the example emulsion is as follows: i) dispersing xanthan gum in phenoxyethanol; ii) preparing an aqueous phase containing triethanolamine, urea and one or more preservatives by dissolving each component in water; iii) adding the xanthan gum / phenoxyethanol mixture to the aqueous phase; iv) preparing an oil phase comprising benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers; v) Using a homogenizer, combine the xanthan gum / phenoxyethanol / water phase with the oil phase.

[0117] Example 2 - Activity against dust mite allergens Samples of dust mite dust in sealed containers were provided for analysis. Prior to testing laundry formulations 1807B, 1807C, and 1807D listed in Table 1 above, allergens were extracted from the dust mite dust for comparison. The effectiveness of formulations 1807B, 1807C, and 1807D (see Example 1) was tested as follows:

[0118] Preparation of house dust mite samples for testing was performed according to the procedure described by Tovey, ER et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, (2001), 108, 3, 369.

[0119] Test laundry formulations were stored at -20°C until testing. After inverting the formulations three times, 50 mL of extraction solution was prepared using a solution of phosphate buffered saline containing 0.1% Tween-20 (PBS-T). PBS-T contains 135 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 10 mM Na2HPO4, 1.8 mM KH2PO4, and 0.1% (v / v) Tween-20.

[0120] Approximately 50 mg of house dust was weighed into a 15 mL Falcon tube and diluted with each formulation to a concentration of 5.0-5.3 mg / mL. Samples were extracted at room temperature for 5 minutes with end-over-end rotation. Extracts were centrifuged at 2000 g for 15 minutes.

[0121] 500 μL of the extracted supernatant was diluted 1:1 with PBS-T and frozen at −20° C. until needed. Samples were filtered through 0.22 μM PES syringe filters before analysis.

[0122] The ELISA assay for Dermatophagoides group 1 allergen (DerP1) was performed using a kit previously purchased from Indoor Biotechnologies (catalog number EPC-DP-1, lot number 44383) following the manufacturer's instructions without deviation. All samples were analyzed on ELISA plates and samples were assayed on a robotic liquid handling workstation epMotion 5075 (Eppendorf). Plates were washed with a Bio-Plex Pro II magnetic plate washer (Bio-Rad) and read on a FluoStar Optima reader. Assay plates were incubated at 25°C without shaking in the absence of light. Samples were diluted before analysis and analyzed in triplicate, and the results are shown in Table 3. Shown in Table 3 is a comparison of MilliQ water, buffer with non-ionic surfactant (PBS-T), test formulations 1807B, 1807C and 1807D alone, and test formulation 1807D with laundry detergent added. Test formulations 1807B and 1807D showed significant differences in allergen removal when tested using the protocol above compared to water alone. (Formulation 1807C contained no added allergen removal ingredients). PBS-T is a buffer containing a surfactant used to measure baseline allergen levels in the samples. The addition of laundry detergent to sample 1807D increased allergen removal.

[0123] Table 3. Formulations tested for DerP1, triplicate results, mean values ​​(and coefficient of variation, %CV) and statistical analysis are provided.

[0124] [Table 3]

[0125] Example 3 - Effectiveness against house dust mites Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of formulation 2110F (see Table 2) against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The ability of formulation 2110F to kill house dust mites alone and in combination with common household laundry detergents was evaluated. Seven treatment groups were established, as shown in Table 4.

[0126] Table 4. Treatment groups

[0127] [Table 4]

[0128] Dust mites were collected from homes in Sydney's inner west and southern suburbs and colonies were maintained in an incubator prior to testing. To assign to each treatment group, approximately 15 mites were separated from the propagation medium using a fine paint brush under a Zeiss M3 stereo microscope and placed in a small petri dish containing 3 mL of treatment solution. The mites were gently agitated to facilitate contact with the liquid and left for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, the liquid and mites were poured through a black cotton sieve to separate the mites from the treatment solution. Ten mites were placed in a small plastic stoppered tube (2.5cm x 1cm). The mites were placed in an incubator and maintained at 25°C and 75% relative humidity for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the number of live mites was counted, which was based on the ability of the mites to move in a coordinated manner.

[0129] Differences between treatment means in the number of dead house mites were assessed for significance using analysis of variance (ANOVA) (SPSS version 26, 2019). Furthermore, data were checked for compliance with the assumptions of normal distribution and homogeneity of variance using PP plots and Levene's test for homogeneity of error. If the assumption of homogeneity of variance was met, Ryan's Q test was used, and if it was not met, Dunnett's T-3 test was used. The results are shown in Table 5. All treatment groups, including 2110F, were statistically superior to the negative control in killing house mites.

[0130] Table 5. Iedani mortality rate

[0131]

Table 5

Claims

1. An anti-house dust mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, said emulsion comprising: an oil phase comprising benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers; an aqueous phase containing preservatives, emulsion stabilizers, and pH adjusters; 1. An anti-house dust mite laundry formulation comprising:

2. 10. The laundry formulation of claim 1, further comprising one or more allergen denaturing agents that allow for denaturation and / or inactivation of one or more protein allergens.

3. 1. An anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, said emulsion comprising: an oil phase comprising benzyl benzoate and one or more emulsifiers; and an aqueous phase containing one or more allergen denaturants, emulsion stabilizers, pH adjusters, and preservatives; 1. An anti-house dust mite and anti-allergen laundry formulation comprising:

4. 4. The laundry formulation of claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more allergen denaturing agents are present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

5. 4. A laundry formulation according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the allergen denaturant comprises urea and / or triethanolamine.

6. 6. The laundry formulation of claim 5, comprising urea and / or triethanolamine in an amount from about 0.1% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight.

7. 4. The laundry formulation of claim 1 or 3, wherein the benzyl benzoate is present in an amount of from about 10% to about 25% by weight.

8. 4. A laundry formulation according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of sorbitan esters, ethoxylated castor oil and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

9. 9. The laundry formulation of claim 8, wherein the one or more emulsifiers are present in an amount from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight.

10. 4. The laundry formulation of claim 1 or 3, wherein the emulsion comprises an emulsion stabilizer present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight.

11. 4. A laundry formulation according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the emulsion comprises a pH adjuster to increase the pH of the emulsion.

12. 12. The laundry formulation of claim 11, wherein the pH adjuster is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

13. 4. A laundry formulation according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the emulsion comprises a pH adjuster to lower the pH of the emulsion.

14. 14. The laundry formulation of claim 13, wherein the pH adjuster is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

15. 14. The laundry formulation of claim 13, wherein the final pH of the formulation is from about 4.5 to about 5.

5.

16. 4. The laundry formulation of claim 1 or 3, wherein the emulsion comprises a preservative present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

17. 10. A method of killing one or more house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating one or more allergens in a textile, the method comprising contacting the textile with a formulation according to claim 1 or 3.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the laundry formulation is added to a wash cycle containing the textiles having one or more dust mites and / or allergens.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the formulation is added to a wash cycle that includes laundry detergent.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising soaking the textile in the laundry formulation for a time sufficient to kill one or more house dust mites and / or denature or inactivate one or more allergens present on the textile.

21. 10. Use of a formulation according to claim 1 or 3 for killing one or more house dust mites and / or denaturing or inactivating one or more allergens present on textiles.

22. 1. A method for preparing an anti-house dust mite laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising: preparing an oil phase by solubilizing benzyl benzoate in one or more emulsifiers; preparing an aqueous phase by dissolving one or more preservatives, emulsion stabilizers, and pH adjusters in water; and combining the oil phase and the aqueous phase while mixing. A method comprising:

23. 1. A method for preparing an anti-house dust mite and / or anti-allergen laundry formulation in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising: preparing an oil phase by solubilizing benzyl benzoate in one or more emulsifiers; preparing an aqueous phase by dissolving one or more allergen denaturants, one or more preservatives, an emulsion stabilizer, and a pH adjuster in water; and combining the oil phase and the aqueous phase while mixing. A method comprising:

24. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the blending is carried out under high shear.

25. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the mixing is performed at room temperature.

26. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the oil phase is added to the aqueous phase.