Detergent composition

Abstract

To provide a detergent composition having both stable detergency and anti-fungal force, and excellent in stability over time of the composition, and a production method of the same.SOLUTION: Provided are a micro dispersion type gel-like detergent composition obtained by preliminarily mixing 1-4 wt% of a (a) polyalcohol, and 0.5-2 wt% of a (b) polysaccharide thickener, and adding the above to a water-soluble continuous phase containing 15-25 wt% of sodium bicarbonate to 50-70 wt% of water, and a production method of the same. Thereby, an effect of continuing excellent detergency to pigmentation substances such as a tea color, and antifungal effect for a long period can be obtained.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gel-like detergent composition having a specific composition that has both a cleaning effect and an antifungal effect and is stable over time, and to a method for producing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a micro-dispersed gel-type detergent composition having excellent stability over time and having both cleaning and antifungal effects, which is prepared by first mixing 1 to 4% by weight of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) a thickening polysaccharide in a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, adding the resulting mixture to the water-soluble continuous layer containing sodium bicarbonate to form a uniform layer, and then providing the composition with the properties of a micro-dispersed gel-type detergent composition having excellent stability over time and having both cleaning and antifungal effects, and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The emergence of the new coronavirus has led to the spread of infection and has completely changed the world. Economic activity has been thrown off balance and lifestyles have changed dramatically. Humans are now facing an unprecedented crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the emergence of mutant strains of the virus causing a wide range of symptoms after infection, we are struggling in a world where there is no clear landing point for the so-called new normal, with no effective solution or cure yet to be found.

[0003] However, as long as we are alive, it is inevitable to maintain economic activity and social life while taking daily infection control and prevention measures, and even the keyword "with corona" has been born as we continue to live our social lives while keeping a certain distance from corona. In the year 2023, the classification of infectious diseases has finally shifted from Class 2 to Class 5, and we are gradually returning to a calm daily life.

[0004] Naturally, people's awareness of hygiene has improved dramatically, and antibacterial businesses continue to be in demand from the perspective of public health, which is to keep viruses at bay. Although wearing masks is now left to the discretion of the individual, it has become common sense in daily life, and gargling and washing hands have become an established part of our daily life cycle. In addition, the use of antibacterial agents is widespread not only outdoors but also at home.

[0005] Furthermore, each individual's sense of hygiene extends to the small details of their lifestyle; for example, sufficient antibacterial maintenance is required for daily necessities, fixtures, and other materials such as flooring and furniture.

[0006] In the current COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid increase in infections within households has become a major social issue, and it goes without saying that daily hygiene management remains important. In personal care, however, the importance of total care of the entire lifestyle, centered on individual hand care, mouth care, foot care, etc., is increasing, and a series of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral measures will continue to be an extremely important ongoing issue in the future.

[0007] There are various causes of COVID-19 infection, but many remain unidentified and unexplained. No specific cure has emerged. In response to this, it is an unquestionable empirical fact that the most fundamental countermeasure is to maintain the effectiveness of daily cleaning, disinfection, and antifungal measures.

[0008] In this regard, the present inventors attempted to develop a cleaning agent based on their own accumulation technology, made an invention, and obtained a patent for their findings (Patent No. 6752479; Patent Document 1). The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has achieved considerable results in implementing hygiene projects. However, during the formulation design process, depending on the composition adopted, there were cases where surfactants were mixed in high concentrations, and further improvement was required from the perspective of environmental measures in the SDGs.

[0009] The technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is a so-called cream cleanser type, and silicon dioxide is an essential functional ingredient for maintaining cleaning power. Although it is convenient to add a known antibacterial agent to maintain the cleaning power while adding antibacterial power, the formulation contains a surfactant, and as a result, the antibacterial agent is bound or adsorbed to the surfactant, making it difficult to fully exert the antibacterial effect. This problem is faced as long as a surfactant is used, and one of the development conditions for the ideal formulation design is to not use a surfactant.

[0010] Another important development condition is the uniformity of the silicon dioxide used. Because it is an inorganic substance, precipitation can occur depending on the composition of the base, especially when no surfactant is used, which can impair the cleaning effect. This problem is more noticeable when the formulation contains a large amount of water.

[0011] Therefore, it is extremely important to select an optimal detergent composition that is effective and takes into account all of these factors. However, the prior art has not provided any useful detergent composition that takes this into account. The inventors therefore worked to improve this, and invented a microemulsion-type gel-type cleanser composition with a transparent appearance that contains citric acid and silicon dioxide as main ingredients, but is composed of a continuous phase that does not contain a surfactant, and obtained a patent for this (Patent No. 7128504; Patent Document 2).

[0012] On the other hand, there was a need to expand functionality from the perspective of antibacterial care to prevent indoor infections. In other words, to ensure thorough antibacterial care indoors at home or in a hospital, it is necessary to prevent bacteria from being brought in from outdoors, and for example, attention must be paid to footwear as well as clothing. In this regard, the present inventors have been engaged in research into providing antibacterial agents from the perspective of foot care, in order to eliminate germs brought into the home from outside. As a result, they have invented a shoe cleaning agent composition containing limonene as a main ingredient, and obtained a patent for it (Patent No. 6933331; Patent Document 3).

[0013] By providing the above-mentioned various cleaning agents (antibacterial agents) and their methods of use, we have been able to achieve great results as commercial materials for indoor hygiene management. However, the above-mentioned various inventive commercial materials are insufficient in terms of antifungal properties. In addition, when silicon dioxide is added, although improvements have been made in the formulation design, there has been a problem with the surface of some daily necessities being scratched by physical friction (polishing).

[0014] Specifically, tea stains on ceramic products and teacups that are used daily cannot be wiped clean, and they become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold that use the stains as a nutrient source to grow, which is also seen as a problem in terms of hygiene management. Tea stains are the accumulation of acidic coloring substances called stains, but they cannot be removed with acidic antibacterial cleaners such as citric acid, and they are not effective in preventing mold. Furthermore, if the surface is scratched by the abrasive, it becomes difficult to remove them.

[0015] For these reasons, there has been a demand for a detergent which does not damage the surface of tangible objects, has excellent cleaning and antifungal effects, and is safe for the human body. The inventors selected sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) as a material suitable for these conditions and worked to design an optimal formulation.

[0016] Examples of preparations using sodium bicarbonate include Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5. Patent Document 4 relates to a gel-type alkaline cleaner, and discloses a technology for obtaining alkaline ionized water, which is a functional ingredient, by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The gel itself has the property of encapsulating and penetrating the object to be cleaned and exerting its effect, and is excellent as a commercial product, but it is not directly used to exert the cleaning effect and antifungal effect of sodium bicarbonate, and does not meet the above-mentioned desired purpose.

[0017] Patent Document 5 discloses a cleaning method capable of effectively removing dirt that has soaked into the porous interior of a container, and uses warm water with dissolved baking soda as a material having cleaning properties. Although this cleaning method is rational, it is not very simple and does not provide the anti-mold technology currently desired.

[0018] As described above, the reality is that a safe detergent composition that has a certain level of cleaning effect and antifungal effect while taking into consideration recent hygiene management has not yet been provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6752479 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7128504 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6933331 [Patent Document 4] JP 2004-1886663 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2020-89473 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0020] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned unsolved problems, and has an object to provide a detergent composition and a production method thereof, which are indispensable for exhibiting stable detergency and antifungal properties, by selecting raw materials while taking into consideration recent hygiene management aspects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors adjusted the balance of components with good stability of effect by selecting materials that do not reduce cleaning power and also have antifungal properties, and found that a detergent composition composed of a specific component composition exerts the desired effect, thus completing the present invention.

[0022] The present inventors, taking into consideration hygiene management and safety for the human body, searched for a material that has a proven track record and is expected to have cleaning and anti-fungal effects, and as a result, they came to focus on baking soda. Furthermore, with an emphasis on the performance of the formulation composition, the stability of its performance, and its penetrability into the tangible object being cleaned, we have decided to adopt a gel-type micro-ion formulation that does not use abrasives or surfactants and is made of a gel-like homogeneous continuous phase.

[0023] That is, according to the present invention, a micro-dispersed gel-like cleanser composition and a method for producing the same are provided, which are prepared by first mixing 1 to 4 wt. % of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2 wt. % of (b) a thickening polysaccharide in a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80 wt. % of water and 15 to 30 wt. % of sodium bicarbonate, adding the resulting mixture to the water-soluble continuous layer containing sodium bicarbonate to form a uniform layer. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, the cleaning composition of the present invention provides a micro-dispersed gel-like cleaning composition prepared by mixing 1 to 4 wt. % of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2 wt. % of (b) a thickening polysaccharide in a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80 wt. % of water and 15 to 30 wt. % of sodium bicarbonate in advance, adding the resulting mixture to the water-soluble continuous layer containing sodium bicarbonate to form a uniform layer. The combination of these specific component types and amounts allows the composition to penetrate deep into the tangible object to be cleaned, regardless of the material of the object, and to exhibit sufficient cleaning power and anti-fungal power even against stubborn stains, thereby providing a stable cleaning effect.

[0025] The method for producing the detergent composition of the present invention is characterized by having two steps for forming a stable gel continuous phase. In the first step, a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50-80% by weight of water and 15-30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate is formed in advance, and in the second step, a mixture of 1-4% by weight of (a) polyhydric alcohol and 0.5-2% by weight of (b) thickening polysaccharide, which is separately prepared, is added to the continuous phase of sodium bicarbonate gel and stirred to form a uniform layer, followed by stirring, thereby providing a desired micro-dispersed gel detergent composition that is optimal for solving the problem. Based on the basic knowledge obtained by the inventors through repeated research, the micro-dispersed gel detergent composition forms a thermodynamically stable continuous layer, and is therefore expected to have stable cleaning power and antifungal power even when stored for a long period of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As described above, the present invention provides a detergent composition that exhibits cleaning power and antifungal power suitable for indoor living situations through specific component configurations and blending compositions, and that can stably exert both cleaning and antifungal effects over a long period of time by realizing a uniform formulation, and a method for producing the same.

[0027] That is, according to the present invention, first, a micro-dispersed gel-type detergent composition is provided by previously mixing 1 to 4% by weight of (a) polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) thickening polysaccharide in a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, adding the resulting mixture to the water-soluble continuous phase containing sodium bicarbonate to form a uniform layer; and second, preferably, in a first step, a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate is previously formed, and in a second step, a mixture of 1 to 4% by weight of (a) polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) thickening polysaccharide, which has been separately prepared, is added to the continuous phase of the sodium bicarbonate gel and stirred to form a uniform layer, followed by stirring, thereby providing a desired micro-dispersed gel-type detergent composition that is optimal for solving the problems.

[0028] The baking soda in this invention is a harmless substance that has been used for a long time as a food additive and medicine, and its chemical name is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Since the aqueous solution is slightly alkaline with a pH of 8.2 (2%, 20℃), it is expected to have an antifungal effect. However, the particles are small and poorly soluble in water, which places limitations on formulation design. In the present invention, a water-soluble continuous phase is preferably formed containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, and a mixture of 1 to 4% by weight of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) a thickening polysaccharide, which is separately prepared as a dissolution aid, is added and stirred. Here, (a) polyhydric alcohol and (b) thickening polysaccharide must be added as admixtures. If they are added separately, the sodium bicarbonate cannot be uniformly dissolved and the continuous phase cannot be formed, so this is a point that should be taken into consideration in the manufacturing process.

[0029] The polyhydric alcohol of the basic composition (a) has good permeability into the object to be cleaned, and therefore enhances the cleaning effect of the cleaning material in the composition of the present invention, while since no surfactant is used in the present invention, it plays a large role as an auxiliary agent for increasing the dispersion stability and solubility of sodium bicarbonate, which has low affinity for water. The types of ingredients to be blended include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1-3-butylene glycol, and glycerin, from the viewpoint of compatibility with sodium bicarbonate, and the most preferred are propylene glycol and glycerin, with the preferred blend amount being 1 to 4% by weight.

[0030] The thickener of basic structure (b) plays a major role as a base for gel formation in the water-soluble continuous phase containing sodium bicarbonate of the present invention, and at the same time also serves as a dissolving aid for sodium bicarbonate, so compatibility with polyhydric alcohols is also important. From the viewpoint of functionality, any thickener that can encapsulate polyhydric alcohol can be selected without using the above-mentioned surfactants, but ultimately, an optimal selection is required to improve the compatibility with sodium bicarbonate, and in this respect, xanthan gum and / or guar gum are preferably used. The usual blending amount is 0.1 to 5% by weight, and 0.5 to 2% by weight is preferably used to maintain compatibility with each component constituting the detergent of the present invention and the stability of the entire formulation.

[0031] Purified water is prepared in a balanced range relative to the amounts of sodium bicarbonate, (b) polyhydric alcohol, and (c) thickener. In particular, the present invention is characterized by the formation of a thermodynamically stable microemulsion, which can be prepared by simple mixing and stirring at room temperature without going through complicated processes such as homogenization under reduced pressure, but in order to obtain a continuous layer that is more stable over time, the final stirring time must be sufficient, at least about 2 hours, depending on the relationship with the addition speed and amount of the admixture composed of (b) polyhydric alcohol and (c) thickener. If the time is shorter than that, the stability of the microemulsion over time may be impaired.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to maintain the microemulsion of the present invention in a stable state both in appearance and over time, there is a suitable order of addition and stirring, as already explained. When mixing (a) the polyhydric alcohol and (b) the thickener to prepare a premixed raw material, it is an essential condition of the manufacturing process that moisture not be mixed in.

[0033] That is, according to the present invention, preferably, in the first step, a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of sodium bicarbonate is formed in advance, and in the second step, a mixture of 1 to 4% by weight of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) a thickening polysaccharide, which has been separately prepared, is added to the continuous phase of sodium bicarbonate gel and stirred to form a uniform layer, followed by stirring, whereby a gel-like microemulsion preparation capable of exerting the desired effect can be obtained.

[0034] Here, a microemulsion is a type of dispersion system similar to an emulsion, but the diameter of the micelles is small, at around 100 nanometers or less, it is thermodynamically stable, and it is easily formed without the need for strong stirring. Since the micelles that form are small, they scatter little visible light, and are characterized by appearing transparent or translucent to the naked eye.

[0035] In terms of applications, microemulsions have a wide range of uses because, as mentioned above, they have a transparent appearance and do not separate, and they also have the property of easily dissolving substances that have an affinity for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components.

[0036] In the present invention, the advantage of using a microemulsion-type preparation is based on the following theory of cleaning functionality, although the details are not clear.

[0037] That is, the sodium bicarbonate mixed with the polyhydric alcohol and thickener quickly penetrates the tangible object to be cleaned, and as a result, it has an affinity with the fixed matter such as tea stains and removes the dirt, and then the composition balance of the microemulsion system is lost, and the uniformly compatible microparticles of sodium bicarbonate act on bacteria and mold, achieving an anti-mold effect. It is presumed that the successive effects of the cleaning action with the sodium bicarbonate accelerate the removal of dirt.

[0038] During the cleaning process, the polyhydric alcohol and the thickener improve the affinity of the baking soda to the tangible object being cleaned, and the baking soda's combined antifungal properties coat the surface of the object being cleaned after cleaning.

[0039] In this way, the effect of the baking soda that has penetrated and adsorbed into the tangible object being cleaned continues after completion, and it can also impart anti-mold properties, making it possible to provide a desirable formulation that is extremely useful, for example, as a cleaning agent for hygiene management during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, when it comes to removing tea stains and other deposits (derived from drinks that contain catechins, tannins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols) from everyday necessities such as teacups and cups, the formulation penetrates deep into porous objects such as ceramics without damaging the inside of the container, and is also effective in preventing secondary contamination such as mold growth on stains.

[0040] In order to strengthen the surface coating power of the tangible object to be cleaned, it is optional to add a small amount of a known coating agent within a range that does not impair the effect of the present invention.

[0041] In addition, the detergent composition of the present invention may contain, if necessary, a moisturizer, a fabric softener, a solvent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, a fragrance, and the like, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. EXAMPLES

[0042] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0043] <Test Example 1> Stability test over time (Test Method) The compositions in Table 1 were filled into wide-mouth standard bottles, capped, and stored in a cyclic thermostatic chamber at -5°C to 40°C for one year, and the appearance of the preparations was visually evaluated every three months. At the same time, the cleaning effect was evaluated after one year had passed. The evaluation items were: removal of tea stains from the tangible object (a 200ml ceramic ware used to drink tea), comparison of the surface (properties) condition, usability, and anti-mold effect. The removal of tea stains from the tangible objects being washed and their surface (properties) were evaluated based on the degree of recovery to their normal state (including the presence or absence of surface damage), and the usability was evaluated sensorily using surface affinity and the degree of strain caused by the stain removal as indicators. To evaluate the antifungal effect, water was placed in a container after use and the container was left for one week under certain conditions (35°C, 75% RH), and then an antifungal test was conducted by ingesting the water in the container. The compositions (test samples) in Table 1 were all obtained by the following production method discovered by the present inventors. That is, in the first step, a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80% by weight of water and 15 to 30% by weight of baking soda is formed in advance, and in the second step, a mixture of 1 to 4% by weight of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) a thickening polysaccharide, which has been separately prepared, is added and stirred to the continuous phase of the baking soda gel, and after forming a uniform layer, the mixture is stirred to obtain the product.

[0044] (Results and Discussion) As shown below, the product of the present invention did not change over time and maintained the intended functionality. In addition, the surface of the object to be cleaned was cleaned well, and the finish and usability were also good. It is clear that the microemulsion composition composed of the components specified in the present invention has excellent commercial value. [Table 1]

[0045] Table 2 shows that all of the compositions in accordance with the microemulsion type of the present invention were obtained by the same manufacturing method as above, and stability tests were conducted to demonstrate that they had the desired effects. [Table 2]

Claims

1. A microdispersion type gel-like detergent composition is prepared by previously mixing 1 to 4 wt. % of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2 wt. % of (b) a thickening polysaccharide in a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 80 wt. % of water and 15 to 30 wt. % of sodium bicarbonate, adding the resulting mixture to the water-soluble continuous phase containing sodium bicarbonate to form a uniform layer.

2. 2. The microdispersed gel cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyhydric alcohol is propylene glycol and / or glycerin.

3. 3. The microdispersed gel-like detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the thickening polysaccharide is xanthan gum and / or guar gum.

4. 4. The microdispersion type gel cleansing composition according to claim 1, which is a macroemulsion type preparation having a transparent appearance.

5. A method for producing a micro-dispersed gel-like detergent composition, comprising the steps of: in a first step, forming a water-soluble continuous phase containing 50 to 70% by weight of water and 15 to 25% by weight of baking soda; in a second step, adding and stirring a mixture of 1 to 4% by weight of (a) a polyhydric alcohol and 0.5 to 2% by weight of (b) a thickening polysaccharide, which has been separately prepared, to the continuous phase of baking soda gel; forming a uniform layer; and then stirring the mixture.

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