Compositions and methods for decontaminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot - Patents.com

Abstract

1. A composition for decontaminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot or isocyanates from human skin, comprising: (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and (D) optionally at least one thickening agent; The composition does not include charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powders.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to compositions and methods for decontaminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, isocyanates and soot from any surface, preferably human skin. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed during the combustion of wood, charcoal or petroleum-based products. They contain carcinogenic substances that should be strictly avoided by humans. However, in some fields, humans such as chimney sweeps can come into direct contact with PAHs while cleaning and maintaining chimneys. Possible resulting diseases are "chimney sweep cancers" such as scrotal cancer, a skin cancer of the testicles. Firefighters are also exposed to PAHs while fighting fires. In the petrochemical industry, these harmful substances can occur as by-products. They can create occupational health and safety issues for cleaning personnel who come into direct contact with PAHs, especially while maintaining plants.

[0003] Typically, the harmful PAHs are contained in soot.

[0004] Said isocyanates are used in combination with polyols to produce polyurethanes in several industrial applications. Isocyanates are toxic and can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to remove such materials quickly and safely.

[0005] Currently, in their everyday routine to remove harmful substances from their skin, workers rely on water, soap and surfactant-containing cleaning pastes.

[0006] However, cleaning compositions often contain penetration enhancers, i.e., substances that promote the penetration of compounds through human skin. Thus, although the worker superficially cleans his / her skin, harmful substances can still inadvertently pass through the skin. Moreover, even this superficial cleaning may be less effective.

[0007] The mechanism by which penetration enhancers work is explained, for example, in Thong H.-Y., Zhai H., Maibach, HI, "Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers: An Overview." Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2007; 20: 272-282; Dragicevic, N., Maibach, HI, "Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers, Chemical Methods in Penetration Enhancement." Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016.

[0008] WO 2021 / 214209 provides a composition for decontaminating harmful agents, such as nanoparticles, microplastic particles and viruses, from the skin, comprising 1-40% by weight of at least one water-soluble polymer, 1-40% by weight of at least one phyllosilicate, 1-30% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, and water, and the composition for skin cleansing does not comprise a penetration enhancer.

[0009] (Objective of the Invention) It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition suitable for decontamination, i.e. for the removal of PAHs, soot or isocyanates, preferably PAHs and soot, or preferably isocyanates, from any surface, preferably human skin.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the composition should be devoid of penetration enhancers. Summary of the Invention

[0011] (overview) This object may be achieved by the compositions described in the appended claims.

[0012] Specifically, the present invention relates to the following provisions: 1. (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and (D) optionally at least one thickening agent; A composition comprising less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein (C) is or comprises at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein or a combination thereof. 3. (D) The composition described in clause 1 or 2, wherein the thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, cellulose ethers and polyacrylic acid-based polymers. 4. (B) is or comprises, and preferably is, a combination of at least two different phyllosilicates; preferably 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein (B) is or comprises, preferably is, sodium aluminum silicate or aluminum silicate or a combination thereof. 5. The composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein (B) is or comprises, preferably is, bentonite or kaolinite or a combination thereof. 6. A composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein (C) is or comprises, preferably is, a poloxamer or a poloxamine or a soy protein or a combination of two or more thereof. 7. The composition described in clause 6, wherein the poloxamer has CAS number 691397-13-4 or 9003-11-6, or the soy protein is a soy protein isolate. 8. A composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein (D) is or comprises, preferably is, a cellulose ether or a polysaccharide or a combination thereof. 9. A composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein (D) is or comprises, preferably is, a polysaccharide selected from xanthan, chitosan, dextran, guar gum, polygein, pectin and carrageenan. 10. Based on the total weight (100% by weight) of (A) to (D), 20 to 90% by weight of (A); 1 to 40% by weight of (B); 1 to 40% by weight of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight Includes; Preferably, based on the total weight (100% by weight) of (A) to (D), 30 to 80% by weight of (A); 5 to 30% by weight of (B); 5 to 30% by weight of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight 10. The composition of any one of clauses 1 to 9, comprising 11. A cleaning composition comprising or consisting of a composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 10. 12. A cleaning composition according to clause 11, comprising 40 to 100% by weight of the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 10. 13. Use of a composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 12 for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or soot or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot from human skin. 14. Use of a composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 13 for removing isocyanates from human skin. 15. A method for cleaning human skin, the skin being contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or soot, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot, the method comprising the following steps (A) and (B) and optionally step (C): (A) contacting said skin with the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 12; (B) rinsing the skin contacted in step (A) with water; (C) optionally repeating steps (A) and (B). 16. The use according to clause 13 or the method according to clause 14, wherein the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are contained in soot. 17. A method for cleaning human skin, the skin being contaminated with an isocyanate, the method comprising the steps of (A) and (B) and, optionally, (C): (A) contacting said skin with the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 12; (B) rinsing the skin contacted in step (A) with water; (C) optionally repeating steps (A) and (B). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The diagram shows: [Figure 1] Schematic representation of the difference in soot removal from skin by either the composition disclosed in WO 2021 / 214209 (I+II) and the composition of the present invention (III+IV). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] (Detailed Description) (First aspect: composition of the present invention) In a first aspect, the present invention provides (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and (D) optionally at least one thickening agent; The composition comprises less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, (C) is or comprises at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein or a combination thereof.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the thickener (D) is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, cellulose ethers and polyacrylic acid-based polymers.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein, or a combination thereof; (D) optionally comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, cellulose ethers, and polyacrylic acid-based polymers; The composition comprises less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

[0018] Preferably the composition does not include charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powders.

[0019] Preferably the composition does not include materials that may act as penetration enhancers.

[0020] Preferably the composition comprises less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powder, preferably the composition does not comprise charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powder, and the composition does not comprise any material that may act as a penetration enhancer.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and (D) optionally at least one thickening agent; The composition comprises less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein, or a combination thereof; (D) optionally at least one agent selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, cellulose ethers, and polyacrylic acid-based polymers; The composition comprises less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

[0023] ((A) Water) The term "water" as used in this specification (A) includes tab water, process water, deionized water, distilled water and potable water.

[0024] ((B) Phyllosilicate) The term "phyllosilicates" as used herein (B) includes layered silicate minerals. Such layered silicates are typically formed by parallel layers of SiO or silicate tetrahedra in a ratio of 2:5.

[0025] Examples of phyllosilicates suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention include ajoite, allophane, iron mica, apophyllite, apophyllite-(kf), bentonite, biotite, bowenite, brahmalite, carletonite, caryopilite, cabansite, chamosite, chapmanite, chrysocolla, clay, clay minerals, clintonite, cymrite, deresite, dickite, ekanite, ephesite, expanded clay aggregate, flypontite, franklinphyllite, chromite, greenite, gaillorite, halloysite, hisingerite, yamite, campite, kaolinite, kegelite, kerola. The following are some of the minerals that are considered to be the most important minerals: lepidolite, macaulayite, mcdonaldite, magadiite, medicinal clay, meerschaum pipes, metallic clay, mica, minnesotite, nelenite, neptune, okenite, organoclay, pentagonite, petalite, phlogopite, pimelite, pyrophyllite, sanbornite, searlessite, sepiolite, seraphinite, sericite, altered sericite, siderophyllite, soapstone, stilpnomelane, talc, thuringianite, tumchaite, tuppersuatiite, ussingite, zaxhalovite, and zussmanite.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one phyllosilicate contained in the composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, bentonite, vermiculite, talc, mica, sepiolite, palygorskite, saponite, hectorite, smectite, montmorillonite K-10, aquamont-CA, illite, montmorillonite KSF and aquamont B, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0027] Preferably, (B) is a combination of at least two different phyllosilicates.

[0028] More preferably, (B) is selected from sodium aluminum silicate and aluminum silicate or combinations thereof.

[0029] More preferably, (B) is selected from bentonite and kaolinite or combinations thereof.

[0030] As used herein, the term "kaolin" is used interchangeably with the terms "kaolinite" or "china clay."

[0031] ((C) Water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer) As used herein in (C), the term "at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer" includes any water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer.

[0032] The term "water-dispersible polymer" as used in this specification (C) encompasses the term "water-emulsifiable".

[0033] Preferably, the polymer is water soluble.

[0034] As used herein, the term "water soluble" encompasses a solubility of at least 30% by weight in water at 25°C, ie, at least 30 parts polymer and 70 parts water form a solution.

[0035] As used herein in (C), the at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer is or comprises at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein or a combination thereof. Specific examples of the at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer include poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), polyacrylic acid, chitosan, dextran, guar gum, polyethyleneimine, polyacrylamide, polyphosphates (sodium polyphosphates), polyphosphazenes, or mixtures thereof.

[0036] As used herein in (C), the term "at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein, or a combination thereof" includes any water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether and / or protein.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the polyether or protein is water-soluble.

[0038] As used herein, the term "water soluble" encompasses a solubility of at least 30% by weight in water at 25°C, ie, at least 30 parts polyether or protein and 70 parts water form a solution.

[0039] As used herein, the term "polyether" refers to a -R 1 -OR 2 -OR 3 -O-, where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 represent, independently of each other, any organic residue. Such polyethers are well known in the art.

[0040] Preferred polyethers are derived from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO) and / or poly(propylene glycol) (PPO).

[0041] Specifically preferred polyethers are selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poloxamer, and poloxamine.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer is a poloxamer or poloxamine.

[0043] Poloxamers are non-ionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (poly(propylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)). Poloxamers are also known by the trade names Pluronic®, Kolliphor®, Synperonic®, and Lutrol®.

[0044] Thus, poloxamers are ABA type copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO=A) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO=B). For example, Kolliphor® P 407 represents a poloxamer with approximately 70% m / m PEO and an average molecular weight of approximately 4000 PPO.

[0045] Depending on the type of poloxamer, it can act as a penetration enhancer or reduce penetration. Poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 401 are known to enhance the penetration of substances, whereas poloxamer 407 (CAS number 691397-13-4), poloxamer 184 (CAS number 9003-11-6), poloxamer 304, poloxamer 338 (CAS number 9003-11-6) and poloxamer 904 decrease the penetration of substances through the skin (Bruce J. Aungst, Nancy J. Rogers and Eli Shefter, "Enhancement of naloxone penetration through human skin in vitro using fatty acids, fatty alcohols, surfactants, sulfoxides and amides", International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 33 (1986) 225-234; Markus J. Cappel and Jorg Kreuter, "Effect of nonionic surfactants on transdermal drug delivery: II. Poloxamer and poloxamer surfactants," International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 69 (1991) 155-167.

[0046] The use of poloxamers, which reduce the penetration of substances through the skin, is preferred.

[0047] The use of one or more poloxamers with CAS numbers 691397-13-4 or 9003-11-6 is therefore preferred.

[0048] Likewise, the use of poloxamines is preferred.

[0049] Poloxamines are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide that further contain ethylenediamine.

[0050] The protein may be an animal protein or a plant protein.

[0051] In one embodiment, the protein is bovine serum albumin (BSA) or soy protein.

[0052] Soy protein is known, for example, under the term "soy protein isolate".

[0053] ((D) Thickener) The compound optionally used in (D) of the composition of the present invention is a thickening agent, i.e., any agent suitable for increasing viscosity when added to a composition comprising or consisting of (A), (B) and (C).

[0054] As used herein, the term "agent" encompasses the term "compound."

[0055] The term "thickener" as used herein in (D) preferably includes any agent that has shear thinning properties in water, ie, it reduces viscosity when subjected to shear stress.

[0056] According to the present invention, the composition may optionally include a thickening agent selected from a polysaccharide, a cellulose ether, a polyacrylic acid-based polymer, or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0057] The polysaccharide is selected from xanthan, chitosan, dextran, guar gum, polygein, pectin and carrageenan.

[0058] The cellulose ethers are selected from methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, and ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof.

[0059] The polyacrylic acid based polymer is a carbomer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), or polyacrylamide.

[0060] As used herein, the term "carbomer" includes homopolymeric polyacrylic acid.

[0061] As used herein, the term "acrylic" encompasses the term "methacrylic."

[0062] (D) may also include further polymers such as polyoxazolines and polyethyleneimines, polymers such as polyphosphates (sodium polyphosphate) and polyphosphazenes.

[0063] Preferably, (D) is selected from cellulose ethers and polysaccharides.

[0064] In particular, (D) is selected from carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan.

[0065] (The composition contains less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powders) According to the invention, the composition contains less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

[0066] Preferably, the composition does not include charcoal and / or graphite and / or other carbon-based powders.

[0067] WO 2021 / 214209 discloses that an exemplary charcoal is activated charcoal, wherein the activated charcoal is preferably made from anthracite, bituminous coal, coconut or peat, and / or the other carbon-based powder is made from fruit shell or nut powder such as olive (Olea Europaea) seed powder, sweet almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) (sweet almond) shell powder, peach (Prunus Persica) (peach) seed powder, pistachio (Pistacia Vera) (pistachio) shell powder, avocado (Persea Gratissima) extract, apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) seed powder, Argania spinosa kernel extract, Juglans Regia (Juglans Regia) shell powder.

[0068] (Preferred Composition) The compositions of the present invention may be provided as relatively dilute aqueous solutions as well as concentrated solutions, and as relatively dilute aqueous formulations as well as concentrated formulations, respectively.

[0069] In one embodiment, the amount of (A) water in the composition is 20 to 90% by weight based on the total amount (100% by weight) of (A) to (D).

[0070] Beneficial results in the removal of harmful compounds such as PAHs or soot from the skin have been achieved when the composition of the invention comprises 2-40% by weight of at least one phyllosilicate, in particular bentonite. Preferably, the amount of at least one phyllosilicate or mixture of phyllosilicates, in particular bentonite or mixtures containing bentonite, in the composition of the invention is in the range of 5% by weight or more, for example 5%-40% by weight or 8%-30% by weight or 10%-30% by weight or 16%-30% by weight, preferably 16%-25% by weight or 16%-20% by weight. Such compositions typically allow the removal of more than 85% and up to 100% of PAHs and soot from contaminated skin.

[0071] Preferably, the amount of compound (D) in the composition of the invention is from 0 to a maximum of 10% by weight, more preferably up to 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5 ... %, 2.0 weight%, 2.1 weight%, 2.2 weight%, 2.3 weight%, 2.4 weight%, 2.5 weight%, 2.6 weight%, 2.7 weight%, 2.8 weight%, 2.9 weight%, 3.0 weight%, 3.5 weight%, 4.0 weight%, 4.5 weight%, 5 weight%, 5.5 weight%, 6 weight%, 6.5 weight%, 7 weight%, 7.5 weight%, 8 weight%, 8.5 weight%, 9 weight%, 9.5 weight% or 10 weight%.

[0072] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising: 20 to 90% by weight of (A); 1 to 40% by weight of (B); 1 to 40% by weight of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight The present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0073] In another embodiment, the composition comprises, based on the total weight (100% by weight) of (A)-(D), 30 to 80% by weight of (A); 5 to 30% by weight of (B); 5 to 30% by weight of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight include.

[0074] ((E) Preservative) In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention are sterile and preservative-free.

[0075] In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention optionally comprise a preservative.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the preservative is a paraben-free preservative.

[0077] As used herein, the term "paraben" includes the set of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid. Examples of parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, heptylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben, and their sodium salts.

[0078] Exemplary paraben-free preservatives suitable for use in the present invention include phenethyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, sorbates, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, oleuropein, cranberry extract, Lactobacillus ferment filtrate, Usnea barbata extract, pomegranate extract, Populus tremuloides bark extract, resveratrol, anisic acid, sodium anisate, phenylpropanol, undecylenic acid, sorbitan caprylate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The amount of the preservative in the composition of the present invention is preferably at most 10% by weight, more preferably at most 0.1% by weight, 0.2% by weight, 0.3% by weight, 0.4% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.6% by weight, 0.7% by weight, 0.8% by weight, 0.9% by weight, 1.0% by weight, 2.0% by weight, 3.0% by weight, 4.0% by weight, 5.0% by weight, 6.0% by weight, 7.0% by weight, 8.0% by weight, 9.0% by weight or 10% by weight, based on the total amount of (A) to (E) (=100% by weight).

[0080] (F) Further Additives In a further embodiment, the composition for cleansing the skin according to the invention may further comprise one or more agents selected from anti-inflammatory agents and agents beneficial to the skin barrier function, such as schizophyllan, glucomannan, polycitronellol and polycitronellol acetate, which are preferably contained in the composition according to the invention in the range of 0.05-2% by weight, such as 0.05%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75% or 2.0% by weight.

[0081] In a further embodiment, the composition for cleansing the skin according to the invention may further comprise a buffering agent, for example an acid or base for adjusting the pH, for example one or more agents selected from hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sulfuric acid and nitric acid. The buffering agent is preferably contained in the composition according to the invention in an amount ranging from 0 to 2.5% by weight (quantum satis), for example 0.05%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2.0%, 2.25% or 2.5%.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment, the pH of the composition is balanced in the range of 4.1 to 5.6, such as 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 or 5.6.

[0083] Water is mainly used as a solvent in the composition of the present invention. It preferably dissolves the components described herein. Water also forms an emulsion in which the lipophilic and hydrophilic components of the composition combine to form creams and lotions. Preferably, water is sterilized before its use to manufacture the composition of the present invention. The final amount of water contained in the composition of the present invention is calculated based on the sum of the amounts of other components. The sum of the amounts of other components is calculated in weight % and the difference from 100% by weight of the composition of the present invention is corrected with water.

[0084] Typical amounts of water included in the compositions of the present invention are in the range of 20-90% by weight, preferably 30-80% by weight, and more preferably 50-70% by weight.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention is formulated so that it does not contain substances that are penetration enhancers, such as surfactants. Thus, in such a preferred formulation, the composition of the present invention is particularly advantageous because the composition itself does not penetrate into and / or through the skin. A further advantage of such a composition is that it does not affect the barrier function of the skin. In particular, such a composition does not widen the pores of the skin, since widening of the pores favors the diffusion of harmful substances through the skin. It is recognized that, for example, conventional soaps widen the pores of the skin. Thus, the composition of the present invention, preferably when formulated with poloxamers having CAS numbers 691397-13-4 or 9003-11-6, does not promote the penetration of PAHs or soot into and through the skin. Also, after treating a skin area contaminated with PAHs with the composition of the present invention, the skin is not adversely affected, so there is no need for subsequent skin care.

[0086] The subject matter defined herein for the first aspect of the invention applies analogously to all further aspects of the invention.

[0087] (Second Aspect: Cleaning Composition) According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning composition (washing composition) comprising or consisting of a composition as defined in the first aspect including any embodiment defined in the first aspect.

[0088] In one embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises from 40 to 100 wt. % of the composition defined in the first aspect, including any embodiment defined in the first aspect.

[0089] The cleaning compositions of the present invention are preferably provided in formulations that allow for easy application of the composition to the contaminated skin area. Typical formulations that achieve this purpose are creams, gels, pastes or lotions.

[0090] As used herein, the term "lotion" includes low viscosity topical preparations intended for application to the skin. Lotions can be applied to human skin using bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, or cotton wool.

[0091] In contrast, creams and gels typically have a higher viscosity due to a lower water content or a higher amount of thickener.

[0092] As used herein, the term "cream" encompasses a semisolid emulsion of oil and water.

[0093] As used herein, the term "gel" encompasses a substantially crosslinked system in semi-solid or even solid form that does not flow when in a stable state. Gels can be applied to human skin using bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, or cotton wool.

[0094] The subject matter defined herein for the second aspect of the invention applies analogously to all further aspects of the invention.

[0095] (Third aspect: Use of the composition for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from human skin) According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition as defined in the first aspect or the second aspect or any embodiment defined in those aspects, for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from a surface.

[0096] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface is human skin.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are contained in soot.

[0098] As used herein, the term "soot" encompasses terms such as "carbon black" or "unburned carbon."

[0099] Thus, when used, the composition not only removes the PAHs contained in the soot, but also the soot itself, which is a particular advantage.

[0100] The subject matter defined herein for the third aspect of the invention applies analogously to all further aspects of the invention.

[0101] (Fourth aspect: Use of the composition for removing isocyanates from human skin) According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition as defined in the first aspect or the second aspect or any of the embodiments defined in those aspects, for removing isocyanates from a surface.

[0102] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface is human skin.

[0103] The term "isocyanate" as used herein is an organic compound containing a functional group with the formula RN=C=O, where R is the residue of an organic compound. An organic compound containing an isocyanate group is called an isocyanate. An organic compound with two isocyanate groups is known as a diisocyanate. Diisocyanates are produced for the production of polyurethane, a type of polymer. The term "isocyanate" of the present invention includes diisocyanates in a preferred embodiment.

[0104] The subject matter defined herein for the fourth aspect of the invention applies analogously to all further aspects of the invention.

[0105] Fifth aspect: Method for cleaning human skin contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning human skin contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising the following steps (A) and (B) and, optionally, step (C): (A) contacting said skin with a composition as defined in the first or second aspect; (B) rinsing the skin contacted in step (A) with water; (C) optionally repeating steps (A) and (B).

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are contained in soot.

[0107] The subject matter defined herein for the fifth aspect of the invention applies analogously to all further aspects of the invention.

[0108] (Sixth aspect: application device) In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an application device comprising a composition of the present invention.

[0109] Depending on the type of formulation (cream, gel, lotion), a suitable application device is selected from, for example, a sponge, a cloth, a shoe cleaning tube, a spray can or a spray device. Using a suitable application device, a very precise localized administration of the respective formulation is possible. Suitable application devices are known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and cleaning products.

[0110] (Seventh aspect: cleaning index) A further advantage of the composition and application device of the present invention is that the composition itself functions as a cleaning indicator, indicating whether the affected skin area has been sufficiently and effectively cleaned. In a more preferred embodiment, the phyllosilicates in the composition of the present invention act as a cleaning indicator. The composition of the present invention is applied to the contaminated skin, and after a predetermined exposure time has elapsed, the composition of the present invention is washed off the skin with water. After drying, the clean skin of the composition of the present invention following cleaning of the nanoparticle-contaminated skin is easily visualized and indicated by the washing off of the remaining phyllosilicates. EXAMPLES

[0111] (Example) Example 1: General process for making a cleaning composition In the first step, the at least one water-soluble polymer (B) and optionally the agent (D) were mixed with purified water (A). The at least one phyllosilicate (B) was then homogenized and, once homogenous, added to the mixture of the at least one water-soluble polymer (B) and optionally the agent (D) in water. The mixture was thoroughly stirred until homogenous.

[0112] A typical preparation of 100 g of gel is further described: 5 g of soy protein isolate was mixed with 75 g of purified water (18.2 MΩ). 10 g of bentonite and 10 g of kaolin were homogenized and then added to the mixture of protein isolate in water. The finished mixture was thoroughly stirred until homogenous.

[0113] Example 2: Overall design of purification experiment The purification experiments were carried out using pig skin.

[0114] (Pig Skin Preparation) The pig skin was prepared as follows: German Landrace pigs aged 5 to 8 months were used. The age, sex, and weight of each donor animal were recorded in the study protocol.

[0115] A scalpel was used to remove a skin strip measuring approximately 10 cm × 10 cm from the lateral abdominal wall area. At least 5 cm was kept away from the spine, ribs, and mid-abdomen. The skin strip was wrapped in a surgical drape to avoid contamination with subcutaneous adipose tissue. The skin strip was transported to the laboratory in a freezer bag in a cooling box kept at approximately 4-8°C using a cooling battery or ice.

[0116] First, the skin surface was cleaned with lukewarm water. The preparation stage was then covered with a layer of aluminum foil, which was then covered with a layer of absorbent material (e.g. Zemuko general-purpose compression bandage). On top of this, the skin piece was placed with the stratum corneum side down. Artery clamps were attached to the four corners of the skin and the skin was stretched with rubber bands. Alternatively, the skin was fixed with four needles inserted through the corners of the skin into a polystyrene pad. The subcutaneous adipose tissue was grasped with surgical forceps and dissected just below the dermis with a scalpel. Care had to be taken to avoid contact with surfaces containing subcutaneous fat. Due to the risk of contamination, the outermost 5 mm of the marginal area had to be cut off after cutting the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The prepared skin was then placed on the aluminum foil with dissection forceps, smoothed out if necessary, and wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in a freezer bag. The freezer bag was sealed as airtight as possible. The skin was frozen at -20°C to -30°C in a freezer placed on a flat surface. Samples were kept in the freezer for at least 24 hours for further use. The maximum storage period was 6 months. Documentation of the storage period had to be provided.

[0117] Before use in the experiment, the skin pieces were hydrated. To hydrate, a beaker containing the acceptor medium was adjusted to 32° C. The skin pieces were then placed in the beaker and completely covered with the acceptor medium.

[0118] (Purification experiment) Skin samples were contaminated with fluorene (f) or benzo[a]pyrene (b), typical model systems for PAHs.

[0119] Stock solutions were prepared as follows: (f) = Fluorene: 2.2 mg / mL in chloroform (b) = Benzo[a]pyrene: 3.3 mg / mL in chloroform.

[0120] Due to their fluorescence, the PAHs were fully detectable quantitatively. After an exposure time of 30 seconds after contamination, appropriate measures were taken. These consisted of thorough scrubbing with the composition of the invention, followed by washing with cold water. All skin pieces were examined with a fluorescence spectrometer.

[0121] Soot removal was examined optically and documented photographically, and the results are shown in Tables 1-2 and FIG.

[0122] Example 3: Screening Experiments The compositions were prepared as described in Example 1. Efficacy tests were performed in triplicate. The remaining amount in the table relative to 100% by weight represents water.

[0123] The compositions of Entries 4, 6, 8 and 9 are according to the invention. The compositions of Entries 1 to 3, 5, 7, 10 and 11 are for comparison.

[0124] The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Efficacy of various compositions [Table 1] (b) = benzo[a]pyrene, (f) = fluorene; (i) hexamethylene diisocyanate. + indicates sufficient removal, - indicates not removed / insufficient removal.

[0125] The results in Table 1 show that the compositions of the present invention were highly effective in decontaminating PAHs and soot, exhibiting purification rates ranging from 82.3% up to 97.2%.

[0126] Example 4: Purification Efficiency of Commercial Products (Comparative) Purification experiments with commercial products were carried out as described in Example 2. Table 2: Efficacy of various decontamination compositions [Table 2] (b) = benzo[a]pyrene, (f) = fluorene; + indicates sufficient removal, - indicates not removed / insufficient removal.

[0127] The measurements in Table 2 show that washing with water removes only 5.0% of the PAHs from the skin, whereas treatment with water and soap removes 60% of the PAHs. In contrast, as shown in Table 1 above, the compositions of the present invention were able to remove soot and up to 97.2% of the PAHs from the skin, and were therefore more effective than soap and water. They were also more effective than other known professional (commercial) products used to cleanse the skin (see Table 2).

Claims

1. (A) Water; (B) at least one phyllosilicate; (C) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and (D) optionally at least one thickening agent; A composition comprising less than 1% by weight of charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder, preferably no charcoal and / or graphite and / or another carbon-based powder.

2. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein (C) is or comprises at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyether or protein, or a combination thereof.

3. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein (D) the at least one thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, cellulose ethers, and polyacrylic acid-based polymers.

4. (B) is or comprises a combination of at least two different phyllosilicates; preferably 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein (B) is or comprises sodium aluminum silicate or aluminum silicate or a combination thereof.

5. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein (B) is or comprises bentonite or kaolinite or a combination thereof.

6. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein (C) is or comprises a poloxamer, a poloxamine, or a soy protein, or a combination of two or more thereof.

7. 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the poloxamer has CAS number 691397-13-4 or 9003-11-6, or the soy protein is a soy protein isolate.

8. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein (D) is or comprises a cellulose ether or a polysaccharide or a combination thereof.

9. 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein (D) is or comprises a polysaccharide selected from xanthan, chitosan, dextran, guar gum, polygein, pectin, and carrageenan.

10. Based on the total weight (100% by weight) of (A) to (D), 20 to 90 wt% of (A); 1 to 40 wt. % of (B); 1 to 40% by weight of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight Includes; Preferably, based on the total weight (100% by weight) of (A) to (D), 30 to 80 wt% of (A); 5 to 30 wt. % of (B); 5 to 30 wt % of (C); (D) 0 to 10% by weight 10. The composition of claim 1, comprising:

11. A cleaning composition comprising or consisting of the composition of claim 1.

12. 12. The cleaning composition of claim 11, comprising 40 to 100% by weight of the composition of claim 1.

13. 13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, for use in removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or soot, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot, or isocyanates from human skin.

14. A composition for use in a method for cleaning human skin, wherein the skin is contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or soot, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot, or isocyanates, the method comprising the following steps (A) and (B) and optionally step (C): (A) contacting the skin with the composition of any one of claims 1 to 12; (B) rinsing the skin contacted in step (A) with water; (C) optionally repeating steps (A) and (B).

15. 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is contained in soot.

16. 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is contained in soot.

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