A composition comprising water, a cationic α-1,6-glucan ether, and an organic solvent

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising (i) about 20-70% by weight of at least one organic solvent, (ii) about 20-50% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative, and (iii) less than about 45% by weight of water. At least about 50% of the glycosidic linkages in the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 linkages, and the ether derivative has a degree of substitution (DoS) of about 0.001 to about 3.0 with at least one ether-linked positively charged organic group. Also disclosed are methods for producing these compositions and methods for using them as ingredients in various products.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 379,507 (filed October 14, 2022) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 587,488 (filed October 3, 2023), each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure is in the field of polysaccharide derivatives. For example, the present disclosure relates to aqueous compositions containing one or more cationic α-glucan ether derivatives, such as cationic α-1,6-glucan ether derivatives, and their uses in various applications. [Background technology]

[0003] Motivated by the desire to discover polysaccharides with novel structures using enzymatic synthesis or microbial genetic engineering, researchers have discovered oligosaccharides and polysaccharides that are biodegradable and can be economically produced from renewable resource feedstocks. Further research has shown that such polysaccharides can be chemically modified (derivatized) to have additional utility in areas such as personal care, household care, industrial care, pharmaceuticals, and food. For example, ethers and esters of α-glucans containing α-1,3 glycosidic linkages have been disclosed to have various applications (e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0304629, 2016 / 0311935, 2017 / 0204232, 2014 / 0187767, and 2020 / 0308371). Various derivatives of α-glucans containing α-1,6-glycosidic bonds and applications for their use have also been disclosed (e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0312781, 2018 / 0237816, and 2018 / 0282385). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Cationic α-1,6-glucan ethers exhibit various beneficial effects, such as surface deposition and modification. Despite this utility, aqueous compositions containing cationic α-1,6-glucan ethers can be difficult to process and handle. Disclosed herein are modified aqueous compositions containing one or more cationic α-1,6-glucan ethers that address this issue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides: (i) about 15% to about 75% by weight of at least one organic solvent; (ii) about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative; (iii) less than about 50% by weight of water, In this case, at least about 50% of the glycosidic bonds of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds, and the cationic α-glucan ether derivative has a degree of substitution (DoS) of about 0.001 to about 3.0 with at least one positively charged organic group ether-bonded to the α-glucan.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a product comprising the composition of the present disclosure, typically where the composition is used as an ingredient or component in producing the product.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method / process for producing the composition of the present disclosure. Such a method / process may include: (a) providing an aqueous composition containing the cationic α-glucan ether derivatives described herein, (b) mixing the aqueous composition with an organic solvent described herein, and (c) optionally concentrating the cationic α-glucan ether derivatives and the organic solvent in the aqueous composition after step (b). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]In some embodiments, various cationic etherification reaction impurities that may be present in the liquid composition are presented. [Figure 2] In some embodiments, various possible impurities that may be present in the liquid composition are presented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The disclosures of all cited patent and non-patent publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0010] Unless otherwise disclosed, the terms "a" and "an" as used herein are intended to encompass one or more (i.e., at least one) of the referenced feature.

[0011] Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable unless otherwise stated. For example, if a range of "1 to 5" (i.e., 1 to 5) is recited, the recited range should be interpreted as including the ranges "1 to 4," "1 to 3," "1 to 2," "1 to 2 and 4 to 5," "1 to 3 and 5," etc. Numerical values ​​in various ranges in this disclosure are described as approximations, unless otherwise stated, as if both the minimum and maximum values ​​in the recited ranges were prefaced with the word "about." In this format, slight variations above and below the stated ranges can typically be used to achieve substantially the same results as values ​​within the range. Furthermore, the disclosure of these ranges contemplates continuous ranges, including each and every value between the minimum and maximum values.

[0012] It is intended that every numerical upper limit given throughout this specification will include every lower numerical limit, as if such lower numerical limit were expressly expressly written herein. Every numerical lower limit given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limit, as if such higher numerical limit were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

[0013] It should be understood that certain features of the disclosure that are, for clarity, described above and below in the context of aspects / embodiments, may also be provided in a single element or in combination. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single aspect / embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

[0014] The term "polysaccharide" (or "glycan") refers to a polymeric carbohydrate molecule composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds, which upon hydrolysis yield the constituent monosaccharides and / or oligosaccharides of the polysaccharide. Polysaccharides herein can be linear or branched, and / or can be homopolysaccharides (composed of only one type of constituent monosaccharide) or heteropolysaccharides (composed of two or more different constituent monosaccharides). Examples of polysaccharides herein include glucans (polyglucose) and soybean polysaccharides.

[0015] As used herein, "glucan" refers to a type of polysaccharide that is a polymer of glucose (polyglucose). Glucans can be composed of, for example, about or at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% glucose monomer units by weight. Examples of glucans herein include α-glucan and β-glucan.

[0016] Terms such as "α-glucan," "α-glucan polymer," and the like are used interchangeably herein. α-glucans are polymers comprising glucose monomer units linked together by α-glycosidic bonds. In typical embodiments, the glycosidic bonds of the α-glucans herein are about, or at least about, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% α-glycosidic bonds. One example of an α-glucan polymer herein is α-1,6-glucan.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "α-1,6-glucan," "poly α-1,6-glucan," "α-1,6-glucan polymer," "dextran," and the like refer to a water-soluble α-glucan comprising glucose monomer units linked together by glycosidic bonds, where at least about 50% of the glycosidic bonds are α-1,6. In some embodiments, the α-1,6-glucan comprises about or at least about 90%, 95%, or 100% α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Other linkages that may be present in α-1,6-glucans include α-1,2, α-1,3, and / or α-1,4 linkages.

[0018] The "α-1,2 branched" (and similar terms) referred to herein typically comprises a glucose that is α-1,2-linked to the dextran backbone, and therefore the α-1,2 branched herein can also be referred to as an α-1,2,6 linkage. The α-1,2 branched herein typically has one glucose group (which may optionally be referred to as a pendant glucose).

[0019] The "α-1,3 branched" (and similar terms) referred to herein typically comprises a glucose that is α-1,3-linked to the dextran backbone, and therefore the α-1,3 branched herein may also be referred to as an α-1,3,6 linkage. The α-1,3 branched herein typically has one glucose group (which may also be optionally referred to as a pendant glucose).

[0020] The "α-1,4 branched" (and similar terms) referred to herein typically comprises a glucose that is α-1,4-linked to the dextran backbone, and therefore the α-1,4 branched herein may also be referred to as an α-1,4,6 linkage. The α-1,4 branched herein typically has one glucose group (which may also be optionally referred to as a pendant glucose).

[0021] The percentage of branches in the α-glucan herein refers to the percentage of all bonds in the α-glucan that correspond to branching points. For example, the percentage of α-1,2 branches in the α-glucan herein refers to the percentage of all bonds in the glucan that correspond to α-1,2 branching points. Unless otherwise specified, the percentage of bonds disclosed herein is based on the total bonds of the α-glucan or the portion of the α-glucan that the disclosure specifically considers.

[0022] The terms "linkage," "glycosidic linkage," "glycosidic bond," and the like refer to the covalent bond that joins sugar monomers within a sugar compound (oligosaccharide and / or polysaccharide). Examples of glycosidic bonds include the 1,6-α-D-glycosidic bond (also referred to herein as an "α-1,6" linkage), the 1,3-α-D-glycosidic bond (also referred to herein as an "α-1,3" linkage), the 1,4-α-D-glycosidic bond (also referred to herein as an "α-1,4" linkage), and the 1,2-α-D-glycosidic bond (also referred to herein as an "α-1,2" linkage).

[0023] The glycosidic linkage profile of an α-glucan or derivative thereof can be determined using any method known in the art. For example, the linkage profile can be determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (e.g., 13 C NMR and / or 1These and other methods that can be used are disclosed, for example, in Food Carbohydrates: Chemistry, Physical Properties, and Applications (SWCui. Ed., Chapter 3, SWCui, Structural Analysis of Polysaccharides, Taylor & Francis Group LLC, Boca Raton, FL, 2005), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] As used herein, the term "molar substitution" (MS) refers to the moles of organic groups per monomer unit of the α-glucan herein. Note that the molar substitution value of the α-glucan derivative may have a very high upper limit, for example, several hundred or even several thousand.

[0025] The "molecular weight" of an α-glucan or α-glucan derivative herein can be expressed as a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) or a number-average molecular weight (Mn), with units of Daltons (Da) or grams per mole. Alternatively, the molecular weight can be expressed as DPw (weight-average degree of polymerization) or DPn (number-average degree of polymerization). The molecular weight of smaller α-glucan polymers, such as oligosaccharides, can optionally be provided as "DP" (degree of polymerization), which simply refers to the number of monomers contained in the α-glucan; "DP" can also characterize the molecular weight of the polymer on an individual molecule basis. Various methods for calculating these various molecular weight measurements, such as by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), or gel permeation chromatography (GPC), are known in the art.

[0026] As used herein, Mw is defined as Mw=ΣNiMi 2In addition to SEC, the Mw of a polymer can be determined by other techniques, such as static light scattering, mass spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight), small-angle X-ray or neutron scattering, or ultracentrifugation. As used herein, Mn can be calculated as Mn = ΣNiMi / ΣNi, where Mi is the molecular weight of chain i and Ni is the number of chains of that molecular weight. In addition to SEC, the Mn of a polymer can be determined by various colligative property methods, such as end-group quantification by spectroscopic methods such as vapor pressure osmometry, proton NMR, proton FTIR, or UV-Vis. As used herein, DPn and DPw can be calculated from Mw and Mn by dividing them by the molar mass of one monomer unit, M1, respectively. For unsubstituted glucan polymers, M1 = 162. For substituted (derivatized) glucan polymers, M = 162 + M f × DoS, where M f is the molar mass of the substituent and DoS is the degree of substitution (average number of substituents per glucose unit of the glucan polymer).

[0027] As used herein, "α-glucan derivative" (and similar terms) typically refers to an α-glucan substituted with at least one type of organic group. In some embodiments, the degree of substitution (DoS) of the α-glucan derivative can be up to about 3.0 (e.g., about 0.001 to about 3.0). The organic group herein, which is an ether group, is attached to the α-glucan derivative via an ether bond. The precursor of the α-glucan derivative herein typically refers to the underivatized α-glucan used to generate the derivative (which can also be referred to as the α-glucan or the α-glucan portion of the derivative). The organic group herein is typically positively charged (cationic); generally, such charge is the charge that may be present when the organic group is present in the aqueous composition herein, further taking into account the pH of the aqueous composition (in some embodiments, the pH may be 4-10, 5-9, 6-8, or any pH disclosed herein).

[0028] As used herein, the term "degree of substitution" (DoS, or DS) refers to the average number of hydroxyl groups substituted with one or more types of organic groups (e.g., via ether linkages) in each monomer unit of an α-glucan derivative. The DoS of the α-glucan derivatives herein can be expressed with reference to the DoS of a specific substituent or the overall DoS, which is the sum of the DoS values ​​of different substituent types (e.g., in the case of mixed ethers). Unless otherwise disclosed, if the DoS is not stated with reference to a specific substituent type, the overall DoS is meant.

[0029] The terminology used herein with respect to "ethers" (e.g., α-glucan ether derivatives) may be as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0311935, 2018 / 0237816, or 2020 / 0002646, or WO 2021 / 257786, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Terms such as "α-glucan ether derivatives," "α-glucan ether compounds," and "α-glucan ethers" are used interchangeably herein. An α-glucan ether derivative herein is an α-glucan ether that has been etherified with one or more organic groups (e.g., charged organic groups such as cationic groups), and the derivative has a DoS with the one or more organic groups of up to about 3.0. An α-glucan ether derivative, as used herein, is a compound having the substructure -C G It is called an "ether" because it contains -OC-. G "-" represents a carbon atom of a monomer unit (typically glucose) of an α-glucan ether derivative (such carbon atom is bonded to a hydroxyl group [-OH] in the α-glucan precursor of the ether), and "-C-" is a carbon atom of an organic group.

[0030] An organic group may be referred to as a "positively charged organic group." As used herein, a positively charged organic group refers to one or more carbons (e.g., a "carbon chain") in which one or more hydrogens have been replaced with another atom or functional group (i.e., a "substituted alkyl group"), where one or more of the substituents is a positively charged group. When a positively charged organic group has substitutions in addition to substitutions with a positively charged group, such further substitutions can be with one or more hydroxyl groups, oxygen atoms (thereby forming an aldehyde or ketone group), alkyl groups, and / or additional positively charged groups. A positively charged organic group contains one or more positively charged groups and thus has a net positive charge. Terms such as "positively charged group," "positively charged ionic group," and "cationic group" are used interchangeably herein. A positively charged group comprises a cation (a positively charged ion). Examples of positively charged groups include substituted ammonium groups, carbocationic groups, and acylcationic groups.

[0031] The terms "substituted ammonium," "substituted ammonium group," "substituted ammonium ion," "substituted ammonium cation," and the like are used interchangeably herein. A "substituted ammonium group" herein refers to a group having the structure I: [ka] wherein R2, R3, and R4 in Structure I each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group. The arrangement of R2, R3, and R4 in Structure I is generally not particularly critical and is not intended to imply any particular stereochemistry. The carbon atom (C) in Structure I is part of one or more carbons (e.g., a "carbon chain") of a positively charged organic group. The carbon atom is directly ether-linked to a glucose monomer unit of the α-glucan herein, or is part of a chain of two or more carbon atoms ether-linked to a glucose monomer unit. The carbon atom in Structure I can be -CH2-, -CH- (where one H is replaced with another group, such as a hydroxy group), or -C- (where both Hs are replaced).

[0032] A substituted ammonium group can be a "primary ammonium group," a "secondary ammonium group," a "tertiary ammonium group," or a "quaternary ammonium group," depending on the composition of R2, R3, and R4 in Structure I. A "primary ammonium group" herein refers to a group of Structure I in which each of R2, R3, and R4 is a hydrogen atom (i.e., -C-NH3 +) A secondary ammonium group herein refers to structure I in which R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom and R4 is an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group. A tertiary ammonium group herein refers to structure I in which R2 is a hydrogen atom and R3 and R4 are each an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group. The assignment of R2, R3, and R4 herein is entirely arbitrary. A quaternary ammonium group herein refers to structure I in which R2, R3, and R4 are each independently an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group (i.e., none of R2, R3, and R4 is a hydrogen atom). It will be understood that the fourth member (i.e., R1) indicated by the above nomenclature is one or more carbons (e.g., a chain) of a positively charged organic group ether-linked to the glucose monomer unit of α-glucan.

[0033] Examples of substituted ammonium α-glucan ethers herein include a hydroxypropyl group that attaches the ammonium group to the α-glucan. The positively charged organic group of such ether compounds can be represented as Structure II: [ka] (wherein each of R2, R3, and R4 is as described above for either a primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary ammonium group).

[0034] As used herein, the terms "etherification reaction," "etherification reaction composition," and the like refer to a reaction comprising water, at least one α-glucan of the present disclosure, and an etherification agent. These components are typically dissolved and / or mixed under alkaline conditions (typically in an aqueous solvent containing an alkali hydroxide). The reaction is carried out under conditions (e.g., time, temperature, pH) appropriate for the etherification agent to etherify one or more hydroxyl groups of the glucose monomer units of the α-glucan with an organic group as described herein, thereby producing an α-glucan ether compound. A reaction that has been initiated and contains at least some amount of α-glucan ether product can also be referred to as an etherification reaction, or in some cases, a completed etherification reaction.

[0035] The term "alkaline conditions" as used herein refers to a solution or mixture, for example, in the case of an etherification reaction composition, having a pH of at least 11 or 12. Alkaline conditions can be prepared by any means known in the art, such as by dissolving an alkali hydroxide in an aqueous composition.

[0036] The terms "etherifying agent," "alkylating agent," and the like are used interchangeably herein. As used herein, an etherifying agent refers to an agent that can be used to etherify one or more hydroxyl groups of one or more glucose monomer units of an α-glucan with an organic group. Thus, an etherifying agent contains at least one organic group.

[0037] As used herein, an α-glucan or ether derivative thereof that is "aqueous-soluble" or "water-soluble" (and similar terms) is soluble (or substantially soluble) in water or other aqueous conditions, optionally wherein the aqueous conditions are further characterized by a pH of 4-9 (e.g., pH 6-8) and / or a temperature of about 1-130°C (e.g., 20-25°C). In some embodiments, a water-soluble α-glucan or ether derivative thereof is soluble in water at a pH of 7 at 25°C at 1% by weight or more. In contrast, an α-glucan or ether derivative thereof that is "water-insoluble" or "water-insoluble" (and similar terms) is not soluble under these conditions. In some embodiments, less than 1.0 gram (e.g., an undetectable amount) of water-insoluble α-glucan or ether derivative thereof dissolves in 1000 milliliters of such aqueous conditions (e.g., water at 23°C). The α-glucans and α-glucan ether derivatives of the present disclosure are typically water-soluble.

[0038] As used herein, the term "viscosity" refers to a measure of the degree to which a fluid (whether aqueous or non-aqueous) resists forces that tend to cause it to flow. Various units of viscosity that can be used herein include, for example, centipoise (cP, cps) and Pascal seconds (Pa s). One centipoise is 1 / 100 poise, and one poise is 0.100 kg m -1 ·s -1 As used herein, the terms "viscosity modifier," "viscosity modifier," and the like refer to something that can change / adjust the viscosity of a fluid or aqueous composition.

[0039] The terms "polar organic solvent" and "water-miscible organic solvent" (and similar terms) are used interchangeably herein. Polar organic solvents can be dissolved in water or an aqueous solution. Thus, polar organic solvents do not separate into different phases when added to water or an aqueous solution. Polar organic solvents contain carbon and at least one heteroatom (i.e., a non-carbon atom or a non-hydrogen atom), such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or phosphorus. This is in contrast to non-polar organic solvents, which generally contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Polar organic solvents typically have a dielectric constant greater than about 4. Polar organic solvents contain a dipole due to a polar bond.

[0040] The term "protic polar organic solvent" (and similar terms) herein refers to a polar organic solvent having one or more suitably labile hydrogen atoms capable of forming hydrogen bonds. Protic polar organic solvents generally contain a hydrogen atom bonded to an atom with electronegative properties, e.g., one or more OH, NH, and / or SH bonds are present.

[0041] In some embodiments, terms such as "fiber," "fibers," and the like can refer to staple fibers (fibers of short length) and continuous fibers. Fibers herein can include α-1,3-glucan, natural fibers (e.g., cellulose, cotton, wool, silk), or synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester), or any other type of material disclosed herein capable of forming fibers. Fibers can be present in fiber-containing materials / articles / compositions, such as, for example, textiles or nonwoven products.

[0042] As used herein, the term "woven product" and similar terms refer to products formed by weaving, knitting, interlacing, or otherwise intertwining yarns or fibers in an organized, consistent, and / or repeating manner.

[0043] Terms such as "nonwoven," "nonwoven product," "nonwoven web," and the like, as used herein, refer to a web of individual fibers or filaments that are typically interspersed in a random or indefinable manner. This is in contrast to knitted or woven fabrics, which have a definable network of fibers or filaments. In some aspects, a nonwoven product comprises a nonwoven web bonded or attached to another material, such as a substrate or backing.

[0044] The terms "fabric," "textile," "cloth," and the like are used interchangeably herein and refer to a woven material having a network of natural and / or man-made fibers. Such fibers may be in the form of, for example, yarns or threads.

[0045] The term "household care product" and similar terms typically refer to products, goods, and services related to the treatment, cleaning, care, and / or conditioning of household goods and their contents, including, for example, chemicals, compositions, products, or combinations thereof, that have such care applications.

[0046] "Fabric care composition" and like terms refer to any composition suitable for treating fabrics in any manner. Examples of such compositions include laundry detergents and fabric softeners, which are examples of laundry care compositions.

[0047] A "detergent composition" herein typically comprises at least one surfactant (detergent compound) and / or one builder. By "surfactant" herein is meant a substance that tends to reduce the surface tension of the liquid in which it is dissolved. Surfactants may function, for example, as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and / or dispersing agents.

[0048] Terms such as "heavy duty detergent," "all-purpose detergent," and the like are used interchangeably herein to refer to detergents useful for regular washing of white and / or colored fabrics at all temperatures. Terms such as "low performance detergent," "fine fabric detergent," and the like are used interchangeably herein to refer to detergents useful for caring for delicate fabrics such as viscose, wool, silk, microfiber, or other fabrics that require special care. "Special care" can include, for example, conditions using excess water, low agitation, and / or no bleach.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "softener," "fabric conditioner," and the like refer to compositions, such as liquid or solid forms, that deposit lubricants and / or other surface-modifying ingredients onto fabrics to, for example, help maintain fabric softness and / or provide other beneficial characteristics to the fabrics (e.g., lubricity, antistatic, anti-sticking, and / or anti-wrinkle). As used herein, softeners are typically applied to fabrics after washing the fabrics with laundry detergent, usually while rinsing the fabrics.

[0050] The term "personal care product" and similar terms typically refer to products, goods, and services related to the treatment, washing, cleansing, care, or conditioning of humans, including, for example, chemicals, compositions, products, or combinations thereof, that have such care applications.

[0051] An "oral care composition" herein is any composition suitable for treating soft or hard surfaces within the oral cavity, such as tooth(s) and / or gum surfaces.

[0052] The term "medical supplies" and similar terms typically refer to products, goods and services related to the diagnosis, treatment, and / or care of patients.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "film," "sheet," and similar terms generally refer to a thin, continuous material. A film can be configured as a layer or coating on a material, or can be standalone (e.g., freestanding, not attached to a material surface). As used herein, a "coating" (and similar terms) refers to a layer covering a material surface. The term "uniform thickness," used to characterize a film or coating herein, can refer to a continuous area that is (i) at least 20% of the total area of ​​the film / coating, and (ii) has a standard deviation of thickness of, for example, less than about 50 nm. The term "continuous layer" refers to a layer of a composition applied to at least a portion of a substrate, wherein the dried layer of the composition covers 99% or more of the surface to which it is applied and has less than 1% pores within the layer exposing the substrate surface. 99% or more of the surface to which the layer is applied excludes any areas of the substrate to which the layer is not applied. The coatings herein can form a continuous layer in some embodiments. The coating composition (and similar terms) herein refers to all solid components that form a layer on a substrate, such as the α-glucan ether derivatives herein, and optionally pigments, surfactants, dispersants, binders, crosslinkers, and / or other additives.

[0054] The term "industrial product" and similar terms refer to products, goods, and services that are typically used in an industrial and / or institutional environment, but are not typically used by individual consumers.

[0055] As used herein, with respect to polypeptide amino acid sequences (e.g., of glucosyltransferases), the terms "sequence identity," "identity," and the like, are as defined and determined in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0002336, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] "Dry" or "dried" compositions herein typically have less than 1% water by weight therein.

[0057] The terms "percent by volume," "volume percent," "vol%," "v / v%," and the like are used interchangeably herein. The volume percent of a solute in a solution can be determined using the formula: [(volume of solute) / (volume of solution)] x 100%.

[0058] The terms "percent by weight," "weight percent (wt%)," "weight-to-weight percent (% w / w)," and the like are used interchangeably herein. Percent by weight refers to the percent of a substance by mass when contained in a composition, mixture, or solution.

[0059] The terms "weight / volume percent," "w / v%," and the like are used interchangeably herein. Weight / volume percent can be calculated as follows: ((mass of material [g]) / (total volume of material + liquid in which the material is placed [mL])) × 100%. The material can be insoluble in the liquid (i.e., a solid phase in the liquid, e.g., a dispersion) or soluble in the liquid (i.e., a solute that is dissolved in the liquid).

[0060] The term "isolated" refers to a substance (or process) in a form or environment that does not occur in nature. Non-limiting examples of isolated substances include any of the α-glucan ether derivatives disclosed herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are considered to be synthetic / artificial (not capable of being made or performed without human intervention / involvement) and / or have properties that do not occur in nature.

[0061] As used herein, the term "increased" can refer to an amount or activity that is at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 50%, 100%, or 200% greater than the compared amount or activity. Terms such as "increase," "elevation," "enhancement," "super," and "improvement" are used interchangeably herein.

[0062] Some aspects of the present disclosure include: (i) about 15% to 75% by weight of at least one organic solvent; (ii) about 20% to 50% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative (i.e., an ether derivative of an α-glucan herein); and (iii) less than about 50% by weight water (but typically at least about 20% by weight water), In this case, at least about 50% of the glycosidic bonds of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds, and the cationic α-glucan ether derivative has a degree of substitution (DoS) with at least one positively charged organic group ether-linked to the α-glucan of about 0.001 to about 3.0. Such compositions can enable easier processing and handling of the cationic α-glucan ether derivatives of the present disclosure in aqueous form. In some embodiments, such compositions can be used as ingredients in preparing products containing the cationic α-glucan ether derivatives. The compositions of the present disclosure can optionally be characterized as liquid compositions.

[0063] In some aspects, the liquid composition of the present disclosure comprises: (i) About 15% by weight, 20% by weight, 25% by weight, 30% by weight, 31% by weight, 32% by weight, 33% by weight, 34% by weight, 35% by weight, 36% by weight, 37% by weight, 38% by weight, 39% by weight, 40% by weight, 45% by weight, 50% by weight, 55% by weight, 60% by weight, 65% by weight, 70% by weight, 75% by weight, 15~ 75% by weight, 15~70% by weight, 15~65% by weight, 15~60% by weight, 15~55% by weight, 15~50% by weight, 15~45% by weight, 15~40% by weight %, 15~35wt%, 15~30wt%, 15~25wt%, 20~75wt%, 20~70wt%, 20~65wt%, 20~60wt%, 20 55% by weight, 20 ... (ii) about 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 20-50%, 20-45%, 20-40%, 20-35%, 20-30%, 20-25%, 25-50%, 25-45%, 25-40%, 25-35%, 25-30%, 30-50%, 30-45%, 30-40%, 30-35%, or 32-35% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative herein; (iii) about 50%, 45%, 40%, 39%, 38%, 37%, 36%, 35%, 34%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 20-50%, 20-45%, 20-40%, 20-35%, 20-30%, 20-25%, 25-50%, 25-45%, 25-40%, 25-35%, 25-30%, 30-45%, 30-40%, 30-35%, or 32-35% or less water by weight.

[0064] Any combination of the weight percent values / ranges obtained from (i), (ii), and (iii) above can characterize the liquid compositions herein. By way of example only, the liquid compositions herein can include: (A) (i) 25 to 40% by weight of an organic solvent, (ii) 25 to 40% by weight of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 25 to 40% by weight of water; (B) (i) 25 to 35 wt % of an organic solvent, (ii) 25 to 35 wt % of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 25 to 35 wt % of water; (C) (i) 30 to 40% by weight of an organic solvent, (ii) 30 to 40% by weight of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 30 to 40% by weight of water. (D) (i) 30 to 35% by weight of an organic solvent, (ii) 30 to 35% by weight of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 30 to 35% by weight of water; (E) (i) 32 to 35 wt % of an organic solvent, (ii) 32 to 35 wt % of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 32 to 35 wt % of water; (F) (i) 32 to 34% by weight of an organic solvent, (ii) 32 to 34% by weight of a cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 32 to 34% by weight of water, or (G) (i) 33 to 34 wt % organic solvent, (ii) 33 to 34 wt % cationic α-glucan ether, and (iii) 33 to 34 wt % water.

[0065] In some embodiments, the combination of (i), (ii), and (iii) constitutes about, or at least about, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 100% of the composition by weight. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more additional components may be present in a liquid composition comprising (i), (ii), and (iii). Examples of other components may be any of those disclosed herein, such as one or more of salts, buffers, enzymes, sugars and / or other sugars, impurities, by-products, and / or preservatives.

[0066] For example, one, two, three, or more organic solvents may constitute the organic solvent component of the liquid composition. Typically, the one or more organic solvents herein are water-soluble / miscible polar organic solvents, e.g., the polar organic solvents may be protic. Examples of suitable organic solvents herein include ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and / or glycerol.

[0067] The liquid composition of the present disclosure, which includes (i), (ii), and (iii) above, typically exists in a completely liquid state (i.e., no solids are present and the cationic α-glucan ether is completely dissolved). Because the suitable organic solvents herein are miscible with water under the conditions disclosed herein, this liquid state typically exists as a single phase.

[0068] In some embodiments, a liquid composition of the present disclosure comprising (i), (ii), and (iii) has no (detectable) dissolved sugars or has about 0.1-1.5, 0.1-1.25, 0.1-1.0, 0.1-0.75, 0.1-0.5, 0.2-0.6, 0.3-0.5, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, or 0.6% by weight of dissolved sugars. Such dissolved sugars can include, for example, sucrose, fructose, glucose, leucrose, and / or soluble gluco-oligosaccharides. In some embodiments, the liquid composition can contain, for example, one or more salts / buffering agents (e.g., Na + , Cl - , NaCl, phosphate, Tris, citrate) (e.g., ≦0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 wt %) and / or may have a pH of about 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 4.0-10.0, 4.0-9.0, 4.0-8.0, 5.0-10.0, 5.0-9.0, 5.0-8.0, 6.0-10.0, 6.0-9.0, or 6.0-8.0.

[0069] The temperature of the liquid composition comprising (i), (ii), and (iii) herein may be, for example, about, at least about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 40, 42, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 10 to 30, 10 to 25, The temperature may be 15 to 50, 15 to 30, 15 to 25, 20 to 40, 20 to 35, 20 to 30, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 50, 30 to 45, 30 to 40, 30 to 35, 35 to 40, 35 to 50, 40 to 45, 50 to 60, 110 to 130, 110 to 125, 110 to 120, 115 to 130, or 115 to 125°C, or about less.

[0070] Liquid composition component (ii), as used herein, can include, for example, one, two, three, four, or more different cationic α-glucan ether derivatives. Underivatized α-glucans (e.g., precursor compounds of cationic α-glucan ether derivatives) are typically absent and / or undetectable in the liquid composition (e.g., about 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, or 0.0005% by weight, or undetectable to levels of about less).

[0071] In some embodiments, the cationic α-glucan ether contains about, or at least about, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 100% α-1,6-glycosidic bonds (i.e., the ether is a cationic α-1,6-glucan ether or a cationic dextran ether). In some embodiments, the substantially linear dextran ether may contain 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or less glycosidic branches (linear dextran ethers have 100% α-1,6 bonds). When present, glycosidic branches from the dextran ether are typically short, with a length of 1 (pendant), 2, or 3. In some embodiments, the dextran ether may contain about 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0%, or less, of α-1,4, α-1,3, and / or α-1,2 glycosidic linkages. Typically, such linkages are present entirely or nearly entirely as branch points from the dextran.

[0072] The dextran portion of the dextran ether derivatives herein can have, for example, α-1,2, α-1,3 and / or α-1,4 branches. In some embodiments, the concentration is about, at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 2-35%, 2-30%, 2-25%, 2-20%, 2-15%, 2-10%, 3-35%, 3-30%, 3-25%, 3-20%, 3-15%, 3-10%, 5-35%, 5-30%, 5-25%, 5-20%, 5-15%, 5-10%, 7-13%, 8-12%, 9-11%, 10-35%, 10-30%, 10-25%, 10-20%, 10-15%, 12-20%, 12-18%, 14-20%, 14-18%, 15-35%, 15-30%, 15-25%, 15-20%, 15-18%, 15-17%, 17-23%, 18-22%, 19-21%, 20-35%, 20-30%, 20-25%, 35-45%, 37-43%, 38-42%, or 39-41%, or about less, of the total glycosidic bonds of the branched dextran ether are α-1,2, α-1,3, and / or α-1,4 glycosidic branching bonds. Such branches are typically predominantly (>90% or >95%) or entirely (100%) a single glucose monomer in length. In some embodiments, dextrans with α-1,2-branches can be enzymatically produced according to the procedures of U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017 / 0218093 or 2018 / 0282385 (both incorporated herein by reference), where an α-1,2 branching enzyme, such as GTFJ18T1 or GTF9905, can be added during or after dextran production. In some embodiments, any other enzyme known to produce α-1,2-branching can be used.For example, dextran with α-1,3-branching enzymes can be prepared as disclosed in Vuillemin et al. (2016, J. Biol Chem. 291:7687-7702) or in WO 2021 / 007264 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0267745, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] The dextran portion of the dextran ether derivatives of the present invention may be, for example, about, at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8-20, 8-30, 8-100, 8-500, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6 , 3~7, 3~8, 4~5, 4~6, 4~7, 4~8, 5~6, 5~7, 5~8, 6~7, 6~8, 7~8, 90~120, 95~120, 100~120, 105~120, 110~120, 115~120, 90~115, 95~115, 100~115, 105~115 , 110~115, 90~110, 95~110, 100~110, 105~110, 90~105, 95~105, 100~105, 90~100, 95~100, 90~95, 85~95, 85~90, 5~100, 5~250, 5~500, 5~1000, 5~1500, 5~2000, 5~2500, 5~3000, 5~4000, 5~5000, 5~6000, 10~100, 10~250, 10~500, 10~1000, 10~1500, 10~2000, 10~2500, 10~3000, 10~4000, 10~5000, 10~60 00, 25~100, 25~250, 25~500, 25~1000, 25~1500, 25~2000, 25~2500, 25~3000, 25~4000, 25~5000, 25~6000, 50~100, 50~250, 50~500, 50~1000, 50~1500, 50~2000, 50~2500, 50~3000, 50~4000, 50~5000, 50~6000, 100~100, 100~250, 100~400, 100~500, 100~1000, 100~1500, 100~2000, 100~2500, 100~3000, 100~4000, 100~5000, 100~6000, 250~500, 250~1000, 250~1500, 250~2000, 250~2500, 250~3000, 250~4000, 250~5000, 250~6000, 300~2800, 300~3000,350~2800, 350~3000, 500~1000, 500~1500, 500~2000, 500~2500, 500~2800, 500~3000, 500~4000, 500~5000, 500~6000, 600~1550, 600~1850, 600~2000, 600~2500, 600~3000, 750~1000, 750~1250, 750~1500, 750~2000, 750~2500, 750 The polyisocyanate may have a DPw, DPn, or DP of about 3000, 750 to 4000, 750 to 5000, 750 to 6000, 900 to 1250, 900 to 1500, 900 to 2000, 1000 to 1250, 1000 to 1400, 1000 to 1500, 1000 to 2000, 1000 to 2500, 1000 to 3000, 1000 to 4000, 1000 to 5000, 1000 to 6000, or 1100 to 1300, or about less. In some embodiments, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the dextran portion of the dextran ether derivative is about, at least about 100,000, 125,000, 150,000, 175,000, 200,000, 240,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000, 1,000,000, 2,000,000, 3,000,000, 4,000,000, 5,000,000, 6,000,000, 7,000,000, 8,000,000, 9,000,000, 10,000,000, 20,000,000, 30 million, 40 million, 50 million, 60 million, 70 million, 80 million, 90 million, 100 million, 110 million, 120 million, 130 million, 140 million, 150 million, 160 million, 170 million, 180 million, 190 million, 200 million, 100,000-200,000, 125,000-175,000, 130,000-170,000, 135,000 1,000-165,000, 140,000-160,000, 145,000-155,000, 10,000,000-80,000, 20,000,000-70,000, 30,000,000-60,000, 40,000,000-50,000, 50,000,000-200,000, 60,000,000-200,000, 70,000,000-200,000, 80,000,000-200,000, 90,000,000-200,000,000-200,000,100,000-200,000,110,000-200,000,120,000-200,000,500 0 to 180 million, 60 to 180 million, 70 to 180 million, 80 to 180 million, 90 to 180 million, 100 to 180 million, 110 to 180 million, 120 to 180 million, 50 to 160 million, 60 to 160 million, 70 to 160 million,80 million to 160 million, 90 million to 160 million, 100 million to 160 million, 110 million to 160 million, 120 million to 160 million, 50 million to 140 million, 60 million to 140 million, 70 million to 140 million, 80 million to 140 million, 90 million to 140 million, 100 million to 140 million, 110 million to 140 million, 120 million to 140 million, 50 million to 120 million, 60 million to 120 million, 70 million to 120 million, It may be, or about, 80 to 120 million, 90 to 120 million, 90 to 110 million, 100 to 120 million, 110 to 120 million, 50 to 110 million, 60 to 110 million, 70 to 110 million, 80 to 110 million, 90 to 110 million, 100 to 110 million, 50 to 100 million, 60 to 100 million, 70 to 100 million, 80 to 100 million, 90 to 100 million, or 95 to 105 million daltons. In some embodiments, the Mw of the dextran portion of the dextran ether derivative is, for example, about, at least about 0.9, 1, 5, 7.5, 15, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 9 00, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 0.9~450, 1~500, 1~2000, 7.5~10, 7.5~15, 7.5~20, 10~350, 10~500, 10~400, 10~300, 10~200, 10~100, 10~50, 10~30, 15~25, 20~500, 20-400, 20-300, 20-200, 20-100, 20-50, 30-500, 30-400, 30-300, 30-200, 30-100, 30-50, 40-500, 40-400, 40-300, 40-200, 40-100, 40-60, 45-55, 40-50, 50-500, 5 0~400, 50~300, 50~350, 50~200, 80~300, 90~300, 100~500, 100~400, 100~300, 100~250, 100~200, 125~250, 150~250, 150~200, 175~200, 180~225, 180~200, 190~210,The molecular weight of dextran may be 200-500, 200-400, 200-300, or 290-310 kDa, or approximately less. The molecular weight of dextran can be calculated, as needed, based on any of the aforementioned DPw, DPn, or DP values ​​of dextran. Any of the aforementioned DPw, DPn, DP, or Dalton values / ranges can characterize the dextran herein, for example, before or after optional branching (e.g., α-1,2 and / or α-1,3). In some embodiments, any of the aforementioned DPw, DPn, DP, or Dalton values ​​or ranges can characterize the dextran ether derivatives herein. The molecular weight of the dextran ether herein can be calculated, for example, based on any of the aforementioned DPw, DPn, DP, or Dalton values ​​of dextran, further taking into account the DoS of the ether and the type of ether group.

[0074] The dextran portion of the dextran ether derivatives herein can be as disclosed (e.g., molecular weight, linkage / branching profile, method of production) in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0122445, 2017 / 0218093, 2018 / 0282385, 2018 / 0165360, or 2019 / 0185893, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, dextran for ether derivatization can be one produced in a suitable reaction comprising glucosyltransferase (GTF) 0768 (SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0122445), GTF8117, GTF6831, or GTF5604 (these latter three GTF enzymes are SEQ ID NOs: 30, 32, and 33, respectively, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0282385), or a GTF comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of GTF0768, GTF8117, GTF6831, or GTF5604.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ether derivatives of α-glucans disclosed herein may have a degree of substitution (DoS) with at least one positively charged (cationic) organic group ether-linked to the α-glucan of up to about 3.0 (e.g., 0.001 to 3.0). The DoS can be about, at least about, or up to about 0.001, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 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, or 3.0 (the DoS can optionally be expressed as a range between any two of these values). Some examples of DoS ranges herein include 0.001 to 3.0, 0.001 to 2.5, 0.001 to 2.0, 0.001 to 1.5, 0.001 to 1.0, 0.001 to 0.5, 0.001 to 0.4, 0.001 to 0.3, 0.001 to 0.2, 0.001 to 0.175, 0.001 to 0.15, 0.001 to 0.25, 0.001 to 0.35, 0.001 to 0.45, 0.001 to 0.55, 0.001 to 0.55, 0.001 to 0.65, 0.001 to 0.75, 0.001 to 0.85, 0.001 to .001~0.125, 0.001~0.1, 0.01~3.0, 0.01~2.5, 0.01~2.0, 0.01~1.5, 0.01~1.0, 0.01~0.8, 0.01~0.5, 0.01~0.4, 0.01~0.3, 0.01~0.2, 0.01~0.175, 0.01~0.15, 0.01~0. 125, 0.01-0.1, 0.03-0.7, 0.04-0.6, 0.05-3.0, 0.05-2.5, 0.05-2.0, 0.05-1.5, 0.05-1.0, 0.05-0.5, 0.05-0.8, 0.05-0.4, 0.05-0.3, 0.05-0.2, 0.05-0.175, 0.05-0. 15, 0.05 to 0.125, 0.05 to 0.1, 0.1 to 3.0, 0.1 to 2.5, 0.1 to 2.0, 0.1 to 1.5, 0.1 to 1.0, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.5, 0.1 to 0.4, 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 0.2, 0.1 to 0.175, 0.1 to 0.15, and 0.1 to 0.125.

[0076] Because the glucose monomer unit of α-glucan has up to three hydroxyl groups, the overall DoS of the α-glucan ether derivative can be 3.0 or less. Because the α-glucan ether derivatives of the present disclosure have a DoS (e.g., about 0.001 to about 3.0) with at least one positively charged organic group in the ether linkage, one skilled in the art will understand that not all of the substituents in the α-glucan ether derivative will be solely hydroxyl.

[0077] The α-glucan ether derivatives of the present disclosure can be substituted with at least one positively charged organic group herein ether-linked to the α-glucan. The positively charged organic group can be, for example, any of those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0311935, 2018 / 0237816, or 2020 / 0002646, or International Publication No. WO 2021 / 257786, which are incorporated herein by reference. The positively charged organic group can include, for example, a substituted ammonium group. Examples of substituted ammonium groups include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary ammonium groups, such as those represented by Structures I and II. The ammonium group can be substituted with, for example, an alkyl group and / or an aryl group. In some embodiments of the substituted ammonium group, one, two, or three alkyl and / or aryl groups can be present. The alkyl group of the substituted ammonium group herein may be, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, icosyl, henicosyl, docosyl, tricosyl, tetracosyl, C 25 , C 26 , C 27 , C 28 , C 29 , or C 30 C1 to C groups, etc. 30 The alkyl groups may be C1 to C6 alkyl groups, and each alkyl group may be the same or different in embodiments with two or three alkyl substitutions. 24 , C1~C18 , C6~C 20 , C 10 ~C 16 An aryl group can be, for example, a C6, C6-C6, or C1-C4 group optionally substituted with one or more alkyl substituents (e.g., any alkyl group disclosed herein). 24 , C 12 ~C 24 , or C6~C 18 It may be an aryl group.

[0078] The secondary ammonium α-glucan ether herein, in some embodiments, can include a monoalkylammonium group (e.g., based on structure I). The secondary ammonium α-glucan ether, in some embodiments, can be a monoalkylammonium α-glucan ether, such as monomethyl-, monoethyl-, monopropyl-, monobutyl-, monopentyl-, monohexyl-, monoheptyl-, monooctyl-, monononyl-, monodecyl-, monoundecyl-, monododecyl-, monotridecyl-, monotetradecyl-, monopentadecyl-, monohexadecyl-, monoheptadecyl-, or monooctadecyl-ammonium α-glucan ether. These α-glucan ethers can also be referred to as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, pentyl-, hexyl-, heptyl-, octyl-, nonyl-, decyl-, undecyl-, dodecyl-, tridecyl-, tetradecyl-, pentadecyl-, hexadecyl-, heptadecyl-, or octadecyl-ammonium α-glucan ethers, respectively.

[0079] The tertiary ammonium α-glucan ethers herein, in some embodiments, can include a dialkylammonium group (e.g., based on structure I). The tertiary ammonium α-glucan ether, in some embodiments, can be a dialkylammonium α-glucan ether, such as a dimethyl-, diethyl-, dipropyl-, dibutyl-, dipentyl-, dihexyl-, diheptyl-, dioctyl-, dinonyl-, didecyl-, diundecyl-, didodecyl-, ditridecyl-, ditetradecyl-, dipentadecyl-, dihexadecyl-, diheptadecyl-, or dioctadecyl-ammonium α-glucan ether.

[0080] The quaternary ammonium α-glucan ethers herein may, in some embodiments, include a trialkylammonium group (e.g., based on structure I). The quaternary ammonium α-glucan ether compound may, in some embodiments, be a trialkylammonium α-glucan ether, such as trimethyl-, triethyl-, tripropyl-, tributyl-, tripentyl-, trihexyl-, triheptyl-, trioctyl-, trinonyl-, tridecyl-, triundecyl-, tridodecyl-, tritridecyl-, tritetradecyl-, tripentadecyl-, trihexadecyl-, triheptadecyl-, or trioctadecyl-ammonium α-glucan ether.

[0081] In some embodiments, the positively charged organic group is a C4-C 20 May contain alkynyl groups. C4-C 20 The alkyl group may be, for example, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C 10 , C 11 , C 12 , C 13 , C 14 , C 15 , C 16 , C 17 , C 18 , C 19 , or C 20 In some embodiments, the alkyl group can be any one of C 10 ~C 14 alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is C10 , C 11 , C 12 , C 13 or C 14 Further examples include alkyl groups such as C6 to C 18 , C8~C 18 , C 10 ~C 18 , C6~C 16 , C8~C 16 , C 10 ~C 16 , C6~C 14 , C8~C 14 , C 10 ~C 14 , C6~C 12 , C8~C 12 , or C 10 ~C 12 Examples of alkyl groups include alkyl groups such as C 12 Disclosing an alkyl group means, for example, that the alkyl group is 12 carbons long and saturated (i.e., -CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3), and this standard meaning applies accordingly to other alkyl groups disclosed herein.

[0082] In some embodiments, the positively charged organic group is a C4-C 20The alkylene group may include an alkylene group (e.g., of any length disclosed herein for an alkyl group). The alkylene group may include, for example, one, two, three, or more double bonds. In some embodiments, the alkylene group may include one or more double bonds across carbons (i) 5 and 6, (ii) 6 and 7, (iii) 8 and 9, (iv) 9 and 10, (v) 11 and 12, (vi) 12 and 13, (vii) 14 and 15, and / or (viii) 15 and 16 of the alkylene group, where the carbon number is counted starting from the carbon directly bonded to the positively charged group (e.g., carbon-1 is bonded to the nitrogen of a substituted ammonium group herein). Some combinations of double bonds in alkylene groups include: (iv) and (vi), (iv), (vi) and (vii), and (i), (iii), (v) and (vii) (see list above). The double bond of an alkylene group herein can be in the cis or trans orientation, but is typically in the cis orientation. The alkylene group can be derived (inferred) from, for example, a fatty acid (e.g., caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid) or an acyl group of a lipid (e.g., a mono-, di-, or tri-glyceride) (e.g., corresponding to any fatty acid herein).

[0083] In some embodiments, the substituted ammonium group is, with respect to structures I and / or II, wherein R2 is a hydrogen atom, R3 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl, and R4 is any C4-C 20 In some embodiments, the substituted ammonium group is a tertiary ammonium group that is an alkyl or alkylene group. In some embodiments, the substituted ammonium group is, with respect to Structures I and / or II, R2 and R3 are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl (e.g., both R2 and R3 are methyl, or both are ethyl), and R4 is any C4-C6 alkyl group described above. 20 Alkyl or alkylene groups (e.g., C 12In some embodiments, the tertiary or quaternary ammonium group comprises structure II and has any of the R2, R3, and R4 assignments described above.

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted ammonium groups contains one carbon or carbon chain (e.g., up to 30) in an ether bond to the α-glucan. A carbon chain in this context can be, for example, a linear chain. Such a carbon or carbon chain can be, for example, -CH2-, -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH2CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)2CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)3CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)4CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)5CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)6CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)7CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)8CH2-, -CH 2( CH2)9CH2-, or -CH 2( CH2) 10

[0023] The carbon chain in this context may be represented by -CH2-. In some embodiments, the carbon chain in this context may be branched, such as by substitution with one or more alkyl groups (e.g., any of those disclosed above, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl). The substitution point may be anywhere along the carbon chain. Examples of branched carbon chains include -CH(CH3)CH2-, -CH(CH3)CH2CH2-, -CH2CH(CH3)CH2-, -CH(CH2CH3)CH2-, -CH(CH2CH3)CH2CH2-, -CH2CH(CH2CH3)CH2-, -CH(CH2CH2CH3)CH2-, -CH(CH2CH2CH3)CH2CH2-, and -CH2CH(CH2CH2CH3)CH2-; longer branched carbon chains may also be used if desired. In some embodiments, one or more carbon chains (e.g., any of the straight or branched chains described above) are further substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of hydroxy- or dihydroxy (diol)-substituted chains include -CH(OH)-, -CH(OH)CH-, -C(OH)CH-, -CHCH(OH)CH-, -CH(OH)CHCH-, -CH(OH)CH(OH)CH-, -CHCHCH(OH)CH-, -CHCH(OH)CHCH-, -CHCH(OH)CHCH-, -CH(OH)CHCHCH-, -CHCH(OH)CH(OH)CH-, -CH(OH)CH(OH)CHCH-, and -CH(OH)CHCHCH(OH)CH-. In each of the foregoing examples, the first carbon atom of the chain is ether-linked to a glucose monomer of α-glucan, and the last carbon atom of the chain is bonded to a positively charged group (e.g., a substituted ammonium group as disclosed herein). In some embodiments, the one or more positively charged organic groups can include a trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl group (structure II when each of R2, R3, and R4 is a methyl group).

[0085] In embodiments in which the carbon chain of the positively charged organic group has substitutions in addition to substitution with the positively charged group, such further substitutions can be, for example, one or more hydroxyl groups, oxygen atoms (thereby forming aldehyde or ketone groups), alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl), and / or additional positively charged groups. The positively charged groups are typically attached to the terminal carbon atoms of the carbon chain. In some embodiments, the positively charged group can also include an imidazoline ring-containing compound.

[0086] The counterion for the positively charged organic groups herein can be any suitable anion, such as acetate, borate, bromate, bromide, carbonate, chlorate, chloride, chlorite, dihydrogenphosphate, fluoride, bicarbonate, hydrogenphosphate, hydrogensulfate, hydrogensulfide, hydrogensulfite, hydroxide, hypochlorite, iodate, iodide, nitrate, nitride, nitrite, oxalate, oxide, perchlorate, permanganate, phosphate, phosphide, phosphite, silicate, stannate, stannite, sulfate, sulfide, sulfite, tartrate, or thiocyanate.

[0087] In some embodiments, the α-glucan ether may contain one type of etherified positively charged organic group. Examples of such positively charged organic groups are disclosed herein. Optionally, an α-glucan ether compound having one type of etherified positively charged organic group can be characterized as a monoether. In some embodiments, the α-glucan ether may contain two or more different types of etherified positively charged organic groups (i.e., mixed ethers). In some embodiments, the α-glucan ether does not have other types of organic groups derivatized to the α-glucan (e.g., hydrophobic groups ether- or ester-linked to the α-glucan).

[0088] In some embodiments, the liquid composition may contain one or more impurities / by-products. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the product produced using the liquid composition of the present disclosure as an ingredient may also contain one or more impurities / by-products. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "impurity" refers to both impurities (e.g., compounds resulting from the inadvertent introduction of a liquid composition, such as the liquid composition herein or the etherification reaction composition, into a precursor [e.g., impurities present in the preparation of an etherification agent], compounds resulting from the intentional introduction of a liquid composition, such as a preservative [e.g., sodium benzoate, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, sorbate, benzisothiazolinone], protein / enzyme [e.g., GTF / sucrase], salt [NaCl, Na2SO4], buffer, and / or reagent [e.g., etherification agent]) and by-products (e.g., compounds produced as secondary, non-target products in the glucosyltransferase used to produce the α-glucan herein, such as α-1,6-glucan enzymatic synthesis or enzymatic branching [e.g., α-1,2 and / or α-1,3 branching], e.g., compounds produced as secondary, non-target products in the etherification reaction composition). In some embodiments, impurities or by-products can be converted to other forms of impurities or by-products by the action of enzymatic branching reactions (e.g., α-1,2 branching and / or α-1,3 branching), cationic etherification reactions, and / or other processes herein (e.g., heating / cooling, pH modification, reaction with other compounds). The etherification reactions used to produce the cationic α-glucan ethers herein are typically purified to completely remove impurities and / or to render them undetectable, although in some embodiments, one or more such compounds may be present.

[0089] In some embodiments, the by-products of the glucosyltransferase (GTF) reaction can be glucose, leucrose, and / or one or more α-glucooligosaccharides (GOS, e.g., DP2-DP7). While not technically GTF reaction by-products themselves, GTF reaction co-products, fructose, and / or any unreacted sucrose substrate can also be impurities in some embodiments. Further examples of GTF reaction by-products / impurities herein may be as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017 / 0218093, 2018 / 0282385, 2016 / 0122445, 2020 / 0165360, 2019 / 0185893, or 2022 / 0267745, or WO 2021 / 007264 or WO 2021 / 257786, or Vuillemin et al. (2016, J. Biol. Chem. 291:7687-7702), which are incorporated herein by reference. The impurities may optionally be compounds produced when any of the aforementioned GTF reaction by-products / impurities are modified, possibly with branched GTFs (e.g., α-1,2 and / or α-1,3 branched). In some embodiments, the impurities may be any of the aforementioned species that are carried into the etherification reaction and modified therein (e.g., etherified as disclosed herein).

[0090] In some embodiments, the impurities may be, for example, one or more of those presented in any of Figures 1-2 and / or as disclosed in Kavaliauskaite et al. (2008, Carbohydr. Polym. 73:665-675, incorporated herein by reference). For example, the impurities may be as disclosed in Scheme 1 or Figures 1-2 of Kavaliauskaite et al. (ibid.) and / or may be products of such impurities reacting with α-glucan synthesis reaction-based species (e.g., such species may be by-products of producing α-1,6-glucan and / or glycosidic branches therefrom, as disclosed herein).

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more impurities, such as any of the impurities disclosed herein, may be present at or below about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, or 0.01 parts per million (ppm).

[0092] Some embodiments herein relate to methods / processes for producing the liquid compositions of the present disclosure. Such methods include: (a) providing an aqueous composition comprising at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative (e.g., any of those disclosed herein); (b) mixing with the aqueous composition at least one organic solvent herein (e.g., an appropriate amount of organic solvent to achieve a desired concentration of organic solvent in the final liquid composition produced after this step or after optional step [c]); (c) optionally, concentrating (removing water, such as by evaporation) the at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative and the at least one organic solvent in the aqueous composition after step (b). Step (c) may, in some embodiments, be necessary to reach a particular concentration of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative and / or the organic solvent.

[0093] The aqueous composition provided in step (a) can be, for example, an etherification reaction composition in which a cationic α-glucan ether derivative has been produced. Typically, the etherification reaction composition introduced in step (a) of the method has been stopped / quenched and / or neutralized. The etherification reaction herein can be, for example, as described in the examples below or as disclosed in WO 2021 / 257786 (incorporated herein by reference). In some embodiments, step (a) can include subjecting the etherification reaction composition to one, two, three, or more purification processes to increase the purity of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative in the aqueous composition. Such purification can be carried out, for example, by a process including diafiltration (e.g., ultrafiltration or nanofiltration) and / or dialysis.

[0094] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to products comprising the liquid compositions herein, including (i) at least one organic solvent, (ii) at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative, and (iii) water; typically, the liquid compositions were used as ingredients / components in the production of the products. Products herein produced using the liquid compositions as ingredients are typically in liquid form or include at least a liquid component. However, in some aspects, the liquid compositions herein can be used in part to produce dry or non-aqueous products.

[0095] In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.25, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5% by weight or w / v of the cationic alpha-glucan ether derivatives herein. The product may comprise a range between any two of these weight % or w / v % values ​​(e.g., 5-50, 5-45, 5-40, 5-35, 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 5-10, 0.1-1.0, 0.1-0.75, 0.1-0.5, 0.1-0.4, 0.1-0.3, 0.2-1.0, 0.2-0.75, 0.2-0.5, 0.2-0.4, 0.2-0.3, 0.3-1.0, 0.3-0.75, 0.3-0.5, or 0.3-0.4 weight % or w / v %). The product may include a liquid component that is water (i.e., the organic solvent of the liquid composition component has been removed), or may include a liquid component that includes, for example, about, or at least about, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 98, or 99% water by weight. The liquid component may be, for example, in the form of a solution or in the form of a mixture, such as a colloidal dispersion or emulsion.

[0096] The liquid components of the products herein, or liquid compositions of the present disclosure, may have a viscosity of, for example, about, at least about 1, 5, 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 15000, 1-300, 10-30 The viscosity can be 0, 25-300, 50-300, 1-250, 10-250, 25-250, 50-250, 1-200, 10-200, 25-200, 50-200, 1-150, 10-150, 25-150, 50-150, 1-100, 10-100, 25-100, or 50-100 centipoise (cp), or about less. Viscosity can be measured for liquids herein, for example, at any temperature between about 3° C. and about 80° C. (e.g., 4-30° C., 15-30° C., 15-25° C.), or at any specified temperature disclosed herein for liquid compositions. Viscosity is typically measured at atmospheric pressure (about 760 Torr) or a pressure that is ±10% thereof. The viscosity can be measured, for example, using a viscometer or rheometer, and is optionally, for example, about 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 0.1-500, 0.1-100, 1.0-500, 1.0-1000, or 1.0-100 s -1 (1 / s), or at shear rates (rotational shear rates) of about 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 250 rpm (revolutions per minute).

[0097] The product may optionally be non-aqueous (e.g., a dry composition). Examples of such embodiments include powders, granules, microcapsules, flakes, or any other form of granular material. Other examples include larger compositions, such as pellets, bars, grains, beads, tablets, sticks, or other aggregates, or ointments or lotions (or any other form of non-aqueous or dry composition herein). Non-aqueous or dry products typically have about 3, 2, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.10, 0.05, or 0.01% by weight or less of water contained therein, and may optionally have about 10-12% or 10-15% by weight of water. In some embodiments (e.g., those relating to laundry detergents or dishwashing detergents), the dry product may be provided in a sachet or pouch.

[0098] In some aspects, the products herein can be detergent products, examples of such products being disclosed herein as dishwashing detergents and fabric care detergents.

[0099] In some embodiments, the products herein may include one or more salts, such as sodium salts (e.g., NaCl, Na2SO4). Other non-limiting examples of salts include (i) aluminum, ammonium, barium, calcium, chromium (II or III), copper (I or II), iron (II or III), hydrogen, lead (II), lithium, magnesium, manganese (II or III), mercury (I or II), potassium, silver, sodium, strontium, tin (II or IV), or zinc cations; and (ii) acetate, borate, bromate, bromide, carbonate, chlorate, chloride, chlorite, chromate, cyanamide, cyanide, dichromate, phosphate dihydrate, ferricyanide, Examples of the salt include those having a ferrocyanide anion, a fluoride anion, a bicarbonate anion, a hydrogen phosphate anion, a hydrogen sulfate anion, a hydrogen sulfide anion, a hydrogen sulfite anion, a hydride anion, a hydroxide anion, a hypochlorite anion, an iodate anion, an iodide anion, a nitrate anion, a nitride anion, a nitrite anion, an oxalate anion, an oxide anion, a perchlorate anion, a permanganate anion, a peroxide anion, a phosphate anion, a phosphide anion, a phosphite anion, a silicate anion, a stannate anion, a stannate anion, a sulfate anion, a sulfide anion, a sulfite anion, a tartrate anion, or a thiocyanate anion. Thus, for example, any salt having a cation from (i) above and an anion from (ii) above can be included in the composition. The salts may be present in the aqueous compositions herein in a weight percent of, for example, about, or at least about, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 0.01-3.5, 0.5-3.5, 0.5-2.5, or 0.5-1.5 weight percent (such weight percent values ​​typically refer to the total concentration of one or more salts).

[0100] The products herein may optionally contain one or more enzymes (active enzymes). Examples of suitable enzymes include proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, lipolytic enzymes (e.g., metallolipolytic enzymes), xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases (e.g., arylesterases, polyesterases), perhydrolases, cutinases, pectinases, pectate lyases, mannanases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases (e.g., choline oxidase), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, melanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, laccases, metalloproteinases, amadoriases, glucoamylases, arabinofuranosidases, phytases, isomerases, transferases, nucleases, and amylases. If enzymes are included, they may be present in the products herein at, for example, about 0.0001-0.1 wt. % (e.g., 0.01-0.03 wt. %) of active enzyme (e.g., calculated as pure enzyme protein). In fabric care or automatic dishwashing applications, the enzymes herein (e.g., any of the above, such as cellulases, proteases, amylases, and / or lipases) may be present, for example, in the aqueous composition in which fabrics or dishes are treated (e.g., wash liquor, grey water) at a concentration of as little as about 0.01-0.1 ppm total enzyme protein, or about 0.1-10 ppb total enzyme protein (e.g., less than 1 ppm), to as much as about 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 ppm total enzyme protein.

[0101] Cationic α-glucan ether derivatives and / or products comprising such derivatives are biodegradable in some embodiments, such as by about, at least about, or up to about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 100% carbon dioxide evolution after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 days of testing, as determined by, for example, the OECD Guideline 301B (incorporated herein by reference) carbon dioxide evolution test method. %, 5-60%, 5-80%, 5-90%, 40-70%, 50-70%, 60-70%, 40-75%, 50-75%, 60-75%, 70-75%, 40-80%, 50-80%, 60-80%, 70-80%, 40-85%, 50-85%, 60-85%, 70-85%, 40-90%, 50-90%, 60-90%, or 70-90%, or any value between 5% and 90%.

[0102] Products of the present disclosure (e.g., products comprising a liquid composition herein comprising [i] at least one organic solvent, [ii] at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative, and [iii] water, where typically the liquid composition was used as an ingredient / component in producing the product) can be prepared using methods described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0022834, 2018 / 0237816, 2018 / 0230241, 20180079832, and 2018 / 0022834, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The product may be in the form of a home care product, personal care product, industrial product, medical product, or pharmaceutical product, such as those described in any of the following publications: WO 2016 / 0311935, WO 2016 / 0304629, WO 2015 / 0232785, WO 2015 / 0368594, WO 2015 / 0368595, WO 2016 / 0122445, WO 2019 / 0202942, or WO 2019 / 0309096, or WO 2016 / 133734. In some embodiments, the product may include at least one component / ingredient of the home care product, personal care product, industrial product, medical product, or pharmaceutical product disclosed in any of the aforementioned publications and / or of the present disclosure.

[0103] In some aspects, the products are believed to be useful for providing one or more of the following physical properties to personal care products, pharmaceutical products, household care products, or industrial products: for example, thickening, freeze-thaw stability, lubricity, moisture retention and release, texture, consistency, shape retention, emulsifying properties, binding, suspending, dispersing, gelling, or reduced mineral hardness.

[0104] The personal care products herein include, but are not limited to, skin care compositions, cosmetic compositions, antifungal compositions, and antibacterial compositions. The personal care products herein may be in the form of, for example, lotions, creams, pastes, mineral oils, ointments, pomades, gels, liquids, combinations thereof, and the like. The personal care products disclosed herein may optionally contain at least one active ingredient. An active ingredient is generally recognized as an ingredient that causes an intended pharmacological effect.

[0105] In some embodiments, skin care products can be applied to the skin to address skin damage associated with lack of moisture.Skin care products can also be used to address the appearance of the skin (for example, to reduce the appearance of scaly, cracked and / or reddish skin) and / or to address the feel of the skin (for example, to reduce the roughness and / or dryness of the skin while improving the smoothness and delicateness of the skin).Skin care products can typically include at least one active ingredient for treating or preventing skin conditions or providing moisturizing effects to the skin while providing cosmetic effects, such as zinc oxide, petrolatum, white petrolatum, mineral oil, cod liver oil, lanolin, dimethicone, hard fat, vitamin A, allantoin, calamine, kaolin, glycerin or colloidal oatmeal, and combinations thereof. The skin care product may contain one or more natural moisturizing elements, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, amino acids, cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycosphingolipids, urea, linoleic acid, glycosaminoglycans, mucopolysaccharides, sodium lactate, or sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate. Other ingredients that may be included in the skin care product include, but are not limited to, glycerides, apricot kernel oil, canola oil, squalane, squalene, coconut oil, corn oil, jojoba oil, jojoba wax, lecithin, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea butter, soybean oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, tea tree oil, shea butter, palm oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, wax esters, fatty acids, and orange oil. In some embodiments, the skin care product may be an ointment, lotion, or disinfectant (e.g., hand disinfectant).

[0106] The personal care products herein can also be in the form of, for example, makeup, lipstick, mascara, lipstick, foundation, blush, eyeliner, lip liner, lip gloss, other cosmetics, sunscreen, sunblock, nail polish, nail conditioner, bath gel, shower gel, body wash, facial cleanser, lip balm, skin conditioner, cold cream, moisturizer, body spray, soap, body scrub, desquamating agent, astringent, scrubbing lotion, depilatory agent, permanent solution, antidandruff preparation, antiperspirant composition, deodorant, shaving product, pre-shave product, after-shave product, cleanser, skin gel, rinse, toothpaste composition, toothpaste, or mouthwash. Exemplary personal care products (e.g., cleanser, soap, scrub, cosmetics) include a carrier or desquamating agent (e.g., jojoba beads [jojoba ester beads]) (e.g., about 1-10, 3-7, 4-6, or 5% by weight). Such agents may optionally be dispersed within the product.

[0107] The personal care product, in some aspects, can be a skin cleanser, soap, skin cleansing product, or related product, or any product that can be applied to the skin and rinsed off. Some benefits of such products can be improved rinsing from the skin after application (e.g., lathering on the skin) and / or improved skin feel, such as reduced roughness and / or excessive dryness from use of the product (e.g., after rinsing the product from the skin and optionally drying the skin with a towel).

[0108] In some embodiments, the personal care product may be a hair care product. Examples of hair care products herein include shampoos, hair conditioners (leave-in or rinse-out), cream rinses, hair dyes, hair color products, hair dryer products, hair serums, hair anti-frizz products, hair split end repair products, mousses (e.g., hair styling mousses), hair sprays (e.g., hair styling sprays), and styling gels (e.g., hair styling gels). In some embodiments, the hair care product may be in the form of a liquid, paste, gel, solid, or powder. Hair care products of the present disclosure typically include one or more of the following ingredients commonly used to formulate hair care products: anionic surfactants such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, cationic surfactants such as stearyltrimethylammonium chloride and / or distearyltrimethylammonium chloride, nonionic surfactants such as glyceryl monosterealate, sorbitan monopalmitate and / or polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, humectants such as propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, pyroglutamate, amino acids and / or trimethylglycine, hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffin, petrolatum, solid paraffin, squalane and / or olefin oligomers, higher alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and / or cetyl alcohol, superfatting agents, antidandruff agents, disinfectants, anti-inflammatory agents, herbal medicines, water-soluble polymers such as methylcellulose, hydroxycellulose and / or partially deacetylated chitin, preservatives such as parabens, ultraviolet absorbers, pearlizing agents, pH adjusters, fragrances, and pigments.

[0109] In some embodiments, the product can be a hair care composition such as a hair styling or hair setting composition (e.g., hair spray, hair gel or lotion, hair mousse / foam) (e.g., aerosol hair spray, non-aerosol pump spray, splitting, foam, cream, paste, non-flowable gel, mousse, pomade, lacquer, hair wax). Hair styling / setting compositions / formulations that can be adapted to include at least one α-glucan ether derivative herein are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090074697, WO 1999048462, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130068849, JP 0454116 A, U.S. Patent No. 5,304,368, Australian Patent No. 667246B2, U.S. Patent No. 5,413,775, U.S. Patent No. 5,441,728, and U.S. Patent No. 5,939,058. The present invention may be as disclosed in the specification, JP 2001302458 A, U.S. Patent No. 6,346,234, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20020085988, U.S. Patent No. 7,169,380, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090060858, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090326151, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160008257, WO 2020164769, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20110217256, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.Hair care compositions, such as hair styling / setting compositions, may contain one or more ingredients / additives disclosed in any of the aforementioned documents, and / or may contain other additives such as fragrances / fragrances, aromatherapy essences, herbs, infusions, antibacterial agents, stimulants (e.g., caffeine), essential oils, hair coloring agents, dyes or colorants, anti-graying agents, anti-foaming agents, sunscreens / UV blockers (e.g., benzophenone-4), vitamins, antioxidants, surfactants or other humectants, mica, silica, gold, These may include but are not limited to: ceramists flakes or other radiant effect materials, conditioning agents (e.g., volatile or non-volatile silicone oils), antistatic agents, opacifiers, exfoliants, penetrating agents, preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, benzoates, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate), emollients (e.g., panthenol, isopropyl myristate), rheology modifying or thickening polymers (e.g., acrylic acid / methacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, The composition may comprise one or more of the following: an acid [e.g., CARBOMER], an emulsified oil phase, petrolatum, fatty alcohols, diols and polyols, emulsifiers (e.g., PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, oleth-20), humectants (e.g., glycerin, caprylyl glycol), silicone derivatives, proteins, amino acids (e.g., isoleucine), conditioners, chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), solvents (see, e.g., below), monosaccharides (e.g., dextrose), disaccharides, oligosaccharides, pH stabilizing compounds (e.g., aminomethylpropanol), film formers (e.g., acrylic acid / acrylic acid hydroxyester copolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer, triethyl acetate), aerosol propellants (e.g., C3-C5 alkanes such as propane, isobutane, or n-butane, monoalkyl ethers, dialkyl ethers such as di(C1-C4 alkyl) ethers [e.g., dimethyl ether]), and / or any other suitable material described herein. The α-glucan ether derivatives used in hair styling / setting compositions can, in some embodiments, function as hair fixatives / styling agents (typically non-permanent hair fixatives, but durable), and optionally are the only hair fixatives in the composition.Optional additional hair fixative / styling agents herein include PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), octylacrylamide / acrylates / butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, vinylcaprolactam / PVP / dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, AMPHOMER, or any film former as described above.

[0110] The total content of one or more α-glucan ether derivatives in a hair care composition, such as a hair styling / setting composition herein, can be, for example, about, at least about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 0.5-15, 0.5-10, 0.5-5, 0.5-2, 1-15, 1-10, 1-5, 1-2, 2.5-7.5, 3-7, or 4-6 wt. %, or about less. Hair styling / hair setting compositions can include, for example, water and optionally a water-miscible (typically polar) organic compound (e.g., liquid or gas), such as an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, tert-butanol), an alkylene glycol alkyl ether, and / or a mono- or di-alkyl ether (e.g., dimethyl ether). If an organic compound is included, it can constitute, for example, about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% solvent (the remainder being water) by weight or volume. The amount of solvent in the hair styling / setting compositions herein can be, for example, about 50-90, 60-90, 70-90, 80-90, 50-95, 60-95, 70-95, 80-95, or 90-95% by weight.

[0111] An example hair styling gel formulation herein may comprise about 90-95 wt % (e.g., about 92 wt %) of a solvent (e.g., water), 0.3-1.0 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt %) of a thickening agent (e.g., polyacrylic acid), 0.1-0.3 wt % (e.g., about 0.2 wt %) of a chelating agent (e.g., EDTA) (optional), 0.2-1.0 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt %) of a humectant (e.g., glycerin), 0.01-0.05 wt % (e.g., about 0.02 wt %) of a UV blocking agent (e.g., benzophenone-4) (optional), 0.05-0.05 wt % (e.g., about 0.02 wt %) of a hydroxybenzoate (e.g., benzophenone-4), and 0.05-0.05 wt % (e.g., about 0.02 wt %) of a hydroxybenzoate (e.g., benzophenone-4). It may also comprise 0.3% by weight (e.g., about 0.1% by weight) of a preservative (e.g., diazolidinyl urea) (optional), 0.5-1.2% by weight (e.g., about 0.8% by weight) of an emulsifier (e.g., Oleth-20), 0.1-0.3% by weight (e.g., about 0.2% by weight) of a fragrance / fragrance (optional), 0.2-1.0% by weight (e.g., about 0.5% by weight) of a pH stabilizing compound (e.g., aminomethylpropanol), and 3-7% by weight (e.g., about 5% by weight) of an α-glucan ether derivative of the present invention (e.g., as a hair fixative / styling agent).

[0112] An example hair styling spray formulation herein may comprise about 0.2-1.0 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt %) of a pH stabilizing compound (e.g., aminomethylpropanol), 0.1-0.3 wt % (e.g., about 0.2 wt %) of a fragrance / fragrance (optional), 0.05-0.12 wt % (e.g., about 0.08 wt %) of a surfactant (e.g., ethoxylated dimethicone polyol), 0.05-0.12 wt % (e.g., about 0.08 wt %) of a conditioner (e.g., cyclomethicone) (optional), 0.05-0.3 wt % (e.g., about 0.2 wt %) of a hydroxybenzoate (e.g., hydroxybenzoate ... preservative (e.g., sodium benzoate) (optional), 15-20% by weight (e.g., about 17% by weight) of water, 30-40% by weight (e.g., about 65% by weight) of alcohol (e.g., ethanol), 40-60% by weight (e.g., about 45% by weight) of a propellant (e.g., dimethyl ether, or about a 2:1 mixture of dimethyl ether and a C3-C5 alkane [e.g., a mixture of propane and isobutane]), and 2-4% by weight (e.g., about 2.75% by weight) of the α-glucan ether derivative herein (e.g., as a hair fixative / styling agent).

[0113] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to hair treated with a hair care composition (e.g., a hair styling / setting composition, shampoo, or conditioner) herein. For example, the hair may contain an α-glucan ether derivative on its surface, e.g., in a film / coating on the hair, and / or adsorbed or otherwise deposited on the hair surface, and optionally, one or more other components of the hair care composition herein may also be present. In some aspects, the hair of the present disclosure, e.g., hair having a coating comprising an α-glucan ether, does not exhibit peeling to the naked eye (i.e., little or no noticeable peeling). In some aspects, hair of the present disclosure that has been treated with a hair care composition herein, such as a shampoo or conditioner (and thus typically coated with an α-glucan ether), and typically subsequently rinsed with water, requires less energy to comb (e.g., about, or at least about, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% less) whether the hair is wet or dry (e.g., compared to hair treated in the same manner but using a hair care composition that does not include the α-glucan ether derivative herein and instead optionally includes a current / conventional hair treatment / conditioning polymer, e.g., polyquaternium-10, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride). Hair combing energy can be measured, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0271504, which is incorporated herein by reference, or as described in the examples below.

[0114] Various examples of personal care formulations containing at least one α-glucan ether derivative of the present disclosure are disclosed below (1-8). (1) A hair conditioner composition comprising cetyl alcohol (1-3%), isopropyl myristate (1-3%), hydroxyethyl cellulose (Natrosol® 250HHR, 0.1-1%), α-glucan ether derivative (0.1-2%), potassium salt (0.1-0.5%), Germaben® II preservative (0.5%, available from International Specialty Products), and the balance being water. (2) A hair shampoo composition comprising 5-20% sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), 1-2% by weight cocamidopropyl betaine, 1-2% by weight sodium chloride, 0.1-2% α-glucan ether derivative, a preservative (0.1-0.5%), and the balance being water. (3) A hair shampoo composition containing an α-glucan ether derivative as described in Table 4 herein, wherein the amount of each component (cationic α-glucan ether, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, phenoxyethanol, sodium chloride, anhydrous citric acid, disodium EDTA, water) is within 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the amount described in Table 4. (4) A hair shampoo composition containing an α-glucan ether derivative as described in Table 6 herein, wherein the amount of each component (cationic α-glucan ether, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, phenoxyethanol, sodium chloride, anhydrous citric acid, disodium EDTA, water) is within 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the amount described in Table 6. (5) A hair shampoo composition described in Table 8 herein containing an α-glucan ether derivative, wherein the amount of each component (cationic α-glucan ether, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, sodium chloride, anhydrous citric acid, disodium EDTA, water) is within 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the amount described in Table 8. (6) A skin lotion composition comprising 1-5% glycerin, 1-5% glycol stearate, 1-5% stearic acid, 1-5% mineral oil, 0.5-1% acetylated lanolin (Lipolan® 98), 0.1-0.5% cetyl alcohol, 0.2-1% triethanolamine, 0.1-1% by weight of Germaben® II preservative, 0.5-2% by weight of an α-glucan ether derivative, and the balance being water. (7) A skin cleanser or soap composition comprising an α-glucan ether derivative as described in Table 14 herein, wherein the amount of each component (cationic α-glucan ether, cocamidopropyl betaine, caprylyl / capryl glucoside, sodium benzoate, citric acid, water) is within 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the amount described in Table 14. (8) A skin cleanser or soap composition containing an α-glucan ether derivative as described in Table 15 herein, wherein the amount of each component (cationic α-glucan ether, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium laurate, phenoxyethanol, sodium chloride, water) is within 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the amount described in Table 15.

[0115] The pharmaceutical compositions herein may be in the form of, for example, an emulsion, liquid, elixir, gel, suspension, solution, cream, or ointment. The pharmaceutical compositions herein may also be in the form of any of the personal care products disclosed herein, such as antibacterial or antifungal compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents, and / or pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compositions herein may also be used, for example, in capsules, tablets, tablet coatings, and as excipients for pharmaceuticals and drugs.

[0116] The household and / or industrial products herein may be in the form of, for example, drywall tape jointing compounds, mortars, grouts, cement plasters, spray plasters, cement stucco, adhesives, pastes, wall / ceiling binders, binders and processing aids for tape casting, extrusion, injection molding and ceramics, spray adhesives and suspending / dispersing aids for pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, fabric care products such as fabric softeners and laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, air fresheners, polymer emulsions, latexes, gels such as aqueous gels, surfactant solutions, paints such as water-based paints, protective coatings, adhesives, sealants and caulkings, inks such as water-based inks, metal cutting fluids, films or coatings, or emulsion-based metal cleaning solutions for use in electroplating, phosphating, galvanizing and / or general metal cleaning operations. In some embodiments, the compositions herein are included in fluids, for example, as viscosity modifiers and / or friction reducers, and such applications include downhole operations / fluids (e.g., in hydraulic fracturing and enhanced oil recovery).

[0117] Some embodiments herein relate to (i) saltwater, such as seawater, or (ii) an aqueous solution having about 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 2.5-4.0, 2.75-4.0, 3.0-4.0, 2.5-3.5, 2.75-3.5, 3.0-3.5, 3.0-4.0, or 3.0-3.5 wt. % of one salt or combination of salts (e.g., including at least NaCl) having at least one water-soluble α-glucan ether derivative of the present disclosure. The concentration of the α-glucan ether derivative in such water (i) or (ii) can be, for example, about, at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 0.1-0.6, 0.1-0.5, 0.1-0.4, 0.1-0.3, or 0.1-0.2 wt.%, or less. Despite the relatively high salt concentration in such aqueous compositions, in some embodiments, it is believed that the α-glucan ether derivative can remain completely or predominantly in solution and provide viscosity. Solutions (i) or (ii) whose viscosity has been modified by the α-glucan ether derivatives herein can be used directly in systems utilizing such solutions (e.g., any of the systems herein, such as downhole operations).

[0118] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the α-glucan ether derivatives do not significantly affect the viscosity of the aqueous composition to which they are added. This little or no effect on viscosity can typically be utilized in formulating the products herein. For example, the α-glucan ether derivatives can be used in place of existing ingredients that have a troublesome or undesirable effect on the viscosity of the product.

[0119] In some aspects, the products herein may be in the form of or may include a fabric care composition. The fabric care composition may be used for hand washing, machine washing, and / or other purposes, such as soaking and / or pretreating fabrics. The fabric care composition may take the form of, for example, a laundry detergent, a fabric conditioner, any laundry product, rinse product, or dryer additive product, a unit dose, or a spray. A liquid fabric care composition may be in the form of an aqueous composition. In other embodiments, the fabric care composition may be in a dry form, such as, for example, a granular detergent or a dryer additive fabric softener sheet. Other non-limiting examples of fabric care compositions include all-purpose or heavy-duty cleaners in granular or powder form, all-purpose or heavy-duty cleaners in liquid, gel, or paste form, liquid or dry detergents for delicate fabrics (e.g., delicate clothing), cleaning aids such as bleaching additives, "stain sticks" or pre-treats, substrate-loaded products such as dry or wet wipes, pads or sponges, sprays and mists, and water-soluble unit dose products. By way of further example, the compositions herein may be in the form of a liquid, gel, powder, hydrocolloid, aqueous solution, granules, tablets, capsules, beads or lozenges, a single-compartment sachet, a multi-compartment sachet, a single-compartment pouch, or a multi-compartment pouch.

[0120] The detergent compositions herein can be in any useful form, such as, for example, powder, granule, paste, bar, unit dose, or liquid. Liquid detergents can typically be aqueous, containing up to about 70% by weight water and 0% to about 30% by weight organic solvent. Liquid detergents can also be in the form of compact gels, containing only about 30% by weight water.

[0121] Detergent compositions (e.g., fabric care products or any other product herein) typically comprise one or more surfactants, selected from nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, semi-polar nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the surfactant is present at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of the detergent composition; in alternative embodiments, the concentration is from about 1% to about 50% by weight, and in still further embodiments, the concentration is from about 5% to about 40% by weight. Detergents will typically comprise from 0% to about 50% by weight of anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), α-olefin sulfonates (AOS), alkyl sulfates (higher alcohol sulfates) (AS), alcohol ethoxy sulfates (AEOS or AES), secondary alkane sulfonates (SAS), α-sulfofatty acid methyl esters, alkyl- or alkenyl succinic acids, or soaps. In addition, the detergent compositions may optionally include from 0% to about 40% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, such as an alcohol ethoxylate (AEO or AE), a carboxylated alcohol ethoxylate, a nonylphenol ethoxylate, an alkyl polyglycoside, an alkyl dimethylamine oxide, an ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamine, a fatty acid monoethanolamide, or a polyhydroxyalkyl fatty acid amide (e.g., as described in WO 92 / 06154, incorporated herein by reference).

[0122] The detergent compositions herein can optionally include one or more detergent builders or builder systems. In some embodiments, oxidized alpha-1,3-glucan can be included as a co-builder; oxidized alpha-1,3-glucan compounds for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0259439. In some embodiments incorporating at least one builder, the detergent composition comprises at least about 1%, from about 3% to about 60%, or even from about 5% to about 40% of the builder by weight of the composition. Examples of builders include alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates, alkali metal silicates, alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates, aluminosilicates, polycarboxylic acid compounds, etherhydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride and ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulfonic acid and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acid such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, and polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid and soluble salts thereof. Further examples of detergent builders or complexing agents include zeolites, diphosphates, triphosphates, phosphonates, citrates, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTMPA), alkyl or alkenyl succinic acids, soluble silicates or layered silicates (e.g., Hoechst's SKS-6).

[0123] In some embodiments, builders form water-soluble hard ion complexes (e.g., sequestration builders) such as citrates and polyphosphates (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate hexahydrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, and mixed sodium and potassium tripolyphosphates, etc.). Any suitable builder is contemplated to find use in the present disclosure, including builders known in the art (see, e.g., EP 2100949).

[0124] In some embodiments, suitable builders can include phosphate builders and non-phosphate builders. In some embodiments, the builder is a phosphate builder. In some embodiments, the builder is a non-phosphate builder. Builders can be used at concentrations of 0.1% to 80%, 5% to 60%, or 10% to 50% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the product contains a mixture of phosphate builders and non-phosphate builders. Suitable phosphate builders include monophosphates, diphosphates, triphosphates, or oligomeric polyphosphates, such as alkali metal salts of these compounds, e.g., sodium salts. In some embodiments, the builder can be sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Additionally, the composition can include carbonates and / or citrates, preferably citrates, to help achieve a neutral pH composition. Other suitable non-phosphate builders include homopolymers and copolymers of polycarboxylic acids and their partially or fully neutralized salts, monomeric polycarboxylic acids, and hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts. In some embodiments, salts of the above compounds include ammonium and / or alkali metal salts, i.e., lithium, sodium, and potassium salts, such as sodium salts. Suitable polycarboxylic acids include acyclic, alicyclic, heterocyclic, and aromatic carboxylic acids, which in some embodiments may contain at least two carboxyl groups separated from each other, in each case by no more than two carbon atoms.

[0125] The detergent compositions herein may include at least one chelating agent. Suitable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, copper, iron, and / or manganese chelating agents and mixtures thereof. In embodiments using at least one chelating agent, the composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 15%, or even from about 3.0% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of the chelating agent.

[0126] The detergent compositions herein may comprise at least one deposition aid. Suitable deposition aids include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polycarboxylates, soil release polymers such as polyterephthalic acid, clays such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, attapulgite, illite, bentonite, halloysite, and mixtures thereof.

[0127] The detergent compositions herein may contain one or more dye transfer inhibitors.Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibitors include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, copolymers of polyvinyloxazolidone and polyvinylimidazole, or mixtures thereof.Additional dye transfer inhibitors include manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidase, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, copolymers of polyvinyloxazolidone and polyvinylimidazole, and / or mixtures thereof. Examples of the chelating agent include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid (DTPMP), hydroxyethanediphosphate (HEDP), ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (HPNO), or methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (N,N-dicarboxymethyl ester). Examples of suitable dye transfer inhibitors include methylglutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), 4,5-dihydroxy-m-benzenedisulfonic acid, citric acid and any salts thereof, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid (TTHA), N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), dihydroxyethylglycine (DHEG), ethylenediaminetetrapropionic acid (EDTP), and derivatives thereof, which may be used alone or in combination with any of the above. In embodiments using at least one dye transfer inhibitor, the compositions herein may comprise from about 0.0001% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 5%, or even from about 0.1% to about 3%, by weight of the composition.

[0128] The detergent compositions herein may include a silicate. Some of these embodiments find the use of sodium silicate (e.g., sodium disilicate, sodium metasilicate, and / or phyllosilicates). In some embodiments, the silicate is present at a level of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the silicate is present at a level of about 5% to about 15% by weight of the composition.

[0129] The detergent compositions herein may contain a dispersant. Suitable water-soluble organic materials include, but are not limited to, homopolymeric or copolymeric acids or salts thereof, in which the polycarboxylic acid contains at least two carboxyl groups separated from each other by no more than two carbon atoms.

[0130] The detergent compositions herein may additionally comprise, for example, one or more of the enzymes disclosed above. In some embodiments, the detergent compositions may comprise one or more enzymes, each at a concentration of about 0.00001% to about 10% by weight of the composition, and the remaining amount of cleaning adjuncts. In some other embodiments, the detergent compositions may also comprise each enzyme at a concentration of about 0.0001% to about 10%, about 0.001% to about 5%, about 0.001% to about 2%, or about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition. The enzymes included in the detergent compositions herein may be stabilized using conventional stabilizers, such as polyols such as propylene glycol or glycerol, sugars or sugar alcohols, lactic acid, boric acid, or boric acid derivatives (e.g., aromatic borate esters).

[0131] In some embodiments, the detergent composition may contain one or more other types of polymers in addition to the α-glucan ether derivatives disclosed herein. Examples of other types of polymers useful herein include carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), dextran, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polycarboxylates such as polyacrylates, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, and lauryl methacrylate / acrylic acid copolymers.

[0132] The detergent compositions herein may contain a bleaching system. For example, the bleaching system may contain an HO source, such as a perborate or percarbonate, which may be combined with a peracid-forming bleach activator, such as tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) or nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (NOBS). Alternatively, the bleaching system may contain a peroxyacid (e.g., an amide-, imide-, or sulfone-type peroxyacid). Alternatively, the bleaching system may be an enzymatic bleaching system containing a perhydrolase, such as the system described in WO 2005 / 056783.

[0133] The detergent compositions herein may also contain conventional detergent ingredients such as fabric conditioners, clays, suds boosters, suds suppressors, anti-corrosion agents, soil suspension agents, anti-resoiling agents, dyes, disinfectants, anti-tarnish agents, optical brighteners, or fragrances. The pH of the detergent compositions herein (measured in aqueous solution at use concentrations) is typically neutral or alkaline (e.g., a pH of about 7.0 to about 11.0).

[0134] Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents and / or clay soil removing agents for the fabric care products herein include polyethoxy zwitterionic surfactants, water-soluble copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid-ethylene oxide condensates (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,719,647), cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,597,416 and 3,523,088), and mixtures comprising nonionic alkyl polyethoxy surfactants, polyethoxy alkyl quaternary cationic surfactants, and fatty acid amide surfactants (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,044). Non-limiting examples of other suitable anti-redeposition agents and clay soil removing agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,898 and 4,891,160, and WO 95 / 32272, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0135] Specific forms of detergent compositions that can be adapted for the purposes herein are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20090209445A1, 20100081598A1, U.S. Patent No. 7001878B2, EP 1504994B1, WO 2001085888A2, WO 2003089562A1, WO 2009098 Brochure No. 659A1, Brochure No. 2009098660A1, Brochure No. 2009112992A1, Brochure No. 2009124160A1, Brochure No. 2009152031A1, Brochure No. 2010059483A1, Brochure No. 2010088112A1, Brochure No. 2010090915A1, Brochure No. 20101352 Brochure No. 38A1, Brochure No. 2011094687A1, Brochure No. 2011094690A1, Brochure No. 2011127102A1, Brochure No. 2011163428A1, Brochure No. 2008000567A1, Brochure No. 2006045391A1, Brochure No. 2006007911A1, Brochure No. 201202740 4A1, EP 1740690B1, WO 2012059336A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,646B1, WO 2008087426A1, WO 2010116139A1, and WO 2012104613A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0136] The laundry detergent composition herein may optionally be a heavy-duty (all-purpose) laundry detergent composition. A typical heavy-duty laundry detergent composition comprises a detersive surfactant (10% to 40% w / w) including an anionic detersive surfactant (selected from the group of linear, branched, or random-chain, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl phosphonates, alkyl carboxylates, and / or mixtures thereof), and optionally a nonionic surfactant (selected from the group of linear, branched, or random-chain, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxylated alcohol alkyls, such as C8 to C18 ethoxylated alkyl alcohols and / or C6 to C12 alkylphenol alkoxylates), wherein the weight ratio of the anionic detersive surfactant (having a hydrophilicity index (HIc) of 6.0 to 9) to the nonionic detersive surfactant is greater than 1:1. Suitable detersive surfactants also include cationic detersive surfactants (selected from the group of alkylpyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulfonium compounds and / or mixtures thereof), zwitterionic and / or amphoteric detersive surfactants (selected from the group of alkanolamine sulfobetaines), amphoteric surfactants, semi-polar nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0137] Detergents herein, such as heavy-duty laundry detergent compositions, may optionally comprise a surfactant-enhancing polymer consisting of an amphiphilic alkoxylated grease-cleaning polymer (selected from the group of branched hydrophilic and hydrophobic alkoxylated polymers, such as alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines in the range of 0.05% to 10% by weight), and / or a random graft polymer (typically consisting of a hydrophilic backbone comprising monomers selected from the group consisting of unsaturated C1-C6 carboxylic acids, ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, sugar units, alkoxy units, saturated polyalcohols such as maleic anhydride, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, and hydrophobic side chains selected from the group consisting of C4 to C25 alkyl groups, polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl esters of saturated C1-C6 mono-carboxylic acids, C1-C6 alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof).

[0138] Detergents herein, such as heavy-duty laundry detergent compositions, can optionally contain additional polymers, such as soil release polymers (anionic end-capped polyesters, polymers comprising at least one monomer unit selected from sugars, dicarboxylic acids, polyols, and combinations thereof, in a random or block configuration, such as SRP1, ethylene terephthalate-based polymers and copolymers thereof, in a random or block configuration, such as REPEL-O-TEX SF, SF-2 AND SRP6, TEXCARE SRA100, SRA300, SRN100, SRN170, SRN240, SRN300 AND SRN325, MARLOQUEST Anti-redeposition agents (0.1% to 10% by weight) herein include carboxylate polymers of molecular weight in the range of 500 to 100,000 Da, such as polymers comprising at least one monomer selected from acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid, methylenemalonic acid, and any mixtures thereof, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer, and / or polyethylene glycol, and polymeric carboxylates (e.g., maleate / acrylate random copolymers or polyacrylate homopolymers).

[0139] Detergents herein, such as heavy-duty laundry detergent compositions, may optionally further include saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, preferably saturated or unsaturated C12-C24 fatty acids (0% to 10% by weight), deposition aids (examples of which include polysaccharides, cellulose polymers, polydiallyldimethylammonium halides (DADMAC), and copolymers of DAD MAC in random or block configuration with vinylpyrrolidone, acrylamide, imidazole, imidazolium halides, and mixtures thereof, cationic guar gum, cationic starch, cationic polyacrylamide, and mixtures thereof).

[0140] Detergents herein, such as heavy duty laundry detergent compositions, may optionally further comprise at least one dye transfer inhibitor, examples of which are described above.

[0141] Detergents herein, such as heavy-duty laundry detergent compositions, can optionally include silicone or fatty acid based suds suppressors, hueing dyes, calcium and magnesium cations, visual signaling components, anti-foaming agents (0.001% to about 4.0% by weight), and / or structurants / thickeners (0.01% to 5% by weight) selected from the group consisting of di- and triglycerides, ethylene glycol distearate, microcrystalline cellulose, microfiber cellulose, biopolymers, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and mixtures thereof. Structurants can also be referred to as structurants.

[0142] The detergents herein may be in the form of, for example, heavy-duty dry / solid laundry detergent compositions. Such detergents may comprise (i) a detersive surfactant, such as any anionic detersive surfactant disclosed herein, any nonionic detersive surfactant disclosed herein, any cationic detersive surfactant disclosed herein, any zwitterionic and / or amphoteric detersive surfactant disclosed herein, any amphoteric surfactant, any semi-polar nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof; (ii) a builder, such as any phosphorus-free builder (e.g., zeolite builder in the range of 0% to less than 10% by weight), any phosphate builder (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate in the range of 0% to less than 10% by weight), citric acid, ... acid salts and nitrilotriacetic acid, any silicate (e.g., sodium or potassium silicate or sodium metasilicate in the range of 0% by weight to less than 10% by weight), any carbonate (e.g., sodium carbonate and / or sodium bicarbonate in the range of 0% by weight to less than 80% by weight) and mixtures thereof, (iii) bleaching agents, for example, any photobleaching agent (e.g., sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine, sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine, xanthene dyes and mixtures thereof), any hydrophobic or hydrophilic bleach activator (e.g., dodecanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, decanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, decanoyloxybenzoic acid or salts thereof, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, tetraacetylethylenediamine-TAED, nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate-NOBS, nitrile quats, and mixtures thereof), any source of hydrogen peroxide (e.g., inorganic perhydrate salts, examples of which include mono- or tetrahydrate sodium salts of perborate, percarbonate, persulfate, perphosphate, or persilicate), any pre-formed hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic peracids (e.g., percarboxylic acids and salts, percarbonates and salts, perimidic acids and salts, peroxomonosulfuric acids and salts, and mixtures thereof), and / or (iv) any other ingredients. , for example, bleach catalysts (e.g., imine-based bleach boosters, examples of which include iminium cations and polyions, iminium zwitterions, modified amines, modified amine oxides, N-sulfonylimines, N-phosphonylimines, N-acylimines, thiadiazole dioxides, perfluoroimines, cyclic sugar ketones, and mixtures thereof) and metal-containing bleach catalysts (e.g., copper, iron, titanium, ruthenium, tungsten, molybdenum, or manganese cations, along with auxiliary metal cations such as zinc or aluminum and sequestering agents such as EDTA, ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), etc.).

[0143] For example, the detergents herein, such as those for fabric care (e.g., laundry), can be contained in a unit dose (e.g., a sachet or pouch). The unit dose form can include a water-soluble outer film that completely encloses the liquid or solid detergent composition. The unit dose can include a single compartment or at least two, three, or more (multiple) compartments. The multiple compartments can be arranged in a nested or side-by-side orientation. The unit doses herein are typically closed structures of any form / shape suitable for retaining and protecting the contents without releasing them prior to contact with water.

[0144] The products disclosed herein can be in the form of or contain, for example, a fabric softener (liquid fabric softener). An example of such a composition is a rinse used in laundering a material-containing fabric, typically after washing the material-containing fabric with a laundry detergent composition (e.g., a laundry rinse such as used in the laundry rinse cycle of a washing machine). The concentration of the α-glucan ether of the present invention in a composition containing a fabric softener (e.g., a rinse) can be, for example, about or at least about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 20-80, 20-70, 20-60, 30-80, 30-70, 30-60, 40-80, 40-70, or 40-60 ppm. The concentration of softener in the composition (e.g., rinse) can be, for example, about or at least about 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 50-600, 50-500, 50-400, 50-300, 50-200, 100-600, 100-500, 100-400, 100-300, 100-200, 10-600, 50-500, 50-400, 50-300, 50-200, 200-600, 200-500, 200-400, or 200-300 ppm. The softener concentration can be based on the total softener composition added (not necessarily based on the individual components of the softener) or based on one or more softeners in the softener formulation. The softeners herein can further comprise, for example, one or more of a softening agent (e.g., diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride), an antistatic agent, a fragrance, a humectant, a viscosity modifier (e.g., calcium chloride), a pH buffer / buffer (e.g., formic acid), an antimicrobial agent, an antioxidant, a radical scavenger (e.g., ammonium chloride), a chelating agent / builder (e.g., diethylenetriamine pentaacetate), an antifoam / lubricant (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane), a preservative (e.g., benzisothiazolinone), and a colorant. In some embodiments, the softener can further comprise one or more of a softening agent, a viscosity modifier, a pH buffer / buffer, a radical scavenger, a chelating agent / builder, and an antifoam / lubricant. In some embodiments, the softener can be fragrance-free and / or dye-free or can have less than about 0.1% by weight of fragrance and / or dye.In some aspects, softeners that may be adapted for use herein may be as disclosed in any of U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0366282, 2001 / 0018410, 2006 / 0058214, 2021 / 0317384, or 2006 / 0014655, or WO 2007 / 078782, 1998 / 016538, 1998 / 012293, 1998007920, 2000 / 070004, 2009 / 146981, 2000 / 70005, or 2013087366, which are incorporated herein by reference. Some brands of fabric softeners suitable for use herein, if desired, include DOWNY, DOWNY ULTRA, DOWNY INFUSIONS, ALL, SNUGGLE, LENOR, and GAIN. Liquid fabric softener products (e.g., prior to use in a laundry rinse cycle) can be formulated to include at least one α-glucan ether derivative in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fabric softener can be a unit dose as disclosed herein for detergents.

[0145] The products disclosed herein may be in the form of or include, for example, a dishwashing detergent composition. Examples of dishwashing detergents include automatic dishwashing detergents (typically used in dishwashers) and hand dishwashing detergents. The dishwashing detergent composition may be, for example, any of the dry or liquid / aqueous forms disclosed herein. Ingredients that may be included in some embodiments of the dishwashing detergent composition include, for example, one or more of phosphates, oxygen- or chlorine-based bleaching agents, nonionic surfactants, alkali salts (e.g., metasilicates, alkali metal hydroxides, sodium carbonate), any of the active enzymes disclosed herein, corrosion inhibitors (e.g., sodium silicate), antifoaming agents, additives for slowing the removal of polish and patterns from ceramics, fragrances, anti-caking agents (in granular detergents), starches (in tablet-based detergents), gelling agents (in liquid / gel-based detergents), and / or sand (in powdered detergents).

[0146] Dishwashing detergents, such as automatic dishwashing detergents or liquid dishwashing detergents, may contain (i) nonionic surfactants, including any ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol or amine oxide surfactants, present in an amount of 0-10% by weight, and (ii) in the range of about 5-60% by weight of any phosphate builder (e.g., monophosphate, diphosphate, tripolyphosphate, other oligomeric polyphosphates, sodium tripolyphosphate - STPP), any phosphorus-free builder (e.g., , methyl-glycine diacetic acid [MGDA] and its salts or derivatives, glutamine-N,N-diacetic acid [GLDA] and its salts or derivatives, iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) and its salts or derivatives, carboxymethyl inulin and its salts or derivatives, amino acid-based compounds including nitrilotriacetic acid [NTA], diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid [DTPA], B-alanine diacetic acid [B-ADA] and their salts), homopolymers and copolymers of polycarboxylic acids and their partially or fully neutralized salts, and monomeric polycarboxylic acids in the range of 0.5% to 50% by weight. (iii) a builder comprising carboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, or sulfonated / carboxylated polymers in the range of 0.1% to about 50% by weight, (iv) a drying aid in the range of 0.1% to about 10% by weight (e.g., polyesters, especially anionic polyesters, polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and / or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds or precursor compounds thereof, especially reactive cyclic carbonate and urea type, optionally together with further monomers with 3 to 6 functional groups—typically acid, alcohol, or ester functional groups that induce polycondensation). (iv) silicates (e.g., sodium or potassium silicates, such as sodium disilicate, sodium metasilicate, and crystalline phyllosilicates) in the range of about 1% to about 20% by weight; (v) inorganic bleaches (e.g., perhydrate salts such as perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates, persulfates, and persilicates) and / or organic bleaches (e.g., diacyl- and tetraacyl peroxides, particularly organic peroxyacids such as diperoxydodecanedioic acid, diperoxytetradecanedioic acid, and diperoxyhexadecanedioic acid); (vi) bleach activators (e.g., about 0.(vii) a metal care agent (e.g., benzatriazole, metal salts and complexes and / or silicates) in the range of 0.1% to 5% by weight; (viii) a glass corrosion inhibitor (e.g., magnesium, zinc, or bismuth salts and / or complexes) in the range of about 0.1% to 5% by weight; and / or (ix) any of the active enzymes disclosed herein and enzyme stabilizers (e.g., oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and inorganic divalent metal salts) in the range of about 0.01 to 5.0 mg of active enzyme per gram of automatic dishwashing detergent composition. In some aspects, the dishwashing detergent ingredients or the overall composition (but adapted accordingly to include the alpha-glucan ether derivatives herein) may be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,575,083 or 9,796,951, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0044468, or WO 2023 / 111170, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0147] Detergents herein, such as for dish care, can be, for example, included in unit doses (e.g., sachets or pouches) (e.g., water-soluble unit dose items) and can be as described above for fabric care detergents, but rather can include a suitable dish detergent composition.

[0148] It is contemplated that numerous commercially available detergent formulations can be adapted to contain the α-glucan ether derivatives disclosed herein. Examples of commercially available detergent formulations include PUREX® ULTRAPACKS (Henkel), FINISH® QUANTUM (Reckitt Benckiser), CLOROX™ 2 PACKS (Clorox), OXICLEAN MAX FORCE POWER PAKS (Church & Dwight), TIDE® STAIN RELEASE, CASCADE® ACTION PACS, and TIDE® PODS™ (Procter & Gamble).

[0149] The compositions disclosed herein may be in the form of or may include, for example, oral care compositions. Examples of oral care compositions include dentifrices, toothpastes, mouthwashes, mouth rinses, chewing gums, and edible strips that provide some form of oral care (e.g., treatment or prevention of dental caries (cavities), gingivitis, plaque, tartar, and / or periodontal disease). Oral care compositions can also be used to treat "oral surfaces," which encompass all soft and hard surfaces within the oral cavity, including the surface of the tongue, hard or soft palate, buccal mucosa, gums, and tooth surfaces. As used herein, "tooth surfaces" refer to, for example, the surfaces of natural teeth or the hard surfaces of artificial teeth, such as crowns, caps, fillings, bridges, dentures, or dental implants.

[0150] The oral care compositions herein may contain, for example, about 0.01 to 15.0 wt. % (e.g., about 0.1 to 10 wt. %, or about 0.1 to 5.0 wt. %, about 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %) of the α-glucan ether derivatives disclosed herein. The α-glucan ether derivatives included in the oral care compositions can sometimes be provided therein as thickeners and / or dispersants, which can be useful for imparting a desired consistency and / or mouthfeel to the composition. The oral care compositions herein can also be provided with one or more other thickeners or dispersants, such as, for example, carboxyvinyl polymers, carrageenans (e.g., L-carrageenan), natural gums (e.g., karaya, xanthan, gum arabic, tragacanth), colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, or colloidal silica.

[0151] The oral care composition herein may be, for example, toothpaste or other dentifrice. Such compositions and any other oral care compositions herein may further comprise, but are not limited to, one or more of anticaries agents, antimicrobial or antibacterial agents, antitartar or anti-tartar agents, surfactants, abrasives, pH adjusters, foam adjusters, humectants, flavoring agents, sweeteners, pigments / colorants, whitening agents, and / or other suitable ingredients. Examples of oral care compositions to which the α-glucan ether derivatives herein can be added are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0134025, 2002 / 0022006, and 2008 / 0057007, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0152] The anti-caries agent herein can be an orally acceptable source of fluoride ions. Suitable fluoride ion sources include, for example, fluorine compounds, monofluorophosphates and fluorosilicates, and amine fluorides, including olaflur (N'-octadecyltrimethylenediamine-N,N,N'-tris(2-ethanol)-dihydrofluoride). The anti-caries agent can be present in an amount that provides, for example, about 100-20,000 ppm, about 200-5,000 ppm, or about 500-2,500 ppm of total fluoride ions in the composition. In oral care compositions where sodium fluoride is the sole source of fluoride ions, for example, sodium fluoride can be present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01-5.0 wt. %, about 0.05-1.0 wt. %, or about 0.1-0.5 wt. %.

[0153] Antimicrobial or antibacterial agents suitable for use in the oral care compositions herein include, for example, phenolic compounds (e.g., p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters such as 4-allylcatechol, benzylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben; 2-benzylphenol, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, capsaicin, carvacrol, creosol, eugenol, guaiacol, halogenated bisphenols such as hexachlorophene and bromochlorophene; 4-hexylresorcinol, 8-hydroxyquinoline and its salts; salicylic acid esters such as menthyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, and phenyl salicylate; phenol; pyrocatechol; salicylanilide; thymol; halogenated diphenyl ether compounds such as triclosan and triclosan monophosphate; copper(II) compounds (e.g., copper(II) chloride, fluoride, sulfate, and hydroxide); zinc ion sources (e.g., zinc acetate, citrate, gluconate, etc.); salts, glycinates, oxides and sulfates), phthalic acid and its salts (e.g., magnesium monopotassium phthalate), hexetidine, octenidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, domiphen bromide, alkylpyridinium chlorides (e.g., cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride), iodine, sulfonamides, bisbiguanides (e.g., alexidine, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine gluconate), piperidine Derivatives (e.g., delmopinol, octapinol), magnolia extract, grapeseed extract, rosemary extract, menthol, geraniol, citral, eucalyptol, antibiotics (e.g., augmentin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, metronidazole, neomycin, kanamycin, clindamycin), and / or any of the antibacterial agents disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,776,435, which is incorporated herein by reference. One or more antimicrobial agents can optionally be present in the disclosed oral care compositions, for example, at about 0.01-10% by weight (e.g., 0.1-3% by weight).

[0154] Suitable anticalculus or anti-tartar agents for use in the oral care compositions herein include, for example, phosphates and polyphosphates (e.g., pyrophosphate), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides (e.g., polyaspartic acid and polyglutamic acid), polyolefinsulfonates, polyolefinphosphates, diphosphonates (e.g., azacycloalkane-2,2-diphosphonates such as azacycloheptane-2,2-diphosphonic acid), N-methylazacyclopentane-2,3-diphosphonic acid, ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid (EHDP), ethane-1-amino-1,1-diphosphonate, and / or phosphonoalkanecarboxylic acids and their salts (e.g., alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof). Useful inorganic phosphates and polyphosphates include, for example, monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic sodium phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate, mono-, disodium, trisodium, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate, disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, or salts thereof in which the sodium is replaced by potassium or ammonium. Other useful anticalculus agents in certain embodiments include anionic polycarboxylate polymers (e.g., polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and maleic anhydride, such as polyvinyl methyl ether / maleic anhydride copolymer). Still other useful anticalculus agents include sequestrants such as hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and oxalic acid and their salts) and aminopolycarboxylic acids (e.g., EDTA). One or more anticalculus or anti-tartar agents can optionally be present in the disclosed oral care compositions, for example, at about 0.01-50% by weight (eg, about 0.05-25% by weight or about 0.1-15% by weight).

[0155] Suitable surfactants for use in the oral care compositions herein can be, for example, anionic, nonionic, or amphoteric. Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, C 8~20 Water-soluble salts of alkyl sulfates, C 8~20Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids, sarcosinates, and taurates. Examples of anionic surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium coconut oil monoglyceride sulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodium laureth carboxylate, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, poloxamers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, and dialkyl sulfoxides. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, C carboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, phosphates, or phosphonates, which have anionic groups. 8~20 and derivatives of secondary and tertiary fatty amines. An example of a suitable amphoteric surfactant is cocoamidopropyl betaine. The one or more surfactants are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.01 to 10% by weight (e.g., about 0.05 to 5.0% by weight or about 0.1 to 2.0% by weight).

[0156] Abrasives suitable for use in the oral care compositions herein may include, for example, silica (e.g., silica gel, silicic acid, precipitated silica), alumina, insoluble phosphates, calcium carbonate, and resin abrasives (e.g., urea-formaldehyde condensation products). Examples of insoluble phosphates useful as abrasives herein are orthophosphates, polymetaphosphates, and pyrophosphates, including dicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, β-calcium pyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate, and insoluble sodium polymetaphosphate. One or more abrasives may optionally be present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 5-70% by weight (e.g., about 10-56% by weight or about 15-30% by weight). In certain embodiments, the average particle size of the abrasive is about 0.1-30 μm (e.g., about 1-20 μm or about 5-15 μm).

[0157] The oral care compositions in certain embodiments may include at least one pH adjusting agent. Such agents may be selected to acidify, make more basic, or buffer the pH of the composition in the pH range of about 2 to 10 (e.g., about a pH range of 2 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 8, 5 to 7, 6 to 10, or 7 to 9). Examples of pH adjusting agents useful herein include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids, phosphonic acids, and sulfonic acids, acid salts (e.g., monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, monosodium maleate), alkali metal hydroxides (e.g., sodium hydroxide, carbonates such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, sesquicarbonates), borates, silicates, phosphates (e.g., monosodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, pyrophosphate), and imidazole.

[0158] Suitable foam control agents for use in the oral care compositions herein can be, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG). High molecular weight PEGs are suitable, including, for example, PEGs having an average molecular weight of about 200,000 to 7,000,000 (e.g., about 500,000 to 5,000,000 or about 1,000,000 to 2,500,000). One or more PEGs are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.1 to 10% by weight (e.g., about 0.2 to 5.0% by weight or about 0.25 to 2.0% by weight).

[0159] In certain embodiments, the oral care composition may include at least one humectant. In certain embodiments, the humectant may be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, or low molecular weight PEG. Most suitable humectants may also function as sweeteners herein. One or more humectants are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 1.0-70% by weight (e.g., about 1.0-50% by weight, about 2-25% by weight, or about 5-15% by weight).

[0160] Natural or artificial sweeteners can optionally be included in the oral care compositions herein. Examples of suitable sweeteners include dextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, invert sugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup (e.g., high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup solids), partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and its salts, dipeptide-based high-intensity sweeteners, and cyclamates. One or more sweeteners can optionally be present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.005 to 5.0% by weight.

[0161] The oral care compositions herein may optionally contain natural or artificial flavoring agents. Examples of suitable flavoring agents include vanillin, sage, marjoram, parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus oil, fruit oils, essential oils such as those derived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape, apple, strawberry, cherry, or pineapple, flavors derived from coffee, cocoa, cola, beans or nuts such as peanuts or almonds, and absorbed and encapsulated flavoring agents. Also included as flavoring agents herein are ingredients that impart aroma and / or other sensory effects in the mouth, including cooling or warming effects. Such ingredients include, but are not limited to, menthol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate, camphor, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cassia, oxanone, Irisone®, propenylguaethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamine, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, 3-(1-menthoxy)-propane-1,2-diol, cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), and menthone glycerol acetal (MGA). One or more flavoring agents are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.01 to 5.0% by weight (e.g., about 0.1 to 2.5% by weight).

[0162] In certain embodiments, the oral care composition can include at least one bicarbonate salt. Any orally acceptable bicarbonate salt can be used, including, for example, alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, and ammonium bicarbonate. The one or more bicarbonate salts are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.1 to 50% by weight (e.g., about 1 to 20% by weight).

[0163] In certain embodiments, the oral care composition may include at least one whitening agent and / or colorant. Suitable whitening agents are peroxides, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,971, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable colorants herein include, for example, pigments, dyes, lakes, and pearlescent agents, which impart a particular luster or reflectance. Specific examples of useful colorants herein include talc, mica, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, red, yellow, brown, and black iron oxide, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, manganese violet, ultramarine, titanated mica, and bismuth oxychloride. One or more colorants are optionally present in the disclosed oral care compositions in a total amount of, for example, about 0.001 to 20% by weight (e.g., about 0.01 to 10% by weight or about 0.1 to 5.0% by weight).

[0164] Additional components that may optionally be included in the oral care compositions herein include, for example, one or more of the enzymes (described above), vitamins, and anti-adhesive agents. Examples of vitamins useful herein include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B5, and folic acid. Examples of suitable anti-adhesive agents include sorbrol, ficin, and quorum sensing inhibitors.

[0165] Further examples of personal care, household care, and other products and ingredients herein can be any of those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,796,196, which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of personal care, household care, and other products and ingredients herein include fragrances, air fresheners, air odor reducers, insect repellents and insecticides, foam generators such as surfactants, pet deodorizers, pet insecticides, pet shampoos, disinfectants, hard surface (e.g., floors, tubs / showers, sinks, toilets, door handles / panels, glass / windows, automobile / automobile exterior or interior) treatments (e.g., cleaners, disinfectants, and / or coatings), wipes and other nonwoven materials, colorants, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, emollients, oils, pharmaceuticals, flavorings, and suspending agents.

[0166] The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating a material with a product herein, the method comprising contacting the material with an aqueous product comprising at least one α-glucan ether derivative disclosed herein.

[0167] The material contacted with the aqueous product in the contacting method herein can include fabrics in some embodiments. The fabrics herein can include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, or any combination thereof. The semi-synthetic fibers herein are made using naturally occurring materials that have been chemically derivatized, one example of which is rayon. Non-limiting examples of fabric types herein include: (i) cellulosic fibers, such as cotton (e.g., broadcloth, canvas, chambray, chenille, chintz, corduroy, cretonne, damask, denim, flannel, gingham, jacquard, knit, matelassé, oxford, percale, poplin, plisse, satin, sheersucker, sheer, terrycloth, twill, velvet), rayon (e.g., viscose, modal, lyocell), linen, and Tencel®; (ii) proteinaceous fibers, such as silk, wool, and related mammalian fibers; (iii) synthetic fibers, such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, and the like; (iv) long vegetable fibers derived from jute, flax, ramie, coir, kapok, sisal, hennecken, abaca, hemp, and sunhemp; and (v) fabrics made from any combination of the fabrics in (i)-(iv). Fabrics comprising a combination of fabric types (e.g., natural and synthetic) include, for example, fabrics comprising both cotton fibers and polyester. Materials / articles comprising one or more fabrics herein include, for example, clothing, curtains, drapes, upholstery, carpets, bed linens, bath linens, tablecloths, sleeping bags, tents, automobile interiors, etc. Other materials comprising natural and / or synthetic fibers include, for example, nonwovens, wadding, paper, and foam.

[0168] The aqueous composition contacted with the fabric can be, for example, a fabric care composition (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener). Thus, in certain embodiments, the treatment method can be considered a fabric care method or a laundering method when a fabric care composition is used therein. The fabric care compositions herein are believed to achieve one or more of the following fabric care benefits (i.e., surface direct effects): wrinkle removal, wrinkle reduction, wrinkle resistance, reduced fabric abrasion, fabric abrasion resistance, reduced fabric fuzzing, extended fabric life, fabric color maintenance, reduced fabric fading, reduced dye transfer, restored fabric color, reduced fabric staining, fabric stain release, fabric shape retention, enhanced fabric smoothness, prevention of soil redeposition on fabrics, prevention of laundry graying, improved fabric feel / hand, and / or reduced fabric shrinkage.

[0169] Exemplary conditions (e.g., time, temperature, wash / rinse volume) for carrying out the fabric care or laundering methods herein are disclosed in WO 1997 / 003161 and U.S. Patent Nos. 4,794,661, 4,580,421, and 5,945,394, which are incorporated herein by reference. In other examples, materials, including fabrics, are washed with an aqueous composition herein at (i) at least about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, or 120 minutes, and (ii) at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95°C (e.g., "low" temperatures of about 15-30°C for laundry washing or rinsing, about (iii) at a pH of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 (e.g., a pH range of about 2-12 or about 3-11); (iv) at a salt (e.g., NaCl) concentration of at least about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 wt. %, or any combination of (i)-(iv).

[0170] The contacting step in a fabric care method or laundering method can include, for example, a washing step, a soaking step, and / or a rinsing step. In yet further embodiments, the contacting step of a material or fabric can be carried out by any means known in the art, such as dissolving, mixing, shaking, spraying, treating, soaking, flushing, injecting onto or into, binding, painting, coating, applying, adding, and / or communicating an effective amount of the α-glucan ether derivatives herein with the fabric or material. In yet further embodiments, the contacting step can be used to treat fabrics to impart substantial surface effects. As used herein, the term "fabric feel" or "hand" refers to the sensory response of a person to touch a fabric, which can be physical, physiological, psychological, social, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, fabric hand can be measured using a PhabrOmeter® system (available from Nu Cybertek, Inc., Davis, CA) for measuring relative hand value (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists [AATCC test method "202-2012, Relative Hand Value of Textiles: Instrumental Method"]).

[0171] In some embodiments for treating materials, including fabrics, the α-glucan ether derivatives of the aqueous product are adsorbed onto the fabric. This feature makes the α-glucan ether derivatives of the present invention useful as anti-redeposition and / or anti-graying agents in fabric care compositions (e.g., in addition to their viscosity-adjusting effect). The anti-redeposition or anti-graying agents herein help prevent soil from being redeposited on clothes in the wash water after the soil has been removed. Furthermore, adsorption of the α-glucan ether derivatives of the present invention onto fabrics is believed to improve the mechanical properties of the fabrics in some embodiments.

[0172] The adsorption of the α-glucan ether derivatives of the present invention to fabrics can be measured, for example, using colorimetric techniques (e.g., Dubois et al., 1956, Anal. Chem. 28:350-356; Zemljic et al., 2006, Lenzinger Berichte 85:68-76; both of which are incorporated herein by reference), or any other method known in the art.

[0173] Other materials that can be contacted in the above-described treatment methods include surfaces that can be treated with dish detergents (e.g., automatic dishwashing detergents or hand dishwashing detergents). Examples of such materials include surfaces of dishes, glasses, pots, pans, baking dishes, cookware, and tableware (collectively referred to herein as "dishware") made of ceramic materials, porcelain, metal, glass, plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, melamine, etc.), and wood. Thus, in certain embodiments, the treatment method can be considered, for example, a dishwashing method or a dishwashing method. Examples of conditions (e.g., time, temperature, wash volume) for carrying out the dishwashing or dishwashing methods herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,575,083 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0044468, which are incorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, dishware items can be contacted with the aqueous compositions herein under a suitable set of conditions, such as any of the conditions disclosed above for contacting a material-containing fabric.

[0174] Other materials that can be contacted in the above-described treatment methods include oral surfaces, such as soft or hard surfaces in the oral cavity, including the tongue, hard and soft palate, buccal mucosa, gums, and dental surfaces (e.g., the hard surfaces of natural teeth or artificial teeth such as crowns, caps, fillings, bridges, dentures, or dental implants). Thus, in certain embodiments, the treatment method can be considered, for example, an oral care method or a dental care method. The conditions (e.g., time, temperature) under which the oral surface is contacted with the aqueous composition herein should be appropriate for the intended use of such contact. Other surfaces that can be contacted in the treatment method include integumentary surfaces, such as skin, hair, or nails (i.e., any keratin-containing tissue or material) (e.g., with a body wash, skin conditioner, shampoo, hair conditioner, nail conditioner, or any other suitable product herein).

[0175] Accordingly, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to materials comprising the α-glucan ether derivatives herein (e.g., fabrics, or fiber-containing products disclosed herein, or any other material herein, such as hair, skin, or other keratin-containing materials). Such materials can be produced, for example, according to the material processing methods disclosed herein. In some aspects, a material can contain the α-glucan ether derivatives when the α-glucan ether derivatives are adsorbed onto the surface of the material or otherwise in contact with it (e.g., when the α-glucan ether is included in a coating on the material).

[0176] Some embodiments of the methods of treating materials herein further include a drying step, in which the material is dried after contacting with the aqueous composition. The drying step can occur immediately after the contacting step or after one or more additional steps that may follow the contacting step (e.g., drying fabrics, dishware, or hair after washing in the aqueous composition herein, e.g., rinsing with water). Drying can be carried out by any of several means known in the art, such as air drying (e.g., about 20-25°C), or at a temperature of, for example, at least about 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 170, 175, 180, or 200°C. Dried materials herein typically contain less than 3, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.1% moisture by weight of the material.

[0177] The aqueous product used in the treatment methods herein can be any aqueous product / composition disclosed herein. Examples of aqueous products include detergents (e.g., laundry detergents or dish detergents), fabric softeners, water-containing dentifrices such as toothpaste, and hair care products such as hair styling, hair cleaning, or hair conditioning products.

[0178] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of treating hair (e.g., washing and / or conditioning). Such methods may, for example, comprise at least: (a) contacting (e.g., coating) hair with an aqueous product (e.g., shampoo and / or conditioner) comprising the α-glucan ether derivatives herein, which aqueous product is typically applied diluted with water (e.g., for use in a shower / bath environment), thereby obtaining treated hair (or coated hair); (b) rinsing the treated hair with water (typically warm water used in a shower / bath environment); (c) optionally, after step (a) or step (b), drying the treated hair.

[0179] Drying step (c) can be carried out by any suitable drying process herein, such as air drying or blow drying with room temperature or heated air, etc. Drying can be carried out with or without agitation of the treated hair, for example by combing or brushing while drying.

[0180] Wet-treated hair (e.g., rinsed hair) and / or dry-treated hair resulting from such hair treatment methods may require less energy to comb (e.g., about or at least about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% less) (e.g., compared to hair treated in the same manner but using a hair care composition that does not include the α-glucan ether derivatives herein and instead optionally includes a current / conventional hair treatment / conditioning polymer, e.g., polyquaternium-10, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride). The combing energy of hair can be measured, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0271504 (hereby incorporated by reference), or as described in the examples below. In some aspects, the hair treatment method further comprises step (d) of combing or brushing the treated hair, where such combing / brushing step requires less combing energy as described above.

[0181] The hair treated herein may be of any hair type, such as straight, wavy, curly, or coiled (kinky) hair. Straight hair may range, for example, from thin to coarse and / or not prone to curling. Wavy hair may range, for example, from thin and fine to coarse and frizzy. Curly hair may range, for example, from loose curls to corkscrew curls. Coiled hair may range, for example, from tight coils to Z-shaped coils. In some embodiments, hair before being treated with the α-glucan ether derivatives herein may be untreated hair that has never been dyed, bleached, or chemically treated (e.g., permed), or may be treated hair (e.g., dyed, bleached, and / or chemically treated). The hair herein to which the α-glucan ether derivatives are adsorbed or otherwise deposited on the hair surface may be, for example, any of the aforementioned hair types.

[0182] Non-limiting examples of the compositions and methods disclosed herein include the following:

[0183] 1. A composition (which can typically be characterized as a liquid composition) comprising: (i) about 15% to 75% by weight (e.g., about 20% to 70% by weight) of at least one organic solvent (typically a polar organic solvent); (ii) about 20% to 50% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative; and (iii) less than about 50% by weight (e.g., less than about 45% by weight) of water (but typically also at least about 20% by weight of water), wherein at least about 50% of the glycosidic bonds of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds (i.e., the ether is a cationic α-1,6-glucan ether or a cationic dextran ether), and the cationic α-glucan ether derivative has a degree of substitution (DoS) of about 0.001 to about 3.0 with at least one positively charged organic group ether-linked to the α-glucan.

[0184] 2. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein at least about 90% of the glycosidic bonds in the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds.

[0185] 3. The composition of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the cationic α-glucan ether derivative comprises at least about 1% α-1,2 and / or α-1,3 branching (e.g., about, or at least about 3%, 3-35%, 3-30%, 3-25%, or 3-20% α-1,2 and / or α-1,3 branching).

[0186] 4. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, or 3, wherein (a) the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the α-glucan of the cationic ether derivative is about 0.9 kDa to 450 kDa (e.g., about 10 to 350, 50 to 350, 90 to 300, 125 to 250, 150 to 250, 150 to 200, or 175 to 200 kDa), or (b) the Mw of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative is about 1 kDa to 500 kDa (e.g., 10 to 400, 40 to 300, 80 to 300, 100 to 250, 150 to 250, 180 to 225, or 180 to 200 kDa).

[0187] 5. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the DoS is about 0.01 to 1.5 (e.g., about 0.01 to 1.0, 0.01 to 0.8, 0.03 to 0.7, 0.04 to 0.6, or 0.05 to 0.5).

[0188] 6. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the positively charged organic group comprises a substituted ammonium group.

[0189] 7. The composition of embodiment 6, wherein the substituted ammonium groups comprise quaternary ammonium groups.

[0190] 8. The composition of embodiment 7, wherein the quaternary ammonium group comprises a trimethylammonium group.

[0191] 9. The quaternary ammonium group has at least one C 10 ~C 16 Contains alkyl groups (e.g., C 10~C 16 an alkyl group and two C1-C4 alkyl groups), the composition of embodiment 7.

[0192] 10. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the positively charged organic group comprises a quaternary ammonium hydroxyalkyl group (e.g., a quaternary ammonium hydroxymethyl group, a quaternary ammonium hydroxyethyl group, or a quaternary ammonium hydroxypropyl group).

[0193] 11. The composition of embodiment 10, wherein the quaternary ammonium hydroxyalkyl group comprises a trimethylammonium hydroxyalkyl group (e.g., a trimethylammonium hydroxymethyl group, a trimethylammonium hydroxyethyl group, or a trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl group).

[0194] 12. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the at least one organic solvent comprises ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and / or glycerol.

[0195] 12b. The composition of embodiment 12, wherein the at least one organic solvent comprises propylene glycol.

[0196] 13. (i) about 25% to 40% by weight (e.g., 25-35% by weight, 30-40% by weight, 30-35% by weight, 32-35% by weight, 32-34% by weight, 33-34% by weight) of at least one organic solvent; and (ii) about 25% to 40% by weight (e.g., 25-35% by weight, 30-40% by weight, 30-35% by weight, 32-25% by weight, 32-34% by weight, 33-34% by weight) of a soluble polymer. and (iii) about 25% to 40% by weight (e.g., 25-35%, 30-40%, 30-35%, 32-35%, 32-34%, 33-34%) of water.

[0197] 14. Typically, the composition is a product comprising the composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12b, or 13 used as an ingredient / component in the production of the product, or a product comprising the composition produced by the method of embodiment 23, 24, or 25.

[0198] 15. The product of embodiment 14, wherein the product is a household care product, a personal care product, an industrial product, or a pharmaceutical product.

[0199] 16. The product of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the product is (i) a hair shampoo or hair conditioner (or any hair treatment product that is typically intended to be applied to the hair and rinsed off), or (ii) a skin cleanser, soap, or other skin cleansing product (or any skin treatment product that is typically intended to be applied to the skin and rinsed off, typically but optionally for the purpose of cleaning or cleansing the skin).

[0200] 17. The product of embodiment 14, 15, or 16, wherein the product is or comprises an aqueous composition.

[0201] 18. The product of embodiment 14, 15, 16, or 17, further comprising at least one surfactant.

[0202] 19. The product of embodiment 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, further comprising at least one enzyme.

[0203] 20. The product of embodiment 19, wherein the enzyme is a cellulase, protease, amylase, or nuclease.

[0204] 21. The product of embodiment 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, further comprising at least one of a complexing agent, a stain releasing polymer, a surfactant enhancing polymer, a bleaching agent, a bleach activator, a bleach catalyst, a fabric conditioner, a clay, a suds booster, a suds suppressor, a corrosion inhibitor, a soil suspending agent, an anti-resoiling agent, a dye, a disinfectant, a discoloration inhibitor, an optical brightener, a fragrance, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, a dye transfer inhibitor, a chelating agent, a hueing dye, a visual signaling component, a defoamer, a structuring agent, a thickener, an anti-caking agent, a starch, sand, or a gelling agent.

[0205] 22. The product of embodiment 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21, wherein the product is in the form of or contained in a liquid, gel, powder, hydrocolloid, granules, tablet, bead or lozenge, single-compartment sachet, multi-compartment sachet, single-compartment pouch, or multi-compartment pouch.

[0206] 23. A method for producing a composition according to embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 13, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous composition comprising a cationic α-glucan ether derivative; (b) mixing an organic solvent (in an amount appropriate to achieve a desired concentration of the organic solvent in the final composition) with the aqueous composition; and (c) optionally concentrating the cationic α-glucan ether derivative and organic solvent in the aqueous composition after step (b) (removing water, such as by evaporation) (e.g., if necessary to reach a particular concentration of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative and / or organic solvent), to produce a composition (liquid composition) according to embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12b, or 13.

[0207] 24. The method of embodiment 23, wherein the aqueous composition provided in step (a) is an etherification reaction composition (typically a termination / quench / neutralization reaction) in which the cationic α-glucan ether derivative is produced.

[0208] 25. The method of embodiment 24, wherein step (a) comprises subjecting the etherification reaction composition to one or more purification processes (e.g., diafiltration, such as ultrafiltration or nanofiltration, or dialysis) to increase the purity of the cationic α-glucan ether derivative in the aqueous composition.

[0209] 26. The product of embodiment 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the product comprises at least one cationic alpha-glucan ether derivative but does not necessarily comprise at least one organic solvent and / or water, or does not necessarily comprise organic solvent and / or water (or cationic alpha-glucan ether derivative) in the weight percent recited (e.g., the product was not produced using the composition of embodiment 1 as an ingredient to produce the product). [Example]

[0210] The present disclosure is further illustrated in the following examples. These examples, while illustrating certain aspects of the present invention, should be understood to be for illustrative purposes only. From the above discussion and these examples, those skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the disclosed embodiments, and can make various changes and modifications to adapt the disclosed embodiments to various uses and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0211] Materials / methods Representative preparation of α-1,6-glucan with α-1,2 branches Methods for preparing α-1,6-glucans containing varying amounts of α-1,2 branching are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0282385, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reaction parameters such as sucrose concentration, temperature, and pH can be adjusted to provide α-1,6-glucans with varying levels of α-1,2-branching and molecular weight. A representative procedure for preparing α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan is provided below (containing 19% α-1,2-branching and 81% α-1,6 linkages). 1D 1 H-NMR spectroscopy was used to quantify the glycosidic bond distribution. Additional samples of α-1,6-glucan with α-1,2-branching were similarly prepared. For example, one sample contained 32% α-1,2-branching and 68% α-1,6 linkages, and another sample contained 10% α-1,2-branching and 90% α-1,6 linkages.

[0212] A soluble α-1,6-glucan with approximately 19% α-1,2 branching was prepared using a stepwise combination of the glucosyltransferase (dextransucrase) GTF8117 and the α-1,2 branching enzyme GTFJ18T1 according to the following procedure. A reaction mixture (2 L) consisting of sucrose (450 g / L), GTF8117 (9.4 U / mL), and 50 mM sodium acetate was adjusted to pH 5.5 and stirred at 47°C. Aliquots (0.2–1 mL) were withdrawn at predetermined time points and quenched by heating at 90°C for 15 min. The resulting heat-treated aliquots were passed through a 0.45 μm filter. The flow-through fraction was analyzed by HPLC to determine the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose, leucrose, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. After 23.5 h, the reaction mixture was heated to 90°C for 30 min. An aliquot of the heat-treated reaction mixture was passed through a 0.45 μm filter and the flow-through was analyzed for soluble mono- / di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides. The major product was linear dextran with a DPw of 93.

[0213] A second reaction mixture was prepared by adding 238.2 g of sucrose and 210 mL of the α-1,2 branching enzyme GTFJ18T1 (5.0 U / mL) to the remaining heat-treated reaction mixture obtained from the GTF8117 reaction described immediately above. The mixture was stirred at 30°C in a volume of approximately 2.2 L. Aliquots (0.2–1 mL) were removed at predetermined time points and quenched by heating at 90°C for 15 min. The resulting heat-treated aliquots were passed through a 0.45 μm filter. The flow-through fraction was analyzed by HPLC to determine the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose, leucrose, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. After 95 h, the reaction mixture was heated to 90°C for 30 min. An aliquot of the heat-treated reaction mixture was passed through a 0.45 μm filter, and the flow-through fraction was analyzed for soluble monosaccharides / disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. The remaining heat-treated mixture was centrifuged using a 1 L centrifuge bottle. The supernatant was collected and washed more than 200 times using an ultrafiltration system containing a 1 kDa or 5 kDa MWCO cassette and deionized water. The washed oligosaccharide / polysaccharide product solution was dried. The dried sample was then collected. 1 The anomeric linkages of the oligosaccharides and polysaccharides were determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy.

[0214] For example, various water-soluble α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucans can be produced according to the above (or similar) enzymatic reaction strategies. This type of α-glucan material can also be produced according to the methodology disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0282385, which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of various α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucans that have been produced are shown in Table 1. In each of these α-glucans, the α-1,6-glucan backbone (from which the α-1,2 branches are) has 100% α-1,6-glycosidic bonds, and the listed molecular weight is the molecular weight of the α-1,6-glucan backbone. Each α-1,2-branch consists of a single (pendant) glucose unit.

[0215] [Table 1]

[0216] Example 1 Preparation of cationic α-glucan ether formulations This example describes reactions and processing steps for preparing cationic α-glucan ether compounds and formulations containing the compounds in liquid organic media. In particular, trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether was prepared in a formulation further containing water and propylene glycol. Such liquid formulations can be used as ingredients in the preparation of various products, such as those disclosed herein.

[0217] Any of the α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucans disclosed herein (e.g., Table 1) can be used, for example, as a substrate for these etherification and processing procedures. Examples of trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether products that can be produced include those shown in Table 2.

[0218] [Table 2]

[0219] Three separate reactions were carried out in 100 L, 100 L, and 500 L jacketed stainless steel reactors, each equipped with a pitched blade turbine (PBT) impeller and mixer. Temperature was maintained using a circulating water bath connected to the reactor jacket. The reaction volumes were 90 L, 90 L, and 450 L, respectively, and 372 g / L of water-soluble α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan was charged. 7.65 g / L of sodium hydroxide was charged to each reactor using an external circulation loop. Once the temperature of each preparation stabilized at 50 °C, 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (EPTAC, 48.7 g / L) was charged to each reactor using a circulation loop. Conditions were maintained for 5 hours, after which the reactions were neutralized to a pH of 5-7 using 10 wt% sulfuric acid, thereby terminating the reactions.

[0220] Each neutralized reaction was subjected to ultrafiltration (UF) purification using a 5 kDa cutoff polyethersulfone (PES) membrane and three diafiltration washes. A separate UF was then performed on each sample to produce α-glucan ether polymer concentrates with solids contents of 15–18 wt%. Concentrations were measured using refractive index (RI), and approximately 50 g of each polymer concentrate was collected for DoS analysis by NMR and total Kjeldahl nitrogen determination. Derivatized impurity analysis of residual EPTAC, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC), and (2,3-dihydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (DHPTAC) was determined by ion chromatography (IC). Propylene glycol was mixed with each polymer concentrate at the same solids concentration (15–18 wt%). Potassium sorbate preservative was added as a preservative.

[0221] Each ether polymer mixture was then placed in an evaporator at 50-60°C to remove approximately 33.2% water by weight. Approximately 50 g of each mixture was sampled to determine the concentrations of α-glucan ether polymer and propylene glycol using RI analysis and vacuum oven solids concentration. The final composition of each formulation was approximately 33.3% by weight trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether, approximately 33.3% by weight propylene glycol, approximately 33.3% by weight water, and potassium sorbate (Table 3A). The viscosity of each formulation was measured at 35°C using an Anton Paar Rheolab QC with a CC27 spindle (Table 3A).

[0222] [Table 3A]

[0223] Table 3B shows additional cationic α-glucan ether formulations made generally according to the methodology described above.

[0224] [Table 3B]

[0225] The liquid compositions of this example and the present disclosure exhibited improved processability and reduced water content. The organic solvent component of the liquid formulation (e.g., propylene glycol) improved processability and reduced water content. It was important to control the water content so that the liquid formulation did not adversely affect the packaging integrity of single unit dose products that contained the liquid formulation as an ingredient.

[0226] Example 2 Effect of shampoo formulations containing cationic α-1,6-glucan ether on hair combability This example describes whether and to what extent the inclusion of a cationic α-glucan ether (trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether) in shampoo formulations affects the ability of such formulations to improve combability of shampooed hair. Hair combability is one of the attributes immediately noticeable to consumers during and after shampoo application. Hair combability relates to the conditioning of the hair fiber by a shampoo or other hair treatment: the smoother the hair fiber is made by a conditioning agent, the less energy is required to comb the conditioned hair (i.e., the lower the combing energy).

[0227] Protocol Pretreatment: Fifty tresses of natural Caucasian hair, each weighing 2.5 g and 25 cm in length, were prepared. All tresses were subjected to a standard pre-wash treatment with 10% sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) solution for 1 minute, followed by rinsing with running water.

[0228] Baseline combing measurements (wet and dry): Wet combing was measured first (wet baseline). The tresses were then allowed to dry in a controlled environment of 55±5% relative humidity and 22±2°C for 24 hours before dry combing testing. The dry combing of each tress was then measured (dry baseline). 50 tresses were divided into 10 groups and given various shampoo treatments (described below).

[0229] Final combability measurements (wet and dry): The final wet combing of each tress was measured after shampooing (Final Wet). The tresses were then allowed to dry in a controlled environment of 55±5% relative humidity and 22±2° C. for 24 hours before testing for dry combing. The dry combing of each tress was then measured (Final Dry).

[0230] Formulation and Test Results: Shampoo-1 Trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether (hereafter referred to as cationic α-1,6-glucan ether) and four conventional hair conditioning polymers (polyquaternium-10, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, and hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) were individually used in typical shampoo formulations containing sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine as surfactants (Table 4). The cationic α-1,6-glucan ether was incorporated into Formulations 1B and 1C using a composition containing approximately 33% by weight water, 33% by weight propylene glycol, and 33% by weight ether.

[0231] [Table 4]

[0232] As shown in Table 5, cationic α-1,6-glucan ether-containing shampoos (Formulations 1B and 1C) significantly reduced the wet combing energy compared to the control shampoo (Formulation 1A, no conditioning polymer), indicating that the ether improved wet combing with the shampoo. Additionally, Formulations 1B and 1C outperformed all shampoos, including those containing conventional conditioning polymers (Formulations 1D-1G), in affecting dry combing (Table 5).

[0233] [Table 5]

[0234] Formulation and Test Results: Shampoo-2 The cationic α-1,6-glucan ether and four conventional hair conditioning polymers used above in Shampoo-1 were individually used in a typical non-sulfate shampoo formulation containing sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate (a commonly used non-sulfate anion) and cocamidopropyl betaine as surfactants (Table 6). The cationic α-1,6-glucan ether was incorporated into Formulations 2B and 2C using a composition containing approximately 33% by weight water, 33% by weight propylene glycol, and 33% by weight ether.

[0235] [Table 6]

[0236] As shown in Table 7, shampoos containing cationic α-1,6-glucan ether (Formulations 2B and 2C) significantly reduced combing energy on dry hair compared to the control shampoo (Formulation 2A, no conditioning polymer) and all shampoos containing conventional conditioning polymers (Formulations 2D-2G), indicating that the ether improved combing of hair with the shampoo.

[0237] [Table 7]

[0238] Formulation and Test Results: Shampoo-3 The cationic α-1,6-glucan ether used above in Shampoos-1 and -2 was tested in silicone-free shampoo formulations and compared to shampoo formulations containing silicone (dimethicone) as a conditioning agent (Table 8). The cationic α-1,6-glucan ether was incorporated into Formulations 3B and 3C using a composition containing approximately 33% by weight water, 33% by weight propylene glycol, and 33% by weight ether.

[0239] [Table 8]

[0240] As shown in Table 9, cationic α-1,6-glucan ether-containing shampoos (Formulations 3B and 3C) demonstrated similar combing performance on dry hair as a typical shampoo with dimethicone and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (Formulation 3A), but demonstrated superior performance to a silicone-free shampoo (Formulation 3D). This result indicates that cationic α-1,6-glucan ethers are a promising alternative to silicones over traditional conditioning polymers.

[0241] [Table 9]

[0242] [Table 10]

[0243] Furthermore, the cationic α-glucan ether of this example was shown to be capable of deposition on hair (data not shown). This deposition ability is believed to explain at least part of the aforementioned beneficial effects of using a shampoo containing an α-glucan ether derivative. This deposition ability is also believed to apply to other keratin-containing tissues, such as skin and nails. It was also found that the cationic α-glucan ether does not increase the viscosity of the above-mentioned formulation, and is therefore useful, for example, for formulating products that can be converted into foams (e.g., via a foam pump) before use. Finally, the cationic α-glucan ether did not require any special process to enable its hydration.

[0244] Example 3 Preparation of further cationic α-glucan ether formulations Three grams of cationically modified α-1,6-glucan (α-1,2-branched) ether compound (powder form, 100% active) was mixed with a total of 7 grams of solvent (3.5 grams of water and 3.5 grams of propylene glycol) in a glass vial and mixed with a spatula. The α-1,6-glucan ether compound was completely dissolved in the solvent, resulting in 10 grams of premix (PP4). Rheology measurements were performed using this premix (Table 11).

[0245] [Table 11]

[0246] Example 4 Preparation of further cationic α-glucan ether formulations Premixes PP5, PP6, and PP7 were made using the formulations (premixes) of Examples 1 and 3 as intermediate premixes (Table 12). Specifically, PP5 was made by mixing 60 wt. % Sample 1 (Example 1, Table 3A) (hereinafter "PP1") with 40% structurant, PP6 was made by mixing 75 wt. % Sample 2 (Example 1, Table 3A) (hereinafter "PP2") with 25% structurant, and PP7 was made by mixing 80 wt. % PP4 (Example 3, Table 11) with 20% structurant.

[0247] [Table 12]

[0248] Example 5 Procedure for making water-soluble unit dose articles using cationic alpha-glucan ether formulations The following liquid detergent bases were produced by standard mixing of the ingredients listed in Table 13:

[0249] [Table 13]

[0250] 3.8 parts of cationic α-glucan ether premix, PP6 (Example 4, Table 12) was mixed with 96.2 parts of the liquid detergent base described above (Table 13) to provide a liquid detergent composition containing approximately 1% by weight of cationic α-glucan ether compound for making soluble unit dose articles (below).

[0251] The water-soluble unit dose article is prepared by: a. deforming a first water-soluble film to form an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a liquid detergent composition comprising a cationically modified alpha-1,6-glucan ether compound; c. closing the open cavity with a water-soluble lid, the water-soluble lid comprising a second water-soluble film; and d. sealing the first water-soluble film and the water-soluble lid together to create a water-soluble unit dose article.

[0252] Example 6 Effects of using skin cleansing / washing formulations containing cationic α-1,6-glucan ether on rinsability and skin feel This example describes whether and to what extent the inclusion of a cationic α-glucan ether (trimethylammonium hydroxypropyl α-1,2-branched α-1,6-glucan ether) in skin cleansing / cleansing formulations affects the ability of such formulations to rinse skin. The α-glucan ether derivative used in this example was the same as the α-glucan ether derivative used in Example 2.

[0253] A trained sensory panel evaluation (quantitative descriptive analysis) was conducted to investigate the sensory benefits of using skin cleansing products formulated with or without cationic α-glucan ethers. These formulations are listed in Tables 14 and 15 below.

[0254] [Table 14]

[0255] [Table 15]

[0256] Panelists perceived the ease of rinsing of Formulation 1B to be statistically greater than that of Formulation 1A (95% confidence interval). Improved rinsability can help create a skin cleansing product that does not leave a sticky, heavy / dry feeling. Panelists also perceived a reduced feeling of roughness on the skin when using Formulation 1B compared to Formulation 1A (95% confidence interval). This reduction in the perception of roughness means that it is possible to create a skin cleansing product that does not leave the skin feeling dehydrated or tight after use.

[0257] The formulations in Table 15 generally rinsed easier overall because they contained potassium laurate, a common soap ingredient. Therefore, these formulations were evaluated only for post-rinse skin feel. Sensory panelists noted that the sensation of roughness immediately after rinsing with Formulation 2B was statistically less than the sensation experienced after rinsing with Formulation 2A (90% confidence interval). This reduction in the perception of roughness means that soap products can be made that do not leave skin feeling dehydrated or tight after use.

Claims

1. (i) from about 15% to about 75% by weight of at least one organic solvent; (ii) about 20% to about 50% by weight of at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative; (iii) less than about 50% by weight of water, at least about 50% of the glycosidic bonds in the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds; The cationic α-glucan ether derivative has a degree of substitution (DoS) with at least one positively charged organic group ether-linked to the α-glucan of about 0.001 to about 3.

0.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least about 90% of the glycosidic bonds in the cationic α-glucan ether derivative are α-1,6 bonds.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the cationic α-glucan ether derivative contains at least about 1% α-1,2 and / or α-1,3 branching.

4. (a) the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the α-glucan of the cationic ether derivative is about 0.9 kDa to 450 kDa; or (b) The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationic α-glucan ether derivative has a Mw of about 1 kDa to 500 kDa.

5. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the DoS is about 0.01 to 1.

5.

6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the positively charged organic group comprises a substituted ammonium group.

7. The composition of claim 6 , wherein the substituted ammonium group comprises a quaternary ammonium group.

8. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the quaternary ammonium group comprises a trimethylammonium group.

9. The quaternary ammonium group has at least one C １０ ~C １６ The composition of claim 7 comprising an alkyl group.

10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the positively charged organic group comprises a quaternary ammonium hydroxyalkyl group.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the quaternary ammonium hydroxyalkyl group comprises a trimethylammonium hydroxyalkyl group.

12. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one organic solvent comprises ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and / or glycerol.

13. (i) about 25% to 40% by weight of said at least one organic solvent; (ii) about 25% to 40% by weight of the at least one cationic α-glucan ether derivative; (iii) about 25% to 40% by weight of water.

14. 10. An article of manufacture comprising the composition of claim 1, typically wherein said composition has been used as an ingredient / component in the making of said article.

15. 15. The product of claim 14, wherein the product is a household care product, a personal care product, an industrial product, or a pharmaceutical product.

16. 15. The product of claim 14, wherein the product is (i) a hair shampoo or hair conditioner, or (ii) a skin cleanser, soap, or other skin cleansing product.

17. 10. A method for producing the composition of claim 1, comprising: (a) providing an aqueous composition comprising the cationic α-glucan ether derivative; (b) mixing the organic solvent into the aqueous composition; (c) optionally, concentrating the cationic α-glucan ether derivative and the organic solvent in the aqueous composition after step (b).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the aqueous composition provided in step (a) is an etherification reaction composition from which the cationic α-glucan ether derivative is produced.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein step (a) comprises subjecting the etherification reaction composition to one or more purification processes.

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