Antibacterial particles

Abstract

A composition comprising a plurality of antibacterial particles, each of the plurality of antibacterial particles comprising: a) about 20% to about 99.9% of a polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 40000 Daltons, based on the total weight of the particles; and b) about 0.1% to about 50% of an antibacterial agent, based on the total weight of the particles, each of the plurality of particles having a mass of about 5 mg to about 500 mg. Preferably, the antibacterial agent can be selected from chloroxylenol, percarbonate, silver, methyl-diisopropanolamine-based (MDIPA-based) quaternary ammonium compounds, didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADBAC), alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADEBAC), and any combination thereof.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Through-the-wash laundry additives and fabric treatment compositions containing same. [Background technology]

[0002] Consumer products have evolved to address consumer needs for antimicrobial benefits in addition to their original intended function. For example, antimicrobial laundry detergent products are desired by consumers because they provide antimicrobial benefits to fabrics while simultaneously cleaning the fabrics. Currently, various antimicrobial agents, such as bleach, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol (also known as chloroxylenol or PCMX), benzalkonium chloride (BKC), and diphenyl ether, are known to be used in consumer product formulations to provide antimicrobial benefits.

[0003] However, in the context of laundry detergents, achieving the desired effect of antibacterial agents on fabrics is a challenge. Specifically, during the washing cycle, most of the active ingredients, including incorporated antibacterial agents, are eventually washed away with the washing solution. As a result, only a small amount of antibacterial agents released by laundry detergents can be deposited on washed fabrics. To compensate for this low deposition rate of antibacterial agents, manufacturers must increase the concentration of antibacterial agents in laundry detergent products, which not only increases costs but also leads to environmental problems due to the increased amount of antibacterial agents washed away during the washing process and released into the environment.

[0004] Therefore, granular laundry additives incorporating antimicrobial agents are desirable for consumers.Consumers prefer laundry additives packaged in a manner that allows them to use custom amounts of laundry additives based on their judgment of how much laundry additive is needed to provide desired benefits, such as antimicrobial benefits.Such laundry antimicrobial additives are conveniently provided by washing with a fully formulated fabric care composition.However, there are challenges associated with the manufacturing process of granular laundry additives, such as stability at higher temperatures or humidity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide granular antimicrobial laundry additives that can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured, have good solubility in water, and provide satisfactory antimicrobial benefits (even under high temperature or high humidity conditions). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of antimicrobial particles, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprising: The present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) 20% to 99% of a water-soluble carrier based on the total weight of the particles; and (b) 0.001% to 30% of an antibacterial agent based on the total weight of the particles, the antibacterial agent being selected from the group consisting of chloroxylenol (i.e., PCMX), percarbonate, silver, methyl-diisopropanolamine-based (MDIPA) quaternary ammonium compounds, didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), alkyl dimethyl benzalkonium chloride (ADBAC), alkyl dimethyl benzalkonium chloride (ADEBAC), and any combination thereof, the antibacterial particles each having a mass of about 5 mg to about 500 mg. Preferably, the water-soluble carrier is a polyalkylene glycol, particularly a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 to 40,000 daltons.

[0007] The antimicrobial particles contained in the composition of the present invention are i) 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% chloroxylenol, based on the total weight of the particles; and / or ii) 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% of a percarbonate, preferably sodium percarbonate, based on the total weight of the particles; and / or iii) silver, preferably silver ions or nanosilver, in an amount of 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.15% to 10%, more preferably 0.2% to 5%, and most preferably 0.25% to 1%, based on the total weight of the particles; and / or iv) 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% of a methyl-diisopropanolamine (MDIPA) quaternary ammonium compound, preferably di-isopropyl ester dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, based on the total weight of the particles; and / or v) 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% of didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) based on the total weight of the particles; and / or vi) 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% of benzoyl chloride based on the total weight of the particles. L benzalkonium chloride, preferably alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADBAC) and / or alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADEBAC); L Conium, and / or vii) The particle may contain 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.3% to 20%, more preferably 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably 0.5% to 10% of a cationic polymer, preferably a cationic polysaccharide, more preferably a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group (WK30), based on the total weight of the particle.

[0008] The laundry additive composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles further comprises, based on the total weight of the particles, 0.1% to 30%, preferably 0.5% to 20%, more preferably 1% to 15% of a fragrance. The fragrance may be selected from the group consisting of free fragrance, pre-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance, fragrance microcapsules, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the fragrance comprises a combination of free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules, and the weight ratio of free fragrance to fragrance microcapsules in each antimicrobial particle may be 1:5 to 20:1, preferably 1:2 to 10:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1, and most preferably 1.5:1 to 3:1.

[0009] When the same amount of antimicrobial agent is provided, it may exhibit higher antimicrobial efficacy when incorporated into the antimicrobial particles of the present invention compared to when added separately to a powder or liquid laundry detergent product under the same manufacturing process conditions. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that such antimicrobial particles provide a controlled / sustained release of the antimicrobial agent into the wash liquor during the laundering process.

[0010] Furthermore, when provided as a stand-alone fabric treatment product, such antimicrobial particles of the present invention offer greater dosing flexibility, allowing for more effective delivery of antimicrobial agents. Consumers can choose to dose more or less antimicrobial agent as needed, separate from surfactants or other deterrent actives in laundry detergent products. Consumers can also choose to add the antimicrobial particles of the present invention at specific stages of the laundry process, such as after washing or during the rinse cycle, to increase the rate of deposition of such antimicrobial agents on fabrics.

[0011] Furthermore, such antibacterial particles of the present invention can be easily incorporated into granular laundry detergent compositions that also contain detergent particles. Granular laundry detergent compositions typically have a significantly higher equilibrium pH than liquid laundry detergent compositions, and such a high pH environment is not beneficial for the deposition of certain antibacterial agents as described above. To solve this problem, it is possible to reformulate the granular laundry detergent composition to lower the equilibrium pH, but the costs and complexity associated with such reformulation are significant. Therefore, the antibacterial particles of the present invention provide a simple and more cost-effective alternative solution. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the water-soluble carrier in such antibacterial particles serves to isolate the antibacterial agent from the high pH environment of typical granular laundry detergent products, thereby improving the deposition rate of such antibacterial agents.

[0012] Furthermore, when such antimicrobial particles contain perfume ingredients therein, surprisingly, improved freshness benefits and better malodor control benefits are observed. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the antimicrobial agents in such particles interact with the perfume ingredients to improve the release profile and deposition of such perfume ingredients (especially perfume microcapsules) on fabrics.

[0013] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following specification, including examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad expression of the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this specification and practice of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0015] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0016] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "contain," "contains," "containing," "include," "includes," and "including" are all meant to be open-ended.

[0017] The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension to the shortest dimension of a particle. For example, if such a particle has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the base diameter of the particle to the height of the particle.

[0018] The term "particulate laundry detergent composition" refers to a solid powdered or granular laundry detergent composition, preferably a free-flowing powdered or granular laundry detergent composition, such as an all-purpose or heavy-duty fabric cleaner, as well as laundry aids such as bleach activators, rinse aids, additives, or pre-treatment products.

[0019] The term "laundry additive composition" refers to a laundry composition that provides additional benefits that complement deterrent purposes. Preferably, such laundry additive compositions do not contain deterrent actives such as surfactants.

[0020] The term "detergent particles" refers to particles comprising one or more inhibitor actives such as surfactants, builders, bleach activators, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, etc. Preferably, such detergent particles contain one or more surfactants, in particular anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0021] The term "antimicrobial particles" refers to particles that contain one or more antimicrobial agents in an aqueous carrier.

[0022] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, of ingredients other than the listed ingredients.

[0023] Additionally, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" mean that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0% to about 0.2% by weight. The term "essentially free" means that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.01% by weight, and more preferably is not present at analytically detectable concentrations.

[0024] As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise specified. All conditions herein are at 20°C and atmospheric pressure unless otherwise specified. All molecular weights of polymers are determined by weight average number molecular weight unless otherwise specified.

[0025] antibacterial particles The composition of the present invention comprises a plurality of antibacterial particles, each of which has a mass of about 5 mg to about 500 mg, and each of which comprises (a) about 20% to about 99.9% of a water-soluble carrier, and (b) 0.001% to 30% of an antibacterial agent, based on the total weight of the particles.

[0026] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is chloroxylenol (i.e., PCMX), percarbonate, silver, methyl-diisopropanolamine-based (MDIPA-based) quaternary ammonium compounds, didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), benzyl chloride, L The cationic surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl dimethyl benzalkonium chloride (ADBAC) and alkyl dimethyl benzalkonium chloride (ADEBAC), cationic polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0027] Chloroxylenol (PCMX) Chloroxylenol, also known as 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol or para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is an antiseptic and disinfectant used for skin disinfection and surgical instrument cleaning. It has also been used in laundry applications. It has the following formula (II):

[0028] [ka]

[0029] In some examples, the antimicrobial particles included in the compositions of the present invention may contain about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.5% to about 25%, of chloroxylenol (i.e., PCMX) based on the total weight of the particle. Without being bound by any theory, if the PCMX level is too high, it is difficult to form the particles at room temperature. On the other hand, if the PCMX level is too low, the antimicrobial benefits are not achieved. For example, PCMX may be present in the antimicrobial particles in an amount of about 1% to about 20%, or about 2% to about 18%.

[0030] Percarbonate and TAED In another example, the antimicrobial particles included in the composition of the present invention can include a hydrogen peroxide generator and a peracid catalyst. The hydrogen peroxide generator can be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal perborate, alkali metal percarbonate, alkali metal perphosphate, alkali metal persilicate, alkali metal persulfate, and combinations thereof. The peracid catalyst is an agent containing an acetyl donor group or an acyl donor group, or a combination thereof, and the agent can be selected from the group consisting of an -OC(O)CH3 donor group, an -NC(O)CH3 donor group, an -OC(O)R 1 ) donor group or -NC(O)R 2 containing a donor group, wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently a C1-C20 alkyl, or the peracid catalyst is selected from the group consisting of monoacetin, diacetin, triacetin, glucose pentaacetate, lactose octaacetate, mannitol hexaacetate, sucrose octaacetate, N,N,N',N'-tetraacetylethylene-diamine (TAED), N,N,N',N'-tetraacetylmethylene-diamine (TAMD), N-acetylglycine, N-acetylmethionine, 6-acetamidohexanoic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, 4-acetamido-phenol, N-acetyl-L-glutamine, and N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetyl glycoluril (TAGU).

[0031] In some preferred examples, the antimicrobial particles contained in the compositions of the present invention contain about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.3% to about 20%, more preferably about 0.4% to about 15%, and most preferably about 0.5% to about 10% of percarbonate, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. The percarbonate is preferably sodium percarbonate.

[0032] The antimicrobial particles can further comprise N,N,N',N'-tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED). The amount of TAED present in the antimicrobial particles can be about 0.01% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.2% to about 10% by weight. TAED is known in the dry chemical industry to be useful in producing powder and compressed tablet compositions because it is stable in dry form and compatible with peroxygen chemistries.

[0033] Preferably, the total amount of percarbonate and TAED in the antimicrobial particles can be about 1% to about 30%, preferably about 2% to about 25%, and more preferably about 3% to about 20%, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. The weight ratio of percarbonate to TAED can be about 10:1 to about 1.1:1, for example, the weight ratio of percarbonate to TAED can be about 9:1, or 8:1, or 7:1, or 5:1, or 3:1, or 2:1, or 1.8:1, or 1.6:1, or 1.5:1, or 1.4:1, or 1.3:1, or 1.2:1, or any range therebetween.

[0034] Percarbonate and TAED are typically compressed by tableting processes in the pharmaceutical and food industries to create compacted solids. However, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention are made by a rotoforming process in which high-temperature molten material is conveniently processed on a rotoformer to produce particles that are hemispherical, semi-hemispherical, or the like. Applicant has surprisingly discovered that percarbonate and TAED can withstand the high-temperature molten process and form homogeneous antimicrobial particles through the rotoforming process without reducing bleaching activity.

[0035] Alternatively, the present invention provides a composition comprising: (i) a plurality of first particles, 25% to 97% by weight of a water-soluble first carrier; 0.2% to 30% by weight of percarbonate, optionally a fragrance; a plurality of first particles, each of which has a mass of 5 mg to 200 mg; (ii) a plurality of second particles, 25% to 97% by weight of a water-soluble second carrier; 0.05% to 15% by weight of TAED, optionally a fragrance; and a plurality of second particles, each of the plurality of second particles having a mass of 5 mg to 200 mg.

[0036] Preferably, the first carrier and the second carrier are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, polypropylene glycol polyoxoalkylene, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, starch, and mixtures thereof.

[0037] Preferably, the composition comprises 10% to 90% by weight of the first particles and 10% to 90% by weight of the second particles. Preferably, the first particles and the second particles in the composition of the present invention are present together in a single chamber of a package.

[0038] By incorporating the percarbonate and TAED into a water-soluble carrier to form particles separately, stable particles can be provided even when packed into a single chamber of a package. When introduced into the laundry process, both particles dissolve in water and release the actives, at which point the percarbonate and TAED can react to provide antimicrobial benefits.

[0039] silver In some other examples, the antimicrobial particles included in the compositions of the present invention contain about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably about 0.005% to about 2%, more preferably about 0.01% to about 1%, and most preferably about 0.02% to about 0.5% silver, based on the total weight of the particles, and the silver is preferably silver ion or nanosilver. Without being bound by any theory, using too much silver in the laundry process can cause darkening due to residue on the fabric. Therefore, the concentration of silver present in the particles of the present invention helps to provide antimicrobial benefits while avoiding darkening.

[0040] Other antibacterial agents In some other examples, the antimicrobial particles included in the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.3% to about 20%, more preferably about 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably about 0.5% to 10% of a methyl-diisopropanolamine (MDIPA) quaternary ammonium compound, preferably di-isopropyl ester dimethylammonium methyl sulfate, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle.

[0041] In some other examples, the antimicrobial particles included in the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.3% to about 20%, more preferably about 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably about 0.5% to 10% didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle.

[0042] In some other examples, the antimicrobial particles contained in the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.3% to about 20%, more preferably about 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably about 0.5% to 10% of benzoyl chloride based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. The benzalkonium chloride, preferably alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADBAC) and / or alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (ADEBAC); L Contains conium.

[0043] In some other examples, the antimicrobial particles included in the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably about 0.3% to about 20%, more preferably about 0.4% to 15%, and most preferably about 0.5% to 10% of a cationic polymer, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle, and the cationic polymer is preferably a cationic polysaccharide, and more preferably the cationic polymer is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group (WK30).

[0044] In addition to the antimicrobial agents disclosed hereinabove, other antimicrobial agents may also be present, provided they are not present at concentrations that would destabilize the formulation. Among useful additional antimicrobial agents are chelating agents, which are particularly useful in reducing the resistance of gram-negative microorganisms in hard water. Acidic biocides may also be present.

[0045] In addition to the antibacterial agent, each of the antibacterial particles of the present invention also contains the water-soluble carrier in an amount of about 25% to about 99%, preferably about 30% to about 95%, more preferably about 40% to about 94%, and most preferably about 50% to about 93%, based on the total weight of each antibacterial particle.

[0046] Water-soluble carrier The water-soluble carrier may be a material that is soluble in the cleaning solution for a short period of time, for example, less than about 10 minutes. The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salts, water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble organic alkali metal salts, water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble carbohydrates, water-soluble silicates, water-soluble urea, water-soluble polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0047] The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, lithium salts, sodium salts, and potassium salts, and any combination thereof. Useful alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium silicate, sodium ascorbate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium silicate, potassium, ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0049] The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium salts, calcium salts, etc., and combinations thereof. The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium silicate, magnesium ascorbate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium silicate, calcium ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0050] Inorganic salts, such as inorganic alkali metal salts and inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, do not contain carbon. Organic salts, such as organic alkali metal salts and organic alkaline earth metal salts, contain carbon. The organic salt may be an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt of sorbic acid (i.e., asorbate). The sorbate may be selected from the group consisting of sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, magnesium sorbate, calcium sorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0051] The water-soluble carrier may be or may include a substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salts, water-soluble organic alkali metal salts, water-soluble inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble carbohydrates, water-soluble silicates, water-soluble urea, and combinations thereof. The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium tartrate, potassium tartrate, potassium sodium tartrate, calcium lactate, water glass, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, dextrose, fructose, galactose, isoglucose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, isomalt, xylitol, rock sugar, granulated sugar, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the water-soluble carrier may be sodium chloride. In one embodiment, the water-soluble carrier may be table salt.

[0052] The water-soluble carrier may be or may include a material selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium formate, calcium formate, sodium chloride, sucrose, maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, clays, silicates, carboxymethyl cellulose citrate, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glyceryl diesters of hydrogenated tallow, glycerol, and combinations thereof.

[0053] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of water-soluble organic alkali metal salts, water-soluble inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble carbohydrates, water-soluble silicates, water-soluble urea, starch, clay, water-insoluble silicates, carboxymethylcellulose citrate, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glyceryl diesters of hydrogenated tallow, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0054] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of disaccharides, polysaccharides, silicates, zeolites, carbonates, sulfates, citrates, and combinations thereof.

[0055] The water-soluble carrier may be a water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), modified PVA, polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVA copolymers such as PVA / polyvinylpyrrolidone and PVA / polyvinylamine, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide, acrylic acid, alkylcellulose-based materials such as cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, and propylcellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and modified starch, gelatin, alginate, other hemicellulosic polysaccharides including xyloglucan, xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, mannan, glucomannan, and galactoglucomannan, and natural gums such as pectin, xanthan, and carrageenan, locust bean, arabic, and tragacanth, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer includes polyacrylates, particularly sulfonated polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers; and alkylhydroxycellulose-based materials such as methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, modified carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, and polymethacrylates. In yet another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer may be selected from the group consisting of PVA; PVA copolymers; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); and mixtures thereof.

[0056] Water-soluble carriers include polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinylamine, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, alkylcellulose-based materials, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides, starch, modified starch, gelatin, alginates, xyloglucans, hemicellulosic polysaccharides, xylans , glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, mannan, glucomannan, galactoglucomannan, natural gums, pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, locus bean, arabic, tragacanth, polyacrylates, sulfonated polyacrylates, water soluble acrylate copolymers, alkylhydroxycellulose-based materials, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, modified carboxy-methylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol polymers, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0057] The water-soluble carrier may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH (wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200); a polyalkylene polymer of the formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters of the formula -CH3 (wherein q is from about 20 to about 200 and r is from about 10 to about 30); s -CH2)t )—CH3, where s is from about 30 to about 250 and t is from about 10 to about 30; and mixtures thereof. x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z The polyalkylene polymer of -OH (wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200) can be a block copolymer or a random copolymer.

[0058] The water-soluble carrier is polyethylene glycol; x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH (wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200); polyalkylene polymers of the formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters of the formula —CH3, where q is from about 20 to about 200 and r is from about 10 to about 30; and polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters of the formula HO—(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3, where s is from about 30 to about 250 and t is from about 10 to about 30.

[0059] The water-soluble carrier has the formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z The composition may contain about 20% by weight to about 80% by weight of particles of a polyalkylene polymer of the formula —OH (wherein x is about 50 to about 300, y is about 20 to about 100, and z is about 10 to about 200).

[0060] The water-soluble carrier has the formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) rThe composition may contain about 1% to about 20% by weight of particles of a polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester of -CH3 (wherein q is about 20 to about 200, and r is about 10 to about 30).

[0061] The water-soluble carrier has the formula HO-(C2H4O) s -CH2) t The composition may contain about 1% to about 10% by weight of particles of polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ether of -CH3 (wherein s is about 30 to about 250, and t is about 10 to about 30).

[0062] Preferably, the water-soluble carrier can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, polypropylene glycol polyoxoalkylene, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, starch, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the water-soluble carrier can be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG can be a convenient material to use in making particles because it can be sufficiently water-soluble to dissolve during the wash cycle when the particles have a mass within the range disclosed herein. Furthermore, PEG can be easily processed as a melt. The onset of the melting temperature of PEG can vary as a function of the molecular weight of PEG. PEG is relatively low cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes diffusion of unencapsulated fragrance, and is highly soluble in water. PEG is available in a variety of weight-average molecular weights. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water-soluble carrier is polyethylene glycol (PEG) characterized by a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of about 1,000 to about 40,000 daltons, preferably 2,000 to 20,000 daltons, about 2,500 to about 15,000 daltons, and more preferably about 3,000 to about 13,000 daltons. A particularly suitable PEG is commercially available from BASF under the trademark PLURIOL E 8000 (which has a weight-average molecular weight of 9000 even though 8000 is the product name), or other PLURIOL products are also suitable.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles present in the composition of the present invention comprises 30% to 95%, more preferably 40% to 94%, and most preferably 50% to 93% of the polyethylene glycol by weight of the total weight of the particle.

[0064] fragrance Preferably, although not required, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles further comprises one or more perfume ingredients in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 20%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 15%, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that incorporating perfume ingredients into the antimicrobial particles of the present invention improves freshness benefits and better malodor control benefits compared to perfume ingredients not incorporated into any particles or compared to perfume ingredients incorporated into particles containing a water-soluble carrier but essentially free of antimicrobial agents. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the presence of an antimicrobial agent may interact with perfume ingredients to improve the release profile and deposition of such perfume ingredients (especially perfume microcapsules) on fabrics.

[0065] The one or more perfumes are preferably selected from the group consisting of free perfume, pro-perfume, encapsulated perfume (i.e., perfume supported by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay), perfume microcapsules, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention contain perfume microcapsules (PMC), particularly friable PMC. For purposes of the present invention, the term "perfume microcapsule" or PMC encompasses both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell, commercially available from Appleton, Quest International, International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitable sources. In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the PMC is coated with a polymer to enhance the PMC's ability to adhere to fabrics. The antimicrobial particles of the present invention may contain fragrance microcapsules in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably about 1% to about 15%, and more preferably about 5% to about 10%, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each antimicrobial particle contains a combination of free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules. Most preferably, the weight ratio of free fragrance to fragrance microcapsules in each antimicrobial particle is in the range of about 1:5 to about 20:1, preferably about 1:2 to about 10:1, more preferably about 1:1 to about 5:1, and most preferably about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.

[0066] Other active substances Preferably, but not necessarily, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles further comprises a quaternary ammonium compound to provide additional fabric softening benefits. Specifically, when the quaternary ammonium compound is released from the antimicrobial particles of the present invention during washing, it is deposited from the wash liquor onto fabric fibers, providing a soft feel to the consumer. For example, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles may comprise, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle, about 5% to about 45%, preferably about 10% to about 40%, more preferably about 15% to about 35%, of a quaternary ammonium compound formed from a parent fatty acid compound having an iodine value of about 18 to about 60, preferably about 20 to about 60. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably di-(tallowoyloxyethyl)-N,N-methylhydroethylammonium methylsulfate.

[0067] In addition to the quaternary ammonium compound described herein above, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention may further comprise a cationic polymer that functions to promote the deposition of the quaternary ammonium compound on fabrics and enhance their fabric softening performance. Each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles may comprise about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 5%, of such a cationic polymer, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial particle. The cationic polymer is preferably a cationic polysaccharide, more preferably a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group. More preferably, the weight ratio of the quaternary ammonium compound to the cationic polymer in each particle may range from about 3:1 to about 30:1, optionally from about 5:1 to about 15:1, optionally from about 5:1 to about 10:1, and optionally about 8:1. Without being bound by theory, the mass fraction of the quaternary ammonium compound and the mass fraction of the cationic polymer may result in a sufficient level of deposition of the quaternary ammonium compound onto the treated fabric, with assistance from the cationic polymer.

[0068] To provide a consumer-pleasing aesthetic appearance or a visual cue highlighting a particular ingredient or benefit, each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles may further comprise one or more colorants in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 1%, preferably about 0.001% to about 0.5%, and more preferably about 0.005% to about 0.1%, based on the total weight of each antimicrobial particle. The colorant may be selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the colorant imparts a color to the antimicrobial particles selected from the group consisting of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, gray, etc.

[0069] The antimicrobial particles of the present invention may further comprise a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler, such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sugar, starch, modified cellulose, silica, zeolite, clay, etc. Preferably, each particle comprises about 0.1% to about 7% clay, based on the total weight of each particle. More preferably, the clay is bentonite.

[0070] It is particularly preferred that the antimicrobial particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of surfactants, as the presence of such surfactants can accelerate the dissolution or dispersion of the antimicrobial agent in water, which is undesirable in the context of the present invention, and reduce deposition of the antimicrobial agent on the fabric. More preferably, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any deterrent active agents.

[0071] The antimicrobial particles of the present invention preferably contain less than about 10%, optionally less than about 8%, optionally less than about 5%, and optionally less than about 3% water by weight of each of the antimicrobial particles. Reducing or having a water content within these ranges is believed to result in more stable particles. The lower the mass fraction of water, the more stable the particles are believed to be.

[0072] Each of the antimicrobial particles of the present invention has a mass of about 5 mg to about 500 mg, preferably about 10 mg to about 300 mg, further preferably about 15 mg to about 200 mg, more preferably about 20 mg to about 150 mg, and most preferably about 20 mg to about 100 mg.

[0073] The particles may be formed into various shapes, such as tablets, pills, and spheres. They may have any shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, cylindrical, disc-shaped, circular, lentil-shaped, elliptical, cubic, rectangular, star-shaped, flower-shaped, and any combination thereof. Lentil-shaped refers to the shape of a lentil bean. Compressed hemispherical refers to a shape corresponding to an at least partially flattened hemisphere such that the curvature of the surface is, on average, less than that of a hemisphere having the same radius. Compressed hemispherical particles can have an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of their base diameter to their height perpendicular to the base) of about 1.5 to about 5, alternatively about 2.1 to about 4.5, alternatively about 2.2 to about 4. An ellipsoidal particle refers to a particle having a largest dimension and a secondary dimension orthogonal to the largest dimension, wherein the ratio of the largest dimension to the secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2, preferably greater than about 1.5, and more preferably greater than about 2. Preferably, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention have a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

[0074] Preferably, the antimicrobial particles are characterized by a longest dimension of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 4 mm to about 9 mm, more preferably about 5 mm to about 8 mm, and / or an aspect ratio of about 1 to about 5, preferably about 1.5 to about 4, more preferably about 2 to about 4.

[0075] In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention have a density lower than that of water, allowing them to float in water and be more easily noticed by consumers during cleaning. For example, such antimicrobial particles may have a density of about 0.5 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.95g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm3 ~Approx. 0.9g / cm 3 The density may range from 0.01 to 0.01.

[0076] The plurality of antimicrobial particles of the present invention can have different shapes, sizes, masses, and / or densities.

[0077] Use of antimicrobial particles in stand-alone particulate products Granular products, especially non-dusty granular products, are preferred by many consumers. The granular products can be easily dispensed by consumers directly from the package into a washing machine or into the loading compartment of a washing machine. Alternatively, consumers can dispense the granular products from the package into a loading cup, optionally equipped with one or more loading markings, and then dispense the granular products directly into the loading compartment or drum of a washing machine. For products using a loading cup, granular products tend to be less messy than liquid products.

[0078] A plurality of antimicrobial particles as described herein can be provided as a stand-alone particulate product for through-the-wash fabric treatment, conveniently dispensed by the consumer into a washing machine. The stand-alone particulate product may consist essentially of the antimicrobial particles of the present invention, or may contain other particles similar to the antimicrobial particles, such as perfume particles, softener particles, bleach particles, etc., which contain little or no surfactant or are similar in size to the antimicrobial particles. The stand-alone particulate product may be provided in a package separate from the detergent composition package. Packaging the antimicrobial particles separately from the detergent composition package can be beneficial because it allows the consumer to choose the amount of antimicrobial agent dispensed, regardless of the amount of detergent composition used. This provides the opportunity to customize the amount of antimicrobial agent used, and the resulting antimicrobial benefit, based on consumer needs, which is a highly valuable consumer benefit.

[0079] Particulate laundry detergent products containing antibacterial particles In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial particles of the present invention are present in a particulate laundry detergent composition that also contains detergent particles. Preferably, the antimicrobial particles are present in the particulate laundry detergent composition as a minor portion, for example, in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the particulate laundry detergent composition.

[0080] The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise detergent particles in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 99.9%, preferably from about 20% to about 95%, more preferably from about 30% to about 90%, and most preferably from about 40% to about 80%, based on the total weight of the granular laundry detergent composition. The detergent particles of the present invention may also comprise one or more inhibitory actives, such as surfactants, builders, bleach activators, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, brighteners, and dye transfer inhibitors. The detergent particles may be spray-dried particles and / or agglomerated particles and / or extruded particles. Such detergent particles include surfactant particles including surfactant aggregates, surfactant extrudates, surfactant needles, surfactant noodles, surfactant flakes; polymer particles, such as cellulose-based polymer particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalate polymer particles, polyethylene glycol polymer particles; builder particles, such as sodium carbonate and sodium silicate cobuilder particles, phosphate particles, zeolite particles, silicate particles, carbonate particles; filler particles, such as sulfate particles; dye transfer inhibitor particles; dye fixative particles; bleach particles, such as percarbonate particles, especially coated percarbonate particles, such as percarbonate, perborate particles coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof; bleach catalyst particles, such as transition metal bleach catalyst particles, or oxaziridinium-based bleach particles. The bleaching agent may be selected from white catalyst particles, preformed peracid particles, particularly coated preformed peracid particles, and co-bleaching particles of bleach activator, hydrogen peroxide source, and optionally bleach catalyst; bleach activator particles, such as oxybenzenesulfonate bleach activator particles and tetraacetylethylenediamine bleach activator particles; chelating agent particles, such as chelating agent aggregates; hue dye particles; brightener particles; enzyme particles, such as protease prills, lipase prills, cellulase prills, amylase prills, mannanase prills, pectate lyase prills, xyloglucanase prills, bleaching enzyme prills, cutinase prills, and coprills of any of these enzymes; clay particles, such as montmorillonite particles and clay and silicone particles; flocculating particles, such as polyethylene oxide particles; and wax particles, such as wax aggregates.

[0081] Preferably, such detergent granules are surfactant granules containing about 10% to about 90%, preferably about 15% to about 80%, more preferably about 20% to about 70% of a surfactant based on the total weight of the detergent granules. More preferably, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the detergent granules of the present invention contain anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0082] The detergent granules of the present invention may be characterized by a weight median particle size (Dw50) of about 250 μm to about 1000 μm, preferably about 300 μm to about 950 μm, and more preferably about 400 μm to about 850 μm. Preferably, such detergent granules have a white or light colored appearance, while the antimicrobial granules have a blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, or gray color to visually contrast with the detergent granules.

[0083] In addition to the antimicrobial particles and detergent particles described hereinabove, the granular laundry detergent composition of the present invention may also contain one or more detergent ingredients. Suitable detergent ingredients include detergent surfactants, including anionic detergent surfactants, nonionic detergent surfactants, cationic detergent surfactants, zwitterionic detergent surfactants, amphoteric detergent surfactants, and any combination thereof; polymers, including carboxylate polymers, polyethylene glycol polymers, polyester soil release polymers, e.g., terephthalate polymers, amine polymers, cellulose-based polymers, dye transfer inhibitor polymers, dye fixing polymers, such as condensation oligomers formed by the condensation of imidazole with epichlorohydrin, hexamethylenediamine derivative polymers, optionally in a 1:4:1 ratio, and any combination thereof; builders, including zeolites, phosphates, citrates, and any combination thereof; buffers and alkalinity sources, including carbonates and / or silicates; fillers, including sulfates and biofiller materials; bleach activators, and available oxygen sources. bleaching agents, including pre-formed peracids, bleach catalysts, reduced bleaches, and any combination thereof; chelating agents; photobleaches; hueing agents; enzymes, including whitening agents, proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, xyloglucanases, pectate lyases, mannanases, bleaching enzymes, cutinases, and any combination thereof; fabric softeners, including clays, silicones, quaternary ammonium fabric softeners, and any combination thereof; flocculating agents such as polyethylene oxide; perfumes, including starch-encapsulated perfume accords, perfume microcapsules, perfume-loaded zeolites, Schiff base reaction products of ketone perfume raw materials and polyamines, blooming perfumes, and any combination thereof; aesthetic agents, including soap rings, layered aesthetic particles, gelatin beads, carbonate and / or sulfate speckles, colored clays, and any combination thereof; and any combination thereof.

[0084] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the particulate laundry detergent composition comprises one or more builders (excluding carbonates as defined herein above) in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 40% by weight, typically from 2% to 25% by weight, or even from about 5% to about 20% by weight, or even from 8% to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of such composition. As used herein, builder refers to any ingredient or component that can enhance or improve the cleaning efficacy of a surfactant, for example, by removing or reducing "free" calcium / magnesium ions in the wash solution, thereby "softening" or reducing the hardness of the wash liquor.

[0085] It is particularly desirable for such granular laundry detergent compositions to have relatively low concentrations of phosphate builder, zeolite builder, and silicate builder. Preferably, the phosphate builder, zeolite builder, and silicate builder total 15% by weight or less. More preferably, such granular laundry detergent compositions contain 0% to about 5% by weight of phosphate builder, 0% to about 5% by weight of zeolite builder, and 0% to about 10% by weight of silicate builder, the total amount of these builders being 10% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the composition. Even more preferably, such granular laundry detergent compositions contain 0% to about 2% by weight of phosphate builder, 0% to about 2% by weight of zeolite builder, and 0% to about 2% by weight of silicate builder, the total amount of these builders being 5% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferably, the particulate laundry detergent composition contains 0% to about 1% by weight of phosphate builder, 0% to about 1% by weight of zeolite builder, and 0% to about 1% by weight of silicate builder, the total amount of these builders being 2% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the composition. The composition may further contain any other auxiliary builder, chelating agent, or generally any material that removes calcium ions from solution, for example, by sequestration, complexation, precipitation, or ion exchange. In particular, the composition has a calcium binding capacity of at least 50 mg / g and a calcium binding constant log KCa of at least 3.50 at a temperature of 25°C and an ionic strength of 0.1 M. 2+ The material may include a material having the formula:

[0086] The granular laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may contain one or more solid carriers selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. In a preferred, but not required, embodiment, such granular laundry detergent compositions contain from about 20% to about 65% by weight of sodium chloride and / or from about 20% to about 65% by weight of sodium sulfate. When the granular laundry detergent composition is in a concentrated form, the total amount of sodium chloride and / or sodium sulfate in such compositions can, for example, be a total amount of from about 0% to about 60% by weight.

[0087] Methods using antibacterial particles The antimicrobial particles of the present invention are particularly useful for treating fabrics in machine wash or hand wash settings to provide antimicrobial benefits, and optionally improved fabric freshness and malodor control benefits. They allow consumers to achieve antimicrobial benefits throughout the wash, particularly the wash subcycle. By providing antimicrobial benefits throughout the wash subcycle, consumers only need to add the detergent composition and antimicrobial particles to a single location, such as the wash tub, before or immediately after starting the washing machine.

[0088] A method for treating clothing can include placing the clothing in a washing machine. The clothing is contacted with a composition comprising a plurality of antimicrobial particles disclosed herein during a wash subcycle of the washing machine. The particles can dissolve in water provided as part of the wash subcycle to form a liquor. Dissolution of the particles can occur during the wash subcycle.

[0089] Washing machines have at least two basic subcycles within their operating cycle: a wash subcycle and a rinse subcycle. A washing machine's wash subcycle is the cycle that begins when the wash tub is initially filled or partially filled with water. The primary purpose of the wash subcycle is to remove or lift soil from the clothing items and suspend the soil in the wash liquor. Typically, the wash liquor is drained at the end of the wash subcycle. A washing machine's rinse subcycle occurs after the wash subcycle and has the primary purpose of rinsing soil, and optionally any benefit agents provided in the wash subcycle, from the clothing items.

[0090] The method can optionally include contacting the clothing items with a detergent composition comprising an anionic surfactant during the wash subcycle. Most consumers provide the detergent composition in the wash tub during the wash subcycle. The detergent composition can include anionic surfactants and optionally other benefit agents, including, but not limited to, perfumes, bleaches, brighteners, hue dyes, enzymes, and the like. During the wash subcycle, the benefit agent provided with the detergent composition is contacted with or applied to the clothing items placed in the wash tub. Typically, the benefit agent of the detergent composition is dispersed in the wash liquor of water and benefit agent.

[0091] During a wash sub-cycle, the wash tub may be filled with water or at least partially filled with water. The antimicrobial particles may dissolve in water to form a wash liquor containing the components of the particles. Optionally, if a detergent composition is used or the antimicrobial particles are formulated in a particulate laundry detergent composition, the wash liquor may contain the components of the detergent composition and the components of the dissolved particles. The particles may be placed in the wash tub of the washing machine before the clothing items are placed in the wash tub of the washing machine. The particles may be placed in the wash tub of the washing machine after the clothing items are placed in the wash tub of the washing machine. The particles may be placed in the wash tub before filling or partially filling the wash tub with water, or after filling the wash tub with water has been completed.

[0092] When the detergent composition is used by a consumer in performing a clothing treatment process, the detergent composition and the antimicrobial particles can be provided in separate packages. For example, the detergent composition can be a liquid detergent composition provided from a bottle, sachet, water-soluble pouch, dispenser cup, dispenser bowl, or cartridge associated with a washing machine. The antimicrobial particles can be provided from a separate package, such as, but not limited to, a carton, bottle, water-soluble pouch, dispenser cup, or sachet. When the detergent composition is in a solid form, such as a powder, a water-soluble fibrous substrate, a water-soluble sheet, a water-soluble film, a water-soluble film, or a water-insoluble fibrous web carrying the solid detergent composition, the particles can be provided together with the solid detergent composition. For example, the particles can be provided from a container containing a mixture of the solid detergent composition and the particles. Optionally, the particles can be provided from a pouch formed with the detergent composition, which is a water-soluble fibrous substrate, a water-soluble sheet, a water-soluble film, a water-soluble film, or a water-insoluble fibrous web carrying the solid detergent composition.

[0093] The wash liquor used to dissolve the antimicrobial particles and treat fabrics may have a pH value selected to best complement the fabric to be cleaned, over a wide range of pH, for example, from about 5 to about 11, preferably from about 8 to about 10. Water temperatures preferably range from about 5°C to about 100°C. The water to fabric ratio is typically from about 1:1 to about 30:1. The wash liquor may contain 40 liters or less of water, or 30 liters or less, or 20 liters or less, or 10 liters or less, or 8 liters or less, or even 6 liters or less of water. The wash liquor may contain from greater than 0 liters to 15 liters, or from 2 liters to 12 liters, or even 8 liters or less of water. For dilute wash conditions, the wash liquor may contain 150 liters or less of water, 100 liters or less, 60 liters or less, or 50 liters or less of water, particularly for hand-wash conditions, depending on the number of rinses.

[0094] Typically, 0.01 to 2 kg of fabrics are added to the wash liquor per litre of wash liquor. Typically, from 0.01 kg, or from 0.05 kg, or from 0.07 kg, or from 0.10 kg, or from 0.15 kg, or from 0.20 kg, or from 0.25 kg, to 1.8 kg, or from 1.6 kg, or from 1.5 kg, or from 1.3 kg, or from 1.1 kg, or from 0.9 kg, or from 0.7 kg, or from 0.5 kg of fabrics per litre of wash liquor.

[0095] Production of antibacterial particles For carriers that can be conveniently processed as a melt, a rotoforming process can be used. A mixture of the molten carrier and other materials that make up the particles can be prepared, for example, by a batch process or a continuous mixing process. The molten mixture can be pumped into a Sandvik ROTOFORM 3000 rotoformer, for example, with a 750 mm wide, 10 m long belt. The rotoforming device can have a rotating cylinder. The cylinder can have 2 mm diameter holes spaced 10 mm apart in the cross-machine direction and 9.35 mm apart in the machine direction. The cylinder can be set about 3 mm above the belt. The belt speed and cylinder rotation speed can be set about 10 m / min. The molten mixture can be passed through an opening in the rotating cylinder and deposited on a moving conveyor located below the rotating cylinder.

[0096] The molten mixture can be cooled on the moving conveyor to form a plurality of solid particles. Cooling can be provided by ambient cooling. Optionally, cooling can be achieved by spraying warm or cold water on the underside of the conveyor.

[0097] Once the particles are sufficiently cohesive, they may be transferred from the conveyor to processing equipment downstream of the conveyor for further processing and / or packaging.

[0098] Optionally, the particles can be provided with a gas. Such gas occlusion, e.g., air occlusion, can help the particles dissolve more quickly during cleaning. Gas occlusion can be achieved, by way of a non-limiting example, by injecting a gas into molten precursor material and milling the mixture.

[0099] Particles can also be produced using other approaches. For example, granulation or press agglomeration may be suitable. In granulation, precursor materials containing the constituent materials of the particles are compacted and homogenized with rotary mixing tools and granulated to form particles. For substantially water-free precursor materials, particles of a wide variety of sizes can be produced.

[0100] In press agglomeration, precursor materials containing the constituent materials of the particles are compacted under pressure and shear to become plasticized and homogenized before being discharged from the press agglomerator through a forming / shaping process. Press agglomeration techniques include extrusion, roller compaction, pelletizing, and tableting.

[0101] The precursor material containing the constituent materials of the particles can be delivered to a planetary roll extruder or a twin-screw extruder with co-rotating or counter-rotating screws. The barrel and extrusion pelletizer head can be heated to the desired extrusion temperature. The precursor material containing the constituent materials of the particles is compacted and plasticized under pressure and extruded in the form of threads through a multi-hole extrusion die in the extruder head and sized using a cutting blade. The hole diameter of the extrusion header can be selected to provide appropriately sized particles. The extruded particles can be shaped using a spheronizer to provide particles with a spherical shape.

[0102] Optionally, the extrusion and compression steps may be carried out in a low pressure extruder, such as a flat die pelletizing press available from Amandus Kahl, Reinbek, Germany. Optionally, the extrusion and compression steps may be carried out in a low pressure extruder, such as a BEXTRUDER available from Hosokawa Alpine Aktiengesellschaft, Augsburg, Germany.

[0103] The particles can be produced using roller compaction. In roller compaction, a precursor material containing the constituent materials of the particles is introduced between two rollers and rolled between the two rollers under pressure to form a compacted sheet. The rollers provide a high linear pressure to the precursor material. The rollers can be heated or cooled as desired depending on the processing characteristics of the precursor material. The compacted sheet is divided into small pieces by cutting. The small pieces can be further shaped, for example, by using a spheronizer.

[0104] Test Method The following techniques should be used to characterize the perfume particles, detergent particles, and particulate laundry detergent compositions of the present invention so that the invention as described and claimed herein can be fully understood.

[0105] Test 1: Antibacterial test Antibacterial testing can be performed according to the instructions in section 2.1.1.7.4 of the "Technical Standard For disinfection (2002)" (published by China's Ministry of Health).

[0106] Test 2: Dissolution rate test The dissolution rate test is used to measure the dissolution rate of particles.

[0107] The test is performed by adding 400 ml of deionized water to a 400 ml clear glass beaker at room temperature (25°C) and then dispersing approximately 1 gram of test particles into the deionized water. A stopwatch is used to count the total time required for the particles to completely dissolve.

[0108] Test 3: Particle aspect ratio For non-spherical particles, the longest and shortest dimensions of the particle can be measured using a vernier caliper. To reduce data variability, typically 10 particles can be measured and then the average result can be used. The aspect ratio of the particle here is calculated using the following formula: aspect ratio = longest dimension / shortest dimension.

[0109] Test 4: AVO test The AVO test is a test method that detects available oxygen in a granular composition by titration, indicating the bleach activator of the antimicrobial agent. A higher AVO% indicates more bleach activator in the agent. The materials and test procedure are summarized below.

[0110] Material preparation: 1. Potassium iodide: Tianjin Guangfu Technical Developing Ltd. Lot No. M028155-001 CISPro No. C3682345 2. Glacial Acetic Acid: Tianjin Chemical Agent No. 1 Factory, Lot No. M154289-002, CISPro No. C4258166 3. Soluble starch: Tianjin Yingdaxigui Chemical Agent Factory M028053-001 CISPro No. 3942832 4.1N Sodium Thiosulfate: Merck Lot No. MO27159-003 CISPro No. 3941904 5. 40% KI Solution: Weigh 40g of KI into a 100ml flask. Add DI water to volume and stir to dissolve. 6. Starch indicator: Weigh 1g of starch into a beaker and add DI water to bring to 100g. Heat to a boil.

[0111] procedure: 1. Weigh approximately 10 g of sample into the grinder and grind for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Weigh 2.2 g of the ground sample into a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask. Record the weight as W g, exactly to 0.001 g. Dilute with 3.50 ml of glacial acetic acid. Stir to dissolve. 4. Add 10 mL of 40% potassium iodide solution. 5. Add approximately 1 mL of starch indicator solution. 6. Continue titrating slowly until the solution becomes colorless and remains colorless for at least 10 seconds. 7. Record the volume to reach the endpoint as T mL.

[0112] Calculation:

[0113]

number

[0114] The examples set forth herein are meant to illustrate the invention, but are not to be used to limit or otherwise define the scope of the invention.

[0115] Example 1: Preparation of antimicrobial particles containing percarbonate An inventive sample (Example A) containing the inventive antimicrobial particles is provided. A comparative sample (Example B) containing particles (without antimicrobial agent) and a separate antimicrobial agent (not incorporated into the particles) is also provided. The sample compositions are shown in Table 1.

[0116] Antimicrobial particles containing percarbonate and TAED (ie, Example A) are prepared according to the following procedure. 1. Pre-melt PEG9000 (BASF) in an oven at 75°C. 2. Preheat the mold and scraper in an oven at 75°C. 3. Weigh PEG 9000 to target mass in a 100 mL plastic beaker. 4. Place the beaker in a 75°C water bath. 5. Set the mixing speed of the stirring blade to 500 RMP. 6. Sodium percarbonate (SPCS, Zhejiang Jinke Household Chemical Materials Co., Ltd.) and TAED (TAED, Zhejiang Jinke Household Chemical Materials Co., Ltd.) are weighed into the same beaker and mixed for 5 minutes. 7. Pour the blended mixture into the mold and smooth the surface. 8. Leave the mold at room temperature so the beads can cool and solidify. 9. Recover the beads from the mold.

[0117] Example B contains the same amounts of PEG 9000 particles and milled sodium percarbonate and milled TAED separately as Example A. The PEG 9000 particles are prepared according to the above procedure except that step 6 is not included.

[0118] [Table 1]

[0119] Both Examples A and B are then aged for 24 hours under 32°C / 80RH conditions. AVO testing for the aged Examples is then performed according to the method described above in Test 4, and the AVO% is listed in Table 2 below.

[0120] [Table 2]

[0121] The above results show that after 24 hours of aging at 32°C / 80RH conditions, which simulate shipping / shelf-life conditions, the AVO% of the antimicrobial agent is significantly higher when it is incorporated into the particles versus when it is added separately.

[0122] Example 2: Preparation of antimicrobial particles containing PCMX Antimicrobial particles containing PCMX are prepared according to the same method as described in Example 1, except that a certain amount of PCMX is added to molten PEG8000 by stirring. Examples C to F are samples containing different amounts of PCMX as listed in Table 3 below. Examples C to E are examples of the present invention, and Example F is a comparative example outside the scope of the present invention. In fact, there are difficulties during processing to solidify at room temperature.

[0123] [Table 3]

[0124] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0125] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0126] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. 1. A laundry additive composition comprising a plurality of antimicrobial particles, each of said plurality of antimicrobial particles comprising: a) 20% to 99.9% of a water-soluble carrier based on the total weight of the particles; b) 0.001% to 30% by weight of an antimicrobial agent based on the total weight of the particles, the antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of chloroxylenol, percarbonate, silver, methyl-diisopropanolamine-based quaternary ammonium compounds, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cationic polymers, and any combination thereof; each of said particles having a mass of between 5 mg and 500 mg; A laundry additive composition, wherein each of said particles comprises a composition in which said antimicrobial agent is mixed and dispersed in a melt of said water-soluble carrier.

2. i) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% chloroxylenol by total weight of the particle; and / or ii) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% percarbonate by total weight of the particles; and / or iii) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.001% to 5% silver by total weight of the particle; and / or iv) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% of a methyl-diisopropanolamine-based (MDIPA-based) quaternary ammonium compound based on the total weight of the particle; and / or v) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) based on the total weight of the particle; and / or vi) each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% benzalkonium chloride by total weight of the particle; and / or vii) The laundry additive composition of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises 0.1% to 30% cationic polymer based on the total weight of said particle.

3. 3. The laundry additive composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble carrier is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, polypropylene glycol polyoxoalkylene, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, starch, and any combination thereof.

4. 4. The laundry additive composition of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles further comprises 0.1% to 30% fragrance, based on the total weight of the particle.

5. 5. The laundry additive composition of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles further comprises 0.0001% to 1% of a colorant, based on the total weight of the particle.

6. Each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises: i) a shape selected from the group consisting of a sphere, a hemisphere, a compressed hemisphere, a cylinder, a disk, a circle, a lentil, an oval, a cube, a rectangle, a star, a flower, and combinations thereof; and / or ii) a longest dimension of between 3 mm and 10 mm; and / or iii) an aspect ratio of 1 to 5, and / or iv) 0.5g / cm ３ a density in the range of up to 0.98 g / cm3, and / or v) A laundry additive composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a mass of 5 mg to 450 mg.

7. 7. The laundry additive composition of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial agent in each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles is percarbonate, and each of the antimicrobial particles further comprises 0.1% to 30% tetraacetylethylene-diamine, based on the total weight of the particle.

8. Each of the plurality of antimicrobial particles comprises: a) 25% to 99% of a polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 to 40,000 daltons, based on the total weight of the particles; b) 0.1% to 30% of an antimicrobial agent based on the total weight of the particles, the antimicrobial agent being a percarbonate; The laundry additive composition further comprises a plurality of additional particles, each of the plurality of additional particles comprising: i) 25% to 99% of a polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 to 40,000 Daltons, based on the total weight of the additional particles; ii) 0.1% to 30% of tetraacetylethylene-diamine, based on the total weight of the additional particles.

9. 1. A laundry additive composition comprising a plurality of antimicrobial particles, each of said plurality of antimicrobial particles comprising: a) 25% to 99% of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 13,000 daltons, based on the total weight of the particles; b) 0.1% to 15% sodium percarbonate based on the total weight of the particles; c) 0.1% to 15% tetraacetylethylene-diamine based on the total weight of the particles; d) 0.5% to 20% perfume based on the total weight of the particles, wherein the perfume comprises a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules, and the weight ratio of the free perfume to the perfume microcapsules is 1:2 to 10:1; the total amount of b) and c) is 25% or less based on the total weight of the particles; A laundry additive composition wherein each of said particles has a mass of 5 mg to 200 mg, and each of said particles has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

10. 10. A laundry care composition comprising the laundry additive composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the laundry additive composition is present in the laundry care composition in an amount ranging from 0.05% to 30% by weight.

11. 11. The laundry care composition of claim 10, wherein the laundry care composition further comprises 10% to 99.9% detergent particles, the detergent particles comprising a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

12. 1. A method for treating clothing, comprising: a) providing a clothing item and a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b) contacting the article of clothing with the composition; A method comprising:

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