Surfactant system for laundry detergents, containing mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) and at least one further surfactant

Abstract

A surfactant system comprising specific MELs and specific co-surfactants b) is suitable for use in laundry detergents, cleaning or textile care products and results in improved washing efficiency.

Description

[0001] “Surfactant system for detergents containing mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) and at least one other surfactant”

[0002] The present application is directed to a surfactant system comprising specific mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) and at least one further surfactant, wherein the further surfactant is selected from sophorolipids and / or anionic surfactants. The present application is also directed to washing, cleaning, and textile care products containing this surfactant system.

[0003] The use of various surfactants in washing, cleaning and textile care products is established in the state of the art.

[0004] To achieve good washing performance, conventional surfactants such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEO), linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS), and / or fatty alcohol ether sulfates (FAEOS) are commonly used in laundry, cleaning, and textile care products. These traditional surfactants are either produced from fossil raw materials or are available through a semi-fossil, semi-bio-based, so-called biomass-balanced process.

[0005] LAS have the additional disadvantage that they are not anaerobically degradable.

[0006] For sustainability reasons, there is a growing effort to use more bio-based surfactants in detergents, cleaning products, and textile care products, resulting in the increasing importance of so-called biosurfactants. Biosurfactants are derived from renewable raw materials and therefore have a reduced carbon footprint.

[0007] A disadvantage of biosurfactants currently available on the market is that they sometimes have different properties or interactions than conventional surfactants, which is why completely new surfactant systems have to be designed and provided.

[0008] Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are among the biosurfactants that perform particularly well due to their hydrophobicity. These are obtained from various microorganisms through fermentation and are currently being investigated primarily for their use in cosmetic products. There is a desire to use this class of biosurfactants in detergents and cleaning agents, replacing other, less environmentally friendly surfactants as far as possible. However, corresponding detergents have so far demonstrated only very low and unsatisfactory washing performance. Therefore, there is a need to improve the washing performance of detergents containing MELs.

[0009] Surprisingly, it has now been found that the combination of specific MELs with sophorolipids and / or anionic surfactants leads to significantly improved washing performance, especially against greasy soils.

[0010] A first subject of the present application is therefore a surfactant system comprising a) a mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) of the general formula (I)

[0011] • Ri and R2 independently represent saturated or unsaturated acyl groups having 4 to 16 carbon atoms,

[0012] • R3 and R4 independently of one another represent H or an acetyl group, and b) at least one further surfactant selected from

[0013] (i) Sophorolipids

[0014] (ii) anionic surfactants.

[0015] Another subject of the invention is a washing, cleaning or textile care agent based on the surfactant system a) + b).

[0016] Yet another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning and / or caring for textiles, in which an agent containing this surfactant system is used.

[0017] Yet another object of this invention is the use of a surfactant system according to the invention for increasing the washing performance of a washing, cleaning or textile care agent.

[0018] The present invention and preferred embodiments of the present invention are characterized by the following statements:

[0019] 1. Surfactant system containing a. at least one mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) of the general formula (I)

[0020] Ri and R2 independently represent saturated or unsaturated acyl groups having 4 to 16 carbon atoms,

[0021] R3 and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group, and b. at least one further surfactant selected from

[0022] (i) Sophorolipiden

[0023] (ii) anionic surfactants. Surfactant system according to statement 1, containing MEL of formula (I), wherein at least one of the radicals R1 or R2 carries at least one double bond in the carbon chain. Surfactant system according to one of statements 1 or 2, containing MEL of formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are C12-C12 acyl groups. Surfactant system according to one of statements 1 to 3, containing MEL of formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are C10-acyl groups. Surfactant system according to one of statements 1 to 4, containing MEL of formula (I), wherein R1 is a saturated C10-acyl group and R2 is a monounsaturated C10-acyl group. Surfactant system according to one of statements 1 or 2, containing MEL of formula (I), wherein one of the radicals R1 and R2 is a C12-C16 acyl group and the other is a C4-C5 acyl group. Surfactant system according to statement 6, containing MEL according to formula (I), wherein R1 represents a saturated C4 acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated C16 acyl group.Surfactant system according to one of statements 1 to 7, containing as sophorolipid b)(i) at least one compound of the following formulas (II). wherein

[0024] R1, R2, R3, and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group. Surfactant system according to any one of statements 1 to 7, comprising as anionic surfactant b)(ii) alkali metal or ammonium salts of the following compounds i. - xiv. i. linear or branched C10-C16-alkyl sulfates ii. linear or branched C10-C16-alkyl (ether) sulfates having 1-4 ethoxy groups iii. ether carboxylic acids of the formula RO-(CH2-CH2O) X-CH2-COOH, wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 30 C atoms and x = 0 or 1 to 16 iv. Sulfo-C10-C16-alkylates v. C10-C16-alkylmethyltaurates vi. C8-C24-acylsarcosides vii. C8-C24-acylglutamates viii. C8-C24-acylglycinates ix. C8-C24-acylaspartates x. Linear or branched di-C6-C20-alkylsulfosuccinates xi. Linear or branched C6-C20-alkyl(polyglycolether)sulfosuccinates xii. C10-C16-alkylmethylisethionates xiii. Alpha-olefinsulfonates xiv. linear C10-C16-alkylbenzenesulfonates and / or xv. any mixtures of i. - xiv. Surfactant system according to statement 9, containing as anionic surfactant b)(ii) at least one anionic surfactant which carries an -SO3H- or an -SChM- group, where M stands for an alkali or ammonium cation.Surfactant system according to one of statements 9 or 10, containing as anionic surfactant b)(ii) alkali metal or ammonium salts of sulfo-C10-C16-alkylates, linear or branched di-C18-C20-alkyl sulfosuccinates, linear or branched C6-C20-alkyl (polyglycol ether) sulfosuccinates, C10-C16-alkylmethyl taurates or any mixtures thereof. Surfactant system according to one of statements 9 to 11, containing an alkali metal or ammonium salt of dihexyl sulfosuccinate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name dihexyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Surfactant system according to one of statements 9 to 11, containing alkali metal or ammonium salts of sulfolaurate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name disodium 2-sulfolaurate. Surfactant system according to one of statements 9 to 11, containing alkali or ammonium salts of lauryl sulfosuccinate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate.Surfactant system according to one of statements 9 to 11, containing alkali metal or ammonium salts of C10-C16-alkylmethyl taurates, in particular the compound known under the INCI name sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Surfactant system according to one of the preceding statements, containing MEL a) in a weight proportion of 5 to 90 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 75 wt.% and in particular 25 to 60 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system. 17. Surfactant system according to one of the preceding statements, containing the at least one further surfactant b) in a weight proportion of 10 to 75 wt.%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt.% and in particular 40 to 75 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0025] 18. Washing, cleaning or textile care products containing a surfactant system according to any of the preceding statements.

[0026] 19. Washing, cleaning or textile care compositions according to claim 18, containing the surfactant system in a weight proportion of 1 to 35 wt.%, more preferably 5 to 30 wt.% and in particular 10 to 25 wt.% of the total weight of the washing, cleaning or textile care composition.

[0027] 20. Washing, cleaning or textile care products according to one of statements 18 or 19, containing at least one further active ingredient, preferably selected from the group comprising one or more further surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, electrolytes, pH adjusters, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, graying inhibitors, soil release polymers, shrinkage inhibitors, crease inhibitors, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial active ingredients, solvents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, repellents and impregnating agents, skin-care active ingredients, swelling and slip-resistant agents, softening components and UV absorbers.

[0028] 21. A single dose comprising a washing, cleaning or textile care agent according to any one of statements 18 to 20 in a water-soluble casing, in particular a water-soluble casing made of a water-soluble film material, wherein the water-soluble film material preferably contains polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0029] 22. A method for cleaning and / or caring for textiles, comprising the method steps a. Providing a washing solution comprising a washing, cleaning or textile care agent according to one of statements 18 to 21 b. Bringing a textile into contact with the washing solution according to a.

[0030] 23. Use of a surfactant system according to any one of statements 1 to 17 to improve the washing performance of a washing, cleaning or textile care product.

[0031] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description and claims. Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be employed in any other aspect of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but not to limit it, and in particular, the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages are by weight based on the total weight of the product / composition. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" include the stated values. If multiple preferred numerical ranges are specified in this format, it is understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the various endpoints are also included.

[0033] "At least one," as used herein, refers to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. In the context of components of the compositions described herein, this statement does not refer to the absolute amount of molecules but to the type of component. "At least one anionic surfactant" therefore means, for example, one or more different anionic surfactants, i.e., one or more different types of anionic surfactants. When used in conjunction with quantities, the quantities refer to the total amount of the correspondingly designated type of component.

[0034] The surfactant system according to the invention contains a mannosylerythritol lipid as its first component. Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are surface-active substances consisting of a hydrophilic moiety, 4-O-ß-D-mannopyranosyl-meso-erythritol, and several hydrophobic moieties, which are fatty acid chains and varying degrees of acetylation. They are obtained by fermentation from various microorganisms, primarily yeasts such as Pseudozyma antarctica – also known as Candida arctica or Mesosziomyces. Other microorganisms suitable for the production of MELs include Pseudozyma sp., but also Ustilago maydis. Fungi of the Ustilaginaceae family, such as Moesziomyces aphidis, are also particularly suitable for fermentation (Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., May 17, 2022; See. Industrial Biotechnology; Volume 10 - 2022). Due to their origin, they are classified as so-called biosurfactants.The MELs used according to this invention conform to the following formula (I). wherein

[0035] Ri and R2 independently represent saturated or unsaturated acyl groups with 4 to

[0036] 16 carbon atoms,

[0037] R3 and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group (Ac).

[0038] Suitable MELs in the sense of the present invention typically comprise mixtures of

[0039] MEL-A: R 1 = R 2 = Ac

[0040] MEL-B: R 1 = Ac, R 2 = H MEL-C: R 1 = H, R 2 = Ac

[0041] MEL-D: R 1 = R 2 = H.

[0042] A particularly good synergism of surfactants a) and b) with regard to improved washing performance was observed when the degree of acetylation in the MELs according to formula (I) is higher (MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C).

[0043] Furthermore, it was found that the aforementioned synergism is greater when MEL according to formula (I) comprise acyl residues Ri and R2 in which at least one of the residues carries a double bond in the acyl chain.

[0044] A particularly significant synergism of the surfactants a) and b) was observed when the residues Ri and R2 represent acyl chains of medium chain lengths with 8-12 and especially 10 carbon atoms.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant system comprises MEL according to formula (I), wherein at least one of the radicals Ri or R2 carries at least one double bond in the carbon chain.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the surfactant system comprises MEL according to formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 represent Ca-Ci2-acyl groups, most preferably Oo-acyl groups.

[0047] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the surfactant system comprises MEL according to formula (I), wherein Ri represents a saturated oo-acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated oo-acyl group.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the surfactant system comprises MEL according to formula (I), wherein one of the radicals R1 and R2 represents a C12-C16 acyl group and the other represents a C4-C5 acyl group. A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the surfactant system comprises MEL according to formula (I), wherein R1 represents a saturated C4 acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated C16 acyl group.

[0049] The surfactant system according to the invention contains MEL a) preferably in a weight proportion of 5 to 90 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 75 wt.% and in particular 25 to 60 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0050] The surfactant system particularly preferably contains MEL according to formula (I), wherein Ri represents a saturated oo-acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated oo-acyl group, in the amounts mentioned above.

[0051] As a second component, the surfactant system contains at least one further surfactant b), which consists of

[0052] (i) sophorolipids and / or

[0053] (ii) anionic surfactants. Sophorolipids are surface-active glycolipid compounds that can be synthesized by a select number of non-pathogenic yeast species and are classified as biosurfactants.

[0054] The sophorolipids suitable according to this invention preferably conform to one of the following formulas (II)

[0055] Acidic SophorolipW (ASL) 11 wherein

[0056] Ri, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group.

[0057] Suitable anionic surfactants b)(ii) are anionic surface-active substances that contain at least one water-solubilizing anionic group, such as a carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, or phosphate group, and at least one lipophilic alkyl group with approximately 8 to 30 carbon atoms. Additionally, the molecule may contain glycol or polyglycol ether groups, ester, ether, and / or amide groups, as well as hydroxyl groups.

[0058] The preferred anionic surfactants b)(ii) that can be combined as co-surfactant with MEL a) include alkali or ammonium salts of i. linear or branched C10-C16-alkyl sulfates ii. linear or branched C10-C16-alkyl (ether) sulfates with 1-4 ethoxy groups iii. ether carboxylic acids of the formula RO-(CH2-CH2O) X-CH2-COOH, wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 30 C atoms and x = 0 or 1 to 16 iv. Sulfo-C10-C16-alkylates v. C10-C16-alkylmethyltaurates vi. C8-C24-acylsarcosides vii. C8-C24-acylglutamates viii. C8-C24-acylglycinates ix. C8-C24-acylaspartates x. Linear or branched di-C6-C20-alkylsulfosuccinates xi. Linear or branched C6-C20-alkyl(polyglycolether)sulfosuccinates xii. C10-C16-alkylmethylisethionates xiii. Alpha-olefinsulfonates xiv. linear C10-C16-alkylbenzenesulfonates and / or xv. any mixtures of i. - xiv.

[0059] The improved washing performance of the surfactant mixture according to the invention is related to a synergistic effect of surfactants a) + b), which leads to a reduction in interfacial tension. The synergistic effect is particularly strong for surfactants a) with high degrees of acetylation and two C10 residues, one of which preferably carries at least one double bond.

[0060] The specific MEL a) are characterized - in contrast to other non-ionic surfactants - by a particularly fast diffusion at the interface.

[0061] Very good synergy effects were achieved with surfactant systems according to the invention in which MEL a) according to formula (I) was combined with the following surfactants b):

[0062] Sophorolipids

[0063] Alkyl sulfates

[0064] Sulfoalkylates

[0065] Taurates

[0066] Sulfo(di)succinates

[0067] Isethionates.

[0068] The surfactant system according to the invention contains the at least one surfactant b) preferably in a weight proportion of 10 to 75 wt.%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt.% and in particular 40 to 75 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0069] The surfactant system particularly preferably contains sophorolipids, alkyl sulfates, sulfoalkylates, taurates, sulfo(di)succinates, isethionates or any mixtures thereof in the aforementioned amounts.

[0070] Preferred embodiments of the surfactant system according to the invention are characterized by MEL a) according to formula (I) which have been combined with the following surfactants b):

[0071] (i) at least one sophorolipid and / or

[0072] (ii) at least one anionic surfactant carrying a -SO3H- or a -SO5M- group, where M is an alkali or ammonium cation. Within this embodiment, anionic surfactants b)(ii) are very particularly preferred which are selected from alkali or ammonium salts of sulfo-C10-C16 alkylates, linear or branched di-C10-C20 alkyl sulfosuccinates, linear or branched C6-C20 alkyl (polyglycol ether) sulfosuccinates, C10-C16 alkyl methyl taurates, or any mixtures thereof.

[0073] Particularly preferred are alkali or ammonium salts of

[0074] Dihexylsulfosuccinate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name Dihexyl sodium sulfosuccinate

[0075] Sulfolaurate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name Disodium 2-sulfolaurate

[0076] Lauryl sulfosuccinate, in particular the compound known under the INCI name Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate

[0077] Cio-Ci6-alkylmethyltaurates, in particular the compound known under the INCI name sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.

[0078] The surfactant system according to the invention can be advantageously incorporated into washing, cleaning and textile care products.

[0079] A further subject matter of this application is therefore a washing, cleaning or textile care product containing a surfactant system as described above.

[0080] The surfactant system is preferably present in an amount of 1 to 35% by weight, preferably in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight and in particular in an amount of 10 to 25% by weight, in each case based on the total agent.

[0081] In addition to the surfactant system, the washing, cleaning or textile care product preferably contains at least one further active ingredient, preferably selected from the group comprising one or more further surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, electrolytes, pH adjusters, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, graying inhibitors, soil release polymers, shrinkage inhibitors, crease inhibitors, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, solvents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, repellents and impregnating agents, skin care active ingredients, swelling and slip-resistant agents, softening components and UV absorbers.

[0082] In addition to the surfactants already mentioned above, other non-ionic surfactants can also be used. These include, for example, alkoxylated C10-C24 fatty alcohols, alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid amides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, amine oxides, alkyl polyglycosides, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants can also be used, for example betaines, sulfobetaines or amphoacetates.

[0084] Cationic surfactants can also be used, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, especially esterquats.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, however, the washing, cleaning or textile care agent is free of cationic or amphoteric surfactants.

[0086] A washing, cleaning, or textile care agent according to the invention preferably contains at least one water-soluble and / or water-insoluble, organic and / or inorganic builder. Water-soluble organic builders include polycarboxylic acids, especially citric acid and sugar acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids and their salts, especially glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and iminodisuccinates such as ethylenediamine N.N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and hydroxyiminodisuccinates (HIDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid), lysinetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) and 1-hydroxyethane1,1-diphosphonic acid, polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin and polymeric (poly-)carboxylic acids, in particular polycarboxylates accessible by oxidation of polysaccharides, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids and copolymers thereof, which may also contain small amounts of polymerizable substances without carboxylic acid functionality. The relative average molecular mass of the homopolymers of unsaturated carboxylic acids is generally between 5 000 g / mol and 200 000 g / mol, that of the copolymers between 2 000 g / mol and 200 000 g / mol, preferably 50 000 g / mol to 120 000 g / mol, in each case based on the free acid.A particularly preferred acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer has a relative average molecular weight of 50,000 to 100,000. Suitable, albeit less preferred, compounds of this class are copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ethers, vinyl esters, ethylene, propylene, and styrene, in which the acid content is at least 50% by weight. Terpolymers containing two unsaturated acids and / or their salts as monomers and vinyl alcohol and / or a vinyl alcohol derivative or a carbohydrate as the third monomer can also be used as water-soluble organic builders.

[0087] Suitable water-soluble inorganic builder materials include polyphosphates, preferably sodium triphosphate, as well as water-soluble crystalline and / or amorphous alkali silicate builders. In a preferred embodiment, however, the washing, cleaning, or textile care agents according to the invention are phosphate-free. Crystalline or amorphous, water-dispersible alkali aluminosilicates are used as water-insoluble inorganic builder materials. Among these, crystalline sodium aluminosilicates of detergent quality, especially zeolite A, zeolite P, zeolite MAP, and optionally zeolite X, are preferred.

[0088] Any substance that destroys or absorbs dyes through oxidation, reduction, or adsorption, thereby decolorizing materials, can serve as bleaching agents. These include, among others, hypohalite-containing bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide, perborate, percarbonate, peroxoacetic acid, diperoxoazelaic acid, diperoxododecanedioic acid, and oxidative enzyme systems.

[0089] The washing, cleaning, or fabric care product may further contain one or more enzymes. In principle, all enzymes established in the prior art for this purpose can be used. Preferably, these are one or more enzymes that can exhibit catalytic activity in a washing agent, in particular a protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, pectin-cleaving enzyme, tannase, xylanase, xanthanase, ß-glucosidase, carrageenase, perhydrolase, oxidase, oxidoreductase, and mixtures thereof. Preferred hydrolytic enzymes include, in particular, proteases, amylases, in particular α-amylases, cellulases, lipases, hemicellulases, in particular pectinases, mannanases, β-glucanases, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are proteases, amylases and / or lipases and mixtures thereof, and most particularly preferred are proteases.These enzymes are essentially of natural origin; improved versions of the natural molecules are available for use in detergents and are therefore preferred. The enzymes can be adsorbed onto carriers and / or embedded in coating substances to protect them against premature inactivation. The enzymes can also be formulated with accompanying substances, such as those from fermentation, or with stabilizers.

[0090] In order to set a desired pH value which does not arise automatically from the mixing of the other components, the agents according to the invention can contain system- and environmentally compatible acids, in particular citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, amino acids such as glycine, glutamic acid, arginine and / or aspartic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, salicylic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid and / or adipic acid, but optionally also mineral acids, in particular sulfuric acid, or bases, in particular ammonium or alkali hydroxides.

[0091] Graying inhibitors are designed to keep soil detached from textile fibers suspended in the liquor. Suitable for this purpose are water-soluble colloids, usually of an organic nature, such as starch, glue, gelatin, salts of ether carboxylic acids or ether sulfonic acids of starch or cellulose, or salts of acidic sulfuric acid esters of cellulose or starch. Water-soluble polyamides containing acidic groups are also suitable for this purpose. Starch derivatives other than those mentioned above can also be used, for example, aldehyde starches. Cellulose ethers, such as carboxymethylcellulose (sodium salt), methylcellulose, hydroxyalkylcellulose, and mixed ethers, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, methylcarboxymethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof, are preferred.

[0092] Furthermore, soil release polymers or soil release polymers, so-called SRPs, may be included. SRPs available include, in particular, oligoesters of preferably terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, sulfoisophthalic acid and / or their methyl esters, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (saturated and / or unsaturated), for example adipic acid, and / or their anhydrides, aliphatic substituted dicarboxylic acids, for example nonylsuccinic acid, alkylene glycols (ethylene, 1,2-propylene, 1,2-butylene glycol), polyethylene glycols, alkylpolyethylene glycols, polyethylene glycol benzoic acid esters,

[0093] Polyethylene glycol sulfobenzoic acid esters and, optionally, alkanolamines can be used. Polymers based on terephthalate-PEG, such as those commercially available under the trade name Texcare®, are preferred. Alternatively, (co)polymers based on polyethyleneimine, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene glycol can also be used.

[0094] Suitable soil-removing polymers are generally already known to a sufficient extent from the prior art. Therefore, all polymers known in the prior art for this purpose can be used.

[0095] In order to effectively suppress dye detachment and / or dye transfer to other textiles during washing and / or cleaning of dyed textiles, the composition according to the invention can contain a dye transfer inhibitor (DTI). It is preferred that the dye transfer inhibitor is a polymer or copolymer of cyclic amines such as vinylpyrrolidone and / or vinylimidazole. Suitable polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI), polyvinylpyridine N-oxide, poly-N-carboxymethyl-4-vinylpyridium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Particular preference is given to using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI) as dye transfer inhibitors.

[0096] Polycarboxylates are particularly suitable as anti-redeposition agents. Suitable materials can be prepared by the polymerization or copolymerization of unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers, such as acrylic acid, maleic acid (or anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid, and methylmalonic acid. Acrylate polymers and acrylic / maleic acid copolymers are particularly preferred. The washing, cleaning, or fabric care products can contain, for example, derivatives of diaminostilbene disulfonic acid or its alkali metal salts as optical brighteners. However, color detergents are preferably free of optical brighteners.Suitable examples are salts of 4,4'-bis(2-anilino-4-morpholino-1,3,5-triazinyl-6-amino)stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid or similarly structured compounds that carry a diethanolamino group, a methylamino group, an anilino group, or a 2-methoxyethylamino group instead of the morpholino group. Furthermore, brighteners of the substituted diphenylstyryl type may be present, for example the alkali metal salts of 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, 4,4'-bis(4-chloro-3-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, or 4-(4-chlorostyryl)-4'-(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl. Mixtures of the aforementioned optical brighteners can also be used.

[0097] Particularly when used in mechanical processes, it can be advantageous to add conventional foam inhibitors to washing, cleaning, or textile care products. Suitable foam inhibitors include, for example, soaps of natural or synthetic origin that have a high proportion of C18-C24 fatty acids. Suitable non-surfactant foam inhibitors include, for example, organopolysiloxanes and mixtures thereof with microfine, optionally silanized silica, as well as paraffins, waxes, microcrystalline waxes, and mixtures thereof with silanized silica or bisfatty acid alkylenediamides. Mixtures of different foam inhibitors, for example those made of silicones, paraffins, or waxes, are also advantageously used. The foam inhibitors, in particular silicone- and / or paraffin-containing foam inhibitors, are preferably bound to a granular, water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier substance.In particular, mixtures of paraffins and bistearylethylenediamide are preferred.

[0098] The washing, cleaning, or fabric care product can be in any known packaging form, for example, solid, liquid, gel, paste, powder, granules, or tablets. Liquid products contain solvents. In a preferred embodiment, the main solvent is water. Non-aqueous solvents can also be added to the product. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include mono- or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines, or glycol ethers, provided they are miscible with water within the specified concentration range. Preferably, the solvents are selected from ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether,

[0099] Propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether, and mixtures of these solvents. Particular preference is given to using an alcohol, especially ethanol and / or glycerin.

[0100] To further improve the stability of the agents, hydrotropes can be used in addition to the surfactant systems described herein. The term "hydrotrope," as used in the context of the present invention, refers to additives or solvents that increase the water solubility of sparingly soluble (hydrophobic) organic compounds. A second component (i.e., the hydrotrope), which is not itself a solvent, is added to the sparingly soluble substance. Such hydrotropes have hydrophilic and hydrophobic structural units (like surfactants) but without the tendency to form aggregates in water (unlike surfactants). In various embodiments, these hydrotropes have no micelle-forming activity, or the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is greater than 10 -4 mol / L, preferably greater than 10 -3 mol / L and more preferably 10 -2mol / L. The "critical micelle concentration," in accordance with the general understanding in the prior art, is the concentration of the substance in question above which it begins to form micelles, and each additional molecule added to the system transforms into micelles. The hydrotropes used typically have a molecular weight of <10,000 g / mol, preferably <2,500 g / mol, more preferably <1,000 g / mol, and most preferably <500 g / mol. They can be selected, for example, from short-chain mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- or penta-alkylbenzenesulfonates, in particular Ci-e alkylbenzenesulfonates, where the alkyl groups can be linear or branched, including but not limited to cumenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate and / or xylenesulfonate as well as butylglycol, propylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 2,2-dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-1,2-dioxolane, propylene carbonate, butyl lactate, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol or mixtures thereof.The hydrotropic compounds are preferably used in a range of 0.1 to 5 wt.%, more preferably 1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the detergents.

[0101] In one embodiment, the washing, cleaning, or fabric care product is offered as a single, pre-portioned dose in a water-soluble wrapper. The water-soluble wrapper is preferably formed from a water-soluble film material.

[0102] Such unit doses can be manufactured by either vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) or thermoforming processes. The thermoforming process generally involves forming a first layer of a water-soluble film material to form recesses for receiving a composition therein, filling the composition into the recesses, covering the composition-filled recesses with a second layer of a water-soluble film material, and sealing the first and second layers together at least around the recesses.

[0103] The water-soluble wrapping is preferably formed from a water-soluble film material selected from the group consisting of polymers or polymer blends. The wrapping can be formed from one or two or more layers of the water-soluble film material. The water-soluble film material of the first layer and the additional layers, if present, can be the same or different. The single-dose unit comprising the washing, cleaning, or fabric care agent and the water-soluble wrapping can also have one or more chambers. The agent can be contained in one or more chambers, if present, of the water-soluble wrapping. The amount of washing agent preferably corresponds to the full or half dose required for one wash cycle.

[0104] It is preferred that the water-soluble coating contains polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. In addition, polymers selected from the group comprising acrylic acid-containing polymers, polyacrylamides, oxazoline polymers, polystyrenesulfonates, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers, polylactic acid, and / or mixtures of the above polymers can be added to the film material.

[0105] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, dicarboxylic acids as further monomers. Suitable dicarboxylic acids are itaconic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, with itaconic acid being preferred.

[0106] The single dose may have a substantially dimensionally stable spherical, rotationally ellipsoidal, cube-shaped, cuboid-shaped or cushion-shaped configuration with a circular, elliptical, square or rectangular basic shape.

[0107] Furthermore, it can have one or more compartments for storing one or more agents. If the water-soluble packaging has two or more compartments, each compartment can contain a solid component or a liquid component, or one or more compartments can contain solid components and one or more further compartments can contain liquid components.

[0108] A further subject matter of the invention is a method for cleaning and / or caring for textiles, comprising the method steps: a) providing a washing solution comprising a washing, cleaning or textile care agent according to the invention and b) bringing a textile into contact with the washing solution according to a).

[0109] This includes both manual and mechanical processes, with mechanical processes being preferred.

[0110] Yet another object of this invention is the use of a surfactant system according to the invention to increase the cleaning performance of a washing, cleaning, or textile care product. Examples of embodiments:

[0111] Increase in washing performance 1

[0112] The washing performance of various surfactant systems composed of MELs according to the invention and various co-surfactants b) was investigated in a high-throughput washing device at 30°C and pH 8.14°dH. The washing results were obtained in a 50 ml washing solution, considering only the surfactant system (not the entire formulation).

[0113] The surfactant concentration is identical to the application dosage in a washing machine (0.5 g / L).

[0114] A total of 10 different soilings (3x lipstick, pigment / oil, 3x pigment / (skin) sebum, olive oil / pigment, mayonnaise / pigment, frying fat / pigment) were used on cotton or polyester-cotton blends.

[0115] After drying, the reflectance values ​​of the washed textiles were determined and added together. The following table presents the results as averages of triplicate measurements of the ten different soilings.

[0116] The washing performance of the individual substances was compared with the mixtures to demonstrate synergies.

[0117] The better the stain was removed, the higher the y-value (remission value).

[0118] The evaluation shows the sum of the y-values ​​of the 10 soils.

[0119] Surfactant systems (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100% MEL with 100%, 90%, 75%, 50% and 0% of the respective surfactant b))

[0120] MEL according to formula (I), where Ri = saturated Oo-acyl group; R2 = monounsaturated C10-

[0121] Acyl group

[0122] Sophorolipid

[0123] Sodium lauryl ether sulfate

[0124] Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

[0125] Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate

[0126] Disodium 2-sulfolaurate

[0127] Sodium cocoyl isethionate

[0128] Sodium lauryl sulfate

[0129] Sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate It is shown that all tested surfactant combinations a) + b) show synergism with regard to washing performance.

[0130] While the washing performance of sophorolipids is initially only moderately improved with the addition of 10 wt.% of the inventive MEL (based on the total surfactant system of SL and MEL), the synergism is particularly high with 50 wt.% sophorolipids and 50 wt.% MEL.

[0131] For DSLS, DSSL and SDHS, the synergism in terms of washing performance is already high at a content of 10 wt% MEL, and for SDHS and SDS, strong synergism is evident at a content of 10 wt% MEL.

[0132] Increase in washing performance 2

[0133] Full-wash tests were also carried out at 40°C, 14°dH by replacing the surfactant system of a market formulation with the surfactant system according to the invention, comprising

[0134] (i) only the MEL described above

[0135] (ii) only the previously described anionic surfactants T 3

[0136] (iii) only one non-ionic surfactant

[0137] (iv) Mixtures of (i) - (iii) - see table below

[0138] The wash performance is calculated from the sum of the reflectance values ​​of 43 different standard soils, including a particularly high number of greasy soils. The following table shows the mean values ​​of the 5-fold determination. The higher the reflectance value, the lighter the stain and the better the wash performance.

[0139] The washing performance of the individual substances was compared with the mixtures to demonstrate synergies.

[0140] * 9 Fatty alcohol ethoxylate (C12-C18 fatty alcohol + 7 EO)

[0141] The results show that a surfactant system comprising MEL and an anionic surfactant b) leads to improved washing performance in a detergent. The achieved washing performance can be further improved if the MEL is combined with, for example, anionic surfactants T*. 3 or SLES* 2 and a non-ionic fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Surfactant system containing a) at least one mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) of the general formula (I) wherein Ri and R2 independently represent saturated or unsaturated acyl groups with 4 to 16 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group, and b) at least one further surfactant selected from (i) Sophorolipids (ii) anionic surfactants.

2. Surfactant system according to claim 1, containing MEL according to formula (I), wherein at least one of the radicals Ri or R2 carries at least one double bond in the carbon chain.

3. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 or 2, containing MEL according to formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are Ca-Ci2 acyl groups.

4. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 3, containing MEL according to formula (I), wherein R1 represents a saturated Oo-acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated Cio-acyl group.

5. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 4, containing as sophorolipid b)(i) at least one compound of the following formulas (II) wherein Ri, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent H or an acetyl group.

6. Surfactant system according to claim 1, comprising as anionic surfactant b)(ii) at least one anionic surfactant which carries a -SO3H- or a -SO5M- group, where M is an alkali or ammonium cation.

7. Surfactant system according to claim 6, containing as anionic surfactant b)(ii) alkali metal or ammonium salts of sulfo-C10-C16-alkylates, linear or branched di-C10-C20-alkyl sulfosuccinates, linear or branched C6-C20-alkyl (polyglycol ether) sulfosuccinates, C10-C16-alkyl methyl taurates or any mixtures thereof.

8. Surfactant system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a) MEL in a weight proportion of 5 to 90 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system b) at least one further surfactant b) in a weight proportion of 10 to 75 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

9. Washing, cleaning or textile care compositions containing a surfactant system according to one of the preceding claims in a proportion by weight of 1 to 35% by weight of the total weight of the washing, cleaning or textile care composition.

10. Use of a surfactant system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for improving the washing performance of a washing, cleaning or textile care agent.

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