Low temperature stable liquid antimicrobial composition

Abstract

An antimicrobial composition is disclosed containing levulinic acid and a solvent, such as water. The antimicrobial compositions of the present disclosure are formulated in a manner that forms a eutectic system. The compositions display dramatic low freezing point without containing any antifreezing agents.

Description

LOW TEMPERATURE STABLE LIQUID ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 631 ,733, filed April 9, 2024 which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Levulinic acid, also known as 4-oxopentanoic acid, is a naturally occurring organic acid. Levulinic acid can be obtained through the acid hydrolysis of carbohydrates, such as cellulose, starch, or sugars. Levulinic acid can be produced industrially from biomass sources, such as corn, sugarcane bagasse, or lignocellulosic materials. Consequently, levulinic acid is considered a green chemical because it can be derived from renewable resources like biomass.

[0003] In the past, levulinic acid has been offered as a multifunctional ingredient providing performance benefits such as skin conditioning, pH adjustment and as an antimicrobial agent, such as for product preservation, for various personal care products. Levulinic acid is soluble in water and in polar organic solvents.

[0004] Pure levulinic acid is a white crystalline solid that displays a melting temperature of approximately 35°C. When used as an antimicrobial agent, levulinic acid is often combined with one or more solvents. Many conventional levulinic acid solutions offered in the past, however, were prone to freezing at normal ambient temperatures. For instance, when exposed to temperatures of from about 0°C to about 4°C, levulinic acid has a tendency to solidify. Once the levulinic acid solidifies, elevated heating is required to a temperature of about 35°C or greater in order to convert the levulinic acid back into a liquid form. Heating solidified levulinic acid compositions is energy intensive. Consequently, many levulinic acid compositions require additional and costly processing and care for those applications where the composition is to be stored, shipped, or used at lower temperatures. For example, one knownlevulinic acid product containing 80% by weight levulinic acid, 15% by weight benzoic acid, and 5% by weight sorbic acid has been known to freeze and solidify when exposed to lower temperatures.

[0005] In order to overcome the above drawbacks and deficiencies, those skilled in the art have combined levulinic acid solutions with antifreezing agents. The antifreezing agents can include glycerin, a glycol such as propylene glycol, a diol such as propane diol, or the like. The antifreezing agents, however, can have a detrimental impact on the product. For instance, the antifreezing agents dilute and sometimes interfere with the levulinic acid thereby lowering its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent. The antifreezing agents can also have a detrimental impact when the levulinic acid composition is incorporated into a personal care product, such as a cosmetic product. For instance, the antifreezing agents can cause unwanted viscosity changes or otherwise interfere with the active components contained in the formulation.

[0006] In view of the above, a need exists for a liquid antimicrobial composition containing levulinic acid that is stable at lower temperatures. A need also exists for a low temperature stable levulinic acid composition that does not require the use of antifreezing agents.SUMMARY

[0007] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid composition containing levulinic acid that has low freezing point. In one aspect, the composition can be formulated without the use of antifreezing agents. The liquid composition is particularly well suited for use as a natural and sustainable antimicrobial composition that can be incorporated into numerous and diverse products and applications.

[0008] In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid composition comprising levulinic acid and water. The levulinic acid can be present in the liquid composition in an amount from about 70% by weight to about 90% by weight, such as from about 74% by weight to about 88% by weight, such as from about 74% by weight to about 86% by weight, such as from about 76% by weight to about 84% by weight. When tested according to a low freezing point test, all of the content of the composition remains in a liquid phase even after being exposed to a -20°C temperature environment.

[0009] In one aspect, the liquid composition can be substantially free or entirely free of antifreezing agents. For instance, the composition can be formulated so as not to contain any glycols, such as propylene glycol. The composition can also be formulated so as not to contain a diol, such as propane diol. The composition can also not contain glycerine.

[0010] In one embodiment, the liquid composition of the present disclosure primarily only contains water and levulinic acid. For instance, water and levulinic acid can be present in the liquid composition in an amount greater than about 98% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 99% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 99.5% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 99.8% by weight. It was unexpectedly discovered that a liquid composition containing only water and levulinic acid in the amounts described above assume a eutectic system that remains in the liquid phase and does not freeze even when stored at temperatures below 0°C.

[0011] The present disclosure is also directed to a homecare or personal care product incorporating the liquid antimicrobial composition as described above. The home care or personal care product can comprise hand-dish soaps, machine-dish soaps, machine dish rinse-aids, laundry detergents, laundry fabric conditioners, clothing fragrances, clothing wrinkle treatments, ironing aids, cleaning wipes, all-purpose cleaners, shampoos, skin lotions, shower gels, deodorants, bubble baths, bath oils, creams, baby products, liquid soaps, hair gels, hair conditioners, hair conditioning masks, hair styling products, makeup, sunscreens, color cosmetics, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and the like. The liquid composition can be incorporated into the homecare or personal care product such that the resulting product contains levulinic acid in an amount from about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight, such as from about 0.08% by weight to about 3% by weight.

[0012] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for preserving a formulation against microbial growth. The method, for instance, can be for preserving a homecare product or a personal care product. The method includes incorporating the antimicrobial liquid composition as described above into a homecare or personal care product. The antimicrobial liquid compositioncan also be incorporated into an aqueous raw material for preserving the material.

[0013] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.DEFINITIONS

[0014] As used herein, the “low freezing point test” can be used to determine the low freezing point of a levulinic acid solution. The test is conducted on a levulinic acid composition that is 100% liquid. The test can be conducted the following ways:1 . A 20 ml sample is placed in a 30ml clear glass bottle sealed with white plastic cap and stored at -20°C for 10 hours or for 12 hours in a freezer, such as a Liebherr fridge / freezer. After the 10 hour- or 12-hour period, the sample passes the test if the sample remains 100% liquid.2. A 30 gm sample is placed in a glass vial having a volume of 50 ml and stored at -20°C for 96 hours. After the 96-hour period, the sample passes the test if the sample remains 100% liquid.3. A 30 gm sample is placed in a container made from a high density polyethylene polymer having a volume of 50 ml and stored at -20°C for 96 hours. After the 96-hour period, the sample passes the test if the sample remains 100% liquid.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified in the description below, a levulinic acid liquid composition is low temperature stable if the liquid composition passes any of the above tests.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of some of the results obtained when conducting a low freezing point test on levulinic acid compositions as described in the examples below; andFigure 2 is a perspective view of some of the results obtained when conducting a low freezing point test on levulinic acid compositions as described in the examples below.

[0017] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid antimicrobial composition containing levulinic acid that is unexpectedly and exceptionally stable at lower temperatures. In one aspect, the levulinic acid liquid composition of the present disclosure can be formulated to be stable at lower temperatures while being substantially free of antifreezing agents that can interfere with the effectiveness of the composition or the compatibility of the composition with downstream products into which the antimicrobial composition is incorporated. In addition, the low temperature stable liquid antimicrobial composition can contain the levulinic acid at a relatively high concentration which optimizes the antimicrobial properties of the composition and creates significant efficiencies by shipping the antimicrobial composition in lower volumes which further minimizes the carbon footprint of the product.

[0020] In one aspect, the liquid antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure primarily only contains levulinic acid in combination with water. For instance, the levulinic acid and water can comprise greater than about 98% by weight of the composition, such as greater than about 99% by weight of the composition, such as greater than about 99.5% by weight of the composition, such as greater than about 99.8% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition only contains levulinic acid and water. It is unexpected that a levulinic acid aqueous solution as described above is in any way resistant to freezing and can display an exceptional low freezing point. Although unknown, it is believed that the amounts of the components are blended in a way that produces a surprising eutectic system. A eutectic systemis where a composition of two or more components remains in a liquid state at the lowest possible temperature. A eutectic composition is the specific ratio of the components at which the lowest melting temperature occurs. In the eutectic system of the present disclosure, the mixture of components actually has a lower freezing point than the individual components.

[0021] As described above, levulinic acid can be considered a natural antimicrobial agent. Levulinic acid, for instance, is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in various plants, fruits, and food products. Levulinic acid can be derived from certain carbohydrates, such as fructose, through acid hydrolysis or fermentation processes. Levulinic acid is sustainable in that the acid can be derived from renewable biomass sources, such as sugar cane, corn stover, wood chips, and various agricultural residues. These biomass sources are abundant and can be replenished through natural processes. Further, the conversion of biomass into levulinic acid can be accomplished using environmentally friendly processes, such as acid hydrolysis or fermentation as mentioned above. These processes minimize the use of harsh chemicals and reduce energy consumption compared to traditional petrochemical routes.

[0022] Thus, a liquid antimicrobial composition based on levulinic acid can offer numerous advantages over antimicrobials and preservatives used in the past. The ability to formulate a liquid antimicrobial composition containing levulinic acid that has a low freezing point further increases the potential of using levulinic acid as a replacement to many conventional antimicrobial agents and preservatives. In fact, increasing regulations and heightened customer awareness continue to restrict the use of many traditional preservatives and antimicrobial agents. The liquid antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure, on the other hand, offers a natural and sustainable solution.

[0023] In order to create a eutectic system in accordance with the present disclosure and produce a low temperature stable liquid antimicrobial composition, the composition of the present disclosure generally contains levulinic acid in an amount from about 70% by weight to about 90% by weight. For instance, levulinic acid can be present in the liquid composition in an amount greater than about 74% by weight, such as in an amount greater thanabout 76% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 78% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 80% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 82% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 84% by weight. The levulinic acid can be present in the composition in an amount less than about 88% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 86% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 84% by weight. In one aspect, the amount of levulinic acid can be maximized while still maintaining a eutectic system.

[0024] The levulinic acid is contained in the liquid antimicrobial composition in combination with a solvent. In one aspect, the solvent comprises water. For instance, water can be present in the composition in an amount from about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight. For instance, water can be present in the composition in an amount from about 14% by weight to about 26% by weight. In general, any suitable water source can be used. Optionally, the water contained in the composition comprises distilled water.

[0025] In one embodiment, the composition can contain a blend of solvents. For instance, the composition may contain water optionally in combination with another solvent, such as a polar organic solvent.

[0026] The liquid antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure may optionally contain various other components, such as surfactants, pH adjusters, carriers, other antimicrobial agents, or the like. In one aspect, any other components contained in the liquid antimicrobial composition are present in relatively minor amounts. For instance, any other components can be present in amounts less than about 2% by weight, such as in amounts less than about 1 .5% by weight, such as in amounts less than about 1 % by weight, such as in amounts less than about 0.5% by weight, such as in amounts less than about 0.2% by weight, such as in amounts less than about 0.1 % by weight.

[0027] The liquid antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure can display a low freezing point while being substantially free of antifreezing agents. As used herein, substantially free of one or more antifreezing agents means that one or more antifreezing agents are present in the composition in an amount less than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1 .5% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 1% by weight, such asin an amount less than about 0.5% by weight. In one aspect, for instance, the liquid antimicrobial composition can be substantially free of glycols, such as propylene glycol. The liquid antimicrobial composition can also be formulated to be substantially free of diols, such as propane diol. The liquid antimicrobial composition of the present disclosure can also be formulated to be substantially free of any other antifreezing agents, such as glycerine. In one embodiment, the composition is completely free of any of the above antifreezing agents.

[0028] Advantageously, the composition disclosed herein may protect against a large spectrum of microbes. Various different microorganisms may be killed and / or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For instance, the composition of the present disclosure can control gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, and the like. In addition to bacteria, the composition of the present disclosure can also kill and / or control the growth of various other microorganisms, such as fungi, yeast, mold, and the like. Examples of particular microorganisms that may be killed and / or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, Pluralibacter gergoviae, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsella pneumonia, Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Alcaligenes faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Microbacterium paraoxydans, Citrobacter werkmanii, Acinetobacter spp. , Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium spp., Candida albicans, or mixtures thereof.

[0029] In one particular embodiment, the microorganism comprises a gram positive bacteria. In another particular embodiment, the microorganism comprises a gram negative bacteria.

[0030] The composition of the present disclosure, for instance, can exhibit at least a 1 log reduction, such as a 2 log reduction, such as a 3 log reduction, such as a 4 log reduction, such as even a 5 log reduction against any of the microorganisms identified above when tested according to ISO Test 11930 preservation efficacy testing methodology after a contact time of about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, or even about 8 days. The microorganism can be a bacteria, a virus, a fungi, mold, or the like. In one aspect, the mold may beAspergillus brasiliensis or Penicillium spp. In another aspect, the yeast may be Candida albicans.

[0031] In general, the preservation composition of the present disclosure can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products. As used herein, “end-use formulations” or “end use products” is intended to mean personal care or home care products.

[0032] The personal care or home care product formulation generally comprises a base composition to which the preservation composition of the present disclosure is added. The base composition may contain numerous and different ingredients depending upon the end use application. The personal care or home care product formulation, for instance, may contain other solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, alkalinity builders, pH adjusting agents, auxiliaries, acids, foaming agents, colorants, UV blocking agents, waxes, natural extracts, oils, consistency factors, conditioners, emollients, skin caring ingredients, moisturizers, thickeners, humectants, fillers, antioxidants, preservatives, active ingredients, in particular dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Active ingredients as mentioned herein comprise, for example, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials, anti-fungals and the like agents. Active ingredients suited for topical applications are particularly preferred.

[0033] Suitable surfactants for the base composition comprise: alkyl sulfates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium cetearyl sulfate; alkyl sulfoacetates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; alkyl ether sulfates e.g. sodium laureth sulfate; sodium trideceth sulfate; sodium oleth sulfate; ammonium laureth sulfate; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates e.g. disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; alkyl glycosides e.g. decyl glucoside; lauryl glucoside; alkyl isethionates amphoterics e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate; disodium lauroamphodiacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium lauroamphopripionate; disodium lauroamphodipropionate; potassium or ammonium salts of the aforementioned amphoterics; capryl / capramidopropyl betaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; lauromidopropyl betaine; and fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers.

[0034] Suitable emulsifiers for the base composition are e.g. anionics as salts of fatty acids e.g. sodium stearate or sodium palmitate, organic soaps e.g. mono-, di- or triethanolaminoeate, sulfated or sulfonated compounds e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium cetyl sulfonate, saponines, lamepones; cationics as quaternary ammonium salts; nonionics as fatty alcohols, fatty acid ester with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenesters or polyoxyethylenethers of fatty acids, polymers from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or propylene glycol, amphotherics as phosphatides, proteins as gelatine, casein alkylamidobetaines, alkyl betaines and amphoglycinates, alkyl phosphates, alkylpolyoxyethylene phosphates or the corresponding acids, silicone derivatives, e.g. alkyl dimethiconecoplyol.

[0035] Suitable consistency factors for the base composition are e.g. fatty alcohols or their mixtures with fatty acid esters, e.g. acetylated lanolin alcohol, aluminum stearates, carbomer, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, oleic acid, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, carnuba wax, beeswax and synthetic equivalents thereof, carbomers, and the like. Suitable conditioners are e.g. alkylamido ammonium lactate, cetrimonium chloride and distearoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate and cetearyl alcohol, cetyl dimethicone, cetyl ricinoleate, dimethicone, laureth-23, laureth-4, polydecene, retinyl palmitate, quaternized protein hydrolysates, quaternized cellulose and starch derivatives, quaternized copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid or salts, quaternized silicone derivatives.

[0036] Suitable emollients for the base composition are e.g. cetearyl isononanoate, cetearyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, coco caprylate / caprate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-75 lanolin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, petrolatum, ozokerite cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dicaprylyl ether, butyrospermum parkii, buxus chinensis, canola, carnauba cera, copernicia cerifera, oenothera biennis, elaeis guineensis, prunus dulcis, squalane, zea mays, glycine soja, helianthus annuus, lanolin, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, sucrose cocoate, stearoxy dimethicone, lanolin alcohol, isohexadecane.

[0037] Suitable skin care ingredients for the base composition are e.g. plant extracts, bisabolol, anti-inflammatory agents, urea, allantoin, panthenol and panthenol derivatives, phytantriol, vitamins A, E, C, D, ceram ides of animal or plant origin, lecithins, and the like.

[0038] Suitable moisturizers for the base composition are e.g. butylenes glycol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, dimyristyl tartrate, glucose glycereth-26, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactic acid, lactose and other sugars, laureth-8, lecithin, octoxyglycerin, PEG-12, PEG 135, PEG-150, PEG-20, PEG- 8, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, phytantriol, poly quaternium-39 PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, succinoglycan, synthetic beeswax, tri-C14-15 alkyl citrate, starch.

[0039] Suitable thickeners for the base composition are e.g. acrylates / steareth- 20 methacrylate copolymer, carbomer, carboxymethyl starch, cera alba, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silica, silica dimethyl silylate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated butylenes / ethylene / styrene copolymer.

[0040] Suitable humectants for the base composition are e.g. adipic acid, fumaric acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, glycerine triacetate, sodium or magnesium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylenglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, boric acid, mono-laurate or monopalmitate, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol, talcum, calcium or magnesium salts of higher fatty acids, mono-, di- or triglycerides of higher fatty acids, polytetrafluorethylene.

[0041] Suitable antioxidants for the base composition are e.g. sulfites, e.g. sodium sulfite, tocopherol or derivates thereof, ascorbic acid or derivates thereof, citric acid, propyl gallate, chitosan glycolate, cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine plus zinc sulfate, thiosulfates, e.g. sodium thiosulfate, polyphenols and the like.

[0042] The formulations may further contain active ingredients, e.g. antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, plant extracts, bisabolol, panthenol,tocopherol, actives for anti-stinging, anti-irritant or anti-dandruff applications, or anti-aging agents such as retinol, melibiose and the like. Other suitable actives are e.g. Medicago officinalis, Actinidia chinensis, allantoin, Aloe barbadensis, Anona cherimolia, Anthemis nobilis, Arachis hypogaea, Arnica Montana, Avena sativa, beta-carotene, bisabolol, Borago officinalis, butylenes glycol, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, camphor, Candida bombicola, capryloyl glycine, Carica papaya, Centaurea cyanus, cetylpyridinium chloride, Chamomilla recutita, Chenopodium quinoa, Chinchona succirubra, Chondrus crispus, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus grandis, Citrus limonum, Cocos nucifera, Coffea Arabica, Crataegus monogina, Cucumis melo, dichlorophenyl imidazoldioxolan, Enteromorpha compressa, Equisetum arvense, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl panthenol, farnesol, ferulic acid, Fragaria chiloensis, Gentiana lutea, Ginkgo biloba, glycerin, glyceryl laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, heliotropine, hydrogenated palm glycerides, citrates, hydrolyzed castor oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hypericum perforatum, Iris florentina, Juniperus communis, Lactis proteinum, lactose, Lawsonia inermis, linalool, Linum usitatissimum, lysine, magnesium aspartate, Magnifera indica, Malva sylvestris, mannitol, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita, menthol, menthyl lactate, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nymphaea alba, olaflur, Oryza sativa, panthenol, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-20M, PEG-26 jojoba acid, PEG-26 jojoba alcohol, PEG-35 castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-8 caprylic / capric acid, Persea gratissima, petrolatum, potassium aspartate, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica, retinyl palmitate, Ricinus communis, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubus idaeus, salicylic acid, Sambucus nigra, sarcosine, Serenoa serrulata, Simmondsia chinensis, sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, sodium cocoyl amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, sodium palmitoyl praline, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, sulfurized TEA-ricinoleate, talc, Thymus vulgaris, Tilia cordata, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trideceth-9, triticum vulgare, tyrosine, undecylenoyl glycine, urea, Vaccinium myrtillus, valine, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate.

[0043] The base composition of the personal care or home care product to which the preservation composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products.

[0044] For instance, personal care products may comprise color cosmetic products, deodorant products, hair care products, oral care products, skin care products, and bathing products. The personal care product formulation may comprise any product for topical application to a user’s skin or hair. When combined with the personal care product formulation to improve preservation performance, the composition of the present disclosure has effective broad spectrum preservation activity over a broad pH range. For instance, the pH of the composition and / or of the personal care product can be generally greater than about 2 and less than about 10, such as from about 3 to about 8, particularly from about 3 to about 6.

[0045] Color cosmetic products can include, but are not limited to, body color products, eye color cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, brow color, and eyeshadow, face color cosmetics such as blush, bronzer, concealer, foundations, powder, and primers, lip color cosmetics, such as lipsticks and lip balms, and nail color cosmetics.

[0046] In one aspect, the eye color cosmetic is mascara. The mascara can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, consistency factors, pigments, emollients, thickeners, and film-forming agents. Particularly suitable consistency factors used in mascara include beeswax and camuba wax. Particularly suitable emollients used in mascara include cetyl alcohol. Particularly suitable thickeners used in mascara include acacia Senegal gum.

[0047] In another aspect, the eye color cosmetic is eyeliner. The eyeliner can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, pigments, film-forming agents, emollients, thickeners, binders, solvents, and opacifiers. Particularly suitable emollients used in eyeliner include glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in eyeliner include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable solvents used in eyeliner include ethanol and particularly suitable opacifiers used in eyeliner include titanium dioxide.

[0048] In another embodiment, the lip color cosmetic is lip balm. The lip balm can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, emollients, moisturizers, occlusives, flavoring, fragrance, sunscreen ingredients, antioxidants, healing agents, and pigment. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in lip balm include beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable occlusives used in lip balm include petroleum jelly and castor seed oil. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in lip balm include vitamin E and aloe vera extract, while particularly suitable healing agents used in lip balm include allantoin and calendula extract.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the personal care product is a deodorant. Deodorant products can include roll-on deodorant products, spray deodorant products, stick deodorant products, or wipe deodorant products. Although the ingredients in deodorant products can vary depending on whether the product is a stick product, a roll-on product, a gel product, a cream product, or a spray product, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the deodorant product formulations.

[0050] The deodorant product, for instance, can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, antiperspirant active ingredients, odorfighting ingredients, emollients, moisturizers, thickeners, stabliziers, skin conditioners, antibacterial agents, solvents, and propellants. Particularly suitable antiperspirant active ingredients used in deodorant products include aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum tetrachlorohydrex glycine. Particularly suitable odor-fighting ingredients used in deodorant products include fragrance, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc compounds such as zinc ricinoleate. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable skin conditioners used in deodorant products include aloe vera and Vitamin E (e.g., tocopheryl acetate). Particularly suitable antibacterial agents used in deodorant products include triclosan and particularly suitable solvents used in deodorant products include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable emollients and moisturizers used in deodorant products includes glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

[0051] Hair care products can include, but are not limited to, conditioner, shampoo, styling products, hair treatment products, and hair colorant.

[0052] In one aspect, the hair care product is conditioner. The conditioner can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, emollients, surfactants, silicones, natural oils, humectants, panthenol, fragrance, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable emollients used in conditioners include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Particularly suitable surfactants used in conditioners include cationic surfactants such as cetrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable silicones used in conditioners include dimethicone and cyclomethicone. Particularly suitable natural oils used in conditioners include argan oil and coconut oil, and particularly suitable humectants used in conditions include glycerin. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in conditioners include citric acid.

[0053] In another aspect, the hair care product is shampoo. The shampoo can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide DEA or cocamide MEA, conditioning agents, fragrance, citric acid, sodium chloride, glycerol distearate, and natural extracts or oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in shampoo include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Particularly suitable conditioning agents used in shampoo include polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable natural extracts or oils used in shampoo include aloe vera and tea tree oil.

[0054] Oral care products can include, but are not limited to, toothpaste and mouthwash.

[0055] In one aspect, the oral care product is toothpaste. The toothpaste can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, abrasive agents, fluoride, detergents, humectants, binding agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, desensitizing agents, and whitening agents. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in toothpaste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable fluoride compounds used in toothpaste include sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. Particularly suitable detergents used in toothpaste include sodium lauryl sulfate. Particularly suitablehumectants used in toothpaste include glycerin and sorbital. Particularly suitable binding agents used in toothpaste include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in toothpaste include peppermint and spearmint. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in toothpaste include saccharin and sorbital. Particularly suitable desensitizing agents used in toothpaste include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Particularly suitable whitening agents used in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

[0056] In another aspect, the oral care product is mouthwash. The mouthwash can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, alcohol, antibacterial agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, pH adjusters, preservatives, fluoride, and desensitizing agents. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in mouthwash include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable antimicrobial agents used in mouthwash include cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in mouthwash include menthol and eucalyptus. Particularly suitable sweeteners used in mouthwash include saccharin and xylitol. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in mouthwash include sodium hydroxide and citric acid.

[0057] Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body care cosmetics, eye care cosmetics, face and neck care cosmetics, foot care cosmetics, lip care cosmetics, sunscreen, after sun cosmetics, and self-tanning cosmetics.

[0058] In one aspect, the skin care product is sunscreen. The sunscreen can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, active sunprotectant ingredients, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, antioxidants, fragrance, water, and pH adjusters. Particularly suitable active sun-protectant ingredients used in sunscreen include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Particularly suitable emollients used in sunscreen include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in sunscreen include cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Particularly suitable thickeners used in sunscreen include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in sunscreen include Vitamin E and green tea extract. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in sunscreen include citric acid. In one aspect, the concentrate and the finalcomposition will have a pH in the range of from about 4 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 1 1 , such as from about 7 to about 10, or any range therebetween.

[0059] Bathing products include, but are not limited to, face cleansers, body cleansers, hand cleansers, soap bars, liquid soaps, shower gels, bubble bath, intimate hygiene products, and pre-moistened wipes.

[0060] In one aspect, the bathing product is a face cleanser. The face cleanser can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, humectants, preservatives, fragrance or essential oils, exfoliating agents, and anti-acne ingredients. Particularly suitable surfactants for the face cleanser include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium cocoyl isethionate. Particularly suitable emollients for the face cleanser include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers for the face cleanser include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable humectants for the face cleanser include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable exfoliating agents for the face cleanser include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Particularly suitable anti-acne ingredients for the face cleanser include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

[0061] In another aspect, the bathing product is a body cleanser. The body cleanser can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrance or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants for the body cleanser include sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients for the body cleanser include shea butter and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable humectants for the body cleanser include glycerin.

[0062] In yet another aspect, the bathing product is a hand cleanser. The hand cleanser may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, alcohol compounds, water, emollients and humectants, thickeners, and fragrance. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in the hand cleanser include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in the hand cleanser include aloe vera and glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the hand cleanser include carbomer.

[0063] In another aspect, the bathing product is a soap bar. The soap bar may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, sodium tallowate or sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, fragrance or essential oils, and colorants.

[0064] In one aspect, the bathing product is a liquid soap. The liquid soap may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and fragrances or essential oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in liquid soap include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in liquid soap include glycerin and shea butter. Particularly suitable humectants used in liquid soap include propylene glycol.

[0065] The preservation composition may also be incorporated into home care products as well, such as fabric care products, hand dish wash liquid, machine dish soaps, hard surface cleaners, and toilet care products. The home care product formulation may comprise all purpose cleaners and other similar formulations that are used around the home.

[0066] Fabric care products include, but are not limited to, fabric conditioner, laundry detergent liquid, laundry detergent pods or capsules, ironing aids, wrinkle treatments, clothing fragrances, stain removal liquids, carpet cleaners, washing machine cleaning solution, and fabric brightening solutions.

[0067] In one aspect, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent. Although the ingredients in laundry detergents can vary depending on whether the product is a liquid, pod, or capsule, many of the ingredients remain consistent among all of the laundry detergent product formulations.

[0068] Therefore, in another embodiment, the laundry detergent can contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, dyes, hueing dyes, chelants, stabilizers, radical scavengers, perfumes, fluorescent whitening agents, suds-supressors, soil-suspension polymers, soil release polymers, dye-transfer inhibitors, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, washing or cleaning adjuvants, and other polymers.

[0069] Particularly suitable surfactants used in laundry detergents include nonionic surfactants, such as alkoxylate fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, such as beta-n-alkylaminopropionic acids, n-alkyl-beta-iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates, amine oxides, sultaines, betaines, phosphocholines, proprionates, di-propionates, sodium cocamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 3-[(3- Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1 -propanesulfonate (CHAPS), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPtdCho), sodium lauroamphocetate, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0070] Particularly suitable enzymes used in laundry detergents include proteases, amylases, cellulose enzymes, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases, subtilisin, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] Particularly suitable hueing dyes used in laundry detergents include Basic Violet 3 (Cl 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (Cl 426000), both commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[0072] Particularly suitable chelants used in laundry detergents include DTPA, HEDP, DTPMP, a citrate, EDTA, IDS, dipicolinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0073] Particularly suitable radical scavengers used in laundry detergents include trimethoxybenzoic acid.

[0074] Particularly suitable fluorescent whitening agents used in laundry detergents include Tinopal CBS-X.

[0075] Particularly suitable suds suppressors used in laundry detergents include non-fatty acid suds suppressors, such as silica / silicone, silicone oil, alcohols such as branched alcohols, dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0076] Particularly suitable soil suspension polymers used in laundry detergents include PEI ethoxylate, HDMA diquate ethoxylates, sulfonated derivates, and hydrophobically modified copolymers.

[0077] Particularly suitable soil release polymers used in laundry detergents include PET alkoxylate short block copolymer.

[0078] Particularly suitable dye transfer inhibitors and dye fixatives included in laundry detergents include polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, copolymers of N-viny-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.

[0079] Particularly suitable fabric softening additives used in laundry detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, bentonite, silicones, cationic silicones, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] Particularly suitable rheology modifiers used in laundry detergents include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan, and trihydroxystearin.

[0081] Particularly suitable wash or cleaning adjuvants used in laundry detergents include ethanol amine citrate, ethanol amine laurate, ethanol amine palmitate, ethanol amine oleate, ethanol amine stearate, C16 to C18 fatty acids, C18 unsaturated fatty acids, pentasodium pentetate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmitate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium stearate, and mixtures thereof.

[0082] Particularly suitable stabilizers and blending aids used in laundry detergents include calcium formate, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, an alcohol, ethanol amine, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, monoethanol amine citrate, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium formate, sodim silicate, trimethylsiloxy silicate, or mixtures thereof.

[0083] Hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, cleaning creams, floor cleaners, and furniture care products.

[0084] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a general purpose cleaner. The general purpose cleaner may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, emulsifiers, pH adjusters, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in general purpose cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and decyl glucoside. Particularly suitable solvents used in general purpose cleaners include isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in general purpose cleaners include polysorbate 20 and alcohol ethoxylates i.e. (C9-C11) Alkyl alcohol, ethoxylate. Particularly suitable pH adjusters used in general purpose cleaners include citric acid and sodium hydroxide.

[0085] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a bathroom cleaner. The bathroom cleaner may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, acid compounds, surfactants, fragrance, and thickeners. Particularlysuitable acid compounds used in bathroom cleaners include hydrochloric acid and citric acid.

[0086] In yet another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a kitchen cleaner. The kitchen cleaner may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, solvents, degreasers, fragrance, and antimicrobial agents. Particularly suitable degreasers used in kitchen cleaners include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0087] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a cleaning cream. The cleaning cream may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive agent, surfactants, emollients, and fragrance. Particularly suitable abrasive agents used in cleaning creams include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable emollients used in cleaning creams include glycerin.

[0088] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, fragrance, and pH adjusters.

[0089] Dishwashing liquids include, but are not limited to, hand wash liquid, machine dish wash liquid, dishwash capsules, rise aid, and dish washing cleaning solution.

[0090] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a hand dish wash liquid. The hand dish wash liquid may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, solvents, and fragrance. Particularly suitable surfactants used in hand dish wash liquid include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in hand dish wash liquids include glycerin. Particularly suitable solvents used in hand dish wash liquids include isopropyl alcohol.

[0091] In another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a machine dish wash liquid. The machine dish wash liquid may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, antiredeposition agents, and rinse aids. Particularly suitable enzymes used in machine dish wash liquids include protease and amylase. Particularly suitable builders used in machine dish wash liquids include sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. Particularly suitable bleaching agents used in machine dishwash liquids include sodium percarbonate. Particularly suitable antiredeposition agents used in machine dish was liquids include polyacrylate.

[0092] In yet another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwash capsule or pod. The dishwashing capsule or pod may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, rinse aid, and solvents. Particularly suitable solvents used in dishwash capsules or pods include PEG-75 and PEG-150.

[0093] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a rinse aid. The rinse aid may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, acidifiers, chelating agents, and anti-foaming agents. Particularly suitable acidifiers used in the rinse aid include citric acid. Particularly suitable chelating agents used in the rinse aid include tetrasodium EDTA.

[0094] Toilet care products include, but are not limited to, toilet cleaners and toilet fresheners.

[0095] In one aspect, the toilet care product is a toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner may contain the preservation composition of the present disclosure, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, surfactants, thickeners, fragrance, colorants, corrosion inhibitors, bleaching agents, thickening agents, solvents, and antibacterial agents. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the toilet cleaners include sodium lauryl sulfate and alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the toilet cleaners include xanthan gum and sodium chloride. Particularly suitable thickening agents used in the toilet cleaners include sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate. Particularly suitable solvents used in the toilet cleaners include isopropanol.

[0096] Within these various types of products, the preservation composition and the base composition can be formulated differently depending on the function of the end-use product. For instance, the preservation composition of the present disclosure can be used in emulsions (both oil-in-water and water-in-oil), in aqueous solutions, in PIT (phase inversion temperature) emulsions, in oily solutions, in foaming cosmetic formulations (foams), and in so-called multiple emulsions, e.g. in triple emulsions (such as water / oil / water emulsions).

[0097] The base composition of the present disclosure can also be formulated as a liquid, a semi-solid, or a solid in forms such as creams, gels, liquids orlotions. The liquid, semi-solid, and solid base compositions can be used in hair care products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, hair tonic, hair gel, hair dressings, hair grooming aids and other hair care preparations; shaving applications such as shaving cream, aftershave lotions, and other shaving applications; personal cleaners for the body and hands, such as liquid bath soaps and detergents; fragrance preparations, such as perfumes, after bath splashes, and other similar fragrant preparations, skin care products, such as moisturizers, creams, and lotions and other similar skin care products, make-up products, such as mascara, base foundations and the like; make-up removal products, sun care products, indoor tanning products and other similar personal care products. One particular use of the present preservation composition is to be incorporated into wiping solutions for premoistened wipes. The premoistened wipes can be used for personal cleaning and hygiene, such as baby wipes, wet toilet wipes, make-up removal wipes and exfoliating wipes the like.

[0098] When the preservation composition is used to saturate premoistened wipes, the preservation composition serves to preserve the premoistened wipe formulation and the wipe prior to use. Once the premoistened wipe composition is formulated, the premoistened wipe composition is applied to a substrate.

[0099] For example, the pre-moistened wipe can be a single use wipe that is impregnated with the formulation or wiping solution and is stored in a container that will dispense the wipe to a user. The container with the wipes may contain a single wipe, or several wipes.

[0100] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and nonwoven materials.Essentially any nonwoven web material may be used. Exemplary nonwoven materials may include, but are not limited to meltblown, coform, spunbond, airlaid, airlaced, hydroentangled nonwovens, spunlace, bonded carded webs, and laminates thereof. The fibers used to prepare the wipe substrate may be cellulosic fiber, thermoplastic fibers and mixtures thereof. The fibers may also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, staple fibers and mixtures thereof. Basis weights of the nonwoven web may vary from about 12 grams per square meter to 200 grams per square meter (gsm) or more.

[0101] Once incorporated into the substrate, the resulting wiping product can have a weight ratio of liquid to substrate of from about 8:1 to about 1 :1 , such as from about 5: 1 to about 2:1.

[0102] The composition disclosed herein may be added to various types of industrial formulations or products. For instance, the industrial formulation or product may include, but are not limited to, paints, coatings, varnishes, sealing compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coating agents, plasters, adhesives, sealants, caulks, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizes, or agricultural pesticide formulations.

[0103] As demonstrated, the composition can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products, such as personal care or home care products or industrial products.

[0104] Typically, the composition of the present disclosure may be added to an end-use formulation to be preserved in an amount from about 0.0001 % to about 15% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.005% to about 12% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.01 % to about 10% by weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the formulation, or any range therebetween. More particularly, the composition may be added to an end-use formulation or product in an amount from about 0.1 % to about 5.0% by weight of the formulation.

[0105] In one aspect, the levulinic acid may be present in the composition of the industrial product or the personal care or home care product in an amount less than about 1000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 250 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 100 ppm, even such as in an amount less than 50 ppm. The levulinic acid may be present in the composition, for instance, of the industrial product or the personal care or home care product in an amount greater than about 1 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 5 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 10 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 10 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 15 ppm, such as in an amount greater than 20 ppm, even such as in an amount greater than about 25 ppm.

[0106] The preceding description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0107] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention is related.

[0108] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises”. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in biocidal compositions.

[0109] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, percentages, and so forth, as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that may depend on the desired properties sought and / or limits of detection under standard test conditions / methods. When directly and explicitly distinguishing embodiments from discussed prior art, the embodiment numbers are not approximates unless the word “about” is recited.

[0110] The term “about” is intended to mean approximately, in the region of, roughly, or around. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. Unless otherwise indicated, it should be understood that the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of theclaims, numerical parameters should be read in light of the number of reported significant digits and the application of ordinary rounding techniques.

[0111] The term “antimicrobial” as used herein refers to any chemical compound that prevents the growth of organisms on a coating surface and / or that prevents the growth of organisms “in-can” in a paint or coating prior to surface application or in HPC products or an industrial formulation.

[0112] This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0113] Furthermore, certain aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood according to the following examples, which are intended to be nonlimiting and exemplary in nature. Moreover, it will be understood that the compositions described in the examples may be substantially free of any substance not expressly described.Example No. 1

[0114] Levulinic acid was obtained from three different commercial sources and combined with water in order to conduct a low freezing point test. In particular, levulinic acid was combined with different amounts of water and stored at - 20°C for 10-12 hours.

[0115] The following samples were formulated.Sample No. 1 : Levulinic acid obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Lot A) in DI water.Sample No. 2: Levulinic acid obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Lot B) in DI water.Sample No. 3: Levulinic acid obtained from Troy in DI waterSample No. 4: Levulinic acid obtained from Troy in hard water

[0116] 20 mL of each sample was placed in a glass vial and stored at -20°C. The water concentration in each sample varied between 50% and 100%. Three replicates are reported for Sample No. 1 , three replicates are reportedfor Sample No. 2, two replicates are reported for Sample No. 3, and two replicates are reported for Sample No. 4 as shown below after being tested. The following results were obtained:Example No. 2

[0117] In this example, aqueous levulinic acid samples were formulated and tested for a low freezing point. In a first set of experiments, 30 grams of each sample were placed in a glass container. In a second set of experiments, 30 gram samples of levulinic acid and water were placed in plastic containers made from high density polyethylene.

[0118] Water was combined with levulinic acid in the following weight percents: 72%, 74%, 76%, 78%, 80%, 82%, 84%, 86%, and 88%. Consequently, nine samples were tested and produced in glass containers and nine samples were produced and tested in plastic containers.

[0119] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the results. The samples are displayed in descending concentration of levulinic acid from 72 wt.% to 88 wt.%.

[0120] The samples were stored at -20°C for 96 hours. As shown in FIG. 1, the samples containing water in an amount from 74 wt.% to 84 wt.% remained a pure liquid after testing. Water in an amount of 72% by weight, 86% by weight, and 88% by weight produced solids.

[0121] FIG. 2 illustrates the results in plastic containers. Levulinic acid and water samples containing water in an amount from 74% by weight to 88% by weight remained completely in the liquid phase after 96 hours of storage at - 20°C.

[0122] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed:

1. A liquid composition comprising: levulinic acid and water, the levulinic acid being present in the liquid composition in an amount of from about 70% by weight to about 90% by weight, wherein, when tested according to a low freezing point test, all the content of the composition remains in a liquid phase after being exposed to a -20°C temperature: and wherein the composition is substantially free of antifreezing agents.

2. A liquid composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein all the content of the composition remains in a liquid phase after 30 grams of the composition is exposed to a -20°C temperature for 96 hours.

3. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 74% by weight to about 88% by weight.

4. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 74% by weight to about 86% by weight.

5. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 76% by weight to about 84% by weight.

6. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid composition contains water and levulinic acid in an amount greater than about 98% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99.5% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99.8% by weight.

7. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid composition does not contain glycerin.

8. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition does not contain a glycol, such as propylene glycol.

9. A liquid composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition does not contain a diol, such as propane diol.

10. A home care or personal care product comprising the composition as defined in any of the preceding claims.11 . The home care or personal care product as defined in claim 10, wherein the home care or personal care product comprises hand-dish soaps, machine dish soaps, machine dish rinse-aids, laundry detergents, laundry fabric conditioners, clothing fragrance and / or wrinkle treatments, ironing aids, cleaning wipes, or all-purpose cleaners.

12. A home care or personal care product as defined in claim 10, wherein the home care or personal care product comprises a shampoo, skin lotion, shower gel, deodorant, bubble bath, bath oil, cream, baby product, liquid soap, hair gel, hair conditioner, hair conditioning mask, hair styling product, make-up, sunscreen, colour cosmetic, toothpaste, mouthwash or a premoistened wipe.

13. A home care or personal care product as defined in claim 10, wherein the home care or personal care product contains the levulinic acid in an amount of from about 0.01 % by weight to about 5% by weight, such as from about 0.08% by weight to about 3% by weight.

14. A method for preserving a formulation against microbiological growth in a home care, a personal care product, or an aqueous raw material for addition into a home care or personal care product comprising the step of adding the composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 10 to said home care or personal care product or aqueous raw material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the home care or personal care product comprises hand-dish soaps, machine dish soaps, machine dish rinse-aids, laundry detergents, laundry fabric conditioners, clothing fragrance and / or wrinkle treatments, ironing aids, cleaning wipes, or all-purpose cleaners.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the home care or personal care product comprises a shampoo, skin lotion, shower gel, deodorant, bubble bath, bath oil, cream, baby product, liquid soap, hair gel, hair conditioner, hair conditioning mask, hair styling product, make-up, sunscreen, colour cosmetic, toothpaste, mouthwash.

17. A method as defined in any of claims 14 through 16, wherein the personal care composition contains the levulinic acid in an amount of from about 0.01 % by weight to about 5% by weight, such as from about 0.08% by weight to about 3% by weight.

18. A method of preparing a liquid composition comprising: combining levulinic acid and water to form a liquid composition in the absence of antifreezing agents, the levulinic acid being present in the liquid composition in an amount of from about 70% by weight to about 90% by weight, and wherein the levulinic acid and water are combined at a ratio such that, when tested according to a low freezing point test, all the content of the composition remains in a liquid phase after being exposed to a -20°C temperature.

19. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein all the content of the composition remains in a liquid phase after 30 grams of the composition is exposed to a -20°C temperature for 96 hours.

20. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 74% by weight to about 88% by weight of the liquid composition.21 . A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 74% by weight to about 86% by weight of the liquid composition.

22. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the levulinic acid is present in an amount of from about 76% by weight to about 84% by weight of the liquid composition.

23. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the liquid composition contains water and levulinic acid in an amount greater than about 98% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99.5% by weight, such as in an amount of greater than about 99.8% by weight.

24. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the liquid composition does not contain glycerin, a diol, or a glycol.

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