Detergent composition

Abstract

A detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non- biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Description

[0001] Detergent Composition

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention relates to a detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, to methods and uses of such compositions and to products comprising such compositions, preferably in the field of household care. Most preferably, the present invention may be directed to the field of laundry (including machine washing and hand-washing of laundry).

[0004] Background

[0005] Household detergents are ubiquitous and vary widely in composition. Many household detergents comprise compounds derived from non-renewable feedstocks and / or which degrade poorly in the environment. This can cause issues due to pollution of wastewater, for example from washing machines.

[0006] To address these issues, household detergents, such as laundry detergents, comprising biosurfactants have been provided. However, household detergents comprising biosurfactants typically do not perform well in terms of washing ability, particularly at desirable lower washing temperatures, when compared to conventional surfactants.

[0007] Environmentally sustainable options for household detergents, in particular for laundry detergents, which perform more effectively are therefore desirable. Additionally, washing at a lower temperature (especially in the field of laundry) is generally considered to be preferable from an environmental perspective. Therefore, products which wash effectively at lower temperatures (such as at room temperature, for example 20 to 30°C) are also advantageous.

[0008] It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide detergent compositions which may be more effective than, address issues with, or provide an alternative to, existing detergent compositions, especially compared to existing detergent compositions comprising one or more biosurfactants. For example, the present invention may provide detergent compositions comprising a biosurfactant which demonstrate effective cleaning alongside reduced environmental impact.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The inventors have surprisingly found that the detergent composition of the invention effects comparable or improved cleaning compared to alternative detergent compositions that comprise one or more biosurfactants, including at low temperatures (such as room temperature). Biosurfactants have a very high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) of up to 100% and completely biodegrade, improving the sustainability profile of the detergent composition. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning an article, wherein the method comprises contacting the article with the detergent composition according to the first aspect.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a detergent composition according to the first aspect to provide cleaning to an article.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a product comprising a detergent composition according to the first aspect and packaging.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a detergent composition according to the first aspect, the method comprising admixing the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more primary non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein the detergent composition comprises at least 12% by weight of the one or more primary non-biological surfactants based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the combined content of the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more primary non-biological surfactants is greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0016] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims have the meanings set out below.

[0018] The term "hydrocarbyl" is used in its ordinary sense, which is well-known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, it refers to a group having a carbon atom directly attached to the remainder of the molecule and having predominantly hydrocarbon character. The terms “alkyl” and “alkenyl” include both straight and branched chain alkyl and alkenyl groups respectively unless otherwise stated.

[0019] The term “aryl” as used herein relates to an organic radical derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by removal of one hydrogen, and includes any monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic carbon ring of up to 7 members in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic.

[0020] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the components) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components. The term “consisting essentially of’ or “consists essentially of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components except for components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect of the invention. The term “consisting of’ or “consists of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components.

[0022] Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term “comprises” or “comprising” may also be taken to include the meaning “consists essentially of’ or “consisting essentially of’, and also may also be taken to include the meaning “consists of’ or “consisting of’.

[0023] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts of percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear.

[0024] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.70 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1 .0 to 5.0 includes both 1 .0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein.

[0025] The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each exemplary aspect of the invention, as set out herein are also applicable to any other aspects or exemplary aspects of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each aspect or embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different aspects of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and / or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0026] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0027] The detergent composition of the first aspect comprises one or more biosurfactants.

[0028] By the term “biosurfactant” we mean a surfactant that is produced by microorganisms, for example which may be a product of a fermentation process. Typically, a biosurfactant is generated as a metabolic product during bacterial, fungal or algal fermentation, and the metabolic product may be further derivatised. Thus, references herein to a biosurfactant refer to biosurfactants that are direct metabolic products of bacterial, fungal or algal fermentation, as well as derivatives of the direct metabolic products. Similarly, references herein to a specific biosurfactant also refer to derivatives of that biosurfactant unless otherwise stated.

[0029] References herein to one or more biosurfactants include mixtures of different biosurfactants when more than one biosurfactant is used.

[0030] The use of biosurfactants in the composition, method and use of the invention is advantageous, because biosurfactants are natural products, are generated in a sustainable way, are environmentally benign and typically have low toxicity.

[0031] Biosurfactants are typically classified in four categories as polymeric biosurfactants, lipopeptides (or also called proteo-lipids), phospholipids and glycolipids. The one or more biosurfactants may be a complex mixture of biosurfactants. The one or more biosurfactants may be independently selected from one or more of a glycolipid, a lipopeptide, a phospholipid and a polymeric biosurfactant. Preferably the one or more biosurfactants are one or more glycolipids. Biosurfactants may comprise one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. Suitably biosurfactants useful in the invention comprise one or more fatty acid residues.

[0032] The one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues that may be present in the biosurfactants may be the same or different and may be derived from any suitable fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol, preferably from a naturally occurring fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol. Fatty acid residues are mostly derived from natural plant oils in the form of triglycerides. For example, biocatalysts may hydrolyse lipid esters in natural plant oils forming fatty acids and glycerol. Suitably, the fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues may comprise a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbyl group.

[0033] The fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues that may be present in the biosurfactants may comprise from 4 to 50 carbon atoms, for example from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably from 12 to 22, or from 14 to 20 or from 16 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferred biosurfactants may therefore comprise residues of fatty acids derived from oleic acid, hydroxy substituted oleic acid (such as ricinoleic acid), palmitic acid and vegetable oils (such as sunflower, corn, soya, safflower oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel, coconut oil and rapeseed oil).

[0034] Any suitable biosurfactant(s) may be used. For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be independently selected from one or more of a glycolipid, a lipopeptide, a phospholipid and a polymeric biosurfactant (and mixtures thereof). For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be a glycolipid and a lipopeptide, or may be a glycolipid, a lipopeptide and a phospholipid, or may be two different glycolipids and so on.

[0035] The one or more biosurfactants may each have any suitable molecular weight, such as a molecular weight of from 200 to 3000 g mol-1, for example from 250 to 2000 g mol-1, such as from 500 to 1500 g mol-1.

[0036] The one or more biosurfactants may preferably be one or more glycolipids. Glycolipids comprise one or more carbohydrate residues in addition to the one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. The carbohydrate and fatty acid / fatty alcohol residues are joined either by means of a linker group or a direct bond, for example via an ester, amide or ether (for example glycosidic) bond.

[0037] Suitable glycolipids may comprise one or more carbohydrate residues selected from rhamnose, trehalose, sophorose, mannose, galactose, glucose, cellobiose, glucosamine, sulfoquinovose, fructose, xylose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, erythritol and / or mannitol residues. For example, the one or more carbohydrate residues may be selected from rhamnose, trehalose, sophorose, mannose, erythritol, galactose, cellobiose and / or glucose residues. Preferably, the one or more carbohydrate residues may be selected from rhamnose, trehalose, sophorose, mannose and / or erythritol residues. More preferably, the one or more carbohydrate residues may be selected from sophorose and / or rhamnose residues. Most preferably, the one or more carbohydrate residues may be sophorose residues.

[0038] Suitable glycolipids may be selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid, a trehalolipid, a sophorolipid, a mannosylerythritol lipid, a glycolipid produced by Meyerozama guilliermondii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Candida bombicola and / or Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus (including mixtures thereof).

[0039] For example, suitable glycolipids may be selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid, a trehalolipid, a sophorolipid and a mannosylerythritol lipid (including mixtures thereof). Suitably, the one or more glycolipids are one or more sophorolipids.

[0040] For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid, a trehalolipid, a sophorolipid and a mannosylerythritol lipid (including mixtures thereof). The one or more biosurfactants may be selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid and a sophorolipid (including mixtures thereof). Prefably, the one or more biosurfactants are one or more sophorolipids.

[0041] Rhamnolipids comprise a rhamnose residue. Examples of suitable rhamnolipids may include those produced by species of Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus and / or Serratia, for example those produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cepacia, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and / or Serratia rubidaea.

[0042] Trehalolipids comprise a trehalose residue. Examples of suitable trehalolipids may include those produced by species of Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Starmerella, Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium and / or Candida, for example those produced by Rhodococcus erythropolis, Nocardia farcinica and / or Candida bombicola (also known as Starmerella bombicola).

[0043] Sophorolipids comprise a sophorose residue. Examples of suitable sophorolipids may include those produced by species of Candida, Starmerella and / or Cutaneotrichosporon, for example those produced by Candida sphaerica, Starmerella bombicola and / or Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides. Suitable sophorolipids may exist in the “lactonic” form wherein a fatty acid residue is bonded separately to each ring of the sophorose residue to form a lactonic macrocycle. When the fatty acid residue is not bonded to a sophorose residue this may be known as the “acidic” form. Suitable sophorolipids may have a molar ratio of acidic to lactonic form in the range 99:1 to 1 :99, for example in the range 50:50 to 60:40. Suitable sophorolipids may have a molar ratio of acidic to lactonic form of 70:30. Suitably, greater than 60%, for example greater than 70%, preferably greater than 80%, more preferably greater than 90%, of the sophorolipids may comprise an unsaturated fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residue. Mannosylerythritol lipids comprise a mannose residue and an erythritol residue, preferably joined by an ether bond. Examples of suitable mannosylerythritol lipids may include those produced by species of Pseudozyma and / or Ustilago, for example Pseudozyma aphidis or Pseudozyma antarctica.

[0044] The one or more biosurfactants may be lipopeptides. Lipopeptides comprise one or more peptide residues in addition to the one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. The one or more peptide residues may be cyclic peptide residues. Suitable lipopeptides may include surfactins, lichenysins, and / or those produced by Pseudomonas azotoformans, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Virgibacillus salaries, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilius or Halomonas species.

[0045] Surfactins may be produced by Bacillus species, such as B. subtillis or B. nealsonii.

[0046] Lichenysins may be produced by Bacillus species, such as B. licheniformis.

[0047] For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be independently selected from surfactin and lichenysin (including mixtures thereof).

[0048] The one or more biosurfactants may be phospholipids. Phospholipids comprise one or more phosphate groups in addition to the one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. Phospholipids may further comprise a linker group joining the one or more phosphate groups and the one or more fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. Suitable linker groups may for example comprise an alcohol residue such as glycerol or sphingosine. Suitable phospholipids include those produced by species of Acinetobacter and / or Acidithiobacillus, for example Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.

[0049] The one or more biosurfactants may be polymeric biosurfactants. Polymeric biosurfactants are biopolymers (e.g. polysaccharides, polypeptides) comprising fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues.

[0050] Suitable polymeric biosurfactants include cellulose, guar, diutan, starch, chitin, chitosan, glycogen, xanthan, dextran, dextrin, welan, gellan, pullulan, pectin, scleroglucan, schizophyllan, levan, locust bean gum, peptidoglycan, tara, konjak, tamarind, starch, karaya, tragacanth, carrageenan, glycan, succinoglycan, glucan, scleroglucan, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, inulin, alginates, amylose, amylopectin, liposan, rufisan, emulsan, lipomanan and / or alasan. Polymeric biosurfactants may include those produced by species of Candida and / or Acinetobacter, for example Candida lipolytica, Acinetobacter Iwoffi and / or Acinetobacter radioresistens.

[0051] For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be selected from one or more of liposan, rufisan, emulsan and alasan (including mixtures thereof). For example, the one or more biosurfactants may be selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid, a trehalolipid, a sophorolipid, a mannosylerythritol lipid, surfactin, lichenysin, liposan, rufisan, emulsan and alasan (including mixtures thereof).

[0052] Biosurfactants useful in the invention may be those produced by species of Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus, Serratia, Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Candida, Starmerella, Cutaneotrichosporon, Pseudozyma, Meyerozyma, Saccharomyces, Marinobacter, Bacillus, Lactobacillus Virgibacillus, Halomonas, Thiobacillus, Acidithiobacillus, Klebsiella, Alcanivorax, Arthrobacter, Rhodotorula, Tsukamurella, Ustilago, Sphingomonas, Mycobacterium, Streptomyces, Gluconobacter, Aspergillus and / or Acinetobacter.

[0053] The biosurfactants that are produced by a specific micro-organism may vary depending on the feedstock used and other variables in the growth conditions (e.g. temperature, pH, agitation and dissolved oxygen). Preferably, feedstocks comprise carbohydrates and / or lipids. Preferred lipid feedstocks are in the form of triglycerides. The feedstocks may comprise agricultural and / or industrial waste, for example vegetable oils, animal or vegetable fats, cooking oil waste, whey, glycerol, and / or combinations thereof. Biosurfactants suitable for the invention are preferably produced by micro-organisms from feedstock comprising carbohydrate and one or more lipids. More preferably, they are produced from feedstock comprising carbohydrate and one or more of vegetable oils (for example rapeseed, palm, sunflower, corn, soya and / or safflower oils), animal fats and vegetable fats. Most preferably, the biosurfactants are produced from feedstock comprising carbohydrate and one or more vegetable oils (for example rapeseed, palm, sunflower, corn, soya and / or safflower oils).

[0054] Biosurfactants useful in the invention may be recovered from the fermentation broth before use by known recovery methods. For example, the biosurfactants may be recovered by precipitation, filtration (including ultrafiltration), adsorption to solid supports, centrifugation, chromatography (e.g. ionexchange chromatography), foam fractionation, liquid-liquid extraction, and / or gravity separation (decanting).

[0055] Biosurfactants useful in the invention may be used as crude extracts, or they may undergo further purification and / or derivatisation before use.

[0056] Where biosurfactants are further purified, this may involve one or more purification techniques available to the skilled person, for example chromatographic techniques, ultrafiltration or washing with a suitable solvent (which solvent may be polar or non-polar).

[0057] Where biosurfactants are further derivatised, this may comprise derivatisation of the fatty acid and / or fatty alcohol residues. Where the fatty acid or fatty alcohol residue has an unsaturated alkyl group, suitable methods for derivatisation of the fatty acid or fatty alcohol residue include mild reductive, strong reductive or oxidative ozonolysis with sodium periodate (resulting in a dialdehyde, diol or diacid respectively); dihydroxylation, for example with OsC ; epoxidation, for example with m- chloroperoxybenzoic acid; reduction, for example with H2 on a Pd / C catalyst; ring opening metathesis; treatment with HBr; or mono-hydroxylation, for example by hydroboration with an oxidative work-up.

[0058] Where the biosurfactant is a glycolipid, the carbohydrate may be derivatised at the alcohol groups by esterification (e.g. with an anhydride), carboxymethylation (e.g. with an a-chloro acid), oxidation (to e.g. aldehyde or carboxylic acid), reaction with a non-ionic epoxide (e.g. ethylene oxide, propylene oxide), reaction with a cationic epoxide (e.g. glycidyltrimethyl ammonium chloride). The carbohydrate may be further derivatised by oxidative ring opening (e.g. with a periodate) resulting in a dialdehyde.

[0059] Derivatives of biosurfactants comprising aldehyde groups may be further derivatised, for example to alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, imines and / or amines. Derivatives of biosurfactants comprising carboxylic acid groups may be further derivatised, for example to esters and / or amides. Derivatives of biosurfactants comprising 1 ,2-diol groups may be further derivatised, for example by C-C bond cleavage with periodate or peroxide, or reaction with an aldehyde.

[0060] The detergent composition of the first aspect comprises one or more non-biological surfactants.

[0061] The term “non-biological surfactant” is used herein to refer to a surfactant which is not a biosurfactant, suitably a surfactant that is not a product of a fermentation process, and which is not a soap. The term “soap” is used herein to refer to a metal or alkanolamine salt of a fatty acid.

[0062] References herein to one or more non-biological surfactants include mixtures of different non-biological surfactants when more than one non-biological surfactant is used.

[0063] The one or more non-biological surfactants may be synthetic detergents, also known as “syndets”.

[0064] Non-biological surfactants may include anionic, non-ionic, cationic and / or amphoteric non-biological surfactants.

[0065] Suitable anionic non-biological surfactants may include sulfate surfactants (such as mono- or di-alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates), sulfonate surfactants, sarcosinate surfactants, phosphate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, sulfoacetate surfactants, isethionate surfactants, taurate surfactants, amino acid surfactants such as glutamates, alaninates and glycinates, and lactylate surfactants. Suitable exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, may be metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts (such as alkylamine and alkanolamine salts). Particularly exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium, triethylamine and alkanolamine salts (such as monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, isopropylamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine salts). More particularly exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts.

[0066] The phrase “metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts” refers to salts having a metal cation or an optionally substituted ammonium cation, as defined herein.

[0067] By “optionally substituted ammonium cation”, we mean to refer to an ammonium cation wherein the nitrogen atom may be substituted with from 1 to 4 optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups.

[0068] Whilst amino acid surfactants may be made from components derived from fermentation the overall surfactant is not herein considered to be a biosurfactant.

[0069] Suitable phosphate surfactants include metal, ammonium or alkanolamine salts of alkyl phosphate esters and alkoxylate phosphate esters.

[0070] Suitable sulfate surfactants include hydrocarbyl sulfates, such as alkyl sulfates, alkenyl sulfates and fatty alcohol sulfates (or fatty alcohol ether sulfates) as disclosed herein.

[0071] Suitable sulfonate surfactants include alkali metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts of alkyl sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates and / or alpha-olefin sulfonates as disclosed herein.

[0072] Suitable sarcosinate surfactants include acyl sarcosinates and salts thereof (such as metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts), such as salts of lauroyl sarcosinate, oleoyl sarcosinate and cocoyl sarcosinate, particularly sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium cocoyl sarcosinate.

[0073] Suitable sulfoacetate surfactants include alkyl sulfoacetates and salts thereof (such as metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts), particularly sodium alkyl sulfoacetates, for example sodium lauryl sulfoacetate.

[0074] Suitable glutamate surfactants include acyl glutamates and salts thereof (such as metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts), such as sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium oleoyl glutamate and sodium cocoyl glutamate.

[0075] Suitable glycinate surfactants include acyl glycinates, and salts thereof (such as metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts), such as sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium myristoyl glycinate, sodium oleoyl glycinate and sodium lauroyl glycinate.

[0076] Suitable alaninate surfactants include acyl alaninates, and salts thereof (such as metal or optionally substituted ammonium salts), such as sodium cocoyl alaninate and sodium lauroyl alaninate. Suitable sulfosuccinates include alkyl sulfosuccinates and alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, such as C1-C10 alkyl sulfosuccinates and C1-C10 alkyl ether sulfosuccinates (for example disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate).

[0077] Suitable lactylates include alkali salts of acyl lactylates, such as sodium lauroyl lactylate.

[0078] Suitable isethionate surfactants include compounds of the formula (I) (also known as non-alkylated acyl isethionates): wherein R1represents an optionally substituted C4-C36 hydrocarbyl group; and M+represents a cation.

[0079] Further suitable isethionate surfactants are compounds of the formula (II) (also known as acyl alkyl isethionates): wherein R2represents an optionally substituted C4-C36 hydrocarbyl group, R3, R4, R5and R6each independently represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, provided that at least one of R3, R4, R5and R6is not hydrogen; and Mi+represents a cation.

[0080] Preferably in the compounds of formula (II) one of the groups R3, R4, R5and R6represents an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and the remaining groups represent hydrogen.

[0081] Compounds of formula (II) may be present as an isomeric mixture. Such a mixture may include, for example, a compound in which R3is an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and R4, R5and R6are all hydrogen and a compound in which R6is an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and R3, R4and R5are all hydrogen.

[0082] When any of R3, R4, R5and R6represents an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, the alkyl group is preferably n-propyl, ethyl or methyl, such as ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl. Preferably in the compounds of formula (II), R3represents a methyl group and R4, R5and R6all represent hydrogen. Most preferably, in the compounds of formula (II), R5represents a methyl group and R3, R4and R6all represent hydrogen.

[0083] Suitably, in the compounds of formula (I) and (II) respectively, M+and M may each represent an optionally substituted ammonium cation or, preferably, a metal cation. Preferred ammonium cations include NHZ and the ammonium cation of triethylamine, monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine (such as NHZ and the ammonium cation of triethanolamine or triethylamine). Suitable metal cations include alkali metal cations, for example sodium, lithium and potassium cations, and alkaline earth metal cations, for example calcium and magnesium cations. Preferably in the compounds of formula (I) and (II) respectively, M+and MZ may each represent a zinc, potassium or sodium cation, most preferably a sodium cation.

[0084] The skilled person will appreciate that when M+or MZ is a divalent metal cation two moles of anion will be present for each mole of cation.

[0085] When any of the groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5and / or R6in the compounds of formula (I) and (II) are substituted, examples of suitable substituents include C1-4 alkoxy, cyano, hydroxy, oxo, halo (especially fluoro and chloro), trifluoromethyl and trifluoromethoxy.

[0086] Suitable non-ionic non-biological surfactants may include alcohol alkoxylate surfactants (such as alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer derived surfactants), aliphatic esters, aromatic esters, sugar esters, (especially sorbitan esters), glycerol esters including glycerol partial esters and glycerol triesters, fatty alcohols (such as cetearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol), alkanolamides and alkyl glucosides (including alkyl polyglucosides). Preferred non-ionic surfactants for use herein are compounds which are not ethoxylated.

[0087] Suitable alkyl glucosides may be compounds of general formula: wherein n is from 2 to 24, preferably from 5 to 17, more preferably from 9 to 13 and m is from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 2. Preferably, on average, the alkyl glucosides include 1 to 1.5, for example about 1.3 glucose units per molecule. As the skilled person will appreciate, a single molecule cannot have 1 .3 glucose units. What is meant by an average number of glucose units is the mean number of glucose units per alkyl chain as the sum of all the glucose units present in a sample divided by the total number of molecules of alkyl glucoside compound.

[0088] Examples of suitable alkyl glucosides include Ca-Ci6 alkyl, such as Ca-Ci4 alkyl, glucosides. Preferred alkyl glucosides include decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside and lauryl glucoside, most preferably decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside.

[0089] Suitable cationic non-biological surfactants may include quaternary ammonium compounds, such as dimethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)laurylammonium chloride and alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride).

[0090] Suitable amphoteric non-biological surfactants may include betaines (including sultaines or sulfo betaines), amine oxides and amphoacetates.

[0091] The non-biological surfactants may be designated herein as primary and secondary non-biological surfactants.

[0092] References herein to primary non-biological surfactants refer to taurate and amphoteric surfactants. Thus, primary non-biological surfactants include anionic surfactants when they are taurate surfactants only.

[0093] References herein to secondary non-biological surfactants refer to any non-biological surfactants other than primary non-biological surfactants as defined herein. Thus, the secondary non-biological surfactants may comprise anionic surfactants that are not taurate surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and cationic surfactants. Preferably the secondary non-biological surfactants may be selected from an anionic surfactant that is not a taurate surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0094] According to the first aspect, the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant. In other words, the detergent composition of the first aspect comprises one or more non-biological surfactants, and the one or more non-biological surfactants must comprise one or more of a taurate surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant (including mixtures thereof). The detergent composition may comprise additional non-biological surfactant(s), i.e. in addition to the one or more taurate surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, which additional non-biological surfactants are referred to herein as secondary non-biological surfactants. The primary non-biological surfactants are believed to improve washing performance of the detergent compositions that comprise one or more biological surfactants, i.e. so as to provide cleaning that at least matches the cleaning performance of a detergent composition that does not comprise a biological surfactant.

[0095] References herein to one or more taurate surfactants include mixtures of different taurate surfactants when more than one taurate surfactant is used.

[0096] Any suitable taurate surfactants) may be used. For example, suitable taurate surfactants may each be of formula (III): wherein X is hydrogen, a metal cation or an optionally substituted ammonium cation; R7represents an optionally substituted C3-C35 hydrocarbyl group; and each of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12independently represents hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group.

[0097] Suitably R7represents an optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl, C3-C35 alkenyl, C6-C12 aryl, C6-C12 aryl-Cs- C22 alkyl or C8-C22 alkyl-Ce-Ci2 aryl group.

[0098] Suitably R7represents an optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl, C3-C35 alkenyl, C6-C12 aryl or C8-C22 alkyl- C6-C12 aryl group. More suitably, R7represents an optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl or C3-C35 alkenyl group, especially an optionally substituted C3-C35 alkenyl group. Most suitably, R7represents a C3-C35 alkyl or C3-C35 alkenyl group, especially a C3-C35 alkenyl group.

[0099] Suitably R7represents a mixture of optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl, C3-C35 alkenyl, C6-C12 aryl, Ce- C12 aryl-Cs-C22 alkyl or C8-C22 alkyl-Ce-Ci2 aryl groups having differing chain lengths.

[0100] Suitably R7represents a mixture of optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl, C3-C35 alkenyl, C6-C12 aryl or Cs- C22 alkyl-Ce-Ci2 aryl groups having differing chain lengths.

[0101] For example R7may be derived from the mixture of fatty acids having differing chain lengths found in triglyceride oils for example coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, sunflower oil or rapeseed oil. Suitably R7may represent an optionally substituted C3-C35 alkyl or C3-C35 alkenyl group, such as an optionally substituted C8-C24 alkyl or C8-C24 alkenyl group, or an optionally substituted C12-C18 alkyl or C12- C18 alkenyl group.

[0102] Suitably R7may represent a C3-C35 alkyl or C3-C35 alkenyl group, such as a C8-C24 alkyl or C8-C24 alkenyl group, or a C12-C18 alkyl or C12-C18 alkenyl group.

[0103] Suitably R7may represent an optionally substituted C4-C29 alkyl group, such as an optionally substituted C7-C23 alkyl group, for example an optionally substituted C11-C23 alkyl group, preferably an optionally substituted C13-C21 alkyl group.

[0104] Suitably R7may represent an optionally substituted C4-C29 alkenyl group, such as an optionally substituted C7-C23 alkenyl group, for example an optionally substituted C11-C23 alkenyl group, preferably an optionally substituted C13-C21 alkenyl group.

[0105] Suitably R7may represent a C4-C29 alkyl group, such as a C7-C23 alkyl group, for example a C11-C23 alkyl group, preferably a C13-C21 alkyl group.

[0106] Suitably R7may represent a C4-C29 alkenyl group, such as a C7-C23 alkenyl group, for example a C11-C23 alkenyl group, preferably a C13-C21 alkenyl group.

[0107] R7is suitably provided by one or more fatty acids (i.e. one or more acids of formula R7COOH). Fatty acids obtained from natural oils often include mixtures of fatty acids. For example, the fatty acid obtained from coconut oil contains a mixture of fatty acids including C12 lauric acid, C14 myristic acid, C16 palmitic acid, Cs caprylic acid, C10 capric acid and Cis stearic and oleic acid.

[0108] R7may be provided by one or more naturally occurring fatty acids and / or of one or more synthetic fatty acids. For example, R7may consist essentially of or consist of the residue of a single fatty acid.

[0109] R7may be provided by one or more naturally occurring and / or renewable fatty acids.

[0110] Examples of carboxylic acids from which R7may be derived include coco acid, hexanoic acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosahexanoic lignoceric acid, naturally occurring fatty acids such as those obtained from coconut oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, butterfat, palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, linseed oil, peanut oil, fish oil and rapeseed oil; synthetic fatty acids made as chains of a single length or a selected distribution of chain lengths; and mixtures thereof. R7may also be derived from fatty acids obtained via fermentation or general biotechnological processes, or from waste vegetable oils. These may be obtained by chemical or enzymatic routes.

[0111] Suitably R7may be provided by oleic acid, mixed fatty acids derived from coconut oil or the mixed fatty acids derived from palm kernel oil. Suitable coconut derived feedstocks include coconut fatty acid, coconut oil, coconut oil methyl esters, virgin coconut oil, refined bleached and deodorised coconut oil, ‘distilled and topped’ hardened coconut fatty acid and methyl esters thereof. Also useful are palm oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil derived C12-C18 fatty acids (hardened and topped fatty acid) and methyl esters thereof.

[0112] R7may predominantly comprise the residue of a saturated fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms. Preferably, R7predominantly comprises the residue of an unsaturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms.

[0113] R7may be derived from the mixture of fatty acids having differing chain lengths found in rapeseed oil.

[0114] The detergent composition may comprise only a single taurate surfactant of formula (III). Alternatively, the detergent composition may comprise a mixture of two or more taurate surfactants of formula (III).

[0115] Each of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12is independently selected from hydrogen or a Ci to C4 alkyl group. When any of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12is a Ci to C4 alkyl group, the alkyl group is suitably n-propyl, ethyl or methyl, such as ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl.

[0116] Suitably, R12may be hydrogen.

[0117] Preferably, R12may be a Ci to C4 alkyl group, more preferably methyl.

[0118] Suitably each of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12may be hydrogen, i.e. the compound of formula (III) may be an acyl taurate surfactant.

[0119] Suitably, R12may be a Ci to C4 alkyl group, each of R8, R9, R10and R11may be hydrogen and the compound of formula (III) may be an acyl N-alkyl taurate surfactant. Where the compound of formula (III) is an acyl N-alkyl taurate surfactant, R12may preferably be n-propyl, ethyl or methyl. Preferably R12may be ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl. Thus the compound of formula (III) may preferably be an acyl N-methyl taurate surfactant.

[0120] Suitably, R12may be a Ci to C4 alkyl group and each of R8, R9, R10and R11may independently represent hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group wherein at least one of R8, R9, R10and R11is not hydrogen. When at least one of R8, R9, R10and R11represents an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, the alkyl group is suitably n-propyl, ethyl or methyl, such as ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl.

[0121] Preferably one of the groups R8, R9, R10and R11represents an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and the remaining groups represent hydrogen. For example, R8may represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and R9, R10and R11may all represent hydrogen. For example, R10may represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and R8, R9and R11may all represent hydrogen.

[0122] Preferably R8represents a C1-C4 alkyl group and R9, R10and R11all represent hydrogen and / or R10represents a C1-C4 alkyl group and R8, R9and R11all represent hydrogen.

[0123] Thus a mixture of compounds may be present in which either R8or R10is a C1-4 alkyl group and the remainder of R8, R9, R10and R11are hydrogen.

[0124] Most preferably R8may represent a methyl group and R9, R10and R11may all represent hydrogen or R10may represent a methyl group and R8, R9and R11may all represent hydrogen.

[0125] Suitably R12may be hydrogen and either R8or R10may be a C1-4 alkyl group, preferably methyl, and the remainder of R8, R9, R10and R11may be hydrogen.

[0126] Suitably X represents hydrogen, a metal cation or an optionally substituted ammonium cation, preferably a metal cation. By “optionally substituted ammonium cation”, we mean to refer to an ammonium cation wherein the nitrogen atom may be substituted with from 1 to 4 optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups. Suitable ammonium cations include those derived from alkyl amines and alkanolamines. Preferred ammonium cations include triethylamine, monoisopropanolamine, isopropylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and 2-amino-2-methyl-1 ,3-propanediol (AMPD) (especially monoisopropanolamine, isopropylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and 2- amino-2-methyl-1 ,3-propanediol (AMPD)). Preferred ammonium cations include NH4+and the ammonium cation of triethylamine, monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine (such as NH4+and the ammonium cation of triethanolamine).

[0127] Suitable metal cations include alkali metal cations, for example sodium, lithium and potassium cations, and alkaline earth metal cations, for example calcium and magnesium cations. Suitably, X represents hydrogen, an alkali metal cation or an optionally substituted ammonium cation. Preferably, X represents a potassium or sodium cation. Most preferably, X represents a sodium cation.

[0128] The skilled person will appreciate that when X is a divalent metal cation two moles of anion will be present for each mole of cation. Suitably the compound of formula (III) may comprise the reaction product of N-methyl methyl taurine and one or more fatty acids, that is a compound of formula R7CONR12CHR8CHR10SO3X in which R12is methyl and in which one of R8and R10is methyl and the other is hydrogen. Mixtures of these isomers may be present.

[0129] Compounds of formula (III) may be present as a mixture of more than one taurate surfactant of formula (III). For example, an isomeric mixture of N-alkyl alkyl taurate surfactants may be present. Such a mixture may include, for example an N-alkyl alkyl taurate surfactant in which R8represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (suitably methyl) and R9, R10and R11are all hydrogen and an N-alkyl alkyl taurate surfactant in which R10represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (suitably methyl) and R8, R9and R11are all hydrogen.

[0130] In particular, the compound of formula (III) may comprise a mixture of isomers, that is a compound of formula R7CONR12CH2CHR10SO3X in which R10represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (preferably methyl) and a compound of formula R7CONR12CHR8CH2SO3X in which R8represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (preferably methyl).

[0131] Suitably such mixtures comprise at least 90% of compounds in which R8is methyl and R10is hydrogen and at most 10% of compounds in which R8is hydrogen and R10is methyl.

[0132] The one or more taurate surfactants may each be of the formula (III) wherein X is a metal ion; R7represents an optionally substituted C13-C21 hydrocarbyl group; and each of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12independently represents hydrogen or methyl.

[0133] Preferably, the one or more taurate surfactants are each of the formula (III) wherein X is a metal ion; R7represents an optionally substituted C13-C21 hydrocarbyl group; R8and R10each independently represent hydrogen or methyl, provided that one of R8and R10represents hydrogen; R9and R11each represent hydrogen; and R12represents hydrogen or methyl.

[0134] Most preferably, the detergent composition comprises a taurate of formula (III) wherein X is a metal ion, such as sodium; R7represents an unsubstituted C17 alkenyl group; R8, R9, R10and R11represent hydrogen and R12represents methyl. For example, this may be sodium N-methyl oleoyl taurate.

[0135] Preferred taurate surfactants include one or more taurate surfactants of formula (III) selected from sodium lauroyl taurate, sodium cocoyl taurate, sodium oleoyl taurate, sodium myristoyl taurate, sodium N-methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium N-methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium N-methyl oleoyl taurate, sodium N- methyl myristoyl taurate, sodium N-methyl methyl lauroyl taurate, sodium N-methyl methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium N-methyl methyl oleoyl taurate and sodium N-methyl methyl myristoyl taurate. Especially preferred taurate surfactants are sodium N-methyl oleoyl taurate and sodium N-methyl cocoyl taurate. Sodium N-methyl oleoyl taurate is most preferred.

[0136] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may include one or more amphoteric surfactants.

[0137] References herein to one or more amphoteric surfactants includes mixtures of different amphoteric surfactants when more than one amphoteric surfactant is used.

[0138] Any suitable amphoteric surfactant may be used. For example, suitable amphoteric surfactants include betaines (including sultaines or sulfo betaines), amine oxides and amphoacetates. Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from a betaine surfactant and / or an amine oxide surfactant (including mixtures thereof).

[0139] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more betaine surfactants.

[0140] A suitable betaine may be a betaine (or amido betaine when n is 1) of the formula (IV): wherein R13represents a C5-30 alkyl or C5-30 alkenyl group, R14and R15are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; m is 2 to 4; n is 0 or 1 ; Z is alkylene of 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl; and Y is -CO2" or -SOs".

[0141] Preferably R13is a C9-C20 alkyl or C9-C20 alkenyl group. R13may be a mixture of alkyl groups. Suitably at least half, preferably at least three quarters, of the groups R13by mole have 9 to 14 carbon atoms based on the total moles of betaine present.

[0142] R13may be a mixture of alkyl groups derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.

[0143] R14and R15are preferably methyl.

[0144] A suitable betaine may be an alkyl betaine of the formula (V):

[0145] R14

[0146] R13-N— CH2CO2

[0147] R15

[0148] (V) wherein R13, R14and R15are as defined previously. The one or more betaine surfactants preferably comprise one or more amido betaine surfactants of formula (VI):

[0149] 0 R14

[0150] 131 1H L

[0151] R13-C— N— (CH2)m-N— CH2CO2

[0152] R15

[0153] (VI) wherein R13is a C5-30 alkyl or C5-30 alkenyl group, R14and R15are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and m is 2 to 4.

[0154] The betaine may comprise a sultaine (or sulfobetaine) of the formulae (VII) and / or (VIII):

[0155] R14

[0156] R13-N— (CH2)3SO3

[0157] R15

[0158] (VII); or

[0159] O R14

[0160] 13

[0161] R13-C1 1H l — N— (CH2)m— N+— (CH2)3SO3

[0162] R15

[0163] (VIII) wherein R13, R14and R15are as defined previously; and m is 2 or 3; or variants of these in which -(CH2)3SO3‘ is replaced by

[0164] Suitable betaine surfactants include one or more of alkylamido betaine; alkyl betaine; C12 / 14 alkyldimethyl betaine; cocoamidopropylbetaine; tallow bis(hydroxyethyl) betaine; hexadecyldimethylbetaine; cocodimethylbetaine; alkyl amido propyl sulfo betaine; alkyl dimethyl amine betaine; coco amido propyl dimethyl betaine; alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine betaine; cocamidopropyl betaine; lauryl betaine; laurylamidopropyl betaine; coco amido betaine; lauryl amido betaine; alkyl amino betaine; alkyl amido betaine; coco betaine; lauryl betaine; dimethicone propyl PG-betaine; oleyl betaine; N-alkyldimethyl betaine; coco biguanide derivative, Cs amido betaine; C12 amido betaine; lauryl dimethyl betaine; alkylamide propyl betaine; amido betaine; cetyl betaine; oleamidopropyl betaine; isostearamidopropyl betaine; lauramidopropyl betaine; 2-alkyl- / V-carboxymethyl- / V-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; 2- alkyl- / V-carboxyethyl- / V-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; 2-alkyl- / V-carboxymethyl- / V-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; / V-alkyl amidopropyl-A / ,A / -dimethyl-A / -(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium-betaine; / V- alkyl- / V, / V-dimethyl- / V-(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium-betaine; cocodimethyl betaine; apricotamidopropyl betaine; isostearamidopropyl betaine; myristamidopropyl betaine; palmitamidopropyl betaine; cocamidopropyl hydroxy sultaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; cocoamidosulfobetaine; alkyl amido betaine; C12 / 18 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine betaine; lauryldimethyl betaine; ricinol amidobetaine; tallow amidobetaine.

[0165] Preferably, the betaine comprises an amido betaine, most preferably a cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0166] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more amine oxide surfactants, preferably one or more alkyl or amidoalkyl dimethyl amine oxides.

[0167] The one or more amine oxide surfactants may comprise a mixture of compounds, suitably a mixture of homologues. The skilled person will understand that amines obtained from natural sources typically comprise mixtures of compounds.

[0168] The one or more amine oxide surfactants may be oxides of tertiary amines. Suitable amine oxide surfactants may be represented by formula (IX): wherein R13, R14and R15are as defined in relation to betaines, m may be 2 or 3 and n may be 1 or 0.

[0169] Suitably the amine oxide is an oxide of a tertiary alkylamine or alkenylamine having 6 to 36, preferably 6 to 30, more preferably 8 to 24, for example 10 to 20 or 12 to 18, carbon atoms.

[0170] Preferably the amine oxide surfactant comprises a mixture of C12 to C18 or 12 to C16 amine oxides.

[0171] Preferred amine oxides are lauramine oxide (N,N-dimethyllaurylamine oxide), lauryl myristyl amidoamine oxide, lauryl amidoamine oxide and cocamidopropylamine oxide (CAPAO).

[0172] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may be selected from one or more taurate surfactants, one or more betaine surfactants and one or more amine oxide surfactants (and mixtures thereof).

[0173] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more taurate surfactants and one or more amphoteric surfactants. For example, the one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more taurate surfactants and one or more betaine surfactants. For example, the one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more taurate surfactants and one or more amine oxide surfactants. For example, the one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more betaine surfactants and one or more amine oxide surfactants. For example, the one or more primary non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more taurate surfactants, one or more betaine surfactants and one or more amine oxide surfactants.

[0174] According to the first aspect, at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition are primary non-biological surfactants (i.e. are primary non-biological surfactants as defined herein). Suitably from 50 to 100 % by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition may be primary non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary non-biological surfactants as defined herein). For example, from 60 to 100 % by weight, such as from 70 to 100 % by weight, or from 80 to 100 % by weight or from 90 to 100 % by weight, of the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition may be primary non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary non- biological surfactants as defined herein). Suitably, 100 % by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition may be primary non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary non- biological surfactants as defined herein). References herein to the amounts of non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition do not include soap (which is not a non-biological surfactant as defined herein, as discussed above).

[0175] According to the first aspect, the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in the detergent composition in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. References herein to the amounts of biosurfactants and non-biological surfactants in combination do not include soap (which is not a non- biological surfactant as defined herein, as discussed above).

[0176] When the one or more non-biological surfactants in the detergent composition are not 100 % by weight primary non-biological surfactants, further non-biological surfactants may be included.

[0177] For example, the further non-biological surfactants may comprise one or more secondary non-biological surfactants as previously defined herein.

[0178] The one or more non-biological surfactants may further comprise one or more secondary non-biological surfactants selected from an anionic surfactant that is not a taurate surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0179] Suitable anionic surfactants that are not taurate surfactants and non-ionic surfactants are as disclosed herein.

[0180] The one or more secondary non-biological surfactants may be selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, a sarcosinate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant, a glutamate surfactant, a glucoside surfactant, a glycinate surfactant, an alaninate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant.

[0181] The one or more secondary non-biological surfactants may be selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant, a glutamate surfactant, a glucoside surfactant, a glycinate surfactant, an alaninate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant, preferably selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant and a glucoside surfactant, more preferably selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant and an isethionate surfactant.

[0182] Suitably, the one or more non-biological surfactants may further comprise one or more secondary non- biological surfactants selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sarcosinate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant.

[0183] For example, the one or more non-biological surfactants may further comprise one or more secondary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant, preferably selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant and an isethionate surfactant.

[0184] Suitable secondary non-biological surfactants include salts of mono- or dialkyl sulfates; mono- or dialkyl ether sulfates; lauryl ether sulfates; acyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfonates; alkyl aryl sulfonates; primary alkane disulfonates; alkene sulfonates; hydroxyalkane sulfonates; alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates; alphaolefin sulfonates; sulfonates of alkylphenolpolyglycol ethers; alkyl sulfosuccinates and salts thereof; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates and salts thereof; sulfoacetates; acyl isethionates; acyl alkyl isethionates; sulfated derivatives of fatty acids and polyglycols; alkyl ether carboxylates, methyl ester sulfonates, alkyl glucosides and / or lactylate surfactants. Exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts. Suitable ammonium cations include those derived from alkyl amines and alkanolamines. Preferred ammonium cations include NHT and the ammonium cations of monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine (such as NHT and the ammonium cation of triethanolamine).

[0185] Suitable secondary non-biological surfactants include salts of mono- or dialkyl sulfates; mono- or dialkyl ether sulfates; lauryl ether sulfates; alkyl sulfonates; alkyl aryl sulfonates; primary alkane disulfonates; alkene sulfonates; hydroxyalkane sulfonates; alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates; alpha-olefin sulfonates; sulfonates of alkylphenolpolyglycol ethers; alkyl sulfosuccinates and salts thereof; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates and salts thereof; sulfoacetates; acyl isethionates; acyl alkyl isethionates; sulfated derivatives of fatty acids and polyglycols; alkyl ether carboxylates, methyl ester sulfonates, alkyl glucosides and / or lactylate surfactants. Exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts. Suitable ammonium cations include those derived from alkyl amines and alkanolamines. Preferred ammonium cations include NHZ and the ammonium cations of monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine (such as NHZ and the ammonium cation of triethanolamine).

[0186] Where the secondary non-biological surfactants include one or more sulfate surfactants, these are preferably alkali metal salts of alkyl sulfates and / or alkyl ether sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium coco sulfate and / or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (sodium laureth sulfate). Preferred sulfate surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.

[0187] Suitable sulfate surfactants include hydrocarbyl sulfates. The hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise an alkyl sulfate, an alkenyl sulfate, or a combination thereof. The hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise a fatty alcohol sulfate. Suitably the hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise a C5 to C30 alkyl or C5 to C30 alkenyl sulfate, such as a C10 to C20 alkyl or C10 to C20 alkenyl sulfate. The hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise a C5 to C30 alkyl sulfate, preferably a C10 to C20 alkyl sulfate. The alkyl and / or alkenyl group(s) may be unsubstituted.

[0188] The hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise a metallic hydrocarbyl sulfate and / or an amine derivative of a hydrocarbyl sulfate. By metallic hydrocarbyl sulfate we mean a hydrocarbyl sulfate comprising a metal cation. Typically, the hydrocarbyl sulfate comprises a metallic hydrocarbyl sulfate. The metallic hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise a hydrocarbyl sulfate in which the cation is an alkali metal, such as sodium or potassium, or an alkali earth metal, such as magnesium. Preferably the metallic hydrocarbyl sulfate comprises a sodium hydrocarbyl sulfate. The amine derivative of a hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise an ammonium hydrocarbyl sulfate, an alkyl amine hydrocarbyl sulfate, an alkanolamine hydrocarbyl sulfate, or a combination thereof.

[0189] Examples of suitable hydrocarbyl sulfates include sodium C12 to C16 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LX series), sodium C12 to C18 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LZ, CZ series), ammonium lauryl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® AL series), monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LQ series), diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® TL series), monoisopropanolamine lauryl sulfate, diisopropanolamine lauryl sulfate, triisopropanolamine lauryl sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, ammonium myristyl sulfate, monoethanolamine myristyl sulfate, diethanolamine myristyl sulfate, triethanolamine myristyl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, ammonium cetyl sulfate, diethanolamine cetyl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium cetostearyl sulfate, ammonium coco-sulfate, sodium tallow sulfate, sodium oleyl sulfate, diethanolamine oleyl sulfate, sodium 2- ethylhexylsulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® 0585 series), sodium decyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® 0758 series), sodium C10 to C12 fatty alcohol sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® 0335 series), sodium Cs to C10 fatty alcohol sulfate, or a combination thereof. Surfactants under the name EMPICOL® are commercially available from Innospec. Suitably, the hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise sodium C12 to C16 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LX series), sodium C12 to C18 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LZ, CZ series), magnesium lauryl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium cetostearyl sulfate, sodium tallow sulfate, sodium oleyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL®0758 series), sodium C10 to C12 fatty alcohol sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® 0335 series), sodium Cs to C10 fatty alcohol sulfate, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the hydrocarbyl sulfate may comprise sodium C12 to C16 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LX series), sodium C12 to C18 alkyl sulfate (e.g. EMPICOL® LZ, CZ series), or a combination thereof.

[0190] Where the secondary non-biological surfactants include one or more sulfonate surfactants, these are suitably alkali metal salts of alkyl sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates and / or alpha-olefin sulfonates. Preferred sulfonates include alpha-olefin sulfonates, such as sodium C12-C16 or C14-C16 olefin sulfonate.

[0191] Where the secondary non-biological surfactants include one or more isethionate surfactants, they preferably include alkali salts of acyl isethionate surfactants. Suitable acyl isethionate surfactants are compounds of formula (II) as set out above, for example of the formula R2COOCHR3CHR5SO3'M+wherein R2represents an optionally substituted C -C36 hydrocarbyl group; R3and R5each independently represent hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl and M+represents a cation. Preferred isethionate surfactants include sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, most preferably sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate.

[0192] Where the secondary non-biological surfactants include one or more lactylate surfactants, suitable lactylate surfactants include alkali salts of acyl lactylate surfactants, such as sodium lauroyl lactylate.

[0193] The combination of surfactants used in the detergent compositions of the present invention provides excellent cleaning performance and the compositions may be free of alkoxylated compounds which could lead to the presence of 1 ,4-dioxane; or sulfates which can lead to skin and ocular irritation; or linear and / or branched alkylbenzene sulfonates which are derived from petrochemical sources.

[0194] Preferably, the detergent composition of the present invention comprises very low levels of or no 1 ,4- dioxane.

[0195] Suitably, the one or more non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary and secondary (when present)) may be present in an amount of at least 6% by weight, for example at least 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0196] The one or more non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary and secondary (when present)) may be present in an amount of up to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The one or more non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary and secondary (when present)) may be present in an amount of from 6 to 60% by weight, such as from 10 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0197] Suitably, when the detergent composition is in a solid form, the one or more non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary and secondary (when present)) may be present in an amount of from 25 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0198] Suitably, the one or more primary non-biological surfactants may be present in an amount of at least 6% by weight, for example at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0199] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may be present in an amount of up to 50% by weight, for example up to 45 % by weight or up to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0200] The one or more primary non-biological surfactants may be present in an amount of from 6 to 50% by weight, such as from 6 to 45 % by weight or from 6 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0201] Suitably, the one or more secondary non-biological surfactants (when present) are present in an amount of at least 2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0202] The one or more secondary non-biological surfactants (when present) may be present in an amount of up to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0203] The one or more secondary non-biological surfactants (when present) may be present in an amount of from 2 to 30% by weight, such as from 2 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio of the one or more primary non-biological surfactants to the one or more secondary non- biological surfactants (when present) in the detergent composition may be any suitable ratio, such as a weight ratio of from 10:1 to 1 :1 , such as from 7:1 to 1 :1.

[0204] Suitably, the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of at least 3% by weight, or at least 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0205] Suitably, the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of up to 30% by weight, for example up to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0206] The one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of from 3 to 30% by weight, such as from 4 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio of the one or more biosurfactants to the one or more non-biological surfactants (i.e. primary non-biological surfactants and secondary non-biological surfactants (when present)) in the detergent composition may be any suitable ratio, such as a weight ratio of from 1 :1 to 1 :7.

[0207] The ratio of the one or more primary non-biological surfactants to the one or more biosurfactants in the detergent composition may be any suitable ratio, such as a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :2.

[0208] Suitably, the one or more non-biological surfactants may be present in an amount of from 6 to 60% by weight, for example 10 to 50% by weight, and the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of from 3 to 30 or from 4 to 15% by weight provided that the combination is present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0209] The detergent composition may further comprise one or more solvents. Suitable solvents and amounts thereof will be known to persons skilled in the art. For example, suitable solvents include water, alcohols such as ethanol or isopropanol, glycols such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, glycol ethers such as 2-phenoxyethanol, and mixtures thereof. Preferred solvents are water miscible.

[0210] The detergent composition of the first aspect may be in the form of an aqueous composition. Therefore the detergent composition may further comprise water. Suitably, the detergent composition may comprise at least 40% by weight of water, for example at least 50% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the detergent composition may comprise from 40 to 80% by weight of water, for example from 50 to 80% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0211] The detergent composition may further comprise one or more soaps. Suitable soaps may comprise a fatty acid anion with from 4 to 36 carbon atoms and a cation selected from an alkanolamine, potassium and / or sodium. A mixture of two or more soaps may be present. Preferably, when one or more soaps are present, the soaps are potassium soaps (i.e. soaps comprising a potassium cation) and / or sodium soaps. Examples of suitable soaps include potassium palm-kernelate, sodium palm-kernelate, potassium oleate and sodium stearate. When the detergent composition comprises one or more soaps, some or all of these may be derived from unreacted / residual fatty acid contained in a biosurfactant.

[0212] When one or more soaps are present in the detergent composition, the total amount of soap present may be from 0.1 to 20% by weight, for example from 1 to 18% by weight, preferably from 2 to 16 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0213] When one or more soaps are present in the detergent composition, the total amount of soap and non- biological surfactant combined may be from 6 to 80% by weight, for example from 12 to 75% by weight or from 12 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. When one or more soaps are present in the detergent composition, the total amount of soap, biosurfactant and non-biological surfactant combined may be from 15 to 85% by weight, for example from 15 to 80% by weight, such as from 17 to 77% by weight or from 17 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0214] The detergent composition of the first aspect may further comprise one or more additional components. Suitable additional components and amounts thereof will be known to persons skilled in the art. For example, the one or more additional components may be selected from an enzyme, a pH modifier, a preservative, a fragrance, a chelating agent, a builder, a filler, a probiotic agent, a dissolution promoter, a bleaching agent, a dye, a pigment, a scale inhibitor, an anti-redeposition agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a rheology modifier, an optical brightener, a bleach catalyst and an antibacterial agent (and mixtures thereof).

[0215] Where the detergent composition comprises such additional components, these may each be present in any suitable amount, such as an amount of up to 5% by weight, for example up to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Suitably, such additional agents may be present in an amount of at least 0.1 % by weight, such as at least 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Suitably, such additional components may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The detergent composition may comprise one or more enzymes. Suitable enzymes may include proteases, lipases, amylases, mannases and / or cellulases. Advantageously, the detergent composition of the first aspect is highly compatible with enzymes due to the mild nature of the biosurfactants employed.

[0216] The detergent composition may comprise one or more pH modifiers. Suitable pH modifiers will be known to persons skilled in the art and include lactic acid, citric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and alkanolamines (such as monoethanolamine, monoisopropyl amine and triethanolamine). Preferred pH modifiers are monoethanolamine, citric acid and / or sodium hydroxide, especially citric acid and / or sodium hydroxide.

[0217] The detergent composition of the first aspect may have a pH from 4 to 12, for example from 7 to 12, preferably from 8 to 10. Suitably, the composition has a pH of at least 7, preferably of at least 8. Such a pH may improve washing efficacy, especially when applied to laundry.

[0218] Suitable preservatives will be known to the person skilled in the art and include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, salicylic acid, benzyl salicylate, methylparaben, propylparaben and caprylyl glycol. Preferably the detergent composition of the first aspect may further comprise one or more chelating agents.

[0219] Suitably, the one or more chelating agents (when present) are present in an amount of at least 0.1 % by weight, such as at least 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0220] The one or more chelating agents (when present) may be present in an amount of up to 5% by weight, such as up to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0221] The one or more chelating agents (when present) may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0222] Suitable chelating agents will be known to the person skilled in the art and include polycarboxylic acids, aminopolycarboxylic acids, polyphosphonic acids and salts thereof. For example, aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), ethylenediamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP), 1-hydroxylethylidene-1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and diethylenetriaminepentamethylene phosphonic acid (DTPMPA), ethylenediamine-N,N’-diglutaric acid (EDDG), ethylenediamine-N,N’- dimalonic acid (EDDM), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), L-glutamic acid-N,N- diacetic acid (GLDA), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), L-aspartic acid diacetic acid (ASDA), citric acid and hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) may be suitable for use in the present invention. Sodium gluconate may also be a suitable chelating agent. Salts and partial salts of suitable chelating agents may also be used. Preferred chelating agents for use herein are EDTA, EDDS, GLDA, DTPMPA, MGDA and citric acid, or a salt thereof. Examples of suitable salts as chelating agents include sodium salts of EDTA (such as N34EDTA), EDDS, GLDA, MGDA and DTPMPA, and sodium gluconate.

[0223] As the skilled person would appreciate, citric acid may function both as a chelating agent and a pH modifier.

[0224] The detergent composition of the first aspect may be in any suitable form. For example, the detergent composition may be in a solid form. Alternatively, the detergent composition may be in the form of a liquid, a gel or a cubic phase or ringing gel.

[0225] Suitably the detergent composition of the first aspect is readily dissolvable and / or dispersible in water.

[0226] Where the detergent composition is a preferably a liquid, a suitable viscosity at 25°C may be from 50 to 20000cP. Where the detergent composition is a solid, it is preferably a powder, most preferably a free-flowing powder. Solid detergent compositions are advantageous as they are associated with reduced environmental impact from transport. Powders, and especially free-flowing powders, may be advantageous as they are easier to handle, dose and dissolve in water. The powders may be formed into any suitable form for use thereof, such as a block, a tablet or pellets.

[0227] The detergent composition may be provided as a unit dose provided in a water-soluble film or sachet which dissolves in use on exposure to water to release the detergent composition from the sachet. Suitable water-soluble films and sachets are known in the art and may be formed from polyvinyl alcohol. Suitably the unit dose of the detergent composition is an amount suitable for washing a standard load of laundry.

[0228] Preferably the detergent composition is a laundry detergent composition. Thus, the present invention further provides a laundry detergent composition comprising a detergent composition according to the first aspect of the invention. Such laundry detergent compositions may be suitable for hand-washing or machine washing.

[0229] Laundry detergent compositions may comprise further additional components known to the person skilled in the art and including, for example, chelating agents, fillers, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, pigments, dispersants, polymeric dispersing agents, dyes, dye transfer inhibitors, fragrances, fragrance delivery systems, enzyme stabilizers, biocides, probiotics, preservatives, pH adjusting agents, phosphates, silicates, zeolites, peroxide based compounds (especially hydrogen peroxide, chlorine based bleaches), perborate compounds, percarbonate compounds, bleach activators and catalysts, cationic surfactants, redeposition additives, brighteners, sud suppressors, fabric softeners, antiredeposition agents, wash performance boosting polymers, dissolution promoters and hydrotropes. As the skilled person would appreciate, the further additional components will be selected according to the particular form of the laundry detergent composition.

[0230] Suitably, the laundry detergent composition may comprise an anti-redeposition agent. These compounds help maintain salts in solution during a machine wash cycle.

[0231] Suitable anti-redeposition agents will be known to the person skilled in the art. Such components often comprise polyimides. One suitable compound is sold under the trade mark Sokalan HP20 and is an ethoxylated polyethylene polyimine (PEI). Anti-redeposition agents are typically included in an amount of from 0.1 to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0232] Suitably, the laundry detergent composition may comprise a wash performance boosting polymer. Wash performance boosting polymers are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the detergent composition may comprise polyacrylates, polycarboxylates, cellulose derivatives, polyesters based on terephthalic acid, ethylene / propylene glycol-based polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(vinylpyridine N-oxide) (PVP-NO), poly(vinylpyridine betaine), biodegradable polymeric dispersants (for example polyamino acid polymers such as polyaspartate and polysaccharides such as oxidized starch), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyalkylene glycol and copolymers of alkylene oxide and vinyl acetate, modified ethoxylated urethane or multifunctional polyethylene imine.

[0233] Suitably, the laundry detergent composition may comprise a dye transfer inhibitor. Dye transfer inhibitors are also known to those skilled in the art.

[0234] Suitably, the laundry detergent composition may comprise a builder. Suitable builders will be known to the person skilled in the art and include, for example, sodium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and sodium citrate.

[0235] Preferably the laundry detergent compositions of the present invention are sufficiently non-irritating and non-toxic that they can be directly handled by the user.

[0236] The detergent compositions of the present invention suitably have a high total Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). The renewable carbon index (RCI) for a component is calculated according to ISO 16128-1 :2016, wherein the number of carbon atoms derived from renewable carbon sources is divided by the total number of carbon atoms in a component. The total RCI of the composition is a weighted average of the RCI of each carbon-containing surfactant in the composition. The %RCI is obtained by multiplying the RCI by 100.

[0237] Preferably, the total percentage RCI of the detergent composition is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, suitably at least 60%, preferably at least 70% or at least 80%.

[0238] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids.

[0239] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a taurate surfactant, a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant (especially selected from a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids.

[0240] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more betaine surfactants (for example of the formula (IV), (V) or (VI)); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids.

[0241] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are present in an amount of from 6 to 50% by weight, such as from 6 to 45 % by weight or from 6 to 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of from 3 to 30%, such as from 4 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0242] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a taurate surfactant, a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant (especially selected from a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are present in an amount of from 6 to 50% by weight, such as from 6 to 45 % by weight or from 6 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of from 3 to 30% by weight, such as from 4 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0243] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more betaine surfactants (for example of the formula (IV), (V) or (VI)); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are present in an amount of from 6 to 50% by weight, such as from 6 to 45 % by weight or from 6 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants may be present in an amount of from 3 to 30% by weight, such as from 4 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0244] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more chelating agents (for example wherein the one or more chelating agents are present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0245] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a taurate surfactant, a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant (especially selected from a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more chelating agents (for example wherein the one or more chelating agents are present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0246] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more betaine surfactants (for example of the formula (IV), (V) or (VI)); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more chelating agents (for example wherein the one or more chelating agents are present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, such as from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0247] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more soaps (for example wherein the total amount of soap present is from 0.1 to 20% by weight, for example from 1 to 18% by weight, preferably from 2 to 16 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0248] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a taurate surfactant, a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant (especially selected from a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more soaps (for example wherein the total amount of soap present is from 0.1 to 20% by weight, for example from 1 to 18% by weight, preferably from 2 to 16 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0249] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more betaine surfactants (for example of the formula (IV), (V) or (VI)); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the composition further comprises one or more soaps (for example wherein the total amount of soap present is from 0.1 to 20% by weight, for example from 1 to 18% by weight, preferably from 2 to 16 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition).

[0250] The first aspect of the invention may provide a detergent composition (such as a laundry detergent composition) comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non-biological surfactants selected from one or more of a taurate surfactant, a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant (especially selected from a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant); and wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non-biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the one or more biosurfactants comprise one or more sophorolipids, and wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants further comprise one or more secondary non- biological surfactants selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, a sarcosinate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant, a glutamate surfactant, a glucoside surfactant, a glycinate surfactant, an alaninate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant, preferably selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant and a glucoside surfactant, (especially selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant and an isethionate surfactant).

[0251] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning an article, wherein the method comprises contacting the article with the detergent composition according to the first aspect.

[0252] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a detergent composition according to the first aspect to provide cleaning to an article.

[0253] Preferred features of the second and third aspects are as defined in relation to the first aspect. The cleaning provided by the second or third aspects may comprise at least the partial removal of a substance from the article, such as from at least a portion of a surface of the article.

[0254] The article may be a fabric article, preferably wherein the fabric comprises wool, cotton, polyester, nylon and blends thereof (such as for example polyester / cotton blends). The article may be clothing, or other textile articles such as bed linen, curtains, blankets etc.

[0255] The substance may be a form of soil or mixtures thereof. Suitable substances may include, for example, food, animal or human bodily fluids or egesta, oils, waxes, paints, cosmetics, dust, and the like.

[0256] Suitably, the substance comprises food, make up (for example lipstick, foundation and / or mascara), enzymatic stains (for example grass and / or blood stains) and / or bodily fluids / egesta (such as sweat, sebum and / or blood).

[0257] The method of the second aspect may be a method of laundering one or more fabric articles. For example, such a method may involve the steps of loading the one or more fabric articles into a washing machine, adding the detergent composition of the first aspect (for example a laundry detergent composition as disclosed herein) into the washing machine, and running a wash cycle of the washing machine.

[0258] The temperature at which the method and use of the second and third aspects are carried out may be up to 70°C, for example up to 60°C, suitably up to 50°C. Preferably the method and use are carried out at between 20 and 40°C, such as at room temperature.

[0259] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a product comprising a detergent composition according to the first aspect (for example a laundry detergent composition as disclosed herein) and packaging.

[0260] Preferred features of the fourth aspect are as defined in relation to the first aspect.

[0261] The packaging may be recyclable and / or biodegradable.

[0262] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a detergent composition according to the first aspect, the method comprising admixing the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants. The skilled person would readily establish a suitable means of admixing according to the desired form of the composition. Also provided in a sixth aspect of the invention is a detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more primary non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; and wherein the detergent composition comprises at least 12% by weight of the one or more primary non- biological surfactants based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the combined content of the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more primary non-biological surfactants is greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0263] Preferred features of the fifth and sixth aspects are as defined in relation to the first aspect.

[0264] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0265] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0266] Figure 1 shows the data provided in Table 10.

[0267] The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0268] Examples

[0269] The following abbreviations are used in the examples section. The amounts provided in Tables 1 to 7 are a % by weight of the active component listed in the total composition.

[0270] *The sophorolipid used in the inventive examples was derived from rapeseed oil and had an acidlactone ratio of 70:30.

[0271] Liquid / qel compositions were prepared as follows:

[0272] Water was added to a container equipped with mechanical stirring. Additives (including anti-redeposition polymer and chelating agent (when present)) were added. The primary non-biological surfactant was then added followed by the secondary non-biological surfactant (when present). Soap (when present) was then added, followed by the biosurfactant. Finally, the pH was adjusted (if necessary) slowly so as to achieve the desired pH. The appropriate pH adjusting agent (for example NaOH, monoethanolamine and / or citric acid) was used as required.

[0273] In the case of compositions 2, 4, 7, 9, 12 and 14 the composition was heated to about 40-50°C whilst mixing.

[0274] Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield Viscometer (rotational).

[0275] Solid / Powder compositions were prepared as follows:

[0276] The biosurfactant, primary non-biological surfactant, secondary non-biological surfactant (when present) and chelating agent (in a powder form) were dried in a spray granulator drier, followed by addition of soap (in a powder form) and dry blending.

[0277] Comparative Examples

[0278] Compositions C1 to C6 were prepared according to Table 1 below as comparative examples and using the procedure set out above but without addition of a primary non-biological surfactant.

[0279] Table 1

[0280] ‘Representative of commercially available detergent compositions not including a biosurfactant.

[0281] AComprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components.AApH measured for 5% (w / w) of composition dissolved in distilled water.

[0282] An additional commercially available aqueous liquid laundry composition (C7) was used as a comparative example. Composition C7 comprises 10-12.5 wt% sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), 1-3 wt% of sophorolipid and <5 wt% of enzymes and soap. Example 1

[0283] Inventive compositions 1 to 5 were prepared with an amine oxide as the primary non-biological surfactant and either no secondary non-biological surfactant or an alkyl glucoside as the secondary non- biological surfactant according to Table 2 below.

[0284] Table 2

[0285] AComprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components. Example 2

[0286] Inventive compositions 6 to 10 were prepared with CAPB as the primary non-biological surfactant and either no secondary non-biological surfactant or an alkyl glucoside as the secondary non-biological surfactant according to Table 3 below.

[0287] Table 3

[0288] Comprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components. Example 3

[0289] Inventive compositions 11 to 15 were prepared with SMOT as the primary non-biological surfactant and either no secondary non-biological surfactant or an alkyl glucoside as the secondary non-biological surfactant according to Table 4 below.

[0290] Table 4

[0291] Comprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components Example 4

[0292] Inventive compositions 16 to 21 and 25 to 30 were prepared with AO, CAPB or SMOT as the primary non-biological surfactant and an anionic secondary non-biological surfactant which is not a taurate surfactant according to Table 5 below. Table 5

[0293]

[0294] AComprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components.

[0295] Example 5

[0296] Inventive compositions 22 to 24 were prepared using two primary non-biological surfactants according to Table 6 below.

[0297] Table 6

[0298] AComprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components.

[0299] Example 6

[0300] Inventive compositions 31 and 32 were prepared as solid / powder compositions according to Table 7 below.

[0301] Table 7

[0302] AComprises inactive impurities such as unreacted starting materials and by-products (such as NaCI) for example present in commercial sources of the components.

[0303] Example 7

[0304] The laundry washing performance of several of the inventive example compositions and comparative example compositions was assessed using a Linitest procedure as described below on a panel of different stain types.

[0305] This Linitest procedure evaluates the ability of detergent formulations to remove applied soils from fabrics. Soiled fabric swatches are washed in a laboratory washer (Linitest, SDL Atlas) under specific conditions of temperature, detergent solution, washing time and water hardness. The Linitest machine rotates closed cannisters (8 x 500 mL) in a thermostatically controlled water bath at 40 ± 2 RPM.

[0306] The washing conditions for the washing tests were as shown in Table 8.

[0307] Table 8

[0308] For each run, four of the same type of swatches were placed in each closed cannister within the Linitest washer. The swatches were each 6 cm x 6 cm in size and simulate different types of fabrics and soil stains. Further details on the stain types of the different swatches and their product codes are given in Table 9. The swatches are commercially available from CFT Center for Test Materials (Vlaardingen, Netherlands). After the washing cycle, the washes liquors were emptied and the swatches rinsed under running cold tap water, then dried on a clothes line within a fume hood (in the dark and with the fume hood air flow switched on).

[0309] The effectiveness of the test detergent against a given type of swatch (e.g. specific fabric and stain type) was assessed by reflectometry. A Datacolor 400 high performance, reflectance only bench top spectrophotometer was used. The spectrophotometer had a D65 light source and a UV cut-off filter (400 nm). Reflectance measurements were taken by the spectrophotometer using the Y-value of the Y, x, y colour coordinates measurement (according to AISE protocol standard for laundry washing tests).

[0310] Measurements were taken of the soiled swatch before the wash and of the cleaned swatch after the wash. The measurements were taken with each swatch in a defined set of different positions and an average value used to generate the results. The results discussed herein were generated by averaging the measurements (before and after the wash) for the four swatches used in each test. The following formula was used to calculate detergency as the percentage change in reflectance, compared to the initial reflectance before the washing cycle.

[0311] Detergency = 100 x (R2 - Ri)

[0312] Ri where:

[0313] Ri = reflectance of soiled cloth before wash

[0314] R2 = reflectance of soiled cloth after wash

[0315] A positive value for the above detergency calculation means that the swatch material has become more reflective after washing. This signifies that the stain has been removed or partially removed from the swatch by the detergent composition during the test.

[0316] Table 9

[0317] The results of these tests for each swatch / stain type are given in Table 10 below and in the bar chart of Figure 1 (which shows the data provided in Table 10). Table 10

[0318] The results shown in Table 10 and Figure 1 show better washing performance (as measured by the detergency measurements and calculation discussed above) for the examples of the present invention compared to the commercially available detergent composition containing a biosurfactant (C7) and compared to compositions comprising soap without any further surfactant (C3 and C4), as well as comparable or improved washing performance compared to a representative commercial detergent composition without biosurfactant (C1). Additionally, the results forthe examples ofthe present invention show better washing performance compared to compositions comprising biosurfactant only (C2 and C5), or biosurfactant and secondary non-biological surfactant (C6). Thus, the present invention provides detergent compositions comprising a biosurfactant that has good washing performance.

[0319] The present invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims1 . A detergent composition comprising one or more biosurfactants and one or more non-biological surfactants, wherein the one or more non-biological surfactants comprise one or more primary non- biological surfactants selected from a taurate surfactant and / or an amphoteric surfactant; wherein at least 50% by weight of the one or more non-biological surfactants are primary non- biological surfactants; and wherein the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants in combination are present in an amount of greater than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

2. The detergent composition according to claim 1 , wherein the amphoteric surfactant is selected from a betaine surfactant and / or an amine oxide surfactant.

3. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants are present in an amount of at least 6% by weight, for example at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

4. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more non- biological surfactants further comprise one or more secondary non-biological surfactants selected from an anionic surfactant that is not a taurate surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.

5. The detergent composition according to claim 4, wherein the one or more secondary non- biological surfactants are selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant, an isethionate surfactant, a glutamate surfactant, a glucoside surfactant, a glycinate surfactant, an alaninate surfactant and a lactylate surfactant, preferably selected from one or more of a sulfonate surfactant, a sulfate surfactant and an isethionate surfactant.

6. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more biosurfactants are present in an amount of at least 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

7. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more biosurfactants are independently selected from one or more of a glycolipid, a lipopeptide, a phospholipid and a polymeric biosurfactant.

8. The detergent composition according to claim 7, wherein the one or more biosurfactants are glycolipids.

9. The detergent composition according to claim 8, wherein the one or more biosurfactants are selected from one or more of a rhamnolipid, a trehalolipid, a sophorolipid and a mannosylerythritol lipid, preferably wherein the one or more biosurfactants are sophorolipids.

10. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants comprise one or more taurate surfactants, preferably one or more taurate surfactants of the formula (III):wherein X is hydrogen, a metal ion or an optionally substituted ammonium ion; R7represents an optionally substituted C3-C35 hydrocarbyl group; and each of R8, R9, R10, R11and R12independently represents hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group.11 . The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants comprise one or more betaine surfactants, preferably wherein the one or more betaine surfactants comprise one or more amido betaine surfactants of formula (VI):0 R14I H l+R13-c— N— (CH2)m-N— CH2CO2R15(VI) wherein R13is a C5-C30 alkyl or C5-C30 alkenyl group, R14and R15are each independently alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and m is 2 to 4.

12. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more primary non-biological surfactants comprise one or more amine oxide surfactants, preferably one or more alkyl or amidoalkyl dimethyl amine oxides.

13. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition has a pH of at least 7, preferably of at least 8.

14. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more soaps, such as a potassium soap and / or a sodium soap.

15. The detergent composition according to claim 14, wherein the total amount of soap and non- biological surfactant combined is from 6 to 80% by weight, for example from 12 to 75 by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

16. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more additional components selected from an enzyme, a pH modifier, a preservative, a fragrance, a chelating agent, a builder, a filler, a probiotic agent, a dissolution promoter, a bleaching agent, a dye, a pigment a scale inhibitor, an anti-redeposition agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a rheology modifier, an optical brightener, a bleach catalyst and an antibacterial agent.

17. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more chelating agents.

18. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, a gel or a cubic phase or ringing gel.

19. The detergent composition according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition is in a solid form.

20. The detergent composition according to any preceding claim which is a laundry detergent composition.21 . A method of cleaning an article, wherein the method comprises contacting the article with the detergent composition according to any preceding claim.

22. Use of a detergent composition according to any of claims 1 to 20 to provide cleaning to an article.

23. The method or use according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the article comprises a fabric, preferably wherein the fabric comprises wool, cotton, polyester, and / or nylon.

24. A product comprising a detergent composition according to any of claims 1 to 20 and packaging.

25. A method of preparing a detergent composition according to any of claims 1 to 20, the method comprising admixing the one or more biosurfactants and the one or more non-biological surfactants.

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