A hard surface cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of hard surface cleaning compositions. Particularly, it relates to an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that remains stable on storage and provides efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit that sustain for a longer period. There is a need for an improved liquid hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that provides efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit which sustains for a longer period. It has been found that select Bacillus spore in combination with select copolymers and surfactant provide a storage stable composition. The spore remains viable for germination after storage under various condition and provides efficient cleaning and hygiene efficacy that sustain for a longer period.

Description

[0001] P0001001 EP CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] A HARD SURFACE CLEANING COMPOSITION

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is in the field of hard surface cleaning compositions. Particularly, it relates

[0006] 5 to an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that remains stable on storage. It provides efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit that sustain for a longer period.

[0007] Background of the Invention

[0008] Cleaning hard surfaces like, kitchen tops, tiles, table-top, cupboards, wash basin and toilet bowls are part of house-hold chores. Often consumers spend considerable amount of time and effort in such cleaning activities. They prefer to use various cleaning products for the same. Such products differ in their constituents, such as detersive actives, acids, builder, colourants; and, they are available in different formats, such as powder, liquid, tablet block, spray, foam and wipe. Mostly, hard surface cleaning involves steps like, dosing an aliquot of a cleaning product

[0009] 15 on a surface, applying it with an implement, such as sponge, brush, wipe, scrub and rinsing with water.

[0010] Hard surfaces, particularly like, toilet bowls, bathroom tiles or wash basin are continuously in contact with water, they are prone to scaling, microbial growth and deposition of dirt. Thus, consumers may require frequent cleaning of those surfaces adding to their efforts. It is desired

[0011] 20 that a cleaning product provides a cleaning performance, which sustains for a longer period, thereby reducing the requirement of frequent cleaning and consumer efforts.

[0012] Further, consumers nowadays prefer cleaning products with a good environmental profile. That is, they prefer products that are ‘eco-friendly’ and have less or no impact on the environment. Such needs may be addressed by having a product with reduced amount of chemicals or ingredients. However, it may affect the cleaning efficacy, particularly sustaining the cleaning efficacy for a longer period. Thus, the dichotomy of providing efficient long-lasting cleaning efficacy with reduced amount of detersive active needs attention.

[0013] One possible way to provide such benefits is by including select non-pathogenic bacterial spore in a product. Such spores germinate on the surfaces and inhibit growth of harmful pathogens,

[0014] 30 thereby providing sustained cleaning and hygiene benefit. However, compatibility of bacterial spore with other formulation ingredients, such as, surfactant, acid, polymers, bleaching agent, pH seems to be challenging. It is desired to have a product having a non-pathogenic bacterial P0001001 EP CPL

[0015] 2 spore, wherein the spore remain viable for germination in presence of other cleaning actives, thereby delivers efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit. It is also desired that the spore remains viable even after storage under various conditions, which is relatable to shelf-life of the product.

[0016] In this regard, WO 2021 / 243324 discloses an aqueous microbial cleaning composition having

[0017] 5 excellent storage and germination properties, comprising bacterial spores and alkylpolyglucosides or sodium lauryl ether sulphates.

[0018] WO 2023 / 161008 A1 discloses a composition that is used to deliver hygiene on surfaces including immediate kill of germs as well as over extended period of time as evidenced by biofilms disruption. This is achieved through a novel composition of a cationic surfactant and a combination of bacterial spores.

[0019] WO 2017 / 157777 A1 discloses a method of inhibiting or preventing the production of malodour with regard to sanitary applications, comprising contacting hard surfaces of sanitary facilities with bacterial spores of at least one species of Bacillus, which is selected from the group consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus

[0020] 15 atrophaeus, Bacillus vallismortis and / or Bacillus mojavensis.

[0021] Although various cleaning compositions containing bacillus spores are disclosed, still there is a need for an improved liquid hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that provides efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit which sustains for a longer period.

[0022] The present inventors have surprisingly found that a Bacillus bacterial spore and select

[0023] 20 copolymers provide a storage stable composition. The spore remains viable for germination after storage under various condition and provides efficient cleaning and hygiene efficacy that sustain for a longer period.

[0024] Summary of the Invention

[0025] According to the first aspect, there is provided an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising: a) a Bacillus bacterial spore; b) 0.005 to 5% by weight of a copolymer comprising: i) a cationic monomer selected from 2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloylamino) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [2-

[0026] 30 (acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium methosulfate, [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride or methosulfate, [3-(acryloylamino) propyl] P0001001 EP CPL

[0027] 3 trimethylammonium chloride, [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), acrylamido-propyl-methyl- ammonium chloride, diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC); ii) an acrylamide or acrylic acid monomer;

[0028] 5 iii) at least one monomer selected from a polysaccharide, polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, 2- acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid and / or its salt; and c) a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof.

[0029] According to another aspect there is provided a cleaning product comprising a hard surface cleaning composition according to the first aspect in a dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises a container to hold the composition and a spray trigger or spray head or spray engine attachable to the container, wherein the composition is dispensed as spray or mist in

[0030] 15 use.

[0031] According to another aspect there is provided a method for providing long-lasting cleaning to a surface comprising steps of: a) applying a composition according to the first aspect on to the surface; and b) leaving the composition in contact with the surface for at least 5 minutes; and

[0032] 20 c) optionally rinsing with water and wiping the surface.

[0033] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] Any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format " x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "x to y", it is understood that all ranges

[0035] 30 combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless specified otherwise, amounts as used herein are expressed in percentage by weight based on total weight of the composition and is abbreviated as “wt%”. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language e.g., P0001001 EP CPL

[0036] 4

[0037] “such as” provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not in any way limit the scope of the invention otherwise claimed.

[0038] There is provided an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising a Bacillus bacterial spore, a copolymer and a surfactant. The copolymer comprises: i) a cationic monomer selected

[0039] 5 from 2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloylamino) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium methosulfate, [2- (methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride or methosulfate, [3-(acryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC); (ii) an acrylamide or acrylic acid monomer; and (iii) at least one monomer selected from a polysaccharide, polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co- polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid and / or its salt. The surfactant is selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations

[0040] 15 thereof.

[0041] Bacillus bacterial spore

[0042] Often concentration of bacterial spore is expressed in unit of Colony Forming Unit or CFU per gm. The composition may comprise 102to 1014CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore. More preferably the composition comprises 104to 1013CFU / gm, even more preferably 104 to 1012

[0043] 20 CFU / gm and most preferably 104to 1011CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore. The composition may comprise at least 106CFU / gm, more preferably 107CFU / gm and most preferably 108CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

[0044] The bacterial spore may be supplied in dry powder form, wherein the powder may comprise 107to 1014CFU / gm, more preferably 108to 1013CFU / gm and most preferably 108to 1012CFU / gm of the powder, which may be added to the composition accordingly after considering the concentration.

[0045] In more conventional unit of weight, the composition may comprise 0.000005 to 5% by weight of the Bacillus bacterial spore. Preferably the composition comprises 0.000005 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.000005 to 1 % by weight, furthermore preferably 0.00005 to 1% by weight and

[0046] 30 most preferably 0.0001 to 1 % by weight of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

[0047] The Bacillus bacterial spore may be selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus atrophaeus, P0001001 EP CPL

[0048] 5

[0049] Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus cereus var. toyoi, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus toyonensis and combinations thereof.

[0050] 5 The Bacillus bacterial spore present in the composition may be one or more of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. Preferably the composition may comprise at least two bacterial spores selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. More preferably the bacterial spore comprises at least Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. By a combination of bacterial spores, as per this invention, is meant that the spores of the bacteria may be included in the composition.

[0051] Preferably the composition further comprises one or both of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis. In a most preferred aspect, the composition comprises a combination of bacterial spores which comprises Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis,

[0052] 15 Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0053] Examples of other Bacillus bacterial spore, which may also present in the composition includes Bacillus acidicola, Bacillus aeolius, Bacillus aerius, Bacillus aerophilus, Bacillus albus, Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus alveayuensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciensex, , Bacillus aquiflavi, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus australimaris, Bacillus badius, Bacillus benzoevorans, Bacillus cabrialesii,

[0054] 20 Bacillus canaveralius, Bacillus capparidis, Bacillus carboniphilus, , Bacillus chungangensis, Bacillus coahuilensis, Bacillus cytotoxicus, Bacillus decisifrondis, Bacillus ectoiniformans, Bacillus enclensis, Bacillus fengqiuensis, Bacillus fungorum, Bacillus glycinifermentans, Bacillus gobiensis, Bacillus halotolerans, Bacillus haynesii, Bacillus horti, Bacillus inaquosorum, Bacillus infantis, Bacillus infernus, Bacillus isabeliae, Bacillus kexueae, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus luti, Bacillus manusensis, Bacillus marinisedimentorum, Bacillus mesophilus, Bacillus methanolicus, Bacillus mobilis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus nakamurai, Bacillus ndiopicus, Bacillus nitratireducens, Bacillus oleivorans, Bacillus pacificus, Bacillus pakistanensis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus paramycoides, Bacillus paranthracis, Bacillus pervagus, Bacillus piscicola, Bacillus proteolyticus, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus pumilus,

[0055] 30 Bacillus safensis, Bacillus salacetis, Bacillus salinus, Bacillus salitolerans, Bacillus seohaeanensis, Bacillus shivajii, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus solimangrovi, Bacillus songklensis, Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus spizizenii, Bacillus spongiae, Bacillus stercoris, Bacillus stratosphericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus swezeyi, Bacillus taeanensis, P0001001 EP CPL

[0056] 6

[0057] Bacillus tamaricis, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus thermocloacae, Bacillus thermotolerans, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tianshenii, Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus tropicus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus wiedmannii, Bacillus wudalianchiensis, Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus xiapuensis, Bacillus zhangzhouensis, or combinations thereof. Bacillus

[0058] 5 spore suitable for the present invention are non-pathogenic. The term ‘non-pathogenic’ herein refers as, bacteria does not cause disease or harm to a user.

[0059] Copolymer

[0060] The composition comprises a copolymer. Without bound by the theory, it is believed that select copolymers improve compatibility of Bacillus bacterial spore in the composition. That is the spores remain viable or capable of germination even after storing under various. The composition is able to deliver the desired cleaning and hygiene benefit. It is also observed that the composition enhances spore retention on a surface.

[0061] The copolymer comprises three or more monomers. The copolymer comprises a cationic monomer selected form 2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloylamino)

[0062] 15 ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium methosulfate, [2- (methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride or methosulfate, [3-(acryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). Preferably the cationic monomer is selected from [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) and diallyl

[0063] 20 dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC).

[0064] The copolymer comprises an acrylic acid or an acrylamide monomer. The acrylamide monomer may be selected from acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, N-ethylacrylamide, N-cyclohexylacrylamide, N-benzylacrylamide, N- methylolacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and N-tert-butylacrylamide. Most preferred

[0065] 25 acrylamide monomer is N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The composition may have an acrylic acid monomer or alkyl substituted acrylic acid monomers, e.g., methacrylic acid.

[0066] The copolymer comprises at least one monomer selected from a polysaccharide, polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 2-

[0067] 30 acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid and / or its salt.

[0068] One of the preferred copolymers is that which comprises a cationic monomer selected from [3- (methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) or diallyl P0001001 EP CPL

[0069] 7 dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer and a monomer selected from polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co- polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate. Detail of obtaining such copolymer could be found in WO 2018 / 095920 A1 or

[0070] 5 WO 2018 / 095918 A1.

[0071] Another suitable copolymer is that which comprises four monomers, namely, a cationic monomer selected from [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) or diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), N-iopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer, acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid monomer and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid or its salt monomer. Such copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Polyquart® Pro A.

[0072] A suitable copolymer is that which comprises monomers, namely, a cationic monomer being acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, an acrylic acid monomer, and a polysaccharide monomer. Preferably the polysaccharide monomer is derived from corn starch. Such

[0073] 15 copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Polyquart® Ecoclean Max A.

[0074] The copolymer may be present in the composition in an amount from 0.005 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, even more preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight and most preferably 0.01 to 1% by weight of the composition.

[0075] 20 Surfactant

[0076] The composition comprises a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof. The surfactant may be present in an amount of 0.5 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight and most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0077] 25 The composition may comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl polyglycoside and combinations thereof.

[0078] Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.5 to 10% by weight of the composition. More preferably the non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount from 1 to 9% by weight, even more preferably from 1 to 8% by weight and most preferably from 1 to 7% by

[0079] 30 weight of the composition. P0001001 EP CPL

[0080] 8

[0081] Preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises alcohol ethoxylate. Suitable alcohol ethoxylates include water soluble aliphatic ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants including the primary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and secondary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates. This includes the condensation products of a higher alcohol (e.g., an alkanol containing about 8 to 16 carbon atoms in a straight

[0082] 5 or branched chain configuration) condensed with about 4 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, lauryl or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), tridecanol condensed with about 6 to 15 moles of EO, myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, the condensation product of EO with a cut of coconut fatty alcohol containing a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying from 10 to about 14 carbon atoms in length and wherein the condensate contains either about 6 moles of EO per mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO per mole of alcohol and tallow alcohol ethoxylates containing 6 EO to 11 EO per mole of alcohol.

[0083] Examples of the foregoing non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the Neodol® (Shell), which are higher aliphatic, primary alcohol containing about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, such

[0084] 15 as C9 to C11 alkanol condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol® 91-8 or Neodol® 91-5), C12 to C13 alkanol condensed with 6.5 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol® 23- 6.5), C12 to C15 alkanol condensed with 12 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol® 25-12), C14 to C15 alkanol condensed with 13 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol® 45-13), and the like.

[0085] Examples of the non-ionic surfactant include the class of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate and are

[0086] 20 sold under the trade names of Brij® 35, Brij® 97, Brij® 700, Brij® 99, Brij® 56, Brij® 76, C12EO7, and Brij S10. Preferred non-ionic surfactants of the fatty acid ethoxylate class are sold under the brand names of Myrj™ S20, Myrj™ S40, Myrj™ S40, Myrj™ S50, and PEG-100 stearate. Preferred non-ionic surfactants of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters class are sold under the brand names of Tween® 21, Tween® 20, Tween® 40, Tween® 60, Tween® 65 tri-stearate, Tween® 85 trioleate, and Tween® 80. Preferred non-ionic surfactants of the alkyl phenol ethoxylate class are sold under the brand names of Triton™ X114, Triton™ X100, Triton™ X102, Triton™ X165, Triton™ X305, Triton™ X405 or Triton™ X705. It is observed that the above-mentioned non-ionic surfactants all have an HLB value higher than 10. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the class of poly-oxyethylene sorbitan alkyl ester.

[0087] 30 These surfactants are available under the trade name Tween® or Triton™, for example, Tween® 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, HLB=16.7), Tween® 40(polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-palmitate, HLB=15.6),Tween® 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, HLB=14.9), Tween® 65 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, HLB=10.5), Tween® 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, HLB=15.0), Tween® 85 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan P0001001 EP CPL

[0088] 9 trioleate, HLB=11.0), Triton™ (octyl phenol Ethoxylates), e.g., HLB=12.3), Triton™X114 (HLB =12.3), Triton ( HLB=13.4), Triton™ X102(HLB=14.4), Triton™ X305(HLB=17.3), Triton™X405( HLB=17.3), Triton™ X705 ( HLB=18.4) etc.

[0089] The other non-ionic surfactants suitable for the present invention include alkyl polyglycoside,

[0090] 5 poly-oxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters and alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

[0091] The non-ionic surfactant in the composition may be an alkyl plolyglycoside. As used herein alkyl polyglycosides are compounds having formula RiO(R2O)b(Z)a, wherein Ri is a alkyl radical, having from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms; R2is an alkylene radical having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a saccharide residue having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; b is a number having a value from 0 to about 12; and a is a number having a value from 1 to about 6 (the degree of polymerization). Due to the method by which they are synthesized, alkyl polyglycosides are generally present as mixtures of alkyl polyglycosides having varying amounts of carbon atoms in the alkyl radical and varying degrees of polymerization. Thus, when referring to alkyl polyglycosides, the alkyl radical is generally referred to as having a range of carbon atoms (e.g.,

[0092] 15 C8 / 10 referring to a range of alkyl radicals having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms) and the degree of polymerization is generally referred to as the average degree of polymerization of the mixture.

[0093] Preferred alkyl polyglycosides suitable for the invention include those having the formula RiO(R2O)b(Z)a, wherein Ri is a alkyl radical, having from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms; R2is an alkylene radical having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a saccharide residue having 5 or 6

[0094] 20 carbon atoms; b is a number having a value from 0 to about 12; and a is a number having a value from 1 to about 6 (the degree of polymerization). Preferred alky polyglycoside are those where Z is a glucose residue, b is zero, Ri is an alkyl group that contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and the average value of a is about 1 to 2. Such alkyl polyglucosides are commercially available, for example, as Glucopon® branded alkyl polyglucoside compositions from BASF (formerly Cognis Corporation), including Glucopon® 215CS UP and 225 DK.

[0095] Amphoteric surfactant

[0096] The composition may comprise an amphoteric surfactant. The amphoteric surfactant may present in an amount 0.1 to 10% by weight of amphoteric surfactant. Preferably the composition comprises 0.2 to 8% by weight, more preferably 0.3 to 7% by weight, even more preferably 0.4

[0097] 30 to 5% by weight and most preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight of the composition.

[0098] Examples of the amphoteric surfactant suitable for the present invention include alkyl amido propyl betaines and alkyl sulpho-betaines. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactant include, P0001001 EP CPL

[0099] 10 cocodimethyl sulphopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, sodium cocamphopropionate, cocam idopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocodiethanol amide (CDEA) and cocomonoethanol amide (CMEA).

[0100] Anionic surfactant

[0101] 5 The composition may comprise an anionic surfactant. Typically, anionic surfactant helps in boosting cleaning efficacy. The anionic surfactant may present in an amount 0.1 to 8% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 6% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 4% by weight and most preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight of the composition

[0102] Preferred anionic surfactants are of the organic sulphates and sulfonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulphates, alkyl ethoxylated sulphates, alkaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

[0103] The alkyl ethoxylated sulphate may have a normal or branched chain alkyl group containing lower ethoxylated groups with two or three carbon atoms. A general formula of such surfactants

[0104] 15 is given by:

[0105] RO(C2H4O)X SO3'M+where R is a C8 to C22 alkyl group, saturated or unsaturated, M is a cation which makes the compound water-soluble, especially an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation or alkanolamine, and x averages from 1 to 30. Preferably R is a C8 to C18 alkyl group,

[0106] 20 more preferably C8 to C16 alkyl group, M is sodium and x averages from 1 to 3, more preferably x is 1.

[0107] Preferably, the alkyl ethoxylated sulphate has an C8 to C18 alkyl group with 1 to 30 ethoxylated unit. Preferably the alkyl ethoxylated sulphate has a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and containing an average of 1 to 7 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. A preferred example is lauryl ether sulphate (LES) with a counterion, in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. Preferably the counterion is selected from alkali metal, such as, sodium, potassium. Ammonium or substituted ammonium cation or alkanolamine based counterions, such as, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine

[0108] 30 (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) may also be considered. P0001001 EP CPL

[0109] 11

[0110] Other examples of suitable alkyl ethoxylated sulphate surfactants that could be used in the present invention are C12 to C15 normal or primary alkyl tri-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; n- decyl di-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; C12 primary alkyl di-ethoxy sulphate, ammonium salt; C12 primary alkyl tri-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; C15 primary alkyl tetra-ethoxy sulphate,

[0111] 5 sodium salt; mixed C14 to C15 normal primary alkyl mixed tri- and tetra-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; stearyl penta-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; and mixed C10 to C15 normal primary alkyl tri-ethoxy sulphate, potassium salt. It is particularly preferred that the alkyl ethoxylated sulphate is sodium lauryl ethoxylated sulphate (SLES). It is the sodium salt of lauryl ethoxylated sulphonic acid in which the predominantly C12 (lauryl) alkyl group is ethoxylated with an average of 1 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole, more preferably 1 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole, still more preferably 1 to 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of SLES

[0112] Alkyl aryl sulphonate suitable for the invention include alkylbenzene sulphonate. The alkylbenzene sulphonate may have a linear alkyl chain with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues

[0113] 15 alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the “para” position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically contains 11 to 15 carbon atoms, predominantly 12 carbon atoms. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulpho-phenyl isomers except for the 1-phenyl isomer. The linear alkylbenzene sulphonate is normally formulated into compositions

[0114] 20 in acid (i.e. , HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. Preferably the counterion is selected from alkali metal, such as, sodium, potassium. Ammonium or substituted ammonium cation or alkanolamine based counterions, such as, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) may also be considered.

[0115] The composition may further comprise anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS), non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates having alkyl chain length with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. pH

[0116] Preferably the composition has a pH in the range 4.0 to 12.0 at 20° C. More preferably the

[0117] 30 composition has a pH in the range 5.0 to 10.0, even more preferably 5 to 9.0, yet more preferably 5.5 to 8.5 and most preferably in the range 6.0 to 8.0 at 20° C. P0001001 EP CPL

[0118] 12

[0119] The composition may be formulated as an alkaline composition, preferably suitable for grease cleaning. Such composition may have a pH in the range 7 to 12, more preferably 7.5 to 11.5, even more preferably 8 to 11 and most preferably 8 to 10. The copolymer preferred to be considered in the alkaline composition are those comprising a cationic monomer selected from

[0120] 5 [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) or diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), N-iopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer, acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid monomer and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid or its salt monomer. Such copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Polyquart® Pro A.

[0121] The composition may have a pH in the range 4 to 8, more preferably 4.5 to 7.5 and most preferably 5 to 7. A preferred copolymer may be those comprising monomers, namely, a cationic monomer being acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, an acrylic acid monomer, and a polysaccharide monomer. Preferably the polysaccharide monomer is derived from corn starch. Such copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade

[0122] 15 name Polyquart® Ecoclean Max A.

[0123] Water

[0124] The composition is an aqueous composition. The term ‘aqueous’ herein refers to water, and the composition contains significant amount of water. More particularly water acts as balance in the composition.

[0125] 20 Water may be present in the composition in an amount from 60 to 99% by weight, more preferably 60 to 95% by weight and most preferably 60 to 90% by weight of the composition. Preferably the composition when formulated as concentrate, may contain 60 to 80% by weight, more preferably 65 to 80% by weight and most preferably 70 to 80% by weight of water.

[0126] Further ingredients

[0127] The composition according to the present invention may include additional ingredients to improve or enhance the in-use performance. Such ingredients include colour, soil suspending agents, foam boosters, compatible antimicrobial agent, preservative, performance boosting polymers, compatible bleaching agents, freeze-thaw stabilisers, sequestrant, hydrotrope, and perfumes.

[0128] 30 The composition may comprise a quaternary ammonium compound, preferably for antimicrobial or hygiene benefit. Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds include alkyl ammonium halides such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, alkyl aryl ammonium halides such as P0001001 EP CPL

[0129] 13 octadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, N-alkyl pyridinium halides such as N-cetyl pyridinium bromide, and the like. One suitable type of quaternary ammonium compound includes, for example, those in which the molecules contain amine, ether or ester linkages such as octyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, N-(lauryl coco amino formyl methyl¬

[0130] 5 pyridinium chloride, and the like. Another effective type of quaternary ammonium compound includes, for example, those in which the hydrophobic radical is characterized by a substituted aromatic nucleus as the case of lauryl oxyphenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl amino phenyl trimethyl ammonium methosulphate, dodecyl phenyl trimethyl ammonium methosulphate, dodecyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride, chlorinated dodecyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and the like. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compound utilized in the practice of the present technology exhibit biocidal activity or are biocidal in nature.

[0131] Examples of suitable quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for the present invention include di-decyl dimethylammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethylammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, di-isobutyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium

[0132] 15 chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, methyl dodecyl benzyl ammonium chloride, methyl dodecyl xylene-bis-trimethyl ammonium chloride, methyl benzethonium chloride, cetyl pyridinium chloride, cetrimonium bromide. Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts based on these monomeric structures may also be considered for the present invention.

[0133] 20 The quaternary ammonium compound may present in an amount from 0.01 to 7% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 6% by weight, even more preferably 0.05 to 5% and most preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0134] Application

[0135] The composition is a liquid composition for cleaning hard surfaces. Based on application, the composition may be formulated as neat or concentrated format. The term ‘neat’ herein refers to the composition is used as-is without further dilution. Whereas in ‘concentrated’ format, preferably the composition is diluted in water to form a working solution or a liquid product and use it. Typically, advantage of the concentrated format is that the composition in such form may be packed in significantly small pack and consumes much less packaging material.

[0136] 30 There is provided a liquid cleaning product obtained by diluting the composition in water, wherein the ratio of the composition to water is in the ratio 1:10 to 1:100 by weight. Preferably the ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1 : 10 to 1 : 80, more preferably 1 : 10 to 1 : 60 P0001001 EP CPL

[0137] 14 and most preferably 1:10 to 1 :50 by weight. The liquid product may be stored in a secondary container and used later. Preferably the liquid product further diluted in water providing a cleaning liquor that is used for cleaning a surface.

[0138] There is provided a cleaning product comprising a cleaning composition according to the

[0139] 5 present invention in a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a container to hold the composition and a spray trigger or spray head or spray engine attachable to the container. The dispenser dispenses the cleaning composition as spray or mist. Preferably the spray trigger comprises a trigger lever, a pump, and a spray nozzle. The pump comprises a piston moving in a cavity against a spring. The cavity is in fluid communication with the container, wherein it has one-way valves which allow the composition to flow from the container to the spray nozzle. Typically, the spray trigger is actuated by pressing the trigger lever, which in turn presses the piston against the spring thereby pushing the composition stored in the cavity to the spray nozzle. On subsequent release of the trigger lever, the spring push back the piston, thereby the empty cavity fills with the composition flowing from the container. The dispenser may further have a

[0140] 15 mesh or foaming means attached at the spray nozzle, that enables the dispenser to dispense the composition as foam.

[0141] The composition may be formulated in concentrated format, which may be provided in a container with sufficient empty space and the container is equipped with a foam trigger. In use consumer adds water in the container to a pre-set label making a working solution or a liquid

[0142] 20 product. Alternatively, the composition may also be available in a smaller refill pouch and a consumer prepares the working solution by adding water separately and subsequently fills a container equipped with a spray trigger. The composition is sprayed on the desired surface. Preferably the composition when diluted in water, the ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1:1 to 1: 20 by weight, more preferably 1:2 to 1:16, even more preferably 1:3 to 1:12 and most preferably 1 :4 to 1:10 by weight.

[0143] There is provided a method for a method for providing long-lasting cleaning to a surface comprising steps of applying the composition on to the surface, leaving the composition in contact with the surface for at least 5 minutes, and optionally rinsing with water followed by wiping the surface. Preferably the composition is left on the surface for at least 10 minutes and

[0144] 30 most preferably for at least 15 minutes.

[0145] There is also provided a method for cleaning a hard surface comprising the steps of providing a cleaning liquor by diluting the composition, applying the cleaning liquor on to the surface, and P0001001 EP CPL

[0146] 15 optionally rinsing the surface with water. Preferably the ratio of the composition to water to provide the cleaning liquor is in range 1 :30 to 1 :1000 by weight. Preferably the ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1 :50 to 1 :800, more preferably 1 :80 to 1 :700 and most preferably 1 :100 to 1 :600.

[0147] 5 The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the following non-limiting examples.

[0148] Examples

[0149] Ex -1 and Ex- A to D were prepared according to recipe provided in table 1.

[0150] Table 1

[0151] 1Polyquart® Ecoclean Max A from BASF;2NatrosolTM250 HHR from Ashland;3Carbopol® ETD

[0152] 10 2623 from Lubrizol; ^Bacillus subtills from Genesis Bioscience, UK. P0001001 EP CPL

[0153] 16

[0154] Ex-1 is a composition within the scope of the invention, whereas Ex- A to D are comparative examples. Initial bacterial spore count in the composition was 107or Log 7 CFU / gm. Formulation pH for all examples were maintained at 6.5 to 7.0. All the above formulations were storage stable. The term ‘storage stable’ herein refers to a composition which remains

[0155] 5 homogeneous, and the spore counts does not change significantly over time, typically 4 to 12 weeks, under various storage conditions. That is, the spores remain viable for germination even under various storage condition and able to deliver the desired cleaning and hygiene benefit.

[0156] To evaluate product efficacy, each formulation was tested for the retention of bacterial spore or viability of spore on a ceramic tile after 72 hours of application. Higher retention of spore leads

[0157] 10 to better long-lasting cleaning. For the same, 2 millilitres of each formulation was applied on a tile and left to dry. Swab from each tile surface was collected and spore count and lipase activity were conducted at different intervals. In this evaluation, the bacterial spore count after 24 hours of application was considered as initial value. Sample was collected with a swab, which corresponds to initial value. Subsequently each tile was wiped with ballerina cloth pre-soaked with sterile water. Subsequent evaluation was done after 72 hours of the application. The reduction in the spore count between these two time points for each formulation is reported in table 1. Lower the log reduction indicates better viability of spores. From table 1 , it is evident that Ex-1 has significantly less reduction on spore count, i.e. , better spore viability compared to Ex-A, C to D.

[0158] 20 Further, Ex-E and 2 were prepared following the recipe provided in table 2. Ex-E is a comparative in line with WO 2021 / 243324 A1, whereas Ex-2 is according to the invention.

[0159] Table 2 P0001001 EP CPL

[0160] 17

[0161] 1Polyquart® Ecoclean Max A from BASF; ^Bacillus subtills from Genesis Bioscience, UK.

[0162] From table 2, it is evident that Ex-E shows significant reduction in the bacterial spore count, whereas Ex-2 does not.

Claims

P0001001 EP CPL18Claims1. An aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising: a) a Bacillus bacterial spore; b) 0.005 to 5% by weight of a copolymer comprising: i) a cationic monomer selected from 2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloylamino) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium methosulfate, [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride or methosulfate, [3-(acryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride, [3-(methacryloylamino) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC); ii) an acrylamide or acrylic acid monomer; iii) at least one monomer selected from a polysaccharide, polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, 2- acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulphonic acid and / or its salt; and c) a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus cereus var. toyoi, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus toyonensis and combinations thereof.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore comprises at least Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis.

4. A composition as claimed in claim 3 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore further comprises Bacillus pumilus and / or Bacillus thuringiensis.

5. A composition a claimed any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.P0001001 EP CPL196. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising 102to 1014CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 comprising at least 106CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

8. A composition as claimed in claims 1 to 7 wherein composition comprises 0.5 to 20% by weight of the surfactant.

9. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising 0.005 to 1% by weight of the copolymer.

10. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the cationic monomer is selected from [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC), acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride and diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC).

11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the copolymer comprises: i) a cationic monomer selected from [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) or diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC); ii) N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer; and iii) a monomer selected from polyethylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol vinyloxybutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate and combinations thereof.

12. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the copolymer comprises: i) a cationic monomer being acrylamido-propyl-methyl-ammonium chloride; ii) acrylic acid monomer; iii) a polysaccharide monomer.

13. A composition as claimed in claim 12 wherein the polysaccharide is corn starch.

14. A cleaning product comprising a hard surface cleaning composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 contained in a dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises a container to hold the composition and a spray trigger or spray head or spray engine attachable to the container, wherein the composition is dispensed as a spray or mist in use.

15. A method for providing long-lasting cleaning to a surface comprising steps of:P0001001 EP CPL20 applying a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 on to the surface; leaving the composition in contact with the surface for at least 5 minutes; and optionally rinsing with water and wiping the surface.

Images