A cleaning composition comprising a bacillus bacterial spore and an amino carboxylic acid

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of liquid cleaning compositions. There is a need for an improved liquid 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 sequestrants and surfactants which also contain a Bacillus spore provides a stable liquid cleaning composition. The composition provides long lasting cleaning and hygiene benefit. The present invention further provides a method of cleaning a surface and use of select sequestrants for stabilizing a Bacillus bacterial spore in a surfactant containing liquid cleaning composition.

Description

[0001] P0001003 EP CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] A CLEANING COMPOSITION

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. In particular, it relates to a liquid cleaning composition with a good environmental profile providing efficient cleaning and hygiene

[0006] 5 benefit that sustains for a long period of time.

[0007] Background of the Invention

[0008] Consumers generally carry out various cleaning activities as part of their house-hold chores. They often use various products for effective cleaning, that includes disinfecting of surfaces. Such surfaces include inanimate hard surfaces, like floors, walls, windows, doors, furniture, tabletops, and soft surfaces, like fabric, towels and bed sheet, pillow covers. Further, toilets and bathrooms are few more examples, where germs tend to proliferate, thus requires frequent cleaning and disinfection.

[0009] Certain surfaces are prone to microbial growth and deposition of dirt and consumers may require frequent cleaning of those surfaces adding to their efforts. It is desired that a cleaning

[0010] 15 product provides a cleaning performance, which sustains for a long period thereby reducing requirement of frequent cleaning and subsequently reduces consumer efforts.

[0011] 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. It is also suggested to avoid ingredients, that are low on biodegradability or may cause health

[0012] 20 issues. 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 same 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 considering probiotic or select bacterial spore in a product. Such spores germinate on the surfaces and inhibit growth of harmful pathogens, thereby providing long lasting 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.

[0014] US 5 863 882 A discloses formulations comprising a suspension of a sanitizing composition,

[0015] 30 bacterial spores, surfactants, a thickening agent, and abrasive particles all contained in aqueous solution. These formulations can be used for cleaning and sanitizing bathroom fixtures, sinks, toilet bowls, and other dirty and contaminated surfaces, and have the P0001003 EP CPL

[0016] 2 advantages of being a good surface cleaning agent and a good sanitizer along with providing the long term effect of beneficial bacteria that control pathogens and degrade wastes both on the surface and in the sewage system associated with the surface being treated.

[0017] WO 2024 / 083600 A1 discloses new Bacillus strains having extracellular hydrolase activity and

[0018] 5 demonstrating reduced malodour after incubation for at least 5 days for at least 25 °C in a lactose-free whole milk sample compared to a non- inoculated lactose-free whole milk sample. It further discloses compositions comprising these strains and methods using the new Bacillus strains are provided.

[0019] FR 3 118 058 A1 discloses strain of Bacillus pumilus exhibiting antagonistic activity towards pathogenic bacteria belonging at least to the following three families: Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae and Listeriaceae, advantageously belonging at least to the following three genera: Staphylococcus, Escherichia and Listeria.

[0020] CN 116179280 A1 discloses an automatic dish-washing machine and dish-washing gel beads for the automatic dish-washing machine. The detergent comprises a surfactant and a peculiar

[0021] 15 smell removing auxiliary agent, wherein the surfactant comprises a surfactant A, a surfactant B and a surfactant C; the surfactant A is selected from one or more of fatty alcohol alkoxylates and accounts for 20-40% of the weight of the surfactant, the surfactant B is one or more of long- chain carboxylic ester polyoxyethylene- 18 and accounts for 15-35% of the weight of the surfactant and the surfactant C is selected from one or more of amino oleic acid esters and

[0022] 20 accounts for 10-30% of the weight of the surfactant.

[0023] Although various cleaning compositions are disclosed, still there is a need for an improved liquid cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that provides efficient cleaning and hygiene benefit which sustains for a long period.

[0024] The present inventors have surprisingly found that select sequestrants and surfactants which

[0025] 25 also contain a Bacillus spore provides a stable liquid cleaning composition with a good environmental profile. The composition provides long lasting cleaning and hygiene benefit.

[0026] Summary of the Invention

[0027] According to the first aspect the present invention provides a liquid cleaning composition comprising:

[0028] 30 a) a Bacillus bacterial spore selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus P0001003 EP CPL

[0029] 3 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;

[0030] 5 b) 0.1 to 10 % by weight of a sequestrant selected from glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof; c) 0.1 to 25% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof; and d) Water, wherein the composition is free of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid based sequestrant, wherein the composition is free of organic solvent, and wherein the composition is free of a bleaching or oxidizing agents or their source.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a surface comprising the

[0032] 15 steps of: a) providing a composition according to the first aspect on the surface; b) applying composition on the surface and leaving it for at least 5 minutes; and c) optionally rinsing the surface with water.

[0033] In another aspect, the present invention provides a use of a sequestrant for stabilizing a

[0034] 20 Bacillus bacterial spore in a surfactant containing liquid cleaning composition, wherein the sequestrant is selected from glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof.

[0035] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0036] 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

[0037] 30 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 combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless specified otherwise, amounts P0001003 EP CPL

[0038] 4 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., “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.

[0039] 5 The composition according to the present invention is storage stable. The term ‘storage stable’ herein refers to a composition which remains homogeneous, stable and the spore count does not change significantly over time, typically 2 to 12 weeks under various storage conditions.

[0040] Bacillus bacterial spore

[0041] The composition comprises a Bacillus bacterial spore. 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 104to 1012CFU / gm and most preferably 104to 1011CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore. The composition may comprise at least 106CFU / gm,

[0042] 15 more preferably 107CFU / gm and most preferably 108CFU / gm of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 20 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 most preferably 0.0001 to 1 % by weight of the Bacillus bacterial spore.

[0045] The Bacillus bacterial spore is preferably non-pathogenic, that is, the spore does not cause disease or harm to consumers on using the composition. The Bacillus bacterial spore may be 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

[0046] 30 lentus, Bacillus toyonensis and combinations thereof.

[0047] 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 P0001003 EP CPL

[0048] 5 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

[0049] 5 in the composition.

[0050] 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, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0051] 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, Bacillus canaveralius, Bacillus capparidis, Bacillus carboniphilus, Bacillus chungangensis,

[0052] 15 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

[0053] 20 methanolicus, Bacillus mobilis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus nakamurai, Bacillus ndiopicus, Bacillus nitratireducens, Bacillus oleivorans, Bacillus pacificus, Bacillus pakistanensis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus paramycoides, , Bacillus pervagus, Bacillus piscicola, Bacillus proteolyticus, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus pumilus, 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, Bacillus tamaricis, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus thermocloacae, Bacillus thermotolerans, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tianshenii, Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus tropicus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus

[0054] 30 wiedmannii, Bacillus wudalianchiensis, Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus xiapuensis, Bacillus zhangzhouensis, or combinations thereof. P0001003 EP CPL

[0055] 6

[0056] The composition comprises a sequestrant. Preferably the composition comprises 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 8 % by weight and even more preferably 0.1 to 6% by weight, yet more preferably 0.1 to 4% by weight and most preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight of the sequestrant. In a scenario, the composition may be formulated with 0.20 to 3% by weight of the

[0057] 5 of the sequestrant.

[0058] The sequestrant comprises an amino carboxylic acid and / or its salt, which is selected from glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof. It will be understood that suitable sequestrants include both the acid form and salts thereof.

[0059] Preferably the sequestrant comprise at least 50% by its weight of the select amino carboxylic acid and / or its salt. More preferably the sequestrant comprise at least 60% by its weight, even more preferably at least 70% by its weight and yet more preferably at least 80% by its weight of the amino carboxylic acid and / or its salt. The sequestrant may comprises 50 to 100% by its weight of the of the amino carboxylic acid and / or its salt.

[0060] 15 Most preferred sequestrant is glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA) and / or methyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA).

[0061] The sequestrants may further comprises a carboxylic acid based sequestrant, which includes gluconic acid and itaconic acid.

[0062] The composition is free of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid based sequestrant, such as

[0063] 20 ethylenediaminetetraacetate. It is reported that EDTA may cause health hazard, particularly it is marked as H319 (causes serious eye irritation) and H332 (Harmful if inhaled) following Global Harmonized System (GHS). Preferably the composition is free of or does not contain phosphonic acid based sequestrants. Preferably such ingredients are avoided to maintain a good environmental profile.

[0064] The term ‘free of’ herein implies that the sequestrant preferably has less than 0.5% by its weight, more preferably less than 0.1% by its weight and most preferably less than 0.05% by its weight of the phosphonate based sequestrants, such as, diethylenetriamine penta-(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP), hydroxy ethylidene di-phosphonic acid (HEDP), and nitrilotrimethylene phosphonic acid (NTMP) hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic

[0065] 30 acid) (HDTMP), amino tris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), ethylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP). Preferably no phosphonate or tetra-acetic acid P0001003 EP CPL

[0066] 7 based sequestrant is added in the composition, however, it may present at trace level sourced through raw material or other ingredients of the composition. Preferably the composition does not contain a phosphonate or ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid based sequestrant.

[0067] Surfactant

[0068] 5 The composition comprises a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof. The surfactant is present in an amount 0.1 to 25% by weight of the composition.

[0069] The composition may comprise at least 0.1% by weight, more preferably at least 0.2% by weight, even more preferably at least 0.3% by weight, still more preferably at least 0.4% by weight and most preferably at least 0.5% by weight of the surfactant. The composition preferably comprises at most 20% by weight, more preferably at most 18% by weight, even more preferably at most 15% by weight, furthermore preferably at most 12% by weight, yet more preferably at most 10% by weight, still more preferably at most 8% by weight, and most preferably at most 5% by weight of the surfactant.

[0070] 15 The surfactant may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.2 to 18% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, furthermore preferably 0.4 to 12% by weight, yet more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, still more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0071] Anionic surfactant

[0072] 20 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 20% by weight, more preferably 0.2 to 18% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, furthermore preferably 0.4 to 12% by weight, yet more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, still more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 30 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 is given by: P0001003 EP CPL

[0075] 8

[0076] 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,

[0077] 5 more preferably C8 to C16 alkyl group, M is sodium and x averages from 1 to 3, more preferably x is 1.

[0078] 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

[0079] 15 (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) may also be considered.

[0080] 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;

[0081] 20 C12 primary alkyl tri-ethoxy sulphate, sodium salt; C15 primary alkyl tetra-ethoxy sulphate, 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

[0082] 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

[0083] 30 linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues 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 P0001003 EP CPL

[0084] 9 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 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

[0085] 5 cation or alkanolamine based counterions, such as, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) may also be considered.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Non-ionic surfactant

[0088] The composition may comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl polyglycoside and combinations thereof.

[0089] Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.1 to 20% by weight, more

[0090] 15 preferably 0.2 to 18% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, furthermore preferably 0.4 to 12% by weight, yet more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, still more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0091] Preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises alcohol ethoxylate. Suitable alcohol ethoxylates include water soluble aliphatic ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants including the primary aliphatic

[0092] 20 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 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

[0093] 25 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.

[0094] 30 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 as C9 to C11 alkanol condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol® 91-8 or P0001003 EP CPL

[0095] 10

[0096] 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.

[0097] Examples of the non-ionic surfactant include the class of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate and are

[0098] 5 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.

[0099] 15 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

[0100] 20 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. The other non-ionic surfactants suitable for the present invention include alkyl polyglycoside, poly-oxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters and alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

[0101] 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

[0102] 30 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., P0001003 EP CPL

[0103] 11

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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; R2

[0106] 5 is 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). 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.

[0107] Amphoteric surfactant

[0108] The composition may comprise an amphoteric surfactant. The amphoteric surfactant may present in an amount 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.2 to 18% by weight, even more

[0109] 15 preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, furthermore preferably 0.4 to 12% by weight, yet more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, still more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0110] 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,

[0111] 20 cocodimethyl sulphopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, sodium cocamphopropionate, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocodiethanol amide (CDEA) and cocomonoethanol amide (CMEA).

[0112] Water

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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,

[0115] 30 more preferably 65 to 80% by weight and most preferably 70 to 80% by weight of water. P0001003 EP CPL

[0116] 12

[0117] The composition according to the present invention is free of a bleaching or oxidizing agents. The composition is free of organic solvent. The term ‘free of’ herein implies that the composition comprises less than 0.5% by its weight, more preferably less than 0.1% by its weight and even more preferably less than 0.05% by its weight, and most preferably do not contain the said the

[0118] 5 bleaching or oxidizing agent or organic solvent. It is observed that often such ingredients affect the spore survival, thus avoided. It is also noted that such ingredients may not be suitable to maintain a good environmental profile of the composition. Example of the organic solvents include, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, select glycol ethers having low biodegradability, aromatic solvents and other solvents, which are low or not biodegradable. Example of bleaching or oxidizing agents include, percarbonate, peroxide and hypochlorite.

[0119] Further ingredients

[0120] 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

[0121] 15 polymers, freeze-thaw stabilisers, hydrotrope, and perfumes.

[0122] 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 octadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, N-alkyl pyridinium halides such as N-cetyl pyridinium

[0123] 20 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 methylpyridinium 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 oxy-phenyl 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.

[0124] 30 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 chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium P0001003 EP CPL

[0125] 13 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.

[0126] 5 The composition may further comprise a preservative for its known purpose. Particularly eco- friendly preservatives are more preferred. ‘IT’ based preservatives, such as benzisothiazolinone (BIT), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT) may be avoided for the purpose of the present invention. Preferably the composition does not contain said ‘IT’ based preservatives, particularly benzisothiazolinone (BIT).

[0127] The composition is a liquid composition, it may be formulated for cleaning hard surfaces, such as tabletop, kitchen top, tiles, floors, walls, windows, doors and furniture surfaces. When the composition is formulated as a hard surface cleaning composition, it may comprise 0.1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 0.2 to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 8% by weight,

[0128] 15 furthermore preferably 0.4 to 6% by weight, yet more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, still more preferably 0.5 to 4% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight of the surfactant.

[0129] The composition may be formulated as a laundry cleaning composition. The term laundry cleaning herein refers to compositions used in a laundering process. Typically laundering includes cleaning fabrics, shirts, trousers, linen or any other textiles used in household. When

[0130] 20 the composition is formulated as a laundry cleaning composition, it may comprise 0.1 to 25% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 22% by weight, even more preferably 0.8 to 20% by weight, furthermore preferably 1 to 18% by weight, yet more preferably 1 to 15% by weight, still more preferably 1 to 12% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 10% by weight of the surfactant. In the laundry liquid format, the composition may include other laundry additives in an amount to provide an efficacy they are known for. Examples of such additives include soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer, enzyme, shading dye, fragrance and flouroscer. In a laundry process, the composition may be added in main wash or in rinse stage.

[0131] 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

[0132] 30 ‘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 P0001003 EP CPL

[0133] 14 composition in such form may be packed in significantly small pack and consumes much less packaging material.

[0134] 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

[0135] 5 the ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1 : 10 to 1 : 80, more preferably 1 : 10 to 1 : 60 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.

[0136] There is provided a cleaning product comprising a cleaning composition according to the 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

[0137] 15 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.

[0138] 20 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 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.

[0139] There is provided a method delivering long-lasting cleaning to a surface comprising steps of

[0140] 30 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 most preferably for P0001003 EP CPL

[0141] 15 at least 15 minutes. In a scenario, the composition may be applied in a surface and left it for at least 6 hours, more preferably at least 8 hours and most preferably at least 12 hours. Preferably the composition is applied using a spray trigger. The surface preferably an inanimate surface, that include hard surfaces, like floors, walls, windows, doors, furniture, tabletops, and soft

[0142] 5 surface, like fabric, towels and bed sheet, pillow covers

[0143] 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 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

[0144] 10 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.

[0145] There is provided a process for laundering an article comprising steps of providing a cleaning liquor by diluting the composition in water, soaking the article in the liquor, and rinsing the article with water. Preferably the ratio of the composition to water in the dilution step is in the range 1:5 to 1 :200, more preferably 1 : 10 to 1 : 150, and most preferably 1 :20 to 1 : 100 by weight.

[0146] There is provided a use of a sequestrant for stabilizing a Bacillus bacterial spore in a surfactant containing liquid cleaning composition, wherein the sequestrant is selected from glutamic diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof. Preferably the sequestrant

[0147] 20 is glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and / or methyl glycine diacetic acid.

[0148] The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the following non-limiting examples.

[0149] Examples

[0150] Ex -1 to 2 and Ex- A, B were prepared according to recipe provided in table 1. Table 1 P0001003 EP CPL

[0151] 16

[0152] 1alcohol ethoxylate;2Bacillus subtills.

[0153] Ex-1 and 2 are compositions within the scope of the invention, whereas Ex- A, B are comparative examples. The bacterial spore count in the composition was 107or Log 7 CFU / gm.

[0154] From the above table, it is evident that Ex 1 and 2 shows significantly better viability or spore 5 stability in a liquid composition of Bacillus spore compared to Ex- A and B.

Claims

P0001003 EP CPL17Claims:

1. A liquid cleaning composition comprising: a) a Bacillus bacterial spore 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; b) 0.01 to 10 % by weight of a sequestrant selected from glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof; c) 0.1 to 25% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant and combinations thereof; and d) water, wherein the composition is free of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid based sequestrant, wherein the composition is free of organic solvent, and wherein the composition is free of a bleaching or oxidizing agents or their source.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore comprises at least Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore further comprises Bacillus pumilus and / or Bacillus thuringiensis.

4. A composition a claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

5. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is present in a concentration 102to 1014CFU / gm.

6. A composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is present in a concentration at least 106CFU / gm.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein the composition is free of phosphonic based sequestrants.P0001003 EP CPL188. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the sequestrant is an amino carboxylic acid and / or its salt.

9. A composition as claimed in claim 8 wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 8% by weight of the sequestrant.

10. A composition as claimed in claim 1 to 9 wherein the sequestrant is glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA) and / or methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA).

11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the surfactant is selected from linear alkyl benzene sulphonate, alkyl ether sulphate, alkyl sulphate, alkyl amine oxide, betaine and combinations thereof.

12. A method for providing cleaning and hygiene efficacy to a surface comprising the steps of: a) providing a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 on the surface; b) applying composition on the surface and leaving it for at least 5 minutes; and c) optionally rinsing the surface with water.

13. Use of a sequestrant for stabilizing a Bacillus bacterial spore in a surfactant containing liquid cleaning composition, wherein the sequestrant is selected from glutamic di-acetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine di-succinic acid (EDDS) and salts thereof.

14. Use as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sequestrant is glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) and / or methyl glycine diacetic acid.

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