Detergent Composition Using C16-C18 Ether Sulfate Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers want to minimize the amount of lipase enzymes left on laundered garments, as these enzymes can adhere to fabrics and residual fats, leading to unwanted enzyme presence after washing.
Innovation Solution
The use of C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate surfactants with 7 to 15 ethoxylate groups replaces lauryl ether sulfate, reducing the amount of lipase enzymes left in fats on garments after washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lauryl ether sulfate is used as surfactant, then cleaning performance is maintained, but lipase enzyme remains on garments after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surfactant parameters from lauryl ether sulfate (C12) to C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with 7-15 ethoxylate groups. This parameter change in surfactant chain length and ethoxylate content fundamentally alters the surfactant-enzyme-fat interaction, reducing lipase adhesion to garments while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with specific ethoxylate groups (7-15). This composite structure creates optimal balance between hydrophobic tail (C16/C18) and hydrophilic head (ethoxylate groups), enabling effective cleaning while minimizing enzyme residue through controlled micelle formation and substrate interaction.
2Productivity
If lipase enzyme is added to detergent, then fat removal is enhanced, but enzyme adheres to residual fat on garments
Solution Approach 1:
The C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with 7-15 ethoxylate groups acts as an intermediary between lipase and residual fat. This surfactant modulates the interaction by forming micelles that solubilize residual fat while controlling enzyme access, preventing direct enzyme-adherent fat binding to garment fibers and reducing unwanted residue.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This surfactant system effectively minimizes the deposition of lipase enzymes on garments, as evidenced by reduced lipase activity in residual fat after washing, compared to traditional surfactant systems.
Implementation Method 1
a C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with 7 to 15 ethoxylate groups
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a detergent composition, comprising: (a) from 0.0005 to 0.5 wt.% of a lipid esterase enzyme; (b) from 2 to 25 wt.% of an alcohol ether sulfate of formula R- (OCH2CH2)nOSO3H where n is from 5 to 15, preferably from 6 to 15, more preferably from 7 to 15, most preferably 7 to 12; and (c) from 0.2 to 50 wt.%, of surfactant other than the surfactant specified in (b); also the invention concerns a domestic method of treating a textile; and the use of an alcohol ether sulfate of formula R-(OCH2CH2)nOSO3H where R is saturated or monounsaturated linear C16 and/or C18 alkyl chain and where n is from 7 to 15, preferably 8 to 12, to reduce the amount of lipase left in fats on garments after the wash.