Laundry Detergent Enzyme System for Sebum Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry detergents face challenges in effectively removing sebum stains, despite the inclusion of proteases and amylases, indicating a need for improved enzyme performance in typical washing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A detergent composition incorporating a mannanase enzyme at 0.0001% to 2% by weight, combined with one or more cellulase enzymes such as endoglucanase or xyloglucanase, and a graft copolymer, enhances the removal of sebum stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proteases and amylases are included in laundry detergent, then general cleaning performance is improved, but sebum stain removal remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mannanase and cellulase enzymes with proteases and amylases in a synergistic enzyme system. The mannanase specifically targets sebum stains by breaking down mannans and galactomannans, while cellulase complements this action. This merging of specialized enzymes with general-purpose enzymes creates a comprehensive cleaning system that addresses both specific sebum stains and general soil types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of individual enzymes and enzyme combinations to achieve optimal performance. By carefully controlling the amount of mannanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase in the detergent formulation, the system achieves enhanced sebum stain removal while maintaining overall cleaning effectiveness and fabric care properties.
2Reliability
If multiple enzymes are combined to improve sebum stain removal, then cleaning specificity is enhanced, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enzyme system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The combination of mannanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase allows a single detergent formulation to address diverse soil types including sebum stains, protein-based stains, starch soils, and general organic soils. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite enzyme system where mannanase and cellulase work synergistically with proteases and amylases. This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of different enzyme classes to achieve comprehensive stain removal while maintaining formulation stability and effectiveness.
3Reliability
If enzyme concentrations are increased to improve cleaning performance, then stain removal efficacy is enhanced, but cost and potential fabric damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes enzyme concentration parameters to achieve the highest cleaning performance at the lowest effective doses. By carefully formulating the enzyme mix ratios and total enzyme content, the system maximizes stain removal efficacy while minimizing the risk of fabric damage and controlling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes a polymer ingredient that acts as an intermediary between the enzyme system and fabric. This polymer modifies the interaction between enzymes and fabric fibers, protecting fabric integrity while allowing effective enzyme action on stains. The polymer serves as a mediator that enables high cleaning performance without proportional increases in fabric damage risk.
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
The combination of mannanase and cellulase enzymes improves sebum stain removal, achieving superior cleaning performance beyond the capabilities of individual enzymes, with the graft copolymer contributing to the enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
Mannanases are known for their ability to hydrolyse mannans and/or galactomannans
Implementation Method 2
cellulase enzymes where the cellulase is selected from a an endoglucanse (endolase) or xyloglucanase enzyme
Implementation Method 3
a graft copolymer... contributing to the enhanced cleaning efficacy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to cleaning compositions and, more specifically, to cleaning compositions containing a mannanase enzyme at a level of from 0.0001% to 2% pure enzyme by weight of total composition and an xyloglucanase enzyme.