Delayed-Release Enzyme Coating for Bleach Catalyst Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enzymes in particulate detergents are often inactivated by bleach catalysts in combination with organic peroxyacids, leading to reduced effectiveness in stain removal.

Innovation Solution

A particulate composition is developed that includes particles with a source of organic peroxyacids, bleach catalysts, and enzyme particles coated with a delayed-release coating to protect the enzyme from inactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If enzymes are included in particulate detergents to improve stain removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but enzyme inactivation by bleach catalysts occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidenzyme stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent composition is segmented into separate functional particles: bleach catalyst particles containing organic peroxyacids and enzyme particles containing lipolytic enzymes. This physical separation prevents direct contact between the enzyme and bleach catalyst, eliminating inactivation while maintaining both functions in the same detergent formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary substance (such as a coating material or carrier particle) is introduced between the enzyme and bleach catalyst. This intermediary layer physically isolates the enzyme from the harmful bleach catalyst environment while still allowing the detergent to function effectively as a whole system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If bleach catalysts are added to enhance bleaching effect, then stain removal capability is improved, but enzyme inactivation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleaching effectivenessVSAvoidenzyme inactivation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful bleach catalyst and the sensitive enzyme are segmented into separate particles. The bleach catalyst particles release organic peroxyacids for effective bleaching, while the enzyme particles remain physically isolated, preventing the harmful interaction that would otherwise inactivate the enzyme.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local environments are created within the detergent particles: bleach catalyst particles provide a localized bleaching function, while enzyme particles provide a localized enzymatic function. This spatial differentiation allows each component to function optimally without interfering negatively with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If enzymes are released quickly into wash solution for immediate action, then stain removal is enhanced, but enzyme stability during washing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenzyme activity onsetVSAvoidenzyme stability during wash

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The enzyme particles are pre-coated with a protective delayed-release coating before being incorporated into the detergent. This preliminary protective action ensures that the enzyme remains stable during storage and initial washing, releasing its activity only when needed and protecting it from premature inactivation by bleach catalysts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A protective coating is applied beforehand to cushion the enzyme particles against the harmful effects of bleach catalysts. This prior cushioning layer prevents direct contact and inactivation, allowing the enzyme to maintain its stability and activity throughout the washing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 delayed-release coating significantly improves the stability of enzymes during washing with bleach catalysts, maintaining their effectiveness in stain removal.

Implementation Method 1

a core comprising an enzyme surrounded by a delayed-release coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

particles comprising a source of organic peroxyacids... to facilitate the removal of stains and soils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

particles comprising a bleach catalyst... combination of a hydrogen peroxide source such as perborate or percarbonate with a bleach activator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250136897A1Particulate Composition

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 NOVOZYMES AS

AI summary

Enzymes tend to be inactivated during wash by a bleach catalyst in combination with a source of organic peroxyacids. The risk of enzyme inactivation by active bleach catalyst is reduced when the release of the enzyme into the wash solution is delayed. The enzyme stability during washing together with a bleach catalyst can be improved by applying a delayed-release coating to cores which comprise the enzyme.