Methyl Ester Ethoxylate-Lipase Laundry Liquid for Stable Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry liquid compositions do not effectively combine methyl ester ethoxylate surfactants and lipases to enhance stability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A laundry liquid composition comprising 2 to 40% methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant with at least 10% C16/18 alkyl chains and a mol average of at least 8 ethoxylate groups, combined with a lipase, to improve stability and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant and lipase are combined in a single laundry liquid formulation, then performance is enhanced, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidperformance enhancement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant by specifying a higher ethoxylate content (at least 8 ethoxylate groups per molecule) and specific alkyl chain composition (at least 10% C16/18). This parameter modification allows the surfactant to be more tolerant to lipase presence, thereby maintaining stability while enabling performance enhancement through the enzyme-surfactant combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite laundry liquid formulation that integrates both methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant and lipase enzyme in a single stable system. By carefully selecting the surfactant composition parameters, the patent achieves compatibility between these two chemically distinct components, resulting in a composite material that delivers enhanced cleaning performance while maintaining long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If higher ethoxylate content is used in methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant, then stability in the presence of lipase is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in the presence of lipaseVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies clear parameter ranges for the methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant (at least 8 ethoxylate groups per molecule, at least 10% C16/18 alkyl chains) that balance stability requirements with manufacturing feasibility. These defined parameters provide guidance for surfactant selection and formulation, making the manufacturing process manageable while achieving the desired stability enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant and lipase enhances stability and performance in laundry liquid formulations, addressing the need for improved laundry liquid compositions.

Implementation Method 1

Lipases are lipid esterase enzymes... Triacylglycerol lipases (E.C. 3.1.1.3)... Carboxylic ester hydrolase (E.C. 3.1.1.1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant with at least 10% C16/18 alkyl chains and a mol average of at least 8 ethoxylate groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4532652B1Composition comprising a specific methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant and a lipase

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

A laundry liquid composition comprising from 2 to 40% methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant and a lipase, wherein at least 10% weight of the methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant comprises C16/18 alkyl chains and a mol average of at least 8 ethoxylate groups.