GLDA Enzyme Detergent Composition Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enzymes in detergent compositions are unstable under alkaline conditions, particularly in liquid and gelled formulations, which limits their effectiveness in machine dishwashing detergents that require high alkalinity for optimal washing results.
Innovation Solution
A composition containing at least 10 wt.% of GLDA and 10 wt.% water, with a weight ratio of GLDA to water between 5:6 to 5:1, which stabilizes enzymes by minimizing the formation of a highly caustic environment, allowing for the creation of storage-stable detergent compositions that can maintain enzyme activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If highly alkaline conditions are used in detergent formulations, then washing performance is improved, but enzyme stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pH level and builder concentration to create a moderately alkaline environment (pH 9-11) rather than highly alkaline conditions. This allows enzyme stability to be maintained while still achieving effective washing performance through the optimized GLDA builder system at concentrations of 5-20% by weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite detergent formulation combining GLDA builder, enzymes, surfactants, and auxiliary ingredients in specific proportions. This composite approach creates a synergistic system where the GLDA-enzyme-surfactant combination achieves both washing effectiveness and enzyme stability that neither component could achieve alone.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentration of GLDA is used in detergent composition, then builder effectiveness is improved, but enzyme activity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the GLDA concentration parameter to a specific range of 5-20% by weight of the total composition, rather than using high concentrations. This parameter optimization, combined with controlling pH between 9-11 and water content between 10-40%, creates conditions where GLDA effectively complexes calcium and magnesium ions without generating a highly caustic environment that would denature enzymes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different micro-environments within the detergent formulation. The GLDA builder provides localized water softening at the soil-detergent interface, while the bulk formulation maintains moderate alkalinity suitable for enzyme stability. This spatial and functional differentiation allows high builder effectiveness without compromising enzyme activity.
3Ease of operation
If liquid and gelled detergent formulations are used, then ease of dosing is improved, but enzyme stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical state parameters of the detergent formulation by controlling water content (10-40%), viscosity, and pH (9-11) to create liquid and gelled formulations that are easy to dose and apply. These parameter changes are achieved while maintaining moderate alkalinity and using GLDA at optimized concentrations, thereby preserving enzyme stability despite the liquid/gelled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary component at controlled levels (10-40% by weight) to enable the liquid and gelled formulation states that provide ease of dosing. This intermediary water content, when balanced with GLDA and other ingredients, creates a formulation matrix that maintains enzyme stability while achieving the desired flow and dosing characteristics.
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 composition ensures the stability and activity of enzymes in detergent formulations, even under alkaline conditions, enhancing the washing performance of machine dishwashing detergents while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The composition stabilizes enzymes by minimizing the formation of a highly caustic environment
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a composition containing at least 10 wt.% of GLDA, at least 10wt.% water and one or more active enzymes; wherein the weight ratio of GLDA to water lies within the range of 5:6 to 5:1, preferably of 9:10 to 3:1; more preferably of 1:1 to 5:2. The composition of the present invention offers the advantage that the enzyme retains it activity despite the fact that the aqueous composition contains a high amount of GLDA relative to the water content of the composition, even if this GLDA was incorporated in the form ofthehighly alkaline tetrasodium salt The invention also provides a process of preparing such a composition.