Hydrophobic Antibacterial Aqueous Composition for Fabric Malodor Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fabric-care compositions face challenges in effectively combating malodor due to limited antibacterial efficacy, particularly when high levels of surfactants affect the stability and character of perfumes.

Innovation Solution

A process involving pre-mixing a non-ionic antibacterial compound with oil to create a premix, followed by mixing with water to form an aqueous composition with a high water content, which includes a low level of surfactants, results in an effective malodor-fighting fabric-care composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high levels of surfactants are used in fabric-care compositions, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but perfume stability and character deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the composition into distinct functional segments: a low level of surfactants (0.01-3 wt%) for basic cleaning, and a specifically formulated antibacterial compound (0.1-5 wt%) with hydrophobic character (ClogP > 2) for malodour control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without interfering with perfume stability, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and perfume stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional antibacterial compounds are added to aqueous compositions, then malodour fighting properties are improved, but the compounds aggregate and lose efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the key parameter of the antibacterial compound from hydrophilic to hydrophobic character by selecting compounds with ClogP > 2. This parameter change prevents aggregation in aqueous media while maintaining antibacterial activity against malodour-causing bacteria. The hydrophobic character ensures the compound remains dispersed and effective throughout the aqueous composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If surfactant levels are minimized to maintain perfume stability, then perfume character is preserved, but cleaning effectiveness and malodour control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a hydrophobic antibacterial compound as an intermediary substance that performs dual functions: it provides effective malodour control through antibacterial activity and simultaneously enhances perfume stability. This intermediary compound compensates for the reduced surfactant levels, maintaining overall composition effectiveness without compromising perfume character.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 process enhances the malodor-fighting properties of the aqueous composition, maintaining perfume stability and character, even with surfactant levels minimized, thereby providing improved fabric care.

Implementation Method 1

Antibacterial compound can be effective in the fight against malodour. This is due to the ability of the antibacterial compound to limit the growth, or to kill, or to limit the activity of bacteria generating malodour.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibacterial compound action:

Implementation Method 2

pre-mixing the non-ionic antibacterial compound having a ClogP above 2 with an oil to prepare a premix comprising more than 60% per weight of the premix of oil and of non-ionic antibacterial compound having a ClogP above 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 3

mixing the premix with water to obtain an aqueous composition comprising more than 50% per weight of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentUS9127240B2Process to introduce hydrophobic antibacterial compound in an aqueous composition
Publication Date: 2015.09.08

AI summary

Process to prepare an aqueous composition comprising a non-ionic antibacterial compound having a ClogP above about 2, the process having the steps of:pre-mixing the non-ionic antibacterial compound having a ClogP above about 2 with an oil to prepare a premix having more than about 60% per weight of the premix of oil and of non-ionic antibacterial compound having a ClogP above about 2,mixing the premix with water to obtain an aqueous composition having more than about 50% per weight of water.