Method of demonstrating sebum removal from laundered garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for effectively assessing and comparing the efficacy of laundry detergent compositions in removing sebum from clothes, as they fail to chemically identify and quantify sebum components, leading to garment yellowing and odor issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a human subject wearing a garment next to skin for several hours, followed by solvent extraction using alcohols, ketones, or CO2, and subsequent analysis via LC-MS with a High Resolution accurate Mass Spectrometer to compare the sebum removal effects of different laundry detergent compositions, potentially including alkyl ether carboxylates and lipid esterases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional solvent extraction and chromatographic methods are used to analyze sebum components, then the composition of sebum can be identified, but the method is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary sebum components from the garment using solvent extraction, then directly analyzes them using LC-MS without requiring complex chromatographic separation steps. This isolates the essential analysis function from unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical chromatographic separation systems with LC-MS technology that uses liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. This substitution provides more precise measurement of sebum components while reducing overall method complexity through automated detection
2Measurement precision
If gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy is used to detect volatile compounds, then volatile odorants can be measured, but the majority of non-volatile sebum components cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LC-MS technology that can detect both volatile and non-volatile compounds, making the detection system universal. The mass spectrometer can analyze a broad range of sebum components including fatty acids, triglycerides, wax esters, and cholesterol esters in a single method, eliminating the need for separate detection systems
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple wash-wear cycles are allowed to occur, then residual sebum becomes visible as yellowing and odor, but the assessment of detergent efficacy is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs solvent extraction and LC-MS analysis immediately after a single wash cycle, before multiple wash-wear cycles can occur. This preliminary analysis of residual sebum allows for immediate assessment of detergent efficacy, eliminating the time delay associated with waiting for visible yellowing and odor development
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
This method allows for accurate chemical identification and quantification of sebum components, enabling effective comparison of laundry detergent compositions and demonstrating improved sebum removal efficacy, thereby preventing garment yellowing and odor issues.
Implementation Method 1
each garment portion or equal part thereof undergoes solvent extraction with solvent selected from: alcohols, ketones, ethers, CO2, chlorinated organic solvent
Implementation Method 2
measure extract using LC-MS, with a High Resolution accurate Mass Spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method of demonstrating sebum removal from laundered garments by laundry detergent compositions. Garment portions of worn clothes are washed separately to each other using different laundry detergent compositions. Each garment portion undergoes solvent extraction. The extract is measured using LC-MS. The concentration if identified compounds is compared, to enable a comparision between the sebum removal effects of each tested laundry detergent composition.