Lipase Detergent Composition for Laundry Odor Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detergent compositions using lipases generate unpleasant odors due to the formation of short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid during laundry washing, which current technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a surfactant or surfactant system, a lipase, and ricinoleic acid, a ricinoleic salt, or a ricinoleic ester into detergent compositions to reduce odor generation by lipases during laundry washing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If lipase is used in detergent composition to break down fats, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but unpleasant odor is generated due to formation of short-chain fatty acids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidunpleasant odor

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using the odor-causing short-chain fatty acids (like butyric acid) generated by lipase as substrates for a second enzyme (esterase or lipase with esterase activity) to convert them into less odorous esters. The harmful byproduct of the first enzymatic reaction becomes the substrate for a beneficial second reaction, effectively converting the odor problem into a solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the fatty acids by introducing a second enzymatic reaction that transforms short-chain fatty acids (odorous) into esters (less odorous). This parameter change in the chemical structure and properties of the reaction products directly addresses the odor issue while maintaining the cleaning benefits of lipase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If lipase is added to detergent to enhance stain removal, then wash performance is improved, but odor generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewash performanceVSAvoidodor generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the odorous short-chain fatty acids produced during lipase-catalyzed fat breakdown as substrates for a second enzymatic reaction. By adding esterase or lipase with esterase activity, the system converts these harmful odorous compounds into beneficial less-odorous esters, effectively resolving the contradiction between wash performance and odor generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite enzymatic system combining two different enzymatic activities (lipase for fat breakdown and esterase for odor reduction) within a single detergent composition. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of effective cleaning and odor control by coordinating multiple biochemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional detergent formulations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but odor control during washing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidodor control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the conventional detergent formulation by adding a second enzymatic component (esterase or lipase with esterase activity) that changes the chemical fate of lipase byproducts. This parameter change in the formulation enables odor control through enzymatic conversion of short-chain fatty acids into esters, while maintaining relative simplicity of manufacturing.

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 significantly reduces odor generation by at least 5% to 99% compared to washing without lipase, as demonstrated by odor panel evaluation and analytical methods like SPME-GC.

Implementation Method 1

Lipases break down fats into fatty acids that are solubilized in the surfactants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

fatty acids that are solubilized in the surfactants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12529017B2Detergent composition comprising a lipase

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 NOVOZYMES AS

AI summary

The present invention relates to detergent compositions capable of reducing odor generated by a lipase during cleaning or washing of laundry comprising (a) a surfactant or a surfactant system; (b) a lipase; and (c) ricinoleic acid, a ricinoleic salt, or a ricinoleic ester. The invention also relates to methods for cleaning or washing of laundry by contacting the laundry with a composition of the invention.