Microfibrillated Cellulose Structurant for Enzyme-Resistant Liquid Compositions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external structurants for liquid compositions are limited in compatibility with a broad range of consumer product ingredients, particularly enzymes, leading to degradation and undesirable properties such as stringy pour profiles and phase separation.

Innovation Solution

Microfibrillated cellulose derived from wood is used as a structurant, providing compatibility with enzymes and maintaining stability, allowing for effective structuring and suspension of insoluble materials while preventing phase separation, through a process involving high shear mixing with surfactant-containing liquid compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional external structurants (castor oil, fatty acids, waxes) are used to provide rheological benefits, then particle suspension and shear thinning properties are improved, but the composition becomes susceptible to degradation by enzymes such as lipase and cellulase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverheological stabilityVSAvoidenzyme compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using microfibrillated cellulose instead of conventional structurants like castor oil or fatty acids. This parameter change provides both the desired rheological properties and enzyme stability, as cellulose is resistant to degradation by common detergent enzymes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite liquid composition combining surfactants, enzymes, and microfibrillated cellulose. This composite approach allows the cellulose to provide structuring benefits while being compatible with enzyme-containing formulations, resolving the contradiction between structuring capability and enzyme compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If polymeric structurants are used to structure liquid compositions, then viscosity is improved, but a stringy pour profile and gel-like appearance are created that are undesirable to consumers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveviscosityVSAvoidpourability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the structurant by using microfibrillated cellulose with controlled fibril length and distribution. This provides viscosity enhancement without the stringy texture associated with polymeric structurants, maintaining easy pourability while achieving desired thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If cellulose-based polymeric structurants are used, then structuring capability is improved, but susceptibility to cellulase degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructuring capabilityVSAvoidenzyme resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using microfibrillated cellulose with specific structural characteristics (short fibrils, controlled aspect ratio) that provide structuring capability in the liquid composition while being resistant to cellulase degradation. The localized structural properties differ from polymeric cellulose, providing both function and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If a broad range of consumer product ingredients including enzymes are incorporated, then product functionality is improved, but compatibility with external structurants deteriorates leading to phase separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingredient compatibilityVSAvoidphase stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by selecting microfibrillated cellulose as a structurant that is compatible with multiple ingredient types including surfactants, enzymes, and various additives. This single structurant provides stable structuring across diverse formulation compositions without causing phase separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Microfibrillated cellulose from wood effectively stabilizes insoluble materials, prevents phase separation, and maintains viscosity profiles, ensuring a thixotropic rheology that supports easy pouring and long-term stability in liquid compositions, even in the presence of enzymes like cellulases.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating the structuring premix into the liquid premix using high shear mixing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh shear mixing: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 2

maintains viscosity profiles, ensuring a thixotropic rheology that supports easy pouring and long-term stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThixotropy: Thixotropy

Implementation Method 3

stabilization of soluble and insoluble ingredients which are desired to be incorporated within the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Data Source

PatentEP3447113B1Structured liquid compositions

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Microfibrillated cellulose, derived from wood, can be used to provide a liquid composition which is compatible with a broad range of ingredients suitable for consumer applications, including enzymes, while still providing good structuring of the liquid composition, without affecting ease of pour.