Modified Crude Protein Laundry Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing protein additives for laundry products involve complex processing steps and significant waste generation, and existing protein compositions are not biodegradable or compatible with anionic surfactants.

Innovation Solution

Minimally processed crude protein sources are modified using cationic, anionic functional agents, proteolytic enzymes, reducing agents, and oxidizing agents to create additives that retain a net anionic charge, are biodegradable, and compatible with anionic surfactants, reducing waste and processing steps while maintaining high protein content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex processing steps are used to produce protein additives, then protein content and functionality are improved, but waste generation and process complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein contentVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the functional protein components from crude protein sources through minimal processing, separating the valuable protein fraction from non-protein materials while maintaining the protein's natural functionality. This approach obtains sufficient protein content without requiring complex multi-step processing sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the processing parameters from extensive multi-step procedures to minimal processing steps, achieving the desired protein functionality through controlled modification conditions that preserve protein integrity while reducing process complexity and waste generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If extensive processing is used to increase protein content, then additive functionality is improved, but waste streams increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein contentVSAvoidwaste generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention recovers and utilizes the majority of the protein content from crude protein sources, discarding minimal waste streams. By using minimal processing steps, the process maintains high protein retention rates and generates significantly reduced waste compared to conventional extensive processing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If cationic modification is applied to proteins, then fiber protection and softening effects are improved, but compatibility with anionic detergent components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber protectionVSAvoidcompatibility with anionic surfactants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies localized functional modification to proteins, creating specific functional zones that provide fiber protection and softening effects while maintaining overall anionic charge compatibility with detergent systems. The modification is targeted rather than comprehensive, preserving compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite protein structures that combine modified functional regions with unmodified anionic regions, achieving both fiber protection benefits and compatibility with anionic surfactants through the composite nature of the modified protein material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Loss of substance

If minimal processing is used to reduce waste, then waste streams are reduced, but protein content and functionality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste reductionVSAvoidprotein functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention allows the crude protein sources to serve themselves through minimal processing, utilizing the natural functionality of the proteins while applying only the necessary modifications to achieve desired laundry performance. This self-service approach maintains protein integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary selection of crude protein sources with appropriate functional characteristics before minimal processing, ensuring that the starting material already possesses the necessary protein quality and functionality, which is then preserved through the minimal processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 modified proteins effectively prevent soil redeposition, dye transfer, and provide soil repellency and lubrication, with over 70% of the crude protein source retained in the final product, minimizing waste and enhancing dispersibility and compatibility with laundry products.

Implementation Method 1

The crude protein sources may be modified by reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, in addition levels such that the product retains a net anionic charge at alkaline pH values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCationic functional modification: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

They are preferably complexed with a surfactant, and preferably an anionic surfactant to improve the separation from insoluble cellulosic carbohydrate materials in the crude protein sources, and to improve their dispersibility and effectiveness in laundry products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant complexation: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

The crude protein sources may be modified by reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, in addition levels such that the product retains a net anionic charge at alkaline pH values, 2) anionic functional agents, 3) proteolytic enzymes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProteolytic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 4

The crude protein sources may be modified by reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, in addition levels such that the product retains a net anionic charge at alkaline pH values, 2) anionic functional agents, 3) proteolytic enzymes, 4) reducing agents and 5) oxidizing agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 5

The crude protein sources may be modified by reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, in addition levels such that the product retains a net anionic charge at alkaline pH values, 2) anionic functional agents, 3) proteolytic enzymes, 4) reducing agents and 5) oxidizing agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS9856436B2Laundry additives from modified crude protein sources
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 HUDSON ALICE

AI summary

Modified protein compositions that provide benefits in laundry products are produced by minimal processing of crude protein sources. Modifications include reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, 2) anionic functional agents, 3) proteolytic enzymes, 4) reducing agents and 5) oxidizing agents. They may be complexed with a surfactant to improve the separation from insoluble cellulosic carbohydrate materials in the crude protein sources, and to improve their dispersibility and effectiveness in laundry products. The resulting products may provide benefits of preventing soil redeposition, preventing dye transfer, soil repellency, and fabric wear reduction in laundry operations. The invention also encompasses the laundry products comprising the protein compositions.