Poly alpha-1,3-glucan Structurant for Enzyme-Resistant Liquid Compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structurants for liquid compositions are limited in compatibility with a broad range of ingredients, particularly enzymes, leading to degradation and undesirable rheological properties such as stringy pour profiles and susceptibility to enzymes like cellulases.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition incorporating anionic or nonionic surfactants with a polysaccharide structurant, specifically a colloidal dispersion of poly alpha-1,3-glucan or poly alpha-1,3-glucan fibrids, which provides stability and desired rheological characteristics while being resistant to degradation by enzymes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional structurants (castor oil, fatty acids, esters, waxes) are used, then rheological benefits are achieved, but compatibility with enzymes is poor leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure of the structurant by using polysaccharides with specific glycosidic linkage configurations (alpha-1,3-glucan, beta-1,4-glucan, or mixed linkages) that are resistant to enzymatic degradation while maintaining rheological benefits. This structural parameter change enables compatibility with enzymes like lipase, cellulase, and protease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polysaccharide structures that combine multiple glycosidic linkage types within a single molecule to achieve both enzyme resistance and desired rheological properties. The composite nature of these polysaccharides allows them to function as structurants while resisting degradation by common cleaning enzymes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric structurants are used, then stability is improved, but stringy pour profile is produced which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the molecular weight, degree of polymerization, and glycosidic linkage composition of the polysaccharide structurant to achieve the desired balance between stability and pourability. By controlling these parameters, the polysaccharide provides sufficient structuring to prevent phase separation while avoiding excessive viscosity that would create a stringy pour profile.
3Quantity of substance
If cellulose-based polymeric structurants are used, then thickening is achieved, but susceptibility to cellulases occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the glycosidic linkage structure of cellulose-based polysaccharides by using alpha-1,3-glucan or beta-1,4-glucan linkages instead of the standard beta-1,4 linkages in cellulose. This structural modification maintains the thickening effect while conferring resistance to cellulase enzymes that specifically target beta-1,4 linkages.
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 polysaccharide structurants ensure compatibility with a wide range of ingredients, including enzymes, and maintain desirable rheological properties like high low-shear viscosity, effective suspension of particulates, and resistance to phase separation, enhancing the stability and performance of liquid cleaning compositions.
Implementation Method 1
Structuring agents can provide a chemical network that reduces the tendency of the compositional components to coalesce and/or phase separate
Implementation Method 2
structuring agents can be used to provide a liquid composition with desired viscosity
Implementation Method 3
the polysaccharide structurant is compatible with a broad range of ingredients used in formulating liquid cleaning compositions such as enzymes while still achieving the desired rheological characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Polysaccharides can be used to provide a liquid composition with desirable rheological properties while being compatible with other ingredients, such as enzymes, that may be used in formulating the liquid composition. The polysaccharides can be i) a colloidal dispersion of poly alpha-1,3-glucan, ii) poly alpha-1,3-glucan fibrids, iii) soy polysaccharide; or iv) a combination thereof.