Dishwashing Composition With Protease-Bleach Synergy for Low-Temp Stains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashing agents, particularly automatic dishwashing agents, struggle to effectively remove protein-containing stains such as egg stains and bleachable stains like tea stains, especially at lower cleaning temperatures and with reduced water consumption.

Innovation Solution

A dishwashing agent comprising a hydrogen peroxide source, a bleach catalyst, and a Bacillus gibsonii protease with specific amino acid substitutions, enhancing its cleaning performance on protein-containing and bleachable stains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional dishwashing agents are used, then general cleaning is achieved, but protein-containing stains and bleachable stains are not effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performance on stubborn stainsVSAvoideffectiveness across different stain types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a protease enzyme specifically for protein-containing stains with a bleach catalyst system for bleachable stains, creating a dual-action formulation that addresses multiple stain types simultaneously. The protease breaks down protein structures while the bleach catalyst oxidizes chromophores, providing comprehensive stain removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite enzyme system comprising protease and bleach catalyst in specific combinations, along with stabilizers and builders, to create a multifunctional cleaning agent that delivers both proteolytic and oxidative cleaning actions in a single product formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high cleaning temperatures are used, then stain removal performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption per wash cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the cleaning system by introducing a protease-bleach catalyst combination that remains highly active at lower temperatures. The enzyme is formulated with stabilizers and the bleach catalyst is selected to function effectively in the 30-50°C range, eliminating the need for high-temperature operation while maintaining stain removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces thermal energy input (high temperature) with chemical energy input (enzymatic and oxidative reactions). The protease and bleach catalyst provide the necessary cleaning power through biochemical reactions that occur efficiently at low temperatures, substituting the need for thermal activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If extended wash cycles are used, then complete stain removal is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete stain removalVSAvoidwash cycle duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a continuous cleaning action through the synergistic interaction of protease and bleach catalyst. The protease continuously breaks down protein stains while the bleach catalyst simultaneously oxidizes remaining chromophores, maintaining effective cleaning concentration throughout the wash cycle and achieving complete stain removal in reduced time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The protease performs preliminary breakdown of protein-containing stains into smaller peptides and amino acids, preparing the stain material for subsequent rapid oxidation by the bleach catalyst. This two-stage preliminary action sequence accelerates overall stain removal kinetics.

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 agent achieves improved cleaning performance on protein-containing and bleachable stains, including egg and tea stains, even at low temperatures and with short wash cycles, through a synergistic interaction between the protease and bleach catalyst.

Implementation Method 1

Proteases are the longest-established enzymes for practically all modern effective detergents and cleaning agents. These include in particular hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases and cellulases. The first three mentioned hydrolyze proteins, starch and fats and thus contribute directly to the removal of dirt.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a dishwashing agent comprising a hydrogen peroxide source, a bleach catalyst and a Bacillus gibsonii protease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalytic oxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12570931B2Dishwashing agent with bleaching catalyst and <i>Bacillus gibsonii </i>protease
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

A dishwashing detergent may include a hydrogen peroxide source, a bleach catalyst, and a protease. The protease may include an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1 over its entire length and at least one amino acid substitution at at least one of the positions corresponding to positions 12, 43, 122, 127, 154, 156, 160, 211, 212, and 222, relating in each case to the numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 1.