EP4392524A1

EP4392524A1 - Highly-branched cyclic dextrins as malodor control agents

Info

Publication number: EP4392524A1
Application number: EP22768726.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Walter Heberlein; Marc Weyhe; Madeline SCHEUER; Hubert Smyrek; Joseph D Dahlmeyer Jr; David Anthony Reagan; Daniel Thomas PIORKOWSKI
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2021-08-24
Filing date: 2022-08-23
Publication date: 2024-07-03
Also published as: WO2023025751A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fabric conditioning composition comprising a fabric softening agent, a highly-branched cyclic dextrin, and water, to a fabric refresher composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition, and to a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.% based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition, as well as to a method for laundering fabric, to a method for reducing or eliminating malodor and to the use of the highly-branched cyclic dextrin for reducing or eliminating malodors.

Description

HIGHLY-BRANCHED CYCLIC DEXTRINS AS MALODOR CONTROL AGENTS

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of laundry washing and fabric care compositions as well as to home care compositions and methods and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fabric conditioning compositions, fabric refreshers and liquid laundry detergents comprising highly-branched cyclic dextrin as a malodor control agent and methods and uses thereof.

Background of the Invention

Fabrics can become hard due to repeated washings. Also, after washing, fabrics can have an undesirable smell. To restore their softness, improve their scent, or impart other desirable properties, fabrics are often treated by additional processes that are separate from their washing. The treatments are separate because the fabric-treating compositions are often not compatible with the washing detergent. These additional processes can be done, for example, in the washer during an added cycle, or in the dryer when using a solid composition. For example, it is well known to provide liquid fabric conditioning compositions that soften washed fabrics. Such compositions are typically added to the fabrics in the rinse cycle of the wash process

Body odor and/or sweat is one of the most prevalent malodors that consumers seek to address by laundering with various detergents. Sometimes, consumers (also) use fabric conditioning compositions noted above, e.g., to improve the results or to achieve further benefits. The chemical constituents within body odor, predominantly short-chained fatty acids and mercaptans, persist on fabrics post-wear and may sometimes continue to be perceivable after washing with conventional laundry products.

Also in the field of home care, there are also many compounds with an intensive and unpleasant smell, for example malodors caused by pets e.g. on textiles, carpets or furniture such as couches.

Typically, perfumes or perfume compositions are used to cover up or reduce malodors on fabrics. However, perfumes are often very expensive and are, in many cases, not capable to cover malodors sufficiently and long-lastingly. The use of perfumes or fragrance molecules in detergents, fabric conditioning compositions or home care products is further limited due to the restriction of specific fragrances, challenging addition of specific perfume compositions or molecules to the formulation matrix or high concentrations of other necessary compounds.

There is thus the need for alternative methods to remove or (further) neutralize malodors to provide the consumers with an enhanced laundering or fabric treatment outcome. For example, it would be desirable to incorporate such approaches within existing products used during the wash process, such as fabric conditioning compositions.

Summary of the Invention

The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that adding highly-branched cyclic dextrin compounds (also called cluster dextrins) to (laundry) detergents, fabric conditioning compositions or home care products, such as fabric refreshers, reduces or eliminates the (perception of) malodors from/within the washed or treated fabric(s). In various embodiments, the fabric that is treated with the respective composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin absorbs less malodor.

In a first aspect, disclosed herein is a fabric conditioning composition including a fabric softening agent, a highly-branched cyclic dextrin, and water.

In a further aspect, disclosed herein is a method for laundering fabric including applying a detergent composition to the fabric, rinsing the detergent composition from the fabric, and after rinsing the detergent composition from the fabric, applying a fabric conditioning composition to the fabric. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric softening agent, a highly-branched cyclic dextrin, and water. Furthermore, the method includes rinsing the fabric conditioning composition from the fabric.

In a further aspect, disclosed herein is a fabric conditioning composition including a fabric softening agent including a quaternary ammonium ester compound in an amount of about 4.0 wt.-% to about 15.0 wt.-%, a highly-branched cyclic dextrin having an average molecular weight of about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons in an amount of about 2.0 wt.-% to about 4.0 wt.-%, and water in an amount of about 85 wt.-% to about 92 wt.-%.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a fabric refresher composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin (cluster dextrin) in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition. The highly-branched cyclic dextrin preferably has an average molecular weight of about 100 Da to about 5000 kDa, in particular about 500 Da to about 3000 kDa.

In particular, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS 9050-36-6).

In preferred embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is comprised in the fabric refresher composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt.-%, preferably from 0.01 to 25 wt.-% and in particular from 0.01 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

Preferably, the fabric refresher composition further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition is a liquid fabric refresher composition, preferably a water-based liquid fabric refresher composition.

Most preferred, the fabric refresher composition is a malodor removing spray, in particular for malodors caused by pets.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating malodor, preferably malodor caused by pets, comprising the following step: applying in at least one method step the fabric refresher composition according to the invention to a fabric to be treated, wherein the fabric refresher composition is preferably sprayed onto the fabric.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a liquid laundry detergent composition, comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin (cluster dextrin) in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin preferably has an average molecular weight of about 100 Da to about 5000 kDa, in particular about 500 Da to about 3000 kDa.

In preferred embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is comprised in the liquid laundry detergent composition in an amount of 0.01 to 30 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 25 wt.% and in particular 0.01 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition. In various embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating malodor, preferably malodor caused by sweat, comprising the following step: contacting in at least one method step the liquid laundry detergent composition according to the invention with a fabric to be treated, wherein the contacting preferably occurs in a laundry washing process, preferably in an automated washing machine.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a highly-branched cyclic dextrin for reducing or eliminating malodors of a fabric.

In preferred embodiments, the malodors are caused by pets and/or the fabric is a textile, carpet or furniture.

Preferably, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition, more preferably in a fabric refresher composition such as a malodor removing spray, in particular for malodors caused by pets.

In preferred other embodiments, the malodors are caused by sweat.

Preferably, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS: 9050-36-6).

In various embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition, preferably in a liquid laundry detergent composition.

Preferably, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used within a washing process, more preferably a machine washing process or hand washing.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention become apparent to the skilled person in the following detailed description and claims, preferably also taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background section. Each feature from one aspect of the invention can be used in any other aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but do not restrict it and in particular, the invention is not limited to these examples. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the following drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is the schematic illustration of a process for the preparation of highly-branched cyclic dextrin from amylose.

Detailed Description of the Invention

"At least one", as used herein, refers to one or more, i.e. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more of the referenced species. In connection with a given species, the term does not relate to the total amount of molecules, but to the type of compound. "At least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin" therefore means, for example, that only one type of highly-branched cyclic dextrin or several different types may be included, without specifying the amount of each compound.

All percentages given herein in relation to the compositions or formulations relate to weight % relative to the total weight of the respective composition or formula, if not explicitly stated otherwise. Numeric ranges specified in the format "from x to y" include the specified values. If multiple preferred numeric ranges are specified in this format, it is understood that all ranges created by combining the different endpoints are also included.

Numeric values specified without decimal places here refer to the full value specified with one decimal place, i.e. for example, 99 % means 99.0 %, unless otherwise defined.

The terms “about” or “approximately”, in connection with a numerical value, refer to a variance of ±10 %, preferably ±5%, more preferably ±1 %, with respect to the given numerical value.

Where reference is made herein to molar masses, this information always refers to the numberaverage molar mass M_n, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The number average molar mass can be determined, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) according to DIN 55672- 1 :2007-08 with THF as eluent. The weight average molecular weight Mw can also be determined by GPC as described for Mn. Fabric conditioning compositions:

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the instant methods or compositions. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

The present invention relates in one aspect to fabric conditioning compositions including highly- branched cyclic dextrin as a malodor control agent and methods for using the same. As initially noted, body odor is one of the most prevalent malodors that consumers seekto avoid having remain on their fabrics post-wear and to remove from fabrics with various laundering agents. Such malodors are predominantly short-chain fatty acid compounds and mercaptan compounds. The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure include highly-branched cyclic dextrin compounds in certain amounts, which have been discovered to be highly-effective in removing or eliminating the perception of these malodors within washed fabrics. Various embodiments of fabric conditioning compositions within the scope of the present disclosure are described below with respect to their constituent components, as follows:

Referring to FIG. 1 , dextrin is a polymer of glucose and is produced by a method of enzymatically decomposing a starch, such as amylopectin (for example corn starch). Depending on the enzyme treatment conditions in the manufacturing process, for example, the type and amount of the enzyme, the degree and form of decomposition may be manipulated to produce certain forms, such as branching and molecular weight, of dextrin. Highly-branched cyclic dextrin is one form of dextrin that may be produced in this manner (see portion “A” of FIG. 1), using a cyclization reaction of a branching enzyme (BE,1 ,4-a-D-glucan: 1 ,4-a-D-glucan 6-a-D-(1 ,4-a-D-glucano)-transferase,EC 2.4.1.18). Cyclic dextrin is dextrin characterized in that 6 to 16 glucoses are linked by alpha-1 ,4 bonds (see portion “B” of FIG. 1). One example of a cyclic dextrin is alpha-cyclodextrin, which contains six glucoses. In another example, beta-cyclodextrin contains seven glucoses, and in another example, gamma-cyclodextrin contains eight glucoses. Cyclic dextrin is further characterized in that it is shaped in the form of coil (see portion “C” of FIG. 1). Commercially available highly-branched cyclic dextrin is in the form of a white powder, is soluble in water, and has a loss on drying of less than about 5.5%.

The bonds between the glucoses allow cyclic dextrin to have the coil-like structure shown in FIG. 1 , containing a certain volume of void space. The array of each interior space is formed by oxygen atoms that form glycoside bridges with hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the inner surface becomes very hydrophobic, and the specific shape and physico-chemical properties of the voids have structural features capable of absorbing organic molecules or portions of organic molecules that match the shape of the inner space of the cyclic dextrin. The outside of the cyclic dextrin, however, remains hydrophilic. In this manner, malodors may be entrained within the voids, and effectively removed when the cyclic dextrin is rinsed using water from its application site, such as a fabric.

Additionally, in the same manner, malodors may be inhibited in fabrics post-wear.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin compounds employed as a fabric malodor removal I inhibition agent may have an average molecular weight, in embodiments, from about 100 kilo Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons, for example from about 500 kilo Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

Moreover, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin compounds may be included within the fabric conditioning composition of the present disclosure, in embodiments, in an amount of about 1 .0 wt.- % to about 8.0 wt.-%, such as about 1 .5 wt.-% to about 6.0 wt.-%, or about 2.0 wt.-% to about 4.0 wt.-% (all weight percentages used herein are by total weight of the fabric conditioning composition, unless otherwise specifically noted). In a particular embodiment, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is included within the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 2.5 wt.-%.

In order to effect the described fabric softening properties, the fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure include at least one fabric softening agent. In many embodiments, the fabric softening agent is a cationic softening agent. The cationic softening is generally one that is able to form a lamellar phase dispersion in water, in particular a dispersion of liposomes. The cationic softening agent is typically a quaternary ammonium ester compound. Suitable quaternary ammonium ester compounds may include materials selected from a monoester quaternary material (“monoester quats”), diester quaternary material (“diester quats”), triester quaternary material (“triester quats”), and mixtures thereof.

Suitable quaternary ammonium ester compounds may be derived from alkanolamines, for example, C1-C4 alkanolamines, preferably C2 alkanolamines (e.g., ethanolamines). The quaternary ammonium ester compounds may be derived from monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, trialkanolamines, or mixtures thereof, for example monoethanolamines, diethanolamines, diisopropanolamines, triethanolamines, or mixtures thereof. The quaternary ammonium ester compounds may be derived from diethanolamines. The quaternary ammonium ester compounds may be derived from di-isopropanolamines. The quaternary ammonium ester compounds may be derived from triethanolamines. The alkanolamines from which the quaternary ammonium ester compounds are derived may be alkylated mono- or dialkanolamines, for example C1-C4 alkylated alkanolamines, for example Ci alkylated alkanolamines (e.g., N-methyldiethanolamine).

The quaternary ammonium ester compound may include a quaternized nitrogen atom that is substituted, at least in part. The quaternized nitrogen atom may be substituted, at least in part, with one or more C1-C3 alkyl or C1-C3 hydroxyl alkyl groups. The quaternized nitrogen atom may be substituted, at least in part, with a moiety selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 1-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl, poly(C2-C3 alkoxy), polyethoxy, benzyl, for example methyl or hydroxyethyl.

The quaternary ammonium ester compound may include compounds according to Formula (I):

{R²(4-m)— N+— • [X— Y— R¹]m}A- Formula (I) wherein: m is 1 , 2 or 3, with provisos that, in a given molecule, the value of each m is identical; each R¹, which may include from 13 to 22 carbon atoms, is independently a linear hydrocarbyl or branched hydrocarbyl group. R¹ may be linear, such as a partially-unsaturated linear alkyl chain; each R² is independently a C1-C3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group and/or each R² is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 1-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl, poly(C2-C3 alkoxy), polyethoxy, benzyl, for example methyl or hydroxyethyl; each X is independently — (CH2)n — , — CH2 — CH(CH3) — , or — CHfCHs) — CH2 — , where each n is independently 1 , 2, 3 or 4, for example each n may be 2; each Y is independently — O — (O)C — or — C(O) — O — ; and

A- is independently selected from the group of chloride, bromide, methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, sulfate, and nitrate, for example A- is selected from the group of chloride and methyl sulfate, such as methyl sulfate.

The fabric softening agent may be included within the fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure, in embodiments, in an amount of about 4.0 wt.-% to about 15.0 wt.-%, such as about 6.0 wt.-% to about 12.0 wt.-%, or about 7.0 wt.-% to about 9.0 wt.-%. In a particular embodiment, the softening agent may be included within the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 8.0 wt.-%.

The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure include water, as a base solvent, in an amount of about 75 wt.-% to about 95 wt.-%, such as about 85 wt.-% to about 92 wt.-%. In a particular embodiment, water may be included within the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 8.0 wt.-%.

The aqueous base may also include water-soluble species, such as mineral salts or short chain (C1-4) alcohols. The mineral salts may aid the attainment of the desired phase volume for the composition. Such salts may be present in an amount of about 0.001 to about 1 %, such as from about 0.005 wt.-% to about 0.1 wt.-%. Examples of suitable mineral salts for this purpose include calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Examples of suitable short chain alcohols include primary alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, secondary, alcohols such as isopropanol, and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol and glycerol.

The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure may include a rheology polymer or “thickener”. The rheology polymer promotes a desired thick and creamy appearance of the fabric conditioning compositions. The molecular weight of the rheology polymer may be from about 1 ,000 Daltons to about 1 ,000,000 Daltons, such as from about 50,000 Daltons to about 500,000 Daltons, or about 100,000 Daltons to about 400,000 Daltons. The rheology polymer may be present in an amount of at least about 0.0005 wt.-%, such as from about 0.0005 wt.-% to about 2 wt.-%, or about 0.001 wt.-% to about 0.5 wt.-%.

Suitable rheology polymers may be selected from hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers. Such materials are typically nonionic polymers and have a sufficient degree of nonionic substitution selected from the class consisting of methyl, hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl to cause them to be water-soluble and which are further substituted with one or more hydrocarbon radicals having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms. The nonionic cellulose ether that forms the backbone of the hydrophobically modified derivative may be any nonionic water soluble cellulose ether substrate, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose; ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose or methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose.

The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more other ingredients. Such ingredients include co-softeners (such as fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides) preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colorants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, ironing aids, and dyes, among others known in the art. Such optional ingredients may be included in amounts, respectively, of from about 0.0001 wt.-% to about 1.0 wt.-%, for example. Additionally, as fabric conditioning compositions, embodiments of the present disclosure may exclude certain compounds that are commonly found in detergent compositions. These excluded compounds include, for example, cationic water-soluble polymers, non-ionic surfactants, and/or tertiary amine compounds.

The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure may be rinse conditioner compositions and may be used in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundry process. The compositions may be used in the rinse cycle of a home fabric laundering operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a toploading washing machine, directly into the drum. Alternatively, it may be diluted prior to use. The compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation. It is also possible for the compositions of the present invention to be used in industrial laundry operations.

The fabric conditioning compositions of the present disclosure may be manufactured by combining the various ingredients together and then performing a mixing operation. The mixing operation may be shear mixing, in an embodiment.

Fabric refresher compositions:

The present invention relates in a further aspect, to fabric refresher compositions comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin is preferably the same as defined for fabric conditioning compositions and the above embodiments may also be used for fabric refresher compositions described herein. In particular, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons, preferably about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

Most preferred, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin, preferably maltodextrin (CAS 9050-36-6).

Those highly-branched cyclic dextrins or cluster dextrins work as malodor control agents, in particular against malodors caused by pets. Preferably, the dextrins reduce or eliminate malodor, in particular on or within fabrics that are treated with the fabric refresher compositions as described herein. In various embodiments, the fabrics that are treated with the fabric refresher compositions as described herein absorb less malodors. This embodiment is comprised by the term “reducing or eliminating malodor”.

Therefore, in various embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is added to fabric refresher compositions to treat fabrics that are in contact with pets, e.g. textiles such as clothes, pillows or blankets, carpets or furniture such couches, armchairs or mattresses, without being limited thereto.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition comprises the at least one highly- branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt.-%, preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 25 wt.-%, for example 0.1 to 25 wt.-%, 0.01 to 20 wt.-%, 0.01 to 15 wt.-%, 0.01 to 10 wt.-%. or 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, and most preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt.-%, for example at least 0.1 wt.-% such as 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

In preferred embodiments, the fabric refresher composition comprises the at least one highly- branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

Preferably, the fabric refresher composition is a liquid fabric refresher composition. That means that the composition is flowable at standard conditions of 20 °C and 1013 mbar. It is further preferred that the fabric refresher composition is a water-based liquid fabric refresher composition. However, the addition of further solvents such as organic solvents, e.g. alcohols, is possible.

In various embodiments, it is possible that the fabric refresher composition may be diluted prior to use.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher compositions of the present invention may be used as an alternative or additionally to a washing process, in particular, if the fabric to be treated is too big to be washed in a washing machine (e.g. furniture or carpets) or to protect the fabric against several washing processes.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition is a malodor removing spray. Such a spray can be sprayed onto fabrics such as textiles, carpets or furniture to reduce or eliminate (the perception of) malodor, in particular onto fabrics that are in contact with pets to reduce or eliminate (the perception of) odors caused by pets. Preferably, the malodor to be reduced or eliminated is partly or mainly the malodor caused by a pet. Such malodors are, for example, caused by compounds such as dimethylsulfide, sulfox (p-mentha-8-thiol-3-one) and/or tridecene-2-nitrile. In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition may be contained in a vessel such as a spray bottle, e.g. a metal, glass or plastic bottle, and can be sprayed onto the fabric, preferably onto the textile, carpet or furniture, to be treated (e.g. with a pump spray). Thus, compounds causing malodor are reduced or eliminated by interacting with the highly-branched cyclic dextrin of the fabric refresher according to the invention. In preferred embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is particularly effective in fabric refreshers for odors caused by pets. Preferably, the use of highly-branched cyclic dextrin, in particular in a fabric refresher composition, improves the olfactory impression of the fabric after application on the fabric.

In preferred embodiments, the fabric refresher composition according to the invention further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition. The perfume may be any perfume or perfume composition that is suitable for such an application. The perfume is added to the composition to improve the olfactory impression of a fabric and to give a pleasant smell to the fabric that was treated with the fabric refresher. In various embodiments, organic solvents, e.g. alcohols, can be comprised in the perfume composition.

In various embodiments, the at least one perfume or perfume composition can be comprised in the fabric refresher composition in an amount of from 0.001 to 20 wt.-%, preferably, 0.01 to 10 wt.-%, in particular 0.5 to 5 wt.-%, e.g. 0.5, 1 , 1.5 or 2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition comprises a) at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin as described herein, b) at least one perfume or perfume composition as described herein; and c) water.

Suitable perfume compounds, in particular suitable for all stated aspects and embodiments according to the invention, may comprise individual fragrant compounds, for example synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, and hydrocarbon type. Fragrant compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzyl carbinyl acetate (DMBCA), phenylethyl acetate, benzyl acetate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate, benzyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, floramate, melusate and jasmecyclate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether and ambroxan; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, isomethyl ionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include anethol, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol and the hydrocarbons include, for example the terpenes, such as limonene and pinene. However, mixtures of various fragrances, which together produce an attractive fragrant note of the resulting perfume composition or perfume oil, are preferably used.

The perfume compounds may also contain natural mixtures of fragrances, as are obtainable from plant sources, for example pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouli, rose or ylang-ylang oil. Also suitable are e.g. muscatel sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetivert oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and laudanum oil and orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil.

Exemplary long-lasting fragrances may be selected from essential oils, such as angelica root oil, aniseed oil, arnica flowers oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, champax blossom oil, silver fir oil, silver fir cone oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, pine needle oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, guaiacum wood oil, Indian wood oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris oil, cajuput oil, sweet flag oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, Canoga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, Scotch fir oil, copaiba balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, limette oil, mandarin oil, melissa oil, amber seed oil, myrrh oil, clove oil, neroli oil, niaouli oil, olibanum oil, orange oil, origanum oil, Palma Rosa oil, patchouli oil, Peru balsam oil, petit grain oil, pepper oil, peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, celery seed oil, lavender spike oil, Japanese anise oil, turpentine oil, thuja oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil, juniper berry oil, wormwood oil, Wintergreen oil, ylang-ylang oil, ysop oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon leaf oil and cypress oil. However, the higher boiling or solid fragrances of natural or synthetic origin can be advantageously used as long-lasting fragrances or mixtures of fragrances. These compounds include for example the following compounds and their mixtures: ambrettolide, amyl cinnamaldehyde, anethol, anisaldehyde, anis alcohol, anisole, methyl anthranilate, acetophenone, benzyl acetone, benzaldehyde, ethyl benzoate, benzophenone, benzyl alcohol, borneol, bornyl acetate, bromostyrene, n-decyl aldehyde, n-dodecyl aldehyde, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, eucalyptol, farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, heliotropin, methyl heptyne carboxylate, heptaldehyde, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, indole, irone, isoeugenol, isoeugenol methyl ether, isosafrol, jasmone, camphor, carvacrol, carvone, p-cresol methyl ether, coumarone, p- methoxyacetophenone, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl anthranilic acid methyl ester, p- methylacetophenone, methyl chavicol, p-methylquinoline, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl n-nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl n-nonyl ketone, muscone, naphthol ethyl ether, naphthol methyl ether, nerol, nitrobenzene, n-nonyl aldehyde, nonyl alcohol, n-octyl aldehyde, p-oxyacetophenone, pentadecanolide, phenyl ethyl alcohol, phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetic acid, pulegone, safrol, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, santalol, scatol, terpineol, thymine, thymol, undecalactone, vanillin, veratrum aldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate. Exemplary fragrances of higher volatility are alkyl isothiocyanates (alkyl mustard oils), butanedione, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate and linalyl propionate, menthol, menthone, phellandrene, phenylacetaldehyde, terpinyl acetate, citral, citronellal.

In order to achieve an aroma therapeutic effect, essential oils may be used. Exemplary essential oils are angelica fine (angelica archangelica), aniseed (pimpinella anisum), benzoe Siam (styrax tokinensis), cabreuva (myrocarpus fastigiatus), cajeput (melaleuca leucadendron), cistrose (cistrus ladaniferus), copaiba-balsam (copaifera reticulata), costic root (saussurea discolor), silver fir needle (abies alba), elemi (canarium luzonicum), fennel (foeniculum dulce) pine-needle (picea abies), geranium (pelargonium graveolens), ho-leaves (cinnamonum camphora), immortals (straw flower), helichrysum ang., ginger, perforate St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum), jojoba, German chamomile (matricaria recutita), chamomile oil blue (matricaria chamomilla), Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis), wild chamomile (ormensis multicaulis), carrot (daucus carota), knee pine (pinus mugho), lavander (lavendula hybrida), litsea cubeba (may chang), manuca (leptospermum scoparium), balm mint (melissa officinalis), pine tree (pinus pinaster), myrrh (commiphora molmol), myrtle (myrtus communis), neem (azadirachta), niaouli (mqv) melaleuca quin, viridiflora, palmarosa (cymbopogom martini), patchouli (pogostemon patschuli), perubalsam (myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae), raventsara aromatica, rose wood (aniba rosae odora), sage (salvia officinalis), horsetail (equisetaceae), yarrow (achillea millefolia), narrow leaf plantain (plantago lanceolata), styrax (liquidambar orientalis), tagetes (marigold) tagetes patula, tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia), tolubalsam (myroxylon balsamum I.), virginia-ceder (juniperus virginiana), frankincense (olibanum) (boswellia carteri), and silver fir (abies alba).

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition includes water in an amount of about 50 wt.-% to about 99.9 wt.-%, such as about 70 wt.-% to about 99.5 wt.-% or about 80 wt.-% to about 99.0 wt.-% or about 85 to about 95 wt.-%.

The fabric refresher composition of the present invention may optionally include one or more other ingredients. Optionally, the fabric refresher composition may further comprise one or more components of the following list, without being limited thereto: surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusting agents, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, antifoaming agents, silicone oils, anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, shrinkage inhibitors, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, phobing and impregnating agents, swelling and anti-skidding agents, neutral filling salts and UV absorbers.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition may comprise at least one surfactant, preferably selected from nonionic, anionic, cationic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants, more preferably nonionic or anionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

Optionally, the at least one surfactant is comprised in the composition in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition. In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant is comprised in the composition in amounts of 5 wt.-% or less, preferably 4 wt.- % or less, more preferably 2 wt.-% or less and in particular 1 wt.-% or less, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

To combat microorganisms, the fabric refresher composition according to the invention can contain antimicrobial active ingredients. Here, depending on the antimicrobial spectrum and mechanism of action, a distinction is made between bacteriostats and bactericides, fungistats and fungicides, etc. Important substances from these groups are, for example, benzalkonium chlorides, alkylaryl sulfonates, halophenols and phenol mercuriacetate, without being limited thereto. However, in various embodiments, the fabric refresher can also be free of antimicrobial active ingredients.

The fabric refresher composition according to the invention may contain preservatives, preferably using only those which have no or only a low skin-sensitizing potential. Examples are sorbic acid and its salts, benzoic acid and its salts, salicylic acid and its salts, phenoxyethanol, 3-iodo-2- propynylbutylcarbamate, sodium N-(hydroxymethyl)glycinate, biphenyl-2-ol and mixtures thereof. A suitable preservative is the solvent-free, aqueous combination of diazolidinyl urea, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (available as Euxyl® K 500 ex Schuelke & Mayr), which can be used in a pH range up to 7. In particular, preservatives based on organic acids and/or their salts are suitable for preserving the fabric refresher compositions according to the invention. However, in various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition can also be free of preservatives.

In order to prevent undesirable changes to the fabric refresher and/or the treated fabrics caused by exposure to oxygen and other oxidative processes, the fabric refresher composition may contain antioxidants. This class of compounds includes, for example, substituted phenols, hydroquinones, pyrocatechins and aromatic amines, as well as organic sulfides, polysulfides, dithiocarbamates, phosphites, phosphonates and vitamin E. However, in various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition can also be free of antioxidants.

In various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition does not comprise a fabric softening agents such as a quaternary ammonium ester compound. In particular, the fabric refresher composition is free of ester quats such as monoester quats, diester quats or triester quats or other fabric softening agents.

Furthermore, in various embodiments, the fabric refresher composition is free of builders, preferably builders suitable for liquid laundry detergent compositions, e.g. as described below.

“Free of’ means in the context of the invention that the compounds are not actively added to the composition, but may be present, e.g. due to impurities or side reactions, but are then only present in a low concentration of less than 1 wt.-%, preferably less than 0.1 wt.-%, more preferably less than 0.01 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating (the perception of) malodor, preferably malodor caused by pets, comprising the following step: applying in at least one method step the fabric refresher composition according to the invention to a fabric to be treated, wherein the fabric refresher composition is preferably sprayed onto the fabric.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a highly-branched cyclic dextrin for reducing or eliminating (the perception of) malodors of a fabric.

Preferably, the malodors are malodors partly or mainly caused by pets as described herein.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin is preferably as described herein. In particular, it has an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons, preferably about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons. Most preferred, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS 9050-36-6).

The fabric may be a textile such as clothes, a pillow or a blanket, a carpet, or furniture such as couches, armchairs, or mattresses, without being limited thereto. In various embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition, preferably in a (water-based) fabric refresher composition as described above. Such a composition is suitable to reduce or eliminate malodors, preferably malodors caused by pets, within fabrics. In particular, the olfactory impression of the fabric is improved. It is preferred that the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is comprised in the (water-based) fabric refresher composition in amounts of at least 0.01 wt.-%, preferably of at least 0.1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

In various embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition and/or at least one surfactant. Preferably, the surfactant is as described above.

Liquid laundry detergent composition:

The present invention relates in a further aspect to liquid laundry detergent compositions comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin is preferably the same as defined for fabric conditioning compositions or fabric refresher compositions and the above embodiments may also be used for liquid laundry detergent compositions. In particular, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons, preferably about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

Those highly-branched cyclic dextrins, also called cluster dextrins, are malodor control agents, in particular against malodors caused by sweat or body odor. Such malodors are predominantly shortchain fatty acid compounds and mercaptan compounds, e.g. butyric acid, octanoic acid, isovaleric acid or 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol.

In various embodiments, the highly-branched cyclic dextrins are added to liquid laundry detergent compositions to reduce or eliminate (the perception of) malodors caused by sweat or body odor from fabrics such as clothes. In various embodiments, the washed fabrics absorb less malodor. This embodiment is comprised by the term “reducing or eliminating malodor”. In various embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises the at least one highly- branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 25 wt.-%, for example 0.1 to 25 wt.-%, 0.01 to 20 wt.-%, 0.01 to 15 wt.-%, 0.01 to 10 wt.-%. or 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, and most preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, for example at least 0.1 wt.-% such as 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

In preferred embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Typically, the liquid laundry detergent compositions is used during washing process such as a machine wash process or hand washing.

In various embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition. The combination of the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin and at least one perfume or perfume composition, preferably, results in an improved olfactory impression of fabrics washed with the liquid laundry detergent composition according to the invention.

Preferably, the liquid detergent composition is a water-based liquid laundry detergent composition. However, the addition of further solvents such as organic solvents, e.g. alcohols, is possible. For example, organic solvents can be comprised in the perfume composition.

“Liquid” laundry detergent composition means in the context of the present invention that the composition is flowable at standard conditions (20 °C and 1013 mbar). The composition can e.g. also be a gel or a paste.

The at least one perfume or perfume composition can be comprised in the liquid laundry detergent composition in an amount of from 0.001 to 20 wt.-%, preferably, 0.01 to 10 wt.-%, in particular 0.5 to 5 wt.-%, e.g. 0.5, 1 , 1 .5 or 2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Suitable perfume compounds that can be used are described above. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to the invention may further comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of surfactants, enzymes, builders and agents that enhance absorption.

The detergent composition can contain anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants or mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, the surfactants comprise at least one anionic surfactant and/or at least one nonionic surfactant.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are in particular ethoxylation and/or propoxylation products of alkyl glycosides and/or linear or branched alcohols each having from 12 to 18 C atoms in the alkyl portion and from 3 to 20, preferably from 4 to 10, alkyl ether groups. Also usable are corresponding ethoxylation and/or propoxylation products of N-alkylamines, vicinal diols, fatty acid esters, and fatty acid amides which, with regard to the alkyl portion, correspond to the stated long-chain alcohol derivatives, and of alkylphenols having from 5 to 12 C atoms in the alkyl group.

Suitable anionic surfactants are in particular soaps and those containing sulfate or sulfonate groups preferably having alkali ions as cations. Soaps that can be used are preferably the alkali salts of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 12 to 18 C atoms. Fatty acids of this kind may also be used in a not completely neutralized form. Usable sulfate-type surfactants include the salts of sulfuric acid semiesters of fatty alcohols having from 12 to 18 C atoms and the sulfation products of the stated nonionic surfactants having a low degree of ethoxylation. Usable sulfonate-type surfactants include linear alkylbenzenesulfonates having from 9 to 14 C atoms in the alkyl portion, alkanesulfonates having from 12 to 18 C atoms, and olefin sulfonates having from 12 to 18 C atoms, resulting from the reaction of corresponding monoolefins with sulfur trioxide, and alpha-sulfo fatty acid esters, resulting from the sulfonation of fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters.

Cationic surfactants are preferably selected from among esterquats and/or quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) according to the general formula (R^I)(R")(R^III)(R^IV)N⁺ X~, in which R¹ to R^IV represent C1-22 alkyl groups, C7-28 arylalkyl groups or heterocyclic groups that are the same or different, wherein two groups, or, in the case of aromatic bonding such as in pyridine, even three groups form, together with the nitrogen atom, the heterocycle, for example a pyridinium or imidazolinium compound, and X- represents halide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, or similar anions. QACs may be prepared by reacting tertiary amines with alkalizing agents, for example methyl chloride, benzyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate, dodecyl bromide, but also ethylene oxide. The alkylation of tertiary amines with a long alkyl group and two methyl groups is particularly simple; the quaternization of tertiary amines with two long groups and a methyl group may also be carried out under mild conditions using methyl chloride. Amines having three long alkyl groups or hydroxysubstituted alkyl groups are less reactive, and are quaternized using dimethyl sulfate, for example. Examples of suitable QACs are benzalkonium chloride (N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylbenzylammonium chloride), Benzalkon B (m,p-dichlorobenzyldimethyl-Ci2 alkylammonium chloride, benzoxonium chloride (benzyldodecyl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium chloride), cetrimonium bromide (N- hexadecyl-N,N-trimethylammonium bromide), benzethonium chloride (N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-[2-[p- (1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethyl]benzylammonium chloride), dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides such as di-n-decyldimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyldimethyl ammonium bromide, dioctyldimethyl ammonium chloride, 1 -cetylpyridinium chloride, and thiazoline iodide, and mixtures thereof. Preferred QACs are benzalkonium chlorides having C8-C22 alkyl groups, in particular C12-C14 alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

Preferred esterquats are methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-di(talgacyloxyethyl) ammonium methosulfate, bis-(palmitoyl)ethylhydroxyethylmethyl ammonium methosulfate or methyl-N,N- bis(acyloxyethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium methosulfate. Commercially available examples are the methylhydroxyalkyldialkoyloxyalkyl ammonium methosulfates marketed by Stepan under the trademark Stepantex®, the products from BASF SE known under the trade name Dehyquart®, or the products from Evonik known under the name Rewoquat®.

In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant is comprised in the liquid laundry detergent composition in amounts of from 0.01 to 50 wt.-%, preferably 0.1 to 40 wt.-%, most preferably 0.5 to 30 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

The amounts of the individual ingredients in the laundry detergent composition in each case depend on the intended purpose of the composition in question, and a person skilled in the art is in principle familiar with the ranges of the amounts of ingredients that should be used, or can obtain these from the relevant technical literature. Depending on the intended purpose of the composition, the surfactant content, for example, is selected to be higher or lower. For example, the surfactant content can usually be from 10 to 50 wt.-%, preferably from 12.5 to 30 wt.-% and more preferably from 15 to 25 wt.-%.

The laundry detergent composition can contain, for example, at least one water-soluble and/or water-insoluble, organic and/or inorganic builder. The water-soluble organic builders include polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid and saccharic acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, in particular methylglycinediacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular amino tris(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediamine tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) and 1- hydroxyethane-1 ,1 -diphosphonic acid, polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin, and polymeric (poly)carboxylic acids, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids, and mixed polymers thereof, which may also contain, in the polymer, small portions of polymerizable substances, without a carboxylic acid functionality. Compounds of this class which are suitable, although less preferred, are copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ethers, vinyl esters, ethylene, propylene and styrene, in which the proportion of the acid is at least 50 wt.-%. Preferably, the organic builder substances may be used in the form of aqueous solutions, preferably in the form of 30 to 50 wt.-% aqueous solutions. All mentioned acids are generally used in the form of the water-soluble salts thereof, in particular alkali salts thereof.

Organic builder substances, if desired, can be contained in amounts of up to 40 wt.-%, in particular up to 25 wt.-%, and preferably from 1 wt.-% to 8 wt.-%. Amounts close to the stated upper limit are preferably used.

In particular, alkali silicates and polyphosphates, preferably sodium triphosphate, are suitable as water-soluble inorganic builder materials. In particular crystalline or amorphous alkali aluminosilicates, if desired, can be used as water-insoluble, water-dispersible inorganic builder materials in amounts of up to 50 wt.-%, preferably no greater than 40 wt.-%, and in particular in amounts of from 1 wt.-% to 5 wt.-%. Among these, crystalline sodium aluminosilicates of washing agent quality, in particular zeolite A, P and optionally X, can be used. Suitable aluminosilicates have in particular no particles having a particle size greater than 30 pm and preferably consist of up to at least 80 wt.% of particles having a size smaller than 10 pm.

Suitable substitutes or partial substitutes for the stated aluminosilicate are crystalline alkali silicates, which may be present alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates. The alkali silicates that can be used in the laundry detergent composition as builders preferably have a molar ratio of alkali oxide to SiO2 of less than 0.95, in particular from 1 :1.1 to 1 :12, and may be present in amorphous or crystalline form. Preferred alkali silicates are sodium silicates, in particular amorphous sodium silicates, having a Na2O:SiO2 molar ratio of from 1 :2 to 1 :2.8. Crystalline phyllosilicates of the general formula Na2SixO2x+ryH2O, where x, referred to as the module, is a number from 1 .9 to 4, y is a number from 0 to 20, and preferred values forx are 2, 3 or 4, are preferably used as crystalline silicates, which may be present alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates. Preferred crystalline phyllosilicates are those in which x in the stated general formula assumes the values 2 or 3. In particular, both beta- and delta-sodium disilicates (Na2Si2Os yH2O) are preferred. Builder substances are, if desired, preferably contained in amounts of up to 60 wt.%, in particular from 5 wt.-% to 40 wt.-%.

In various embodiments, the laundry detergent composition according to the invention may further comprise at least one enzyme.

The enzyme may be a hydrolytic enzyme or another enzyme in a concentration that is expedient for the effectiveness of the composition. One embodiment of the invention thus represents compositions, which comprise one or more enzymes. All enzymes which can develop catalytic activity in the composition according to the invention, in particular a protease, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, tannanase, xylanase, xanthanase, xyloglucanase, p-glucosidase, pectinase, carrageenanase, perhydrolase, oxidase, oxidoreductase or a lipase, and mixtures thereof, can preferably be used as enzymes. Enzymes are contained in the composition advantageously in an amount of from 1 x 10^-8 to 5 wt.-% in each case, based on the active protein. Each enzyme is contained in composition according to the invention in an amount of, in order of increasing preference, from 1 x 10^-7 to 3 wt.-%, from 0.00001 to 1 wt.-%, from 0.00005 to 0.5 wt.- %, from 0.0001 to 0.1 wt.-%, and particularly preferably from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt.-%, based on the active protein. Particularly preferably, the enzymes exhibit synergistic cleaning performance against specific stains or spots, i.e., the enzymes contained in the composition support one another in their cleaning performance. Synergistic effects can arise not only between different enzymes, but also between one or more enzymes and other ingredients of the liquid laundry detergent composition according to the invention.

The amylase(s) is/are preferably an a-amylase. The hemicellulase is preferably a pectinase, a pullulanase and/or a mannanase. The cellulase is preferably a cellulase mixture or a singlecomponent cellulase, preferably or predominantly an endoglucanase and/or a cellobiohydrolase. The oxidoreductase is preferably an oxidase, in particular a choline-oxidase, or a perhydrolase.

The proteases used are preferably alkaline serine proteases. They act as unspecific endopeptidases, i.e., they hydrolyze any acid amide bonds that are inside peptides or proteins and thereby remove protein-containing stains on the item to be cleaned. Their optimum pH is usually in the distinctly alkaline range. In preferred embodiments, the enzyme contained in the composition according to the invention is a protease.

The enzymes that are used in the present case may be naturally occurring enzymes or enzymes which have been changed by one or more mutations based on naturally occurring enzymes, in order to positively influence desired properties such as catalytic activity, stability or disinfecting performance.

In various embodiments of the invention, the enzyme is present in the compositions according to the invention in the form of an enzyme product in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition. The active protein content is preferably in the range from 0.00001 to 1 wt.-%, in particular 0.0001 to 0.2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

The protein concentration can be determined using known methods, for example the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid; 2,2'-bichinolyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) or the Biuret method. The active protein concentration is determined by titrating the active centers using a suitable irreversible inhibitor (e.g., phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF) for proteases) and determining the residual activity (cf. M. Bender et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 88, 24 (1966), p. 5890-5913).

In the laundry detergent compositions described herein, the enzymes to be used may furthermore be formulated together with accompanying substances, for example from fermentation. Preferably, the enzymes are used as enzyme liquid formulations.

The enzymes are generally not provided in the form of pure protein, but rather in the form of stabilized, storable and transportable preparations. These ready-made preparations include, for example, the solid preparations obtained through granulation, extrusion, or lyophilization or, particularly, solutions of the enzymes, which are advantageously maximally concentrated, have a low water content, and/or are supplemented with stabilizers or other auxiliaries.

Alternatively, the enzymes can also be encapsulated, for example by spray-drying or extrusion of the enzyme solution together with a preferably natural polymer or in the form of capsules, for example those in which the enzymes are enclosed in a set gel, or in those of the core-shell type, in which an enzyme-containing core is coated with a water-, air-, and/or chemical-impermeable protective layer. Further active ingredients such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaching agents, or dyes can additionally be applied in overlaid layers. Such capsules are applied using methods that are known per se, for example by shaking or roll granulation or in fluidized bed processes. Such granules are advantageously low in dust, for example due to the application of polymeric film-formers, and stable in storage due to the coating. Moreover, it is possible to formulate two or more enzymes together, such that a single granule exhibits a plurality of enzyme activities.

In various embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent compositions according to the invention can have one or more enzyme stabilizers.

Furthermore, the liquid laundry detergent composition may additionally contain other ingredients which further improve the practical and/or aesthetic properties of the composition, depending on the intended use. In the context of the present invention, they may contain bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, esterquats, silicone oils, emulsifiers, thickeners, electrolytes, pH adjusters, fluorescing agents, dyes, hydrotropes, suds suppressors, anti-redeposition agents, solvents, optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, anti-shrink agents, crease-preventing agents, dye transfer inhibitors, color-protection agents, wetting promoters, antimicrobial active ingredients, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, clear rinsers, preservatives, antistatic agents, ironing aids, waterproofing and impregnating agents, pearlescing agents, polymers, swelling and anti-slip agents and UV absorbers, without being limited to these.

Ingredients and framework compositions for washing and cleaning agent compositions (for example for liquid laundry detergent compositions) are disclosed, for example, in EP 3 110 393 B1 .

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating (the perception of) malodor, preferably malodor caused by sweat, comprising the following step: contacting in at least one method step the liquid laundry detergent composition according to the invention with a fabric to be treated, wherein the contacting preferably occurs in a laundry washing process, preferably in an automated washing machine.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a highly-branched cyclic dextrin for reducing or eliminating (the perception of) malodors, preferably malodors caused by sweat or body odor as described herein, from a fabric.

The highly-branched cyclic dextrin is preferably applied during a washing process, in particular a machine wash process or hand washing. Preferably, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is comprised in a laundry detergent composition, more preferably in a (water-based) liquid laundry detergent composition that is added to the wash water during the washing process. Suitable highly-branched cyclic dextrins may have an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons, preferably about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

Preferably, the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin, in particular maltodextrin (CAS: 9050- 36-6).

In various embodiments, the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition. Such a composition preferably improves the olfactory impression of fabrics that were washed with it.

In various other embodiments, the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition and/or at least one surfactant, preferably as described herein.

All facts, subjects and embodiments described for the compositions according to the invention are also applicable to the methods and uses according to the invention. Therefore, explicit reference is made here to the disclosure at the appropriate place with the indication that this disclosure also applies to the methods and uses according to the invention.

Examples

The present disclosure is now illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. It should be noted that various changes and modifications may be applied to the following examples and processes without departing from the scope of this invention, which is defined in the appended claims. Therefore, it should be noted that the following examples should be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any sense.

Example 1

The illustrative examples presented herein demonstrate the effect of post-wear reduction in the perception of malodor using compositions of the present disclosure as compared with conventional fabric conditioning compositions. Accordingly, a fabric conditioning composition in accordance with the present disclosure (“Example”) and a comparative fabric conditioning composition (having the highly-branched cyclic dextrin not present) (“Comparison”) are provided in Tables 1 and 2, respectively, below:

Table 1

Table 2

Fabric Treatment Protocol

A 1500 mL beaker was charged with 1000 mL of deionized water. The beaker was equipped with a stir blade and the mixer was set to 205 rpm. 1 .69 g of the respective formulation (Exemplary or Comparative) was added to the deionized water and was mixed for 1 minute. 20 2x2 inch 100% knit cotton swatches were added to each beaker and were mixed for 15 minutes. The fabrics were removed from the beaker with clean gloves and were squeezed to remove excess water. The fabrics were unfolded, placed flat onto a drying rack and were air dried overnight at room temperature.

Thereafter, each 2x2 inch swatch was draped over a 50 mL beaker. 100 pL of four different body odor compositions (butyric acid, octanoic acid, isovaleric acid, and 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1- ol) was spiked onto each swatch. After spiking, 10 minutes lapsed for solvent evaporation, and the swatches were transferred to clean 20 mL glass vials for analysis using dynamic headspace and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (DHS GCMS). DHS GCMS functions to extract and concentrate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from liquid or solid samples, and to thereafter analyze the amount and composition of the VOCs thus extracted. The DHS GCMS experiment was then run, and the results therefrom analyzed using statistical analysis.

The statistical analysis employed in connection with the present illustrative examples was analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA is a well-known statistical model used to analyze the differences among means, in this case the means of the DHS GCMS results pertaining to the amount of VOCs (/.e., the body odor compositions) detected in the respective Example and Comparative fabric samples. Using ANOVA, a statistical difference between means (/.e., that the observed VOC values from the Example swatches was less than the observed VOC values from the Comparative swatches) is demonstrated when the calculated p-value is less than 0.05. As a result of the DHS GCMS testing, and subsequent ANOVA, Table 3, below, presents to calculated p-values for each body odor composition tested.

Table 3

As demonstrated in the data presented in Table 3, the p-values associated with the DHS GCMS testing are significantly below the confidence threshold of 0.05, meaning that the body odor VOCs extracted from the Example swatches was statistically significantly less than the body odor VOCs extracted from the Comparison swatches. This demonstrates that in post-wear applications, the compositions for the present disclosure effectively function to reduce the amount of body odor perceptible on fabrics.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has provided fabric conditioning compositions that include highly-branched cyclic dextrin as a malodor control agent. In the disclosed compositions, the highly- branched cyclic dextrin compounds have been discovered and demonstrated to be highly-effective in removing or eliminating the perception of these malodors within washed fabrics.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description for fabric conditioning compositions, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims.

Example 2: Fabric refreshers such as malodor removing sprays

Malodor molecules used:

Sulfides: dimethylsulfide

Thiol: Sulfox (p-mentha-8-thiol-3-one)

Nitrile: tridecene-2-nitrile

Cluster dextrins:

Maltodextrins (CAS: 9050-36-6) Textiles (30x30 cm) made of 1) cotton or 2) a mixture of micro polyester-micro polyamide-elastane (49%/17%/34%) have been used as carriers for malodors.

The product to be tested is a malodor removing spray. A textile refresher with 0.1 wt.-% cluster dextrin has been compared to a cleaner composition with 0.1 wt.-% cyclodextrin, a textile refresher with 0.01 wt.-% TegoSorb (a commercially available malodor control agent from Evonik) and a commercially available product (Febreze pet smells).

The standardized artificial mixture of malodor molecules (“pet malodor”) was sprayed onto each of the textiles, the malodor removing spray is sprayed onto the textiles afterwards, and then the textiles were each stored individually in a tightly closed Plexiglas chamber having a volume of 27L at room temperature.

After 30 minutes, the Plexiglas chambers were opened and odor-assessed by ten trained persons each on a scale from 1 = very weak intensity to 10 = very strong intensity. The results shown in the following Table 4 were obtained as mean values.

Table 4: Intensity of malodor (results after 30min on cotton and mixed fibers). Example 3: Liquid laundry detergent compositions

Malodor molecules used (“sweat”):

Sulfides: dimethylsulfide, dimethytrisulfide

Thiol: methyl merctaptan

Acids: butyric acid, isovaleric acid, caproic acid, short chain unsaturated carboxylic acids

Cluster dextrins:

Maltodextrins (highly-branched cyclodextrin) (CAS: 9050-36-6)

Textiles (30x30cm) made of 1 ) cotton, 2) polyester or 3) a mixture of polyester (PES) and cotton (CO) (50:50), were washed with a commercially available sport detergent at 40 °C, wherein the cluster dextrin has been added to the sport detergent in an amount of from 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the detergent, for a comparison experiment.

After drying, a standardized artificial mixture of malodor molecules “sweat” was sprayed onto each textile and the textiles were each stored individually in a tightly closed Plexiglas chamber having a volume of 27L at room temperature.

After 4 hours, the Plexiglas chambers were opened and the chamber interiors were odor-assessed by ten trained persons each on a scale from 1 = very weak intensity to 10 = very strong intensity. The results shown in the following tables were obtained as mean values.

Table 5: Intensity of malodor (results after 4h on cotton).

Table 6: Intensity of malodor (results after 4h on Polyester). Table 7: Intensity of malodor (results after 4h on PES /CO mix (50/50)).

Claims

1 . A fabric conditioning composition comprising: a fabric softening agent; a highly-branched cyclic dextrin; and water.

2. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 1 , wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons.

3. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 2, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

4. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 1 , wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 1 .0 wt.-% to about 8.0 wt.- %.

5. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 4, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 2.0 wt.-% to about 4.0 wt.- %.

6. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 1 , wherein the fabric softening agent comprises a quaternary ammonium ester compound.

7. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 6, wherein the fabric softening agent is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 4.0 wt.-% to about 15.0 wt.-%.

8. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 1 , wherein the water is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 75 wt.-% to about 95 wt.-%.

9. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 1 , further comprising a rheology polymer.

10. The fabric conditioning composition of claim 9, wherein the rheology polymer is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 0.001 wt.-% to about 0.5 wt.-%.

11 . A method for laundering fabric, comprising:

32 applying a detergent composition to the fabric; rinsing the detergent composition from the fabric; after rinsing the detergent composition from the fabric, applying a fabric conditioning composition to the fabric, wherein the fabric conditioning composition comprises a fabric softening agent, a highly-branched cyclic dextrin, and water; and rinsing the fabric conditioning composition from the fabric.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the highly- branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Daltons to about 5000 kilo Daltons.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the highly- branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the highly- branched cyclic dextrin is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 1.0 wt.-% to about 8.0 wt.-%.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the highly- branched cyclic dextrin is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 2.0 wt.-% to about 4.0 wt.-%.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the fabric softening agent comprises a quaternary ammonium ester compound.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the fabric softening agent is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 4.0 wt.-% to about 15.0 wt.-%.

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein in the fabric conditioning composition, the water is present in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 75 wt.-% to about 95 wt.-%.

19. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising a rheology polymer in the fabric conditioning composition in an amount of about 0.001 wt.-% to about 0.5 wt.-%.

33

20. A fabric conditioning composition comprising: a fabric softening agent comprising a quaternary ammonium ester compound in an amount of about 4.0 wt.-% to about 15.0 wt.-%; a highly-branched cyclic dextrin having an average molecular weight of about 500 Daltons to about 3000 kilo Daltons in an amount of about 2.0 wt.-% to about 4.0 wt.-%; and water in an amount of about 85 wt.-% to about 92 wt.-%.

21 . A fabric refresher composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

22. The fabric refresher composition of claim 21 , wherein the fabric refresher composition comprises the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 25 wt.%, and most preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fabric refresher composition.

23. The fabric refresher composition of claim 21 or 22, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Da to about 5000 kDa, preferably about 500 Da to about 3000 kDa.

24. The fabric refresher composition of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS: 9050-36-6).

25. The fabric refresher composition of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the fabric refresher composition further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition.

26. The fabric refresher composition of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the fabric refresher composition is a liquid fabric refresher composition, preferably a water-based liquid fabric refresher composition.

27. The fabric refresher composition of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the fabric refresher composition is a malodor removing spray, in particular for malodors caused by pets.

28. A method for reducing or eliminating malodor, preferably malodor caused by pets, comprising the following step: applying in at least one method step the fabric refresher composition according to any one of claims 21 to 27 to a fabric to be treated, wherein the fabric refresher composition is preferably sprayed onto the fabric.

29. Use of a highly-branched cyclic dextrin for reducing or eliminating malodors of a fabric.

30. The use according to claim 29, wherein the malodors are caused by pets.

31 The use according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the fabric is a textile, carpet or furniture.

32. The use according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition, preferably in a fabric refresher composition such as a malodor removing spray.

33. A liquid laundry detergent composition comprising at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.% based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

34. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to claim 33, wherein the at least one highly-branched cyclic dextrin is comprised in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 to 25 wt.%, and most preferably from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

35. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the highly- branched cyclic dextrin has an average molecular weight of about 100 Da to about 5000 kDa, preferably about 500 Da to about 3000 kDa.

36. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS: 9050-36-6).

37. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition further comprises at least one perfume or a perfume composition.

38. A method for reducing or eliminating malodor, preferably malodor caused by sweat, comprising the following step: contacting in at least one method step the liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 33 to 37 with a fabric to be treated, wherein the contacting preferably occurs in a laundry washing process, preferably in an automated washing machine.

39. The use according to claim 29, wherein the malodors are caused by sweat.

40. The use according to claim 29 or 39, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is maltodextrin (CAS: 9050-36-6).

41 . The use according to any one of claims 29, 39 or 40, wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used in combination with at least one perfume or a perfume composition, preferably in a liquid laundry detergent composition.

42. The use according to any one of claims 29, 39, 40 or 41 , wherein the highly-branched cyclic dextrin is used within a washing process, preferably a machine washing process or hand washing.

36