Patent Description:
Ternary surfactant mixtures of ether sulfate (such as lauryl ether sulfate), sulfonate (such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonate), and nonionic surfactants (such as alcohol ethoxylates) are widely used as the base for detergent compositions, particularly laundry liquid detergent compositions.

<CIT> discloses a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alkyl (C10-C18) ether ether sulfate, nonionic surfactant, antiredeposition polymer (PEl <NUM> EO20) and protease.

A distinct disadvantage is that such compositions produce copious amounts of foam, particularly in situations of high agitation such as front loading automatic washing machines. To prevent this, anti-foams, such as fatty acids or silicones are added to the formulation. This is wasteful as an ingredient is added simply to prevent a negative rather than provide a benefit.

It would be desirable to formulate acceptable detergent compositions which do not have this foam problem, and do not necessitate the inclusion of anti-foams.

Surprisingly replacement of lauryl ether sulfate with C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylate groups, provides optimal foam properties without the need for the inclusion of anti-foams.

A detergent composition according to claim <NUM>.

Preferably the weight ratio of anionic surfactants (a) to C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate (b) ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferably the cleaning booster(s) are present at levels of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. More preferably the antiredeposition polymers are alkoxylated polyamines; and/or the soil release polymer is a polyester soil release polymer.

Preferably the detergent composition is a laundry detergent composition, more preferably a laundry liquid detergent composition.

Preferably the total amount of nonionic surfactants (c) in a composition of the invention ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferably the laundry detergent composition comprises one or more enzymes from the group: lipid esterases, proteases, amylases and cellulases.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a domestic method of treating a textile, the method comprising the step of: treating a textile with an aqueous solution of <NUM> to <NUM>/L of the detergent composition of any one of the claims, and optionally drying the textile.

The indefinite article "a" or "an" and its corresponding definite article "the" as used herein means at least one, or one or more, unless specified otherwise.

% relates to the amount by weight of the ingredient based on the total weight of the composition. For charged surfactants (for example anionic surfactants (a), and the C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate (b)), wt. % is calculated based on the protonated form of the surfactant.

The formulation may be in any form for example a liquid, solid, powder, liquid unit dose. Preferably the composition is a liquid composition.

The formulation when dissolved in demineralised water at <NUM> preferably has a pH of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM>.

Alcohol ether sulfates are discussed in <NPL>).

The composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % of a saturated or monosaturated linear C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate.

C16 and/or C18 ether sulfates are ether sulfates of the form R<NUM>-(OCH<NUM>CH<NUM>)nOSO<NUM>H where R<NUM> is saturated or monounsaturated linear C16 and/or C18 alkyl and where n is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The monounsaturation is preferably in the <NUM> position of the chain, and the double bond may be in a cis or trans configuration (oleyl or elaidic). The cis or trans ether sulfate CH<NUM>(CH<NUM>)<NUM>-CH=CH-(CH<NUM>)<NUM>O-(OCH<NUM>CH<NUM>)nOSO<NUM>H, is described as C18:<NUM>(Δ9) ether sulfate. <NUM> is the number of carbon atoms in the chain, <NUM> is the number of double bonds and Δ9 the position of the double bond on the chain. Most preferably R<NUM> is selected from linear C16 alkyl, linear C18 alkyl, linear C18:<NUM>(Δ9) alkyl and mixtures thereof.

Preferred examples are C16 and/or C18 ether sulfates with alkyl chains selected from a mixture of cetyl (linear C16) and stearyl (linear C18); oleyl ether sulfates and elaidic ether sulfates; and mixtures thereof.

Oleyl ether sulfates have a monounsaturated C18 chain with a cis double bond in the <NUM> position of the chain. Elaidic ether sulfate have a monounsaturated C18 chain with a trans double bond in the <NUM> position of the chain.

Alcohol ether sulfates may be synthesised by ethoxylation of an alkyl alcohol to form an alcohol ethoxylate followed by sulfonation and neutralisation with a suitable alkali.

The production of the alcohol ethoxylate involves an ethoxylation reaction:
R-OH + q ethylene oxide →R-O-(CH2CH2O)q-H.

Such ethoxylation reactions are described in<NPL>.

Preferably the reactions are base catalysed using NaOH, KOH, or NaOCH3. Even more preferred are catalyst which provide narrower ethoxy distribution than NaOH, KOH, or NaOCH3. Preferably these narrower distribution catalysts involve a Group II base such as Ba dodecanoate; Group II metal alkoxides; Group II hyrodrotalcite as described in <CIT>. Lanthanides may also be used. Such narrower distribution alcohol ethoxylates are available from Azo Nobel and Sasol.

Preferably the ethoxy distribution has greater than <NUM> wt. %, more preferably greater than <NUM> w. t% of the alcohol ethoxylate R-O-(CH2CH2O)q-H in the range R-O-(CH2CH2O)x-H to R-O-(CH2CH2O)y-H where q is the mole average degree of ethoxylation and x and y are absolute numbers, where x = q-q/<NUM> and y = q+q/<NUM>.

For example when q = <NUM>, then the greater than <NUM> wt. % of the alcohol ethoxylate should consist of ethoxylate with <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> Ethoxylate groups.

The alkyl chain in the alcohol ether sulfate is preferably obtained from plants, preferably from a variety of plants. In this case the oil fraction is preferably extracted, the triglyceride hydrolysed to give the carboxylic acid which is reduced to give the alkyl alcohol required for the surfactant synthesis. Preferably the oil is hydrogenated to removed polyunsaturated alkyl chains such as linoleic and linoleneic acid. Preferred plant sources of oils are palm, rapeseed, sunflower, maze, soy, cottonseed, olive oil and trees. The oil from trees is called tall oil. Most preferably the oil source is rapeseed oils. Palm oil may be used but is not preferred.

The alkyl ether sulfate surfactants may be in salt form or acid form, typically in the form of a water-soluble sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium or mono-, di- or tri- C2-C3 alkanolammonium salt, with the sodium cation being the usual one chosen.

Preferably the weight fraction of saturated R<NUM> (C18 alcohol ether sulfate)/(C16 alcohol ether sulfate) is from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> where, the weight of the alkyl ether sulfate is for the protonated form R<NUM>-(OCH<NUM>CH<NUM>)nOSO<NUM>H.

Linear saturated or mono-unsaturated C20 and C22 alcohol ether sulfate may be present, preferably where n (the average number of moles of ethoxylation) is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably the ratio of sum of (C18 alcohol ether sulfate)/(C20 and C22 alcohol ether sulfate) is greater than <NUM>.

Any anionic surfactant specified in claim <NUM> may be used, with the exception that the anionic surfactant a) is a non-ether sulfate anionic surfactant.

Examples of suitable anionic detergent compounds are C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl ether carboxylate, sodium and potassium alkyl sulfates, especially those obtained by sulfating higher C<NUM> to C<NUM> alcohols, sodium and potassium alkyl C<NUM> to C<NUM> benzene sulfonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl C<NUM> to C<NUM> benzene sulfonates, alkyl (preferably methyl) ester sulfonates, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from citric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (citrem), tartartic acid esters of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (tatem), diacetyl tartaric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (datem), C12 to C18 alkyl ether carboxylates, and water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulfates and sulfonates having alkyl radicals containing from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms.

Citrem, tatem and datem are described in <NPL>) and in <NPL>).

Most preferred additional anionic surfactant includes citrem, tatem, datem; C12 to C18 alkyl ether carboxylates; and sulfonates, for example linear alkyl benzene sulfonate.

A preferred alkyl ether carboxylate has an oleyl or elaidic chain with a mole average of <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylate groups.

The anionic surfactant is present at a level of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The weight ratio of anionic surfactants (a) to nonionic surfactants (c) ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Any nonionic surfactant specified in claim <NUM> may be used, however, preferred nonionic surfactants are described below.

The nonionic surfactant is saturated and mono-unsaturated aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate, preferably selected from C<NUM> to C<NUM> primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylates, more preferably C<NUM> to C<NUM> with an average of from <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylates. Preferably the alkyl chain is mono-unsaturated.

Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

The total amount of nonionic surfactants (c) in a composition of the invention ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % of cleaning boosters selected from antiredeposition polymers; soil release polymers; alkoxylated polycarboxylic acid esters as described in <CIT> and <CIT>; and mixtures thereof.

Preferred anti redeposition polymers include alkoxylated polyamines.

A preferred alkoxylated polyamine comprises an alkoxylated polyethylenimine, and/or alkoxylated polypropylenimine. The polyamine may be linear or branched. It may be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. The alkoxylation may typically be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of both. Where a nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, a preferred average degree of alkoxylation is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. A preferred material is ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, with an average degree of ethoxylation being from <NUM> to <NUM> preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, where a nitrogen atom is ethoxylated.

Preferably the soil release polymer is a polyester soil release polymer.

Preferred soil release polymers include those described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Preferably the polyester based soil release polymer is a polyester according to the following formula (I)
<CHM>
wherein.

Preferably the polyester provided as an active blend comprising:.

Alkoxylated polycarboxylic acid esters are obtainable by first reacting an aromatic polycarboxylic acid containing at least three carboxylic acid units or anhydrides derived therefrom, preferably an aromatic polycarboxylic acid containing three or four carboxylic acid units or anhydrides derived therefrom, more preferably an aromatic polycarboxylic acid containing three carboxylic acid units or anhydrides derived therefrom, even more preferably trimellitic acid or trimellitic acid anhydride, most preferably trimellitic acid anhydride, with an alcohol alkoxylate and in a second step reacting the resulting product with an alcohol or a mixture of alcohols, preferably with C16/C18 alcohol.

The formulation may contain further ingredients.

The composition may comprise a builder or a complexing agent.

Builder materials may be selected from <NUM>) calcium sequestrant materials, <NUM>) precipitating materials, <NUM>) calcium ion-exchange materials and <NUM>) mixtures thereof.

Examples of calcium sequestrant builder materials include alkali metal polyphosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate and organic sequestrants, such as ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid.

The composition may also contain <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % of a builder or complexing agent such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, citric acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid or the other builders mentioned below.

More preferably the laundry detergent formulation is a non-phosphate built laundry detergent formulation, i.e., contains less than <NUM> wt. % of phosphate. Most preferably the laundry detergent formulation is not built i.e. contain less than <NUM> wt. % of builder.

If the detergent composition is an aqueous liquid laundry detergent it is preferred that mono propylene glycol or glycerol is present at a level from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, to provide the formulation with appropriate, pourable viscosity.

The composition preferably comprises a fluorescent agent (optical brightener).

Fluorescent agents are well known and many such fluorescent agents are available commercially. Usually, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts.

The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. Preferred classes of fluorescer are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g. Blankophor SN.

Preferred fluorescers are fluorescers with <NPL>;<NPL>; <NPL>;<NPL>; <NPL>;<NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>;<NPL>.

Most preferred fluorescers are: sodium <NUM> (<NUM>-styryl-<NUM>-sulfophenyl)-<NUM>-napthol[<NUM>,<NUM>-d]triazole, disodium <NUM>,<NUM>'-bis{[(<NUM>-anilino-<NUM>-(N methyl-N-<NUM> hydroxyethyl) amino <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazin-<NUM>-yl)]amino}stilbene-<NUM>-<NUM>' disulphonate, disodium <NUM>,<NUM>'-bis{[(<NUM>-anilino-<NUM>-morpholino-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazin-<NUM>-yl)]amino} stilbene-<NUM>-<NUM>' disulphonate, and disodium <NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(<NUM>-sulphostyryl)biphenyl.

It is advantageous to have shading dye present in the formulation.

Dyes are described in <NPL>) and,<NPL>).

Dyes for use in laundry detergents preferably have an extinction coefficient at the maximum absorption in the visible range (<NUM> to <NUM>) of greater than <NUM> mol-<NUM> cm-<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> mol-<NUM> cm-<NUM>.

Preferred dye chromophores are azo, azine, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine and triphenylmethane. Azo, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine and triphenylmethane dyes preferably carry a net anionic charged or are uncharged. Azine dyes preferably carry a net anionic or cationic charge.

Blue or violet Shading dyes are most preferred. Shading dyes deposit to fabric during the wash or rinse step of the washing process providing a visible hue to the fabric. In this regard the dye gives a blue or violet colour to a white cloth with a hue angle of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The white cloth used in this test is bleached non-mercerised woven cotton sheeting.

Shading dyes are discussed in <CIT>, <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>) and <CIT>), <CIT>), and <CIT>).

The shading dye chromophore is most preferably selected from mono-azo, bis-azo and azine.

Mono-azo dyes preferably contain a heterocyclic ring and are most preferably thiophene dyes. The mono-azo dyes are preferably alkoxylated and are preferably uncharged or anionically charged at pH=<NUM>. Alkoxylated thiophene dyes are discussed in <CIT> and <CIT>. A preferred example of a thiophene dye is shown below:
<CHM>.

Bis-azo dyes are preferably sulphonated bis-azo dyes. Preferred examples of sulphonated bis-azo compounds are direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM>, direct violet <NUM> and alkoxylated versions thereof.

Alkoxylated bis-azo dyes are discussed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

An example of an alkoxylated bis-azo dye is :
<CHM>.

Azine dyes are preferably selected from sulphonated phenazine dyes and cationic phenazine dyes. Preferred examples are acid blue <NUM>, acid violet <NUM>, dye with <NPL>, acid blue <NUM>, and the phenazine dye selected from:
<CHM>
wherein:.

Anthraquinone dyes covalently bound to ethoxylate or propoxylated polyethylene imine may be used as described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

The shading dye is preferably present is present in the composition in range from <NUM> to <NUM>. Depending upon the nature of the shading dye there are preferred ranges depending upon the efficacy of the shading dye which is dependent on class and particular efficacy within any particular class. As stated above the shading dye is preferably a blue or violet shading dye.

The composition preferably comprises a perfume. Many suitable examples of perfumes are provided in the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) <NPL> and OPD <NPL>.

Preferably the perfume comprises at least one note (compound) from: alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl salicylate; citronellol; coumarin; hexyl cinnamal; linalool; pentanoic acid, <NUM>-methyl-, ethyl ester; octanal; benzyl acetate; <NUM>,<NUM>-octadien-<NUM>-ol, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-, <NUM>-acetate; cyclohexanol, <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylethyl)-, <NUM>-acetate; delta-damascone; beta-ionone; verdyl acetate; dodecanal; hexyl cinnamic aldehyde; cyclopentadecanolide; benzeneacetic acid, <NUM>-phenylethyl ester; amyl salicylate; beta-caryophyllene; ethyl undecylenate; geranyl anthranilate; alpha-irone; beta-phenyl ethyl benzoate; alpa-santalol; cedrol; cedryl acetate; cedry formate; cyclohexyl salicyate; gamma-dodecalactone; and, beta phenylethyl phenyl acetate.

Useful components of the perfume include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in<NPL>; <NPL>and; or <NPL>).

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components.

In perfume mixtures preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % are top notes. Top notes are defined by <NPL>]). Preferred top-notes are selected from citrus oils, linalool, linalyl acetate, lavender, dihydromyrcenol, rose oxide and cis-<NUM>-hexanol.

The International Fragrance Association has published a list of fragrance ingredients (perfumes) in <NUM>. (http://www. org/en-us/ingredients#. U7Z4hPIdWzk)
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials provides a database of perfumes (fragrances) with safety information.

Perfume top note may be used to cue the whiteness and brightness benefit of the invention. Some or all of the perfume may be encapsulated, typical perfume components which it is advantageous to encapsulate, include those with a relatively low boiling point, preferably those with a boiling point of less than <NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Celsius. It is also advantageous to encapsulate perfume components which have a low CLog P (ie. those which will have a greater tendency to be partitioned into water), preferably with a CLog P of less than <NUM>. These materials, of relatively low boiling point and relatively low CLog P have been called the "delayed blooming" perfume ingredients and include one or more of the following materials: allyl caproate, amyl acetate, amyl propionate, anisic aldehyde, anisole, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl formate, benzyl iso valerate, benzyl propionate, beta gamma hexenol, camphor gum, laevo-carvone, d-carvone, cinnamic alcohol, cinamyl formate, cis-jasmone, cis-<NUM>-hexenyl acetate, cuminic alcohol, cyclal c, dimethyl benzyl carbinol, dimethyl benzyl carbinol acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl aceto acetate, ethyl amyl ketone, ethyl benzoate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexyl ketone, ethyl phenyl acetate, eucalyptol, eugenol, fenchyl acetate, flor acetate (tricyclo decenyl acetate) , frutene (tricyclco decenyl propionate) , geraniol, hexenol, hexenyl acetate, hexyl acetate, hexyl formate, hydratropic alcohol, hydroxycitronellal, indone, isoamyl alcohol, iso menthone, isopulegyl acetate, isoquinolone, ligustral, linalool, linalool oxide, linalyl formate, menthone, menthyl acetphenone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl benyl acetate, methyl eugenol, methyl heptenone, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl heptyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, methyl-n-methyl anthranilate, nerol, octalactone, octyl alcohol, p-cresol, p-cresol methyl ether, p-methoxy acetophenone, p-methyl acetophenone, phenoxy ethanol, phenyl acetaldehyde, phenyl ethyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, phenyl ethyl dimethyl carbinol, prenyl acetate, propyl bornate, pulegone, rose oxide, safrole, <NUM>-terpinenol, alpha-terpinenol, and /or viridine. It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components from the list given of delayed blooming perfumes given above present in the perfume.

Another group of perfumes with which the present invention can be applied are the so-called 'aromatherapy' materials. These include many components also used in perfumery, including components of essential oils such as Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Mace Extract, Neroli, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Sweet Violet Leaf and Valerian.

It is preferred that the laundry treatment composition does not contain a peroxygen bleach, e.g., sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, and peracid.

The composition may comprise one or more further polymers. Examples are carboxymethylcellulose, poly (ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), polycarboxylates such as polyacrylates, maleic/acrylic acid copolymers and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid copolymers.

Where alkyl groups are sufficiently long to form branched or cyclic chains, the alkyl groups encompass branched, cyclic and linear alkyl chains. The alkyl groups are preferably linear or branched, most preferably linear.

Preferably enzymes, such as lipases, proteases, alpha-amylases, cellulases, peroxidases/oxidases, pectate lyases, and mannanases, or mixtures thereof, may be present in the formulation.

If further enzymes are present, then preferably they are selected from: lipases, proteases, alpha-amylases, cellulases and mixtures thereof.

If present, then the level of each enzyme in the laundry composition of the invention is from <NUM> wt. % to <NUM> wt.

Levels of enzyme present in the composition preferably relate to the level of enzyme as pure protein.

Suitable lipases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful lipases include lipases from Humicola (synonym Thermomyces), e.g. from H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus) as described in <CIT> and <CIT> or from H. insolens as described in <CIT>, a Pseudomonas lipase, e.g. from P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes (<CIT>), P. cepacia (<CIT>), P. stutzeri (<CIT>), P. fluorescens, Pseudomonas sp. strain SD <NUM> (<CIT> and <CIT>), P. wisconsinensis (<CIT>), a Bacillus lipase, e.g. from B. subtilis (<NPL>), B. stearothermophilus (<CIT>) or B. pumilus (<CIT>). Other examples are lipase variants such as those described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, <CIT>.

Preferred commercially available lipase enzymes include Lipolase™ and Lipolase Ultra™, Lipex™ and Lipoclean ™ (Novozymes A/S).

The invention may be carried out in the presence of phospholipase classified as EC <NUM>. <NUM> and/or EC <NUM>. As used herein, the term phospholipase is an enzyme which has activity towards phospholipids.

Phospholipids, such as lecithin or phosphatidylcholine, consist of glycerol esterified with two fatty acids in an outer (sn-<NUM>) and the middle (sn-<NUM>) positions and esterified with phosphoric acid in the third position; the phosphoric acid, in turn, may be esterified to an amino-alcohol. Phospholipases are enzymes which participate in the hydrolysis of phospholipids. Several types of phospholipase activity can be distinguished, including phospholipases A<NUM> and A<NUM> which hydrolyze one fatty acyl group (in the sn-<NUM> and sn-<NUM> position, respectively) to form lysophospholipid; and lysophospholipase (or phospholipase B) which can hydrolyze the remaining fatty acyl group in lysophospholipid. Phospholipase C and phospholipase D (phosphodiesterases) release diacyl glycerol or phosphatidic acid respectively.

Protease enzymes hydrolyse bonds within peptides and proteins, in the laundry context this leads to enhanced removal of protein or peptide containing stains. Examples of suitable proteases families include aspartic proteases; cysteine proteases; glutamic proteases; aspargine peptide lyase; serine proteases and threonine proteases. Such protease families are described in the MEROPS peptidase database (http://merops. Serine proteases are preferred. Subtilase type serine proteases are more preferred. The term "subtilases" refers to a sub-group of serine protease according to <NPL> and <NPL>. Serine proteases are a subgroup of proteases characterized by having a serine in the active site, which forms a covalent adduct with the substrate. The subtilases may be divided into <NUM> subdivisions, i.e. the Subtilisin family, the Thermitase family, the Proteinase K family, the Lantibiotic peptidase family, the Kexin family and the Pyrolysin family.

Examples of subtilases are those derived from Bacillus such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii described in; <CIT> and <CIT>, and subtilisin lentus, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, Bacillus licheniformis, subtilisin BPN', subtilisin <NUM>, subtilisin <NUM> and subtilisin <NUM> described in <CIT> and protease PD138 described in (<CIT>). Other useful proteases may be those described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. Examples of trypsin-like proteases are trypsin (e.g. of porcine or bovine origin) and the Fusarium protease described in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, and the chymotrypsin proteases derived from Cellumonas described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Most preferably the protease is a subtilisins (EC <NUM>.

Examples of subtilases are those derived from Bacillus such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii described in; <CIT> and <CIT>, and subtilisin lentus, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, Bacillus licheniformis, subtilisin BPN', subtilisin <NUM>, subtilisin <NUM> and subtilisin <NUM> described in <CIT> and protease PD138 described in (<CIT>). Preferably the subsilisin is derived from Bacillus, preferably Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii as described in <CIT> BI, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. Most preferably the subtilisin is derived from Bacillus gibsonii or Bacillus Lentus.

Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names names Alcalase®, Blaze®; DuralaseTm, DurazymTm, Relase®, Relase® Ultra, Savinase®, Savinase® Ultra, Primase®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase® Ultra, Ovozyme®, Coronase®, Coronase® Ultra, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® all could be sold as Ultra® or Evity® (Novozymes A/S).

The invention may use cutinase, classified in EC <NUM>. The cutinase used according to the invention may be of any origin. Preferably cutinases are of microbial origin, in particular of bacterial, of fungal or of yeast origin.

Suitable amylases (alpha and/or beta) include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g. a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in <CIT>, or the Bacillus sp. strains disclosed in <CIT> or <CIT>. Commercially available amylases are Duramyl™, Termamyl™, Termamyl Ultra™, Natalase™, Stainzyme™, Fungamyl™ and BAN™ (Novozymes A/S), Rapidase™ and Purastar™ (from Genencor International Inc.

Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g. the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Thielavia terrestris, Myceliophthora thermophila, and Fusarium oxysporum disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme™, Carezyme™, Celluclean ™, Endolase™, Renozyme™ (Novozymes A/S), Clazinase™ and Puradax HA ™ (Genencor International Inc. ), and KAC-<NUM>(B)™ (Kao Corporation). Celluclean™ is preferred.

Suitable peroxidases/oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include peroxidases from Coprinus, e.g. from C. cinereus, and variants thereof as those described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Commercially available peroxidases include Guardzyme™ and Novozym™ <NUM> (Novozymes A/S).

Further enzymes suitable for use are discussed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Any enzyme present in the composition may be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, e.g., a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as <NUM>-formylphenyl boronic acid, and the composition may be formulated as described in e.g. <CIT> and <CIT>.

The detergent compositions optionally include one or more laundry adjunct ingredients.

To prevent oxidation of the formulation an anti-oxidant may be present in the formulation.

The term "adjunct ingredient" includes: perfumes, dispersing agents, stabilizers, pH control agents, metal ion control agents, colorants, brighteners, dyes, odour control agent, pro-perfumes, cyclodextrin, perfume, solvents, soil release polymers, preservatives, antimicrobial agents, chlorine scavengers, anti-shrinkage agents, fabric crisping agents, spotting agents, anti-oxidants, anti-corrosion agents, bodying agents, drape and form control agents, smoothness agents, static control agents, wrinkle control agents, sanitization agents, disinfecting agents, germ control agents, mould control agents, mildew control agents, antiviral agents, antimicrobials, drying agents, stain resistance agents, soil release agents, malodour control agents, fabric refreshing agents, chlorine bleach odour control agents, dye fixatives, dye transfer inhibitors, shading dyes, colour maintenance agents, colour restoration, rejuvenation agents, anti-fading agents, whiteness enhancers, anti-abrasion agents, wear resistance agents, fabric integrity agents, anti-wear agents, and rinse aids, UV protection agents, sun fade inhibitors, insect repellents, anti-allergenic agents, enzymes, flame retardants, water proofing agents, fabric comfort agents, water conditioning agents, shrinkage resistance agents, stretch resistance agents, and combinations thereof. If present, such adjuncts can be used at a level of from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The invention will be further described with the following non-limiting examples.

A laundry detergent containing <NUM> wt. % of surfactant (remainder water) was added to <NUM>° French Hard water at <NUM> to give <NUM>/L surfactant in water.

<NUM> of the solution was place in a tube of <NUM> diameter and stoppered. The tube was inverted <NUM> times to produce foam and a photograph taken of the tube. Soil was then added in <NUM> aliquots and the inversion process and photography cycle repeated until <NUM> total soil was added. The soil was an emulsion with a weight ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM> olive oil:water:kaolin + <NUM> wt% flour. Kaolin was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich.

The height of the foam was measured as the difference between the meniscus and top of the foam. The experimental values are the average of <NUM> repeat tubes.

A plot of soil level verse foam height was made for <NUM> to <NUM> soil and a straight line fitted to the points using regression analysis (LINEST function of Microsoft excel).

The intercept is a measure of the maximum foam (FoamMax). The values are given in the table below, alongside the standard error.

The antifoam used was lauric acid at <NUM> wt. % on formulation.

Claim 1:
A detergent composition, comprising:
a) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.% of an anionic surfactant;
b) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.% of a saturated or monounsaturated linear C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate with mole average of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylate groups;
c) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.% of a nonionic surfactant;
d) from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.%, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.% of cleaning boosters selected from antiredeposition polymers; soil release polymers; alkoxylated polycarboxylic acid esters; and mixtures thereof;
wherein the anionic surfactant a) is a non-ether sulfate anionic surfactant;
wherein the weight ratio of anionic surfactants (a) to nonionic surfactants (c) ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>;
wherein the weight ratio of anionic surfactants (a) to C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate (b) ranges from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>;
wherein the saturated or monosaturated linear C16 and/or C18 ether sulfate has a mole average of <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylate groups;
wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from saturated and mono-unsaturated aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate, preferably selected from C<NUM> to C<NUM> primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylates, more preferably C<NUM> to C<NUM> with an average of from <NUM> to <NUM> ethoxylates; and,
wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from C12 to C18 alkyl ether carboxylates; citric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (citrem), tartartic acid esters of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (tatem) and diacetyl tartaric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (datem); and water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulfates and sulfonates having alkyl radicals containing from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms;
and mixtures thereof; most preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from C16 to C18 alkyl ether carboxylates; citric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (citrem), tartartic acid esters of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (tatem) and diacetyl tartaric acid ester of a C16 to C18 monoglyceride (datem) and sulfonates, for example, linear alkyl benzene sulfonate; and mixtures thereof.