NL2035873B1

NL2035873B1 - Powder pellets for dry-cleaning of hands

Info

Publication number: NL2035873B1
Application number: NL2035873A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Peter Reinhold Schneider Dr
Original assignee: Soap P Gmbh
Priority date: 2023-09-25
Filing date: 2023-09-25
Publication date: 2025-04-01
Also published as: WO2025068273A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dry-cleaning powder for hands, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina. The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of the drycleaning powder for hands, wherein a mixture comprising at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina is mixed at a temperature between 0°C and 50°C and ambient pressure. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the cleaning powder for cleaning the hands without using water, and 10 also as first aid food.

Description

POWDER PELLETS FOR DRY-CLEANING OF HANDS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a dry-cleaning powder of hands. lt furthermore relates to dry-cleaning powder of hands that has been pelletized to form dry-cleaning powder pellets. In addition, the invention relates to the production process of making dry-cleaning powder pellets. The invention also relates to the use of these dry-cleaning powder pellets for dry-cleaning of for example the hands.

Backaround of the invention

Soap bars have been the primary washing method for hands, body and hair for many years. Nowadays, the liquid form of soap is used more often. Liquid soap offers formulators the flexibility to create products for specific uses, such as hand cleaners, facial soaps, body washes and hair shampoos. Both solid and liquid form soap products are designed to be used multiple times. A disadvantage of solid form products is that they tend to become slimy and dirty over time.

More research is done in the area of solutions for hand hygiene in poorer countries: it was concluded that it may be necessary to reinvent soap. There are different developments in this area. One of the developments is a strip of soap for better hygiene. The soap pieces come from a roll. They are just enough for one hand wash. The basis of the pieces is a thin fabric on which commercially available soap is applied and then dried. Rolled up in a dispenser - similar to a container for scotch tape - the pieces can be pulled out individually. After use, the mini soaps can be thrown into the toilet; they are biodegradable. A disadvantage of these strips is that water consumption is required for soaping, otherwise the strips are not working.

Another form of soap is described in WO2019147496. It describes a personal care cleaning composition in tablet form, that comprises a surfactant and a starch composition formed from starch, alcohol and water. The tablet may be formed using a method that includes preparing the starch slurry composition comprising the starch, alcohol and water, preparing a mixture of the starch slurry composition and the surfactant, and pressing the mixture into tablet form. The pellets have the ability to dissolve rapidly in water of any temperature, and are very portable, easy to ship, and convenient to use.

The documents that are discussed above disclose products that are complicated to use in areas where water is scarce or even absent.

Accordingly, there is a demand for hygiene products that can be used more easily. There is furthermore a demand for a product that requires a minimum to no water to be produced and minimum to no water during usage and still have cleaned for example the hands.

Summary of the invention

It is an objective of the invention to address one or more of the disadvantages faced in the prior art. It is another objective of the invention to provide an alternative to hygienic products that require water for use. A particular objective is to provide an efficient and low-cost fabrication process for the production of dry-cleaning powder pellets whereby the use of water is prevented.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a dry-cleaning powder for hands, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a dry-cleaning powder for hands, wherein a mixture comprising at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina is mixed at a temperature between 0°C and 50°C and ambient pressure.

The present invention also relates to the use of a dry powder, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina for cleaning the hands without using water.

The present invention furthermore relates to the use of a cleaning powder, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina as first aid food.

Detailed description of the invention

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

The dry-cleaning powder for hands according to the invention can be used as sustainable solution in order to promote health and life quality (foster hygiene and smell removal) having a positive impact on people and planet by saving water and eliminate contamination impacts. The invention can be applied particularly as first help aid in crisis areas such as refugee camps or regions affected by natural disasters like earthquakes. As in these regions drinking water is already scarce or not available, either acute or chronic, it is less available for hygiene purposes. Providing dry-cleaning powder for hands according to the invention would help at least the hygienic situation. Integrating the dry-cleaning powder for hands with for example emergency relief supplies, such as i.e. the commonly known "shelter boxes," might enable the provision of a dual-purpose product: “first aid" food for emergency calorie intake and a water-free cleaning agent for hygienic purposes. The powder might thus serve as a water-free cleaning agent and skin care solution, providing hygiene benefits. In addition it might also serve as nutritional value.

Further applications are “on the go” travel hygiene and refreshment aid (i.e. removes for example unpleasant smoke smell on hands) as a modern life style product. The dry-cleaning powder for hands could also be used — after approval - for medical care (people with specific diseases (i.e. dermatological challenges requiring a water-free solution) or refreshment for patients in hospitals and nursing homes especially for bedridden patients.

The dry-cleaning powder for hands according to the invention, comprises a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina. It can be regarded as a surprising and unexpected novel formulation comprising bio-based ingredients that exhibit beneficial properties for both food and hygiene applications. A further advantage of these materials is that they are mainly based on renewable raw materials. The formulation moreover aims to replace talcum, a substance with cancer-suspect characteristics, with renewable raw materials while ensuring the safety and functionality of the product. The main objective of the dry-cleaning powder for hands is to provide a sustainable solution that contributes to improved health and quality of life, achieved through sustainably sourced and produced ingredients. The positive impacts can be measured by water conservation, its potential to save lives in emergency situations and reduced contamination impacts.

By addressing the urgent needs of individuals in crisis areas, the current invention furthermore aims to contribute positively to both people and the planet.

The formulation's sustainable sourcing and production methods align with this mission, ensuring that the current invention achieves significant positive impacts, such as water conservation and saving lives in emergency situations.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry-cleaning powder for hands comprises an amount of starch in the range of from 40 up to 80 wt%, more preferably in the range of from 50 up to 70 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 50 up to 60 wt%. The starch functions in this application as an absorbing agent with a viscosity control function. Starch is also known for its high content of good carbohydrates and supports a well-functioning gastrointestinal tract. In this application, it furthermore functions as a matrix for the other components in the tablet. Other materials produced pellets that were too hard for the purpose or were poor binding materials. Starch in these amounts were superior to other materials with respect to these properties.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dry-cleaning powder comprises an amount of mineral powder in the range of from 0.1 up to 5 wt%, more preferably in the range of from 0.2 up to 3 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 0.3 up to 2 wt%. The mineral powder, like for example silicon dioxide or aluminum dioxide reduces interarticular friction covering the particle surfaces with a thin layer, and as a result helping in better powder and granule flow. Furthermore, in terms of the food application is silicon dioxide one of the preferred minerals, as the amorphous form of silicon dioxide, a synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), is authorized as a food additive (E551) in many countries including the European

Union and U.S.

Preferably, the dry-cleaning powder comprises an amount of oil in the range of from 1 up to 10 wt%, more preferably in the range of from 2 up to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 3 up to 6 wt%. The oil as skin care contributes to cleaning the skin: the oil can be used to dissolve oily residue on the skin. The oil furthermore reduces interarticular friction, as it is known for its abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying and viscosity controlling properties, covering the particle surfaces with a thin layer, and as a result helping in better powder and granule flow. Another advantage is that fatty acids in the oll used have i.e. anti-inflammatory effects, and it even might stabilize heart rhythm. 5 More oil leads to disintegration and leaking of oil out of the tablet.

Advantageously, the dry-cleaning powder according to the invention comprises an amount of polysaccharide in the range of from 2 up to 50 wt%, more preferably in the range of from 10 up to 40 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 15 up to 30 wt%. The polysaccharide acts in our invention as an absorbing agent and forms a film on the skin. The polysaccharide differs from the starch in that it is completely soluble in cold water and has excellent wettability which is favourable to remove sweat from the skin. It has a further advantage if being used as first aid food: it is a rapidly digestible sugar. It provides several (more than 4) calories per gram and therefore gives a quick energy boost. Advantageously, the polysaccharide is one or more selected from the group of maltodextrin and inulin.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry-cleaning powder according to the invention comprises an amount of semolina in the range of from 2 up to 30 wt%, more preferably in the range of from 5 up to 25 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 10 up to 20 wt%. Semolina is coarsely milled durum wheat normally used in making couscous, pasta, and sweet puddings. The term semolina is also used to designate coarse millings of other varieties of wheat, and sometimes other grains (such as rice or corn) as well. For the purpose of this invention, semolina functions as a rubbing agent for physical cleaning of the hands, and ensuring the disintegration of the tablet. It has a further advantage if being used as first aid food: it is a good source of energy, as semolina comprises a lot of carbohydrates that provide energy for day-to-day activities. Advantageously, the semolina is one or more selected from the group of durum wheat and common wheat.

Advantageously, the dry-cleaning powder furthermore comprises panthenol, preferably dexpanthenol, in the range more preferably of from 0.5 up to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 1 up to 5 wt%. Panthenol, or pantothenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and is thus a provitamin of BS. In organisms, it is quickly oxidized to pantothenic acid. It is a viscous transparent liquid at room temperature. Panthenol comes in two enantiomers: D, and L. Only D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. For cosmetic use, panthenol comes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture of D and L (DL-panthenol).

Panthenol, or preferably dexpanthanol is used according to the current invention as a moisturizer and to improve wound healing, if one would have such. It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin, improves skin elasticity, and accelerates epidermal wounds' rate of healing. In a preferred embodiment, dexpanthenol is combined with allantoin. It has a further advantage if being used as first aid food: it might function as precursor of vitamin B5 in case of chronically inflammation of gastrointestinal tract.

Advantageously, the dry-cleaning powder furthermore comprises sodium hydrogen carbonate, more preferably in the range of from 0.5 up to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of from 1 up to 5 wt% sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The sodium hydrogen carbonate is added to the dry-cleaning powder for hands of the current invention to reduce unpleasant odour on the hands from for example cigarettes. It has a further advantage if being used as first aid food: sodium hydrogen carbonate is known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, and is used in baking as a leavening agent to help dough rise. It is furthermore used as a food preservative and pH regulator in the food industry. In addition, it can be used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion or as a more pharmaceutical application as antacids or mouthwashes

Advantageously, also farnesol can be added to the dry-cleaning powder, preferably in a concentration of 0.3 up to 0.5 wt%. Farnesol is a natural 15-carbon organic compound which is an acyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. Under standard conditions, it is a colourless liquid. It is hydrophobic, and thus insoluble in water, but miscible with oils. The farnesol in the powder has an antifungal activity associated with inhibition of fungal dimorphism. It does this by affecting the pH level on the skin's surface, creating an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth. It might also be used to emphasize the odours of something present in the powder, as it enhances perfume scent by acting as a co-solvent that regulates the volatility of the odorants. It has a further advantage if being used as first aid food: farnesol is found naturally in herbs and berries and other fruits. It has been reported to i.e. prevent and reverse brain damage linked to

Parkinson’s disease in mouse studies. It can also help settle the bacteria within the digestive tract and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

The starch used for this invention is preferably one or more selected from the group of rice starches, wheat starches, potato starches and maize starches.

The starch functions serve as an excellent filler/diluent as well as a disintegrant, and also as a binder. Various starches were tested in an attempt to optimize the desired characteristics of minimizing disruption of tablet binding. Testing revealed that (un-modified) starches provides superior results.

The mineral powder used for this invention is preferably one or more selected from the group of silica, magnesia, alumina and titania, more preferably selected from the group of silica and alumina, even more preferably the mineral powder is silica, most preferably the mineral is amorphous silica. The silica chosen reduces interarticular friction by covering the particle surfaces with a thin layer, and as a result helping in better powder and granule flow.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the dry-cleaning powder comprises as the oil one or more selected from the group of olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil, rice oil and essential oil, more preferably selected from the group of olive oil and essential oil. The oil as skin care contributes to cleanse the skin: the oil can be used to dissolve oily residue on the skin. Preferably, the essential oil is one or more selected from the group of melissa oil, lavender oil, mint oil, moringa oil, tea tree oil, bergamot oil, chamomile oil, jasmine oll, eucalyptus oil, rose oil, patchouli oil, clary sage oil, lemongrass oil, orange oil, cedarwood oil and sandalwood oil. Some of these oils have specific properties, like melissa oil is known for its cleansing, circulation-promoting and anti- inflammatory properties, the skin regeneration processes are optimized, and it comprises antiviral properties against herpes viruses. Lavender oil is known to be stimulating the growth of skin cells, it prevents skin aging, it supports healing processes (e.g. after sunburn), it has antiseptic properties, it is anti-inflammatory (e.g. insect bites subside faster) and it soothes irritated skin. Rose oil promotes blood circulation, it is slightly antibacterial, it promotes skin metabolism, and acts as an antioxidant.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the powder is being pelletized to form dry-cleaning powder pellets. The advantages of pellets are that they are easy in dosing and the capability of stable multiple blends, low hygroscopicity, meaning that the pellets do not absorb much moisture from the air. Pellets are also used to avoid excessive dust and reduces segregation. A disadvantage of the solid soap has been overcome namely that the solid products are becoming slimy and dirty over time. Another disadvantage has been overcome, namely of the alternative liquid form products and that is that they require non-renewable (e.g.plastic) packaging, which increases manufacturing cost and shipping weight of the liquid, and is environmentally unfriendly. Liquid form products also tend to be bulkier than solid form products, and may not be as convenient as solid form products for travellers or in rural areas. Solid form products may be superior from this standpoint, but they do not store well after initial use and do not offer the benefits of liquid formulations. This has all been solved by producing dry-cleaning powder pellets. The dry-cleaning powder pellets have preferably a diameter in the range of from 0.2 up to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of from 0.3 up to 10 mm, even more preferably in the range of from 0.3 up to 8 mm.

The current invention is furthermore directed to the process for the preparation of a dry-cleaning powder for hands, wherein a mixture comprising at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina is mixed at a temperature between 0°C and 50°C and ambient pressure.

The current invention is also directed to the use of a cleaning powder, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina for cleaning the hands without using any water.

The current invention is furthermore directed to the use of a cleaning powder, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina as first aid food. Preferably, the cleaning powder is mixed at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C and ambient pressure until a porridge mass is reached. When being used as a first aid food, it provides the so- called good carbon hydrates in food, supporting a good functioning gastrointestinal tract and it gives a quick energy boost. The oil comprising more than 80% unsaturated fatty acid can improve blood cholesterol levels, it is known to ease inflammation, and to stabilise heart rhythm. The first aid food might also comprise a precursor of vitamin B5 which helps to overcome chronically inflammation of gastrointestinal tract.

The following, non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate the invention.

Examples

Example 1: comparative example

A standard soap was prepared by mixing the following ingredients: 225 g coconut oil, 150 g castor oil, 100 g olive oil, 25 g lanolin,125 g water, 70 g NaOH, 10 g lemon balm oil (degreasing), and a few dashes of perfume. The ingredients were processed at a temperature of around 40°C. The saponification succeeded well and the soap was stored to dry for several months.

Example 2: comparative example

A soap was prepared by mixing 20 g starch, 30 g olive oil, 7 g healing clay, 3 g lanolin, 50 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops of perfume and it was filled up with 5 g water. The result was that a homogeneous solution could not be obtained. The mixture of the ingredients with water is not suitable as a soap.

Example 3:

In the following experiments a mixture was prepared by mixing the following ingredients at room temperature: 56 wt% starch, 4 wt% olive oil, 2 wt% lavender oil, 1.4 wt% melissa oil, 0.5 wt% silica, 20 wt% maltodextrin, 15 wt% semolina and 1 wt% Dex panthenol.

A) The mixture was processed in a laboratory tablet press to produce pellets in a reproducible way simulation a continuous and commercial production of pellets. The tablet press machine (press machine single punch, ISO 9001 certified) consists of iron and stainless steel. It has a production capacity of 5400 pellets per hour. The tablet force (as tablet pressure indicator) is adjustable and around 15 kN. The pressure diameter is 5-10 mm. The adjustable pellet thickness is 2-6 mm. The machine has been modified with a motor drive from Getriebebau

NORD in order to simulate a continuous operation. The powder is manually fed to the table press. The cleaning effect of the pellets was tested by dirt removal tests and visual assessment with machine oil, sugar or ketchup on two hands.

The contaminants were removed from the hands by using three pellets. The cleaning effect was remarkable.

B) 3 parts of the mixture, 1.5 parts of maltodextrin and 2 parts of sodium hydrogen carbonate were processed in a laboratory tablet press. The pellets were tested — together with pellets without any hydrogen carbonate (placebo) - by 3 persons in order to assess smell removal of i.e. “cigarettes smell on hands”. The smell of cigarettes on their hands had disappeared after using the pellets only where hydrogen carbonate was added, and this functionality was rated as excellent. Peppermint oil was also added in a further experiment {less than 0.5%) resulting in that the skin became smooth and supple, combined with a fresh smell.

C) A long-term stability test (over a year) was performed: powder of the mixture was stored in a closed plastic container for more than a year and then tested: the functionality of the cleaning was still given, and the smell was still pleasant.

Example 4:

A basic mixture of starch, olive oil, maltodextrin, semolina and Dex panthenol, lavender oil, lemon balm and peppermint oil were mixed with water and heated up to a temperature of 75°C. The result was a slight yellowish porridge which can be used as a first aid food. Peppermint oil had a refreshing, cooling and slightly pungent taste.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. A dry cleansing powder for hands, consisting of a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina.

2. Dry cleaning powder according to claim 1, wherein the amount of starch is in the range of 40 to 80 wt%, preferably in the range of 50 to 70 wt%, more preferably in the range of 50 to 60 wt%.

3. Dry cleaning powder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of mineral powder is in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 3 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2 wt%.

4. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of oil is in the range of 1 to 10 wt%, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 wt%, more preferably in the range of 3 to 6 wt%.

5. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of polysaccharide is in the range of 2 to 50 wt.%, preferably in the range of 10 to 40 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 15 to 30 wt.%.

6. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of semolina is in the range of 2 to 30 wt.%, preferably in the range of 5 to 25 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 wt.%.

7. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising panthenol, preferably dexpanthenol, in the range of preferably

0.5 to 8 wt%, more preferably in the range of 1 to 5 wt%.

8. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising sodium hydrogen carbonate, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 8 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1 to 5 wt.%.

9. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the starch is one or more selected from the group consisting of rice starches, wheat starches, potato starches and corn starches.

10. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mineral powders are one or more selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminium oxide and titanium oxide, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide and aluminium oxide, more preferably the mineral powder is silicon oxide, even more preferably the mineral is amorphous silicon oxide.

11. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil is one or more selected from the group consisting of olive oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, rice oil and essential oil, preferably selected from the group consisting of olive oil and essential oil.

12. The dry cleansing powder of claim 11, wherein the essential oil is one or more selected from the group consisting of melissa oil, lavender oil, mint oil, moringa oil, tea tree oil, bergamot oil, chamomile oil, jasmine oil, eucalyptus oil, rose oil, patchouli oil, clary sage oil, lemongrass oil, orange oil, cedarwood oil and sandalwood oil.

13. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysaccharide is one or more selected from the group consisting of maltodextrin and inulin.

14. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the semolina is one or more selected from the group consisting of hard wheat and soft wheat.

15. Dry cleaning powder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powder is pelletized into dry cleaning powder pellets.

16. Dry cleaning powder according to claim 15, wherein the dry cleaning powder pellets have a diameter in the range of 0.2 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 8 mm.

17. Method for preparing a dry cleansing powder for hands, comprising mixing a mixture comprising at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina at a temperature between 0°C and 50°C and ambient pressure.

18. Use of a dry cleansing powder, comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina, for cleaning hands without using water.

19. Use of a cleaning powder comprising a mixture of at least starch, a mineral powder, an oil, a polysaccharide and semolina as a first aid food.

Use according to claim 19, wherein the dry cleaning powder is mixed at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C and ambient pressure until a paste consistency is achieved.