EP3408367B1 - Improved anti-pilling on polyester textiles through use of a cutinase - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is in the field of enzyme technology, in particular the anti-pilling effect of enzymes such as are used, for example, in detergents. The invention relates to a detergent which contains a cutinase as defined herein. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning textiles and the use of the agent according to the invention for removing soiling. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of a cutinase to reduce pilling effects and anti-gray in a detergent.

If items of clothing are washed several times, they will pilling over time. This applies to all types of textiles and is undesirable by the consumer, as it makes the item of clothing look older and unsightly. Pilling is the name given to the formation of pebbles or fluff in fabrics. These small lint appear especially in short-fiber fabrics. With long-fiber and twisted fibers, on the other hand, pilling is less pronounced. In general, these nodules are caused by loose fibers in the fabric or those that have become detached from the fabric. Due to their smooth surface, synthetic fibers tend to pilling more than natural fibers, because synthetic fibers can be detached from the fabric more quickly than rough natural fibers. In the case of woolen fabrics, these fibers "felt" mainly through mechanical friction and form pebbles on the surface.

The main effect of pilling is optical. Due to the formation of pods on the surface, fabrics quickly look used and older than they are. In contrast, the functionality of the material is hardly or not at all impaired. For example, the constant thinning of the fabric even increases the breathability. Pilling takes place particularly in areas subject to high mechanical stress, usually the shoulder and waistband areas. Due to the continuous thinning of the fabric, these stressed areas in particular are at risk of forming holes or even tearing.

A technical solution to reduce the pilling effect is available for cotton textiles. Cellulases are used in the cleaning agent to reduce the pilling effect ( DE 69632910 T3 ). This means that cellulases are used in detergents to show an anti-pilling or anti-gray effect and thus ensure that clothes look like new for longer. However, cellulases only have an effect on cotton textiles. For other textiles, such as polyester textiles, there are first approaches of comparable possibilities to reduce pilling. WO 01/92502 A1 , WO 2004/059075 A1 and US 5512203 A describe the use of cutinases from Humicola insolens or Pseudomonas mendocina in detergents and cleaning agents.

It is desirable and there is a need for further and improved solutions that reduce pilling of textiles, particularly textiles containing synthetic fibers such as polyester.

Surprisingly, the inventors of the present invention have found that a cutinase from Thermomonospora curvata DSM 43183 shows an anti-pilling effect in the washing process. Compared to detergents without cutinase / PET esterase, pre-pilled tissue or new tissue is less pilled after 20 washes with a detergent which contains the cutinase according to the invention.

The object described above, on which the present application is based, is achieved in that a cutinase is added to detergents which has at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1 over its entire length. The addition of the cutinase has the effect that textiles washed with the agents according to the invention, in particular polyester textiles, have a significantly reduced pilling compared to a control detergent without cutinase.

In a first aspect, the present invention is therefore directed to a detergent, characterized in that it contains a cutinase, the cutinase being a cutinase which has at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1 over its entire length.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to processes for cleaning textiles, characterized in that an agent according to the invention is used in at least one process step.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is also directed to the use of a detergent as described herein, particularly preferably liquid detergent, for removing soiling.

In addition, another aspect of the invention includes the use of a cutinase for reducing pilling effects of a detergent, particularly preferably a liquid detergent, the agent containing the cutinase, the cutinase being a cutinase which has at least 70% sequence identity with that in SEQ ID NO: 1 has indicated amino acid sequence over its entire length.

A cutinase (EC 3.1.1.74) or cutin hydrolase is an enzyme that belongs to the α / β hydrolases and hydrolyses cutin. Cutinase is produced, among other things, by some phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria are formed (through the cutinase the fungi are able to break down the ester bond of the cutin in the cuticula of the plants and thus penetrate the plants).

In various preferred embodiments, the cutinase is a cutinase from Thermomonospora curvata, in particular the cutinase with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, or a cutinase derived therefrom, for example by means of mutagenesis.

1. (a) die Cutinase aus einer wie oben definierten Cutinase als Ausgangsmolekül durch ein- oder mehrfache konservative Aminosäuresubstitution erhältlich ist; und/oder
2. (b) die Cutinase aus einer wie oben definierten Cutinase als Ausgangsmolekül erhältlich ist durch Fragmentierung, Deletions-, Insertions- oder Substitutionsmutagenese und eine Aminosäuresequenz umfasst, die über eine Länge von mindestens 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 oder 289 zusammenhängenden Aminosäuren mit dem Ausgangsmolekül übereinstimmt.

In various further embodiments, the means is characterized in that

1. (a) the cutinase can be obtained from a cutinase as defined above as the starting molecule by one or more conservative amino acid substitutions; and or
2. (b) the cutinase can be obtained from a cutinase as defined above as the starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 or 289 contiguous amino acids match the parent molecule.

The agents according to the invention contain the cutinase in an amount of 0.00001-1% by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.0001-0.5% by weight, particularly preferably in an amount of 0.001-0.1% by weight. -% based on the active protein.

In various embodiments of the invention, the cutinase comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77% of the total length of the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1 , 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91, 5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5% , 98%, 98.5% and 98.8% are identical.

The identity of nucleic acid or amino acid sequences is determined by a sequence comparison. This sequence comparison is based on the BLAST algorithm established and commonly used in the prior art (cf. for example Altschul, SF, Gish, W., Miller, W., Myers, EW & Lipman, DJ (1990) "Basic local alignment search tool." J. Mol. Biol. 215: 403-410 , and Altschul, Stephan F., Thomas L. Madden, Alejandro A. Schaffer, Jinghui Zhang, Hheng Zhang, Webb Miller, and David J. Lipman (1997): "Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs "; Nucleic Acids Res., 25, pp. 3389-3402 ) and occurs in principle in that similar sequences of nucleotides or amino acids are assigned to one another in the nucleic acid or amino acid sequences. A tabular assignment of the relevant positions is referred to as alignment. Another algorithm available in the prior art is the FASTA algorithm. Sequence comparisons (alignments), in particular multiple sequence comparisons, are created using computer programs. Frequently used, for example the Clustal series (see for example Chenna et al. (2003): Multiple sequence alignment with the cluster series of programs. Nucleic Acid Research 31, 3497-3500 ), T-Coffee (see for example Notredame et al. (2000): T-Coffee: A novel method for multiple sequence alignments. J. Mol. Biol. 302, 205-217 ) or programs based on these programs or algorithms. Sequence comparisons (alignments) are also possible with the computer program Vector NTI® Suite 10.3 (Invitrogen Corporation, 1600 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, USA) with the specified standard parameters, whose AlignX module for the sequence comparisons is based on ClustalW.

Such a comparison also allows a statement to be made about the similarity of the compared sequences to one another. It is usually given in percent identity, that is to say the proportion of identical nucleotides or amino acid residues in the same positions or positions corresponding to one another in an alignment. The broader term of homology includes conserved amino acid exchanges in the case of amino acid sequences, i.e. amino acids with similar chemical activity, since these usually exert similar chemical activities within the protein. Therefore, the similarity of the compared sequences can also be given as percent homology or percent similarity. Identity and / or homology information can be made over entire polypeptides or genes or only over individual areas. Homologous or identical regions of different nucleic acid or amino acid sequences are therefore defined by matches in the sequences. Such areas often have identical functions. They can be small and only contain a few nucleotides or amino acids. Such small areas often have essential functions for the overall activity of the protein. It can therefore be useful to relate sequence matches only to individual, possibly small areas. Unless otherwise stated, identity or homology details in the present application refer to the total length of the nucleic acid or amino acid sequence specified in each case.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cutinase is characterized in that its anti-pilling performance is not significantly reduced compared to that of a cutinase which comprises an amino acid sequence which corresponds to the amino acid sequences given in SEQ ID NO: 1, ie at least 70% , 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% of the reference anti-pilling performance. The anti-pilling performance can be determined in a washing system that contains a detergent in a dosage between 4.5 and 7.0 grams per liter of washing liquor as well as the cutinase, with the cutinases to be compared being used in the same concentration (based on active protein) and the anti-pilling performance is determined as described herein. For example, the washing process can take place for 60 minutes at a temperature of 60 ° C and the water has a water hardness between 15.5 and 16.5 ° (German hardness). The concentration of cutinase in the detergent intended for this washing system is from 0.00001 - 1% by weight, preferably from 0.0001-0.5% by weight, particularly preferably from 0.001-0.1% by weight, based on active, purified protein.

A preferred liquid detergent for such a washing system is composed as follows (all data in percent by weight): 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% anionic surfactants, 2.4% C12-C18 Na salts of fatty acids, 4.4 % non-ionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1.4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% antifoam, 2% glycerine, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1.6% enzyme mix ( Protease, amylase, cellulase, mannase), the remainder demineralized water. The dosage of the liquid detergent is preferably between 4.5 and 6.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example 4.7, 4.9 or 5.9 grams per liter of wash liquor. Washing is preferably carried out in a pH range between pH 8 and pH 10.5, preferably between pH 8 and pH 9.

In the context of the invention, the anti-pilling performance is determined at 60 ° C. using a liquid detergent as indicated above, the washing process preferably taking place for 60 minutes.

The anti-pilling performance can be tracked using visual sampling. In this case, a group of examiners assigns the laundry to be examined a value on a scale from 1-5. The value = 1 stands for very heavily pillaged laundry, while the value = 5 is assigned to non-pillaged laundry.

By using the respective cutinase for the same level of activity, it is ensured that the respective enzymatic properties, e.g. the anti-pilling performance, are compared even if there is a gap in the ratio of active substance to total protein (the values of the specific activity). In general, a low specific activity can be compensated for by adding a larger amount of protein.

Proteins can be combined into groups of immunologically related proteins by reacting with an antiserum or a specific antibody. Members of such a group are distinguished by the fact that they have the same antigenic determinant recognized by an antibody. They are therefore structurally so similar to one another that they can be recognized by an antiserum or certain antibodies. Another subject matter of the invention is therefore cutinases, which are characterized in that they have at least one and increasingly preferably two, three or four matching antigenic determinants with a cutinase used in an agent according to the invention. Due to their immunological similarities, such cutinases are structurally so similar to the cutinases used in the agents according to the invention that a similar function can also be assumed.

Further cutinases used in the agents according to the invention can have further amino acid changes compared to the cutinase described in SEQ ID NO: 1, in particular amino acid substitutions, insertions or deletions. Such cutinases are further developed, for example, through targeted genetic modification, i.e. through mutagenesis processes, and optimized for specific purposes or with regard to special properties (for example with regard to their catalytic activity, stability, etc.). Furthermore, nucleic acids that encode the cutinases used can be introduced into recombination batches and thus used to generate completely new types of cutinases or other polypeptides.

The aim is to introduce specific mutations such as substitutions, insertions or deletions into the known molecules in order, for example, to improve the cleaning performance of enzymes according to the invention. For this purpose, in particular the surface charges and / or the isoelectric point of the molecules and thereby their interactions with the substrate can be changed. For example, the net charge of the enzymes can be changed in order to influence the substrate binding, especially for use in detergents and cleaning agents. Alternatively or in addition, one or more corresponding mutations can increase the stability of the cutinase even further and thereby improve its cleaning performance. Advantageous properties of individual mutations, e.g. individual substitutions, can complement each other. A cutinase that has already been optimized with regard to certain properties, for example with regard to its activity and / or its anti-pilling performance, can therefore be further developed within the scope of the invention.

The invention therefore also relates to an agent containing a cutinase, which is characterized in that it can be obtained from a cutinase as described above as the starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitutions. The term "conservative amino acid substitution" means the exchange (substitution) of an amino acid residue for another amino acid residue, this exchange not leading to a change in polarity or charge at the position of the exchanged amino acid, e.g. B. the exchange of a non-polar amino acid residue for another non-polar amino acid residue. Conservative amino acid substitutions within the scope of the invention include, for example: G = A = S, I = V = L = M, D = E, N = Q, K = R, Y = F, S = T, G = A = I = V = L = M = Y = F = W = P = S = T.

Alternatively or in addition, the cutinase is characterized in that it can be obtained from a cutinase contained in an agent according to the invention as a starting molecule by fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis and comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 or 289 contiguous amino acids match the parent molecule.

For example, it is possible to delete individual amino acids at the termini or in the loops of the enzyme without losing or reducing the hydrolytic activity. Furthermore, such fragmentation, deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis can also, for example, reduce the allergenicity of enzymes concerned and thus improve their usability overall. The enzymes advantageously retain their hydrolytic activity even after the mutagenesis, i.e. their hydrolytic activity corresponds at least to that of the starting enzyme, i.e. in a preferred embodiment the hydrolytic activity is at least 80, preferably at least 90% of the activity of the starting enzyme. Further substitutions can also have advantageous effects. Both single and several connected amino acids can be exchanged for other amino acids.

All percentages given in connection with the compositions described herein relate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, to% by weight, in each case based on the mixture in question.

In the context of the present invention, fatty acids or fatty alcohols or their derivatives - unless otherwise stated - represent branched or unbranched carboxylic acids or alcohols or their derivatives with preferably 6 to 22 carbon atoms. In particular, the oxo alcohols or their derivatives obtainable, for example, by ROELEN's oxo synthesis, or their derivatives can also be used accordingly.

Whenever alkaline earth metals are mentioned in the following as counterions for monovalent anions, this means that the alkaline earth metal is of course only present in half the amount of substance - sufficient to balance the charge - as the anion.

An object of the invention is a detergent which is characterized in that it contains a cutinase as defined herein.

This subject matter of the invention includes all conceivable types of detergent, both concentrates and agents to be used undiluted, for use on a commercial scale, in the washing machine or in hand washing. These include, for example, detergents for textiles, carpets, or natural fibers, for which the term detergent is used. The detergents within the scope of the invention also include washing auxiliaries which are added to the actual detergent in manual or machine washing in order to achieve a further effect. Furthermore, laundry detergents in the context of the invention also include textile pretreatment and aftertreatment agents, i.e. those agents with which the item of laundry is brought into contact before the actual washing, for example to loosen stubborn dirt, and also those agents that are used in a step following the actual textile washing the laundry has other desirable properties such as pleasant Provide grip, wrinkle-free or low static charge. The last-mentioned agents include fabric softeners.

The detergents according to the invention, which can be present as pulverulent solids, in re-compacted particle form, as homogeneous solutions or suspensions, can contain, in addition to the cutinase described above, all known ingredients common in such agents, with at least one further ingredient preferably being present in the agent. The agents according to the invention can in particular contain surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, in particular peroxygen compounds, or bleach activators. Furthermore, they can contain water-miscible organic solvents, further enzymes, sequestering agents, electrolytes, pH regulators and / or further auxiliaries such as optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, foam regulators and dyes and fragrances and combinations thereof.

In particular, a combination of the agent according to the invention with one or more further ingredient (s) is advantageous, since such an agent in preferred embodiments according to the invention has an improved cleaning performance due to resulting synergisms. Such a synergism can be achieved in particular by combining the agent according to the invention with a surfactant and / or a builder and / or a peroxygen compound and / or a bleach activator.

Advantageous ingredients of agents according to the invention are disclosed in the international patent application WO2009 / 121725 , starting there on page 5, penultimate paragraph, and ending on page 13 after the second paragraph. Express reference is made to this disclosure and the content of the disclosure therein is incorporated into the present patent application.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description and claims. Each feature from one aspect of the invention can be used in any other aspect of the invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but not to restrict it, and in particular the invention is not limited to these examples. Unless stated otherwise, all percentages are percentages by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Numeric ranges given in the format "from x to y" include the stated values. If several preferred numerical ranges are given in this format, it is understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the various endpoints are also recorded.

In addition to the cutinase, the agent according to the invention can also be a compound from the class of anionic surfactants of the formula (I)

R-SO ₃ - Y ⁺ (I)

contain.

In this formula (I), R stands for a linear or branched unsubstituted alkylaryl radical. Y stands for a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions, including Na ⁺ or K ⁺ , Na ^{+ being} extremely preferred. Further cations Y ⁺ can be selected from NH4 ⁺ , ½ Zn ²⁺ , ½ Mg ²⁺ , ½ Ca ²⁺ , ½ Mn ²⁺ , and mixtures thereof.

"Alkylaryl" as used herein refers to organic radicals consisting of an alkyl radical and an aromatic radical. Typical examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, alkylbenzene groups such as benzyl, butylbenzene groups, nonylbenzene groups, decylbenzene groups, undecylbenzene groups, dodecylbenzene groups, tridecylbenzene groups, and the like.

in der R' und R" zusammen 9 bis 19, vorzugsweise 11 bis 15 und insbesondere 11 bis 13 C-Atome enthalten, dargestellt. Ein ganz besonders bevorzugter Vertreter lässt sich durch die Formel A-1a beschreiben:

In various embodiments, such surfactants are selected from linear or branched alkylbenzenesulfonates of the formula A-1

in which R 'and R "together contain 9 to 19, preferably 11 to 15 and in particular 11 to 13 carbon atoms. A very particularly preferred representative can be described by the formula A-1a:

In various embodiments, the compound of the formula (I) is preferably the sodium salt of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate.

In agents according to the invention, the at least one compound from the class of the anionic surfactants of the formula (I) is present in an amount of 0.001 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.001-10% by weight, furthermore preferably 2-6% by weight, even more preferably 3-5% by weight, contained in the detergent, in each case based on the total weight of the detergent.

In various embodiments, the agent can contain at least one other surfactant in addition to the at least one compound of the formula (I) or as an alternative thereto. Other anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, but also cationic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants, are particularly suitable as alternative or additional surfactants.

In various embodiments, the agents according to the invention preferably contain at least one anionic surfactant, in particular an anionic surfactant of the formula R ¹ -O- (AO) _{n -SO 3} -X ⁺ (II).

In this formula (II), R ^{1 represents} a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R ¹ are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals and mixtures thereof, the representatives with an even number of C- Atoms are preferred. Particularly preferred radicals R ¹ are derived from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or from C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ oxo alcohols.

AO stands for an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably for an ethylene oxide group. The index n stands for an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 10. Very particularly preferably n stands for the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. X stands for a monovalent cation or the n-th part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions, including Na ⁺ or K ⁺ , Na ^{+ being} extremely preferred. Further cations X + can be selected from NH4 ⁺ , ½ Zn ²⁺ , ½ Mg ²⁺ , ½ Ca ²⁺ , ½ Mn ²⁺ , and mixtures thereof.

mit k = 11 bis 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 oder 8. Besonders bevorzugte Vertreter sind Na-C_12-14 Fettalkoholethersulfate mit 2 EO (k = 11-13, n = 2 in Formel A-2).In summary, agents in various embodiments thus contain at least one anionic surfactant selected from fatty alcohol ether sulfates of the formula A-2

with k = 11 to 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Particularly preferred representatives are Na-C _12-14 fatty alcohol ether sulfates with 2 EO (k = 11-13, n = 2 in formula A -2).

In various embodiments, the detergent contains the at least one anionic surfactant of the formula (II) in an amount of 2-10% by weight, preferably 3-8% by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent.

Further usable anionic surfactants are the alkyl sulfates of the formula

R ² -O-SO ₃ ^- X ⁺ (III).

In this formula (III), R ^{2 represents} a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R ² are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals and mixtures thereof, the representatives with an even number of C- Atoms are preferred. Particularly preferred radicals R ² are derived from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or from C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ oxo alcohols. Y stands for a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions, including Na ⁺ or K ⁺ , Na ^{+ being} extremely preferred. Further cations Y + can be selected from NH4 ⁺ , ½ Zn ²⁺ , ½ Mg ²⁺ , ½ Ca ²⁺ , ½ Mn ²⁺ , and mixtures thereof.

mit k = 11 bis 19. Ganz besonders bevorzugte Vertreter sind Na-C_12-14 Fettalkoholsulfate (k = 11-13 in Formel A-3).In various embodiments, these surfactants are selected from fatty alcohol sulfates of the formula A-3

with k = 11 to 19. Very particularly preferred representatives are Na-C _12-14 fatty alcohol sulfates (k = 11-13 in formula A-3).

R³

für einen linearen oder verzweigten, substituierten oder unsubstituierten Alkylrest,

AO

für eine Ethylenoxid- (EO) oder Propylenoxid- (PO) Gruppierung,

m

für ganze Zahlen von 1 bis 50 stehen.

In various embodiments, the agents comprise at least one nonionic surfactant, in particular at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate. In various embodiments, the detergents therefore contain at least one nonionic surfactant of the formula

R ³ -O- (AO) _m -H (IV),

in the

R ³

for a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical,

AO

for an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group,

m

stand for whole numbers from 1 to 50.

In the above formula (IV), R ^{3 represents} a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R ² are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals and mixtures thereof, the representatives with an even number of C- Atoms are preferred. Particularly preferred radicals R ³ are derived from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or from C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ oxo alcohols.

AO stands for an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably for an ethylene oxide group. The index m stands for an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 10. m is very particularly preferably the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

mit k = 11 bis 19, m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 oder 8. Ganz besonders bevorzugte Vertreter sind C_12-18 Fettalkohole mit 7 EO (k = 11-17, m = 7 in Formel (V)).In summary, fatty alcohol alkoxylates which are preferably to be used are compounds of the formula

with k = 11 to 19, m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Very particularly preferred representatives are C _12-18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO (k = 11-17, m = 7 in formula (V )).

Further nonionic surfactants which can be contained in the agents described for the purposes of the present invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl glycosides, alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, amine oxides, fatty acid alkanolamides, hydroxy mixed ethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and alkoxylated alcohols.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants are, for example, betaines of the formula (R ⁱⁱⁱ ) (R ^iv ) (R ^v ) N ⁺ CH ₂ COO ^- , in which R ^{iii is} an alkyl radical with 8 to 25, preferably 10 to 21 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by heteroatoms or heteroatom groups, and ^iv and R ^v denote identical or different alkyl radicals with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, in particular C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ -alkyl-dimethylcarboxymethylbetaine and C ₁₁ -C ₁₇ -alkylamidopropyl-dimethylcarboxymethylbetaine. Suitable cationic surfactants include the quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula (R ^vi ) (R ^vii ) (R ^viii ) (R ^ix ) N ⁺ X ^- , in which R ^vi to R ^{ix represent} four identical or different types, in particular two long and two short-chain, alkyl radicals and X ^- stand for an anion, in particular a halide ion, for example didecyldimethylammonium chloride, alkylbenzyldidecylammonium chloride and mixtures thereof. Further suitable cationic surfactants are the quaternary surface-active compounds, in particular with a sulfonium, phosphonium, iodonium or arsonium group, which are also known as antimicrobial agents. By using quaternary surface-active compounds with an antimicrobial effect, the agent can be designed with an antimicrobial effect or its antimicrobial effect, which may already be present due to other ingredients, can be improved.

In various embodiments, the total amount of surfactants based on the weight of the agent is 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, more preferably 10 to 20% by weight, most preferably 14 to 18% by weight , where the (linear) alkylbenzenesulfonates are based at most in an amount of 0.001 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.001-10% by weight, furthermore preferably 2-6% by weight, even more preferably 3-5% by weight based on the weight of the remedy.

Detergents according to the invention can contain further enzymes in addition to the cutinase. These can be hydrolytic enzymes or other enzymes in a concentration suitable for the effectiveness of the agent. An embodiment of the invention thus represent agents which comprise one or more enzymes. Preferred enzymes that can be used are all enzymes which can develop a catalytic activity in the agent according to the invention, in particular a protease, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, tannase, xylanase, xanthanase, xyloglucanase, β-glucosidase, pectinase, carrageenase, perhydrolase, oxidase , Oxidoreductase or a lipase, and mixtures thereof. Enzymes are advantageously contained in the agent in an amount of 1 × 10 ⁻⁸ to 5% by weight, based on active protein. Increasingly, each enzyme is used in an amount of 1 × 10 ^-7 -3% by weight, from 0.00001-1% by weight, from 0.00005-0.5% by weight, from 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight and particularly preferably from 0.0001 to 0.05% by weight in agents according to the invention, based on active protein. The enzymes particularly preferably show synergistic cleaning performance with respect to certain soiling or stains, ie the enzymes contained in the agent composition mutually support one another in their cleaning performance. Synergistic effects can occur not only between different enzymes, but also between one or more enzymes and other ingredients of the agent according to the invention.

The amylase (s) is preferably an α-amylase. The hemicellulase is preferably a β-glucanase, a pectinase, a pullulanase and / or a mannanase. The cellulase is preferably a cellulase mixture or a one-component 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, that is, they hydrolyze any acid amide bonds that are inside peptides or proteins, thereby breaking down protein-containing soiling on the items to be cleaned. Their pH optimum is usually in the clearly alkaline range.

The protein concentration can be determined with the aid of known methods, for example the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid; 2,2'-bichinolyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) or the biuret method. In this regard, the active protein concentration is determined by titrating the active centers using a suitable irreversible inhibitor (for proteases, for example, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)) and determining the residual activity (cf. M. Bender et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 88, 24 (1966), pp. 5890-5913 ).

In the cleaning agents described herein, the enzymes to be used can also be packaged together with accompanying substances, for example from fermentation. In liquid formulations, the enzymes are preferably used as liquid enzyme formulation (s).

As a rule, the enzymes are not provided in the form of the pure protein, but rather in the form of stabilized, storable and transportable preparations. These ready-made preparations include, for example, the solid preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion or lyophilization or, in particular in the case of liquid or gel-like agents, solutions of the enzymes, advantageously as concentrated as possible, with little water and / or with stabilizers or other auxiliaries.

Alternatively, the enzymes can be encapsulated both for the solid and for the liquid dosage form, 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 as in a solidified gel or in those of the core-shell type, in which an enzyme-containing core is coated with a protective layer impermeable to water, air and / or chemicals. Additional active ingredients, for example stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaches or dyes, can also be applied in superimposed layers. Such capsules are applied by methods known per se, for example by shaking or rolling granulation or in fluid-bed processes. Such granulates are advantageously low in dust, for example through the application of polymeric film-forming agents, and due to the coating are stable in storage.

It is also possible to pack two or more enzymes together so that a single granulate has several enzyme activities.

In various embodiments, the agent according to the invention can have one or more enzyme stabilizers. The agent according to the invention can therefore also contain an enzyme stabilizer selected, for example, from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium sulfate, lower aliphatic alcohols and boric acid and their esters and salts. Of course, two or more of these compounds can also be used in combination. The salts of the compounds mentioned can also be used in the form of hydrates, such as, for example, sodium sulfate decahydrate.

The term "lower aliphatic alcohols" as used herein includes monoalcohols, diols and higher alcohols having up to 6 carbon atoms. In this context, polyols, for example glycerol, (mono) ethylene glycol, (mono) propylene glycol or sorbitol may be mentioned as belonging to the group of lower aliphatic alcohols, without the invention being restricted to these.

In addition to the at least one enzyme stabilizer selected from the above group, an agent according to the invention can also contain at least one further stabilizer. Such stabilizers are known in the prior art.

Reversible protease inhibitors protect the enzymes contained in a detergent from proteolytic degradation by reversibly inhibiting the enzymatic activity of the proteases contained in the agent. Benzamidine hydrochloride, boronic acids or their salts or esters are often used as reversible protease inhibitors, including in particular derivatives with aromatic groups, such as ortho-, meta- or para-substituted phenylboronic acids, in particular 4-formylphenylboronic acid, or the salts or esters of named compounds. Peptide aldehydes, that is to say oligopeptides with a reduced C-terminus, in particular those made from 2 to 50 monomers, are also used for this purpose. The peptide reversible protease inhibitors include ovomucoid and leupeptin.

Further enzyme stabilizers are amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanol- and propanolamine and mixtures thereof, aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C ₁₂ , such as, for example, succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids or salts of the acids mentioned. End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose. Some organic acids used as builders are also able to stabilize an enzyme. Calcium and / or magnesium salts are also used for this purpose, such as calcium acetate. Polyamide oligomers or polymeric compounds such as lignin, water-soluble vinyl copolymers or cellulose ethers, acrylic polymers and / or polyamides stabilize the enzyme preparation against, among other things, physical influences or fluctuations in the pH value. Polymers containing polyamine-N-oxide act simultaneously as enzyme stabilizers and as color transfer inhibitors. Other polymeric stabilizers are linear C ₈ -C ₁₈ polyoxyalkylenes. Alkyl polyglycosides can also stabilize the enzymatic components of the agent according to the invention and are preferably able to additionally increase their performance. Crosslinked N-containing compounds preferably fulfill a double function as soil release agents and as enzyme stabilizers. Hydrophobic, nonionic polymer stabilizes in particular any cellulase it may contain.

Reducing agents and antioxidants increase the stability of the enzymes against oxidative decay; for this purpose, sulfur-containing reducing agents, for example sodium sulfite and reducing sugars, are common.

In one embodiment, the compositions according to the present invention are liquid and contain water as the main solvent, i.e. they are aqueous compositions. The water content of the aqueous agent according to the invention is usually 15 to 70% by weight, preferably 20 to 60% by weight. In various embodiments, the water content is more than 5% by weight, preferably more than 15% by weight and particularly preferably more than 50% by weight, based in each case on the total amount of agent.

In addition, non-aqueous solvents can be added to the agent. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines or glycol ethers, provided they are miscible with water in the specified concentration range. The solvents are preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, Diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxy triglycol, ethoxy triglycol, butoxy triglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxy-3-butyl ether, and mixtures of these n-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-butyl-3-butylether, propylene, propylene-octanol, propylene-octanolether, propylene-butyl-3-ethanol, propylene-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxy-3-butylether, propylene-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, propylene-butoxy-3-ether, propylene-butoxy-3-ether, propylene glycol propylether, dipropylene glycol monomethylether, 3-butyl-3-meth Solvent.

The one or more non-aqueous solvents is / are usually contained in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight, based on the total composition.

In addition to the components mentioned above, the agents according to the invention can contain further ingredients which further improve the application-related and / or aesthetic properties of the detergent. These include, for example, additives to improve the drainage and drying behavior, to adjust the viscosity and / or for stabilization, as well as other auxiliaries and additives common in cleaning agents, such as UV stabilizers, perfumes, pearlescent agents, dyes, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, bitter substances, organic Salts, disinfectants, structuring polymers, defoamers, encapsulated ingredients (eg encapsulated perfume), pH adjusters and additives that improve or care for the skin.

A detergent according to the invention preferably contains at least one water-soluble and / or water-insoluble, organic and / or inorganic builder (builder).

The builders that can generally be used include in particular the aminocarboxylic acids and their salts, zeolites, silicates, carbonates, organic (co) builders and - where there are no ecological prejudices against their use - also the phosphates. However, the agents are preferably free of phosphates.

The water-soluble organic builder substances include polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid and sugar acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, in particular methylglycine diacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as well as polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid) and 1, 1-methylenediphosphonic acid, in particular aminotris (methylenephosphonophosphonic acid, 1, 1-methyleniphosphonic acid, and 1-methylenephosphonophosphonic acid), especially aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid), especially aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid) and 1, 1-methylenephosphonic acid, in particular aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid) and 1-methylenediphosphonic acid, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, in particular aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid) and 1, 1 polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin and polymeric (poly) carboxylic acids, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids and copolymers of these, which can also contain small amounts of polymerizable substances without carboxylic acid functionality in polymerized form. Suitable, albeit less preferred, compounds of this class 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 acid makes up at least 50% by weight. The organic builder substances can, in particular for the production of liquid agents, be used in the form of aqueous solutions, preferably in the form of 30 to 50 percent by weight aqueous solutions. All of the acids mentioned are generally used in the form of their water-soluble salts, in particular their alkali salts.

Organic builder substances can, if desired, be present in amounts of up to 40% by weight, in particular up to 25% by weight and preferably from 1% by weight to 8% by weight. Quantities close to the upper limit mentioned are preferably used in pasty or liquid, in particular water-containing, agents according to the invention. Laundry post-treatment agents according to the invention, such as, for example, fabric softeners, can optionally also be free from organic builders.

Particularly suitable water-soluble inorganic builder materials are alkali metal silicates and polyphosphates, preferably sodium triphosphate. As water-insoluble, water-dispersible inorganic builder materials, in particular crystalline or amorphous alkali metal aluminosilicates, if desired, in amounts of up to 50% by weight, preferably not more than 40% by weight and, in liquid agents, in particular from 1% by weight to 5% by weight. -%, are used. Among these, the crystalline sodium aluminosilicates in detergent quality, in particular zeolite A, P and optionally X, are preferred. Quantities close to the upper limit mentioned are preferably used in solid, particulate compositions. Suitable aluminosilicates in particular do not have any particles with a grain size of more than 30 μm and preferably consist of at least 80% by weight of particles with a size of less than 10 μm.

Suitable substitutes or partial substitutes for said aluminosilicate are crystalline alkali metal silicates, which can be present alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates. The alkali silicates which can be used as builders in the agents according to the invention preferably have a molar ratio of alkali oxide to SiO ₂ below 0.95, in particular from 1: 1.1 to 1:12, and can be amorphous or crystalline. Preferred alkali silicates are the sodium silicates, in particular the amorphous sodium silicates, with a molar ratio Na ₂ O: SiO ₂ of 1: 2 to 1: 2.8. The crystalline silicates used alone or in a mixture with amorphous silicates are preferably crystalline sheet silicates of the general formula Na ₂ Si _x O _{2x + 1} y H ₂ O, in which x, the so-called module, is a number of 1, 9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20 and preferred values for x are 2, 3 or 4. Preferred crystalline sheet silicates are those in which x in the general formula mentioned assumes the values 2 or 3. In particular, both beta and delta sodium disilicates (Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ · y H ₂ O) are preferred. Virtually anhydrous crystalline alkali silicates of the above general formula, in which x is a number from 1.9 to 2.1, prepared from amorphous alkali silicates, can also be used in agents according to the invention. In a further preferred embodiment of agents according to the invention, a crystalline layered sodium silicate with a module of 2 to 3, as can be produced from sand and soda, is used. Crystalline sodium silicates with a modulus in the range from 1.9 to 3.5 are used in a further preferred embodiment of agents according to the invention. If alkali aluminosilicate, in particular zeolite, is also present as an additional builder substance, the weight ratio of aluminosilicate to silicate, based in each case on anhydrous active substances, is preferably 1:10 to 10: 1. In agents which contain both amorphous and crystalline alkali silicates, the weight ratio of amorphous alkali silicate to crystalline alkali silicate is preferably 1: 2 to 2: 1 and in particular 1: 1 to 2: 1.

If desired, builder substances are contained in the agents according to the invention preferably in amounts of up to 60% by weight, in particular from 5% by weight to 40% by weight. According to the invention Laundry post-treatment agents, such as fabric softeners, are preferably free of inorganic builders.

Polymeric thickeners for the purposes of the present invention are the polycarboxylates that act as polyelectrolytes, preferably homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid, in particular acrylic acid copolymers such as acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, and the polysaccharides, in particular heteropolysaccharides, and other conventional thickening polymers. Suitable polysaccharides or heteropolysaccharides are the polysaccharide gums, for example gum arabic, agar, alginates, carrageenans and their salts, guar, guaran, tragacanth, gellan, ramsan, dextran or xanthan and their derivatives, e.g. propoxylated guar, and their mixtures. Other polysaccharide thickeners, such as starches or cellulose derivatives, can be used as an alternative, but preferably in addition to a polysaccharide gum, for example starches of various origins and starch derivatives, e.g. hydroxyethyl starch, starch phosphate esters or starch acetates, or carboxymethyl cellulose or its sodium salt, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, Hydroxypropyl-, hydroxypropyl-methyl- or hydroxyethyl-methyl-cellulose or cellulose acetate.

Acrylic acid polymers suitable as polymeric thickeners are, for example, high molecular weight homopolymers of acrylic acid (INCI Carbomer) crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether, in particular an allyl ether of sucrose, pentaerythritol or propylene, which are also referred to as carboxyvinyl polymers.

However, particularly suitable polymeric thickeners are the following acrylic acid copolymers: (i) Copolymers of two or more monomers from the group of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and their simple esters, preferably formed with C _1-4 alkanols (INCI Acrylates Copolymers), to which such as the copolymers of methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (CAS 25035-69-2) or of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (CAS 25852-37-3); (ii) crosslinked high molecular weight acrylic acid copolymers, including the copolymers of C _10-30 alkyl acrylates crosslinked with an allyl ether of sucrose or pentaerythritol with one or more monomers from the group of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and their simple, preferably C _1-4 - Alkanols formed, include esters (INCI Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer).

The content of polymeric thickener is usually not more than 8% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 7% by weight, particularly preferably between 0.5 and 6% by weight, in particular between 1 and 5% by weight and extremely preferably between 1.5 and 4% by weight, for example between 2 and 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent.

To stabilize the agent according to the invention, especially with a high surfactant content, one or more dicarboxylic acids and / or their salts can be added, in particular a composition of sodium salts of adipic, succinic and glutaric acid, such as those available under the trade name Sokalan® DSC is. They are advantageously used in amounts of 0.1 to 8% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 7% by weight, in particular 1.3 to 6% by weight and particularly preferably 2 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent.

However, if their use can be dispensed with, the agent according to the invention is preferably free from dicarboxylic acid (salts).

The detergents according to the invention can be compared with reference detergents in order to determine the increased anti-pilling performance of the agents according to the invention. Such a washing system can be composed as follows (all data in percent by weight): Reference agent: 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% other anionic surfactants, 2.4% C12-C18 Na salts of fatty acids (soaps), 4 , 4% non-ionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1.4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% defoamer, 2.0% glycerine, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1, 6% enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannase), the remainder demineralized water. Agent according to the invention: 4.4% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, 5.6% other anionic surfactants, 2.4% C12-C18 Na salts of fatty acids (soaps), 4.4% non-ionic surfactants, 0.2% phosphonates, 1, 4% citric acid, 0.95% NaOH, 0.01% defoamer, 2.0% glycerine, 0.08% preservatives, 1% ethanol, 1.6% enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannase), 0.009% cutinase , Rest demineralized water. The dosage of the liquid detergent is preferably between 4.5 and 6.0 grams per liter of wash liquor, for example 4.7, 4.9 or 5.9 grams per liter of wash liquor. Washing is preferably carried out in a pH range between pH 8 and pH 10.5, preferably between pH 8 and pH 9.

The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention include all solid, powdery, liquid, gel-like or pasty dosage forms of agents according to the invention, which can optionally also consist of several phases and can be in compressed or uncompressed form. The agent can be in the form of a free-flowing powder, in particular with a bulk density of 300 g / l to 1200 g / l, in particular 500 g / l to 900 g / l or 600 g / l to 850 g / l. The solid dosage forms of the agent also include extrudates, granules, tablets or pouches. Alternatively, the agent can also be liquid, gel-like or pasty, for example in the form of a non-aqueous liquid detergent or a non-aqueous paste or in the form of an aqueous liquid detergent or a water-containing paste. Furthermore, the agent can be in the form of a one-component system. Such means consist of a phase. Alternatively, a means can also consist of several phases. Such a means is therefore divided into several components.

Another subject matter of the invention is a method for cleaning textiles, which is characterized in that a detergent according to the invention is used in at least one method step.

In various embodiments, the method described above is characterized in that the detergent according to the invention is at a temperature of 0-100 ° C, preferably 0-80 ° C, more preferably 30-70 ° C and most preferably 40-60 ° C is used.

This includes both manual and machine processes, with machine processes being preferred. Processes for cleaning textiles are generally characterized in that various active cleaning substances are applied to the items to be cleaned in several process steps and washed off after the exposure time, or that the items to be cleaned are treated in some other way with a detergent or a solution or dilution of this agent. All conceivable washing or cleaning processes can be enriched in at least one of the process steps by the use of a detergent according to the invention and then represent embodiments of the present invention. All facts, subjects and embodiments that are described for agents according to the invention are also applicable to this subject matter of the invention. For this reason, reference is expressly made at this point to the disclosure at the corresponding point with the note that this disclosure also applies to the above methods according to the invention.

Since enzymes naturally already have a catalytic activity and also develop this in media that otherwise have no cleaning power such as mere buffers, a single and / or the only step of such a process can consist in the fact that the only active cleaning component is a cutinase with the Soiling is brought into contact, preferably in a buffer solution or in water. This represents a further embodiment of this subject matter of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of this subject matter of the invention also represent processes for treating raw textile materials or for textile care, in which an agent according to the invention becomes active in at least one process step. Among these, processes for textile raw materials, fibers or textiles with natural components are preferred, and very particularly for those with wool or silk.

Furthermore, the invention also covers the use of the agent described herein, for example as a washing agent as described above, for the (improved) removal of soiling, for example from textiles, in particular polyester textiles.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of a cutinase for reducing the pilling effects of an agent, preferably a detergent, particularly preferably a liquid detergent, the agent containing the cutinase.

The cutinase can be a cutinase as defined herein. In various embodiments of the use, the cutinase is in an amount of 0.00001-1% by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.0001-0.5% by weight, particularly preferably in an amount of 0.001-0.1 % By weight, contained in the agent. In further different embodiments, the cutinase, which brings about a reduction in the pilling effect, is applied to textiles, in particular textiles which are made of polyester or comprise polyester.

All facts, subjects and embodiments that are described for the agents according to the invention and the cutinase are also applicable to the other subjects of the invention. Therefore, at this point, express reference is made to the disclosure at the appropriate point with the note that this disclosure also applies to the above method according to the invention and the uses according to the invention.

Examples Example 1: washing test Detergent matrix used

This is a commercially available detergent matrix (without optical brighteners, perfume and dyes) that was used for the washing test: Chemical name % By weight of active substance in the raw material % By weight of active substance in the formulation Water demin. 100 rest Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid 96 4.4 Anionic surfactants 70 5.6 C12-C18 fatty acid Na salt 30th 2.4 Non-ionic surfactants 100 4.4 Phosphonates 40 0.2 citric acid 100 1.4 NaOH 50 0.95 Defoamer tq 0.01 Glycerin 100 2 Preservatives 100 0.08 Ethanol 93 1 Enzyme mix (protease, amylase, cellulase, mannase) 100 1.6 Dosage 4.7 g / L

Washing test to determine the anti-pilling performance of enzymes

20 identical tests are carried out one after the other in a commercially available washing machine. Various polyesters and mixed textiles are used as textiles to be assessed, one of which is new and one of which is pre-pilled. After the 20 tests, the pill reduction of the pre-pilled tissue and the pilling of the new tissue are visually assessed.

The pre-pilled fabrics are produced by washing cycles repeated 20 times at 40 ° C in commercially available washing machines.

After each wash cycle, all laundry is dried in the dryer.

Washing conditions:

• Water with 16 ° dH, 2.5 kg of clean laundry, 60 ° C normal program, 46 g of detergent per machine as described above
• Dosage of the cutinase to be examined: 4 mg active enzyme per washing machine
  • Sample 1: only detergent as described above (comparison reference)
  • Sample 2: detergent + 4 mg cutinase Tcur1278 from Thermomonospora curvata (SEQ ID NO: 1) ( according to the invention)
  • Sample 3: detergent + 4 mg cutinase TfCut2 from Thermobifida fusca (comparison reference)

• Visuelle Abmusterung der Pills, Skala 1-5, sehr stark gepillt =1, nicht gepillt = 5
• Probe 1: 1,5
• Probe 2: 2,5
• Probe 3: 1,5

Result after 20 washes on 100% polyester textile:

• Visual inspection of the pills, scale 1-5, very heavily pilled = 1, not pilled = 5
• Sample 1: 1.5
• Sample 2: 2.5
• Sample 3: 1.5

A change of 0.5 units is to be regarded as significant.

The cutinase according to the invention significantly improves the appearance of the pill. A technically similar cutinase, however, does not improve the pill picture.

SEQUENCE LISTING

• <110> Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• <120> Improved anti-pilling on polyester textiles through the use of a cutinase
• <130> PT033704PCT
• <150> DE102016201173.1
  <151> 2016-01-27
• <160> 2
• <170> Patent In version 3.5
• <210> 1
  <211> 289
  <212> PRT
  <213> Thermomonospora curvata
• <400> 1
  
  
• <210> 2
  <211> 870
  <212> DNA
  <213> Thermomonospora curvata
• <400> 2
  
  

Claims (8)

1. A washing agent, characterized in that it contains a cutinase, the cutinase being a cutinase which has at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1 over its entire length.
2. The washing agent according to claim 1, characterized in that

   (a) the cutinase is obtainable from a cutinase according to claim 1 as a starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and/or

   (b) the cutinase is obtainable from a cutinase according to claim 1 as a starting molecule by means of fragmentation or deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis, and comprises an amino acid sequence which matches the starting molecule over a length of at least 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 or 289 contiguous amino acids.
3. The washing agent according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cutinase is contained in the washing agent in an amount of from 0.00001 to 1 wt.%, preferably in an amount of from 0.0001 to 0.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.1 wt.%.
4. The washing agent according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

   (a) it contains at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, water-miscible organic solvents, further enzymes, sequestering agents, electrolytes, pH regulators, optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, foam regulators, dyes and fragrances and combinations thereof; and/or

   (b) it is present in solid or liquid, preferably liquid, form.
5. A method for cleaning textiles, characterized in that a washing agent according to one of claims 1 to 4 is applied in at least one method step.
6. The use of a washing agent according to one of claims 1 to 4 for removing stains.
7. The use of a cutinase for reducing pilling effects of a washing agent, preferably a liquid washing agent, the washing agent containing the cutinase, characterized in that the cutinase is a cutinase which has at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 1 over its entire length.
8. The use according to claim 7, wherein

   (a) the cutinase is obtainable from a cutinase according to claim 7 as a starting molecule by single or multiple conservative amino acid substitution; and/or

   (b) the cutinase is obtainable from a cutinase according to claim 7 as a starting molecule by means of fragmentation or deletion, insertion or substitution mutagenesis, and comprises an amino acid sequence which matches the starting molecule over a length of at least 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 or 289 contiguous amino acids; and/or

   (c) the cutinase is contained in the washing agent in an amount of from 0.00001 to 1 wt.%, preferably in an amount of from 0.0001 to 0.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.1 wt.%.