Laundry black technology - molecular-level protection of hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin

Hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin ( Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin, HP-β-CD ) is a chemically modified cyclodextrin derivative with a unique structure featuring a hydrophilic shell and a hydrophobic cavity. This characteristic gives it unique application potential in the detergent field. Below are its main application directions and principles:

1. Enhanced oil and odor removal ability

Inclusion interaction: HPBCD 's hydrophobic cavity can bind with hydrophobic stains (such as oils, fragrance residues, cosmetics, etc.) through molecular inclusion interaction ( host-guest interaction ) to form stable complexes, thereby improving the removal efficiency of water-soluble stains.

Deodorizing function: It can adsorb and encapsulate odor molecules (such as fatty acids and sulfides in sweat), especially showing a significant effect on odors generated from long-term storage of clothes.

2. Improve the stability of detergent formulations

Protection of active ingredients: Enzymes in detergents (such as proteases and lipases) are easily inactivated by environmental factors (high temperature, pH fluctuations). HPBCD It can stabilize the structure of enzymes through inclusion interaction, prolonging their activity.

Compatibility optimization: Synergistic effect with surfactants (such as SLES 、 APG ), reducing the mutual interference of various components in the formulation and improving the storage stability of the product.

3. Environmentally friendly formulation development

Replacing traditional solvents: Reducing reliance on petroleum-based solvents (such as glycol ethers) or strongly alkaline components, reducing irritation to the environment and skin, and conforming to the trend of green detergents.

Biodegradability: HPBCD It is biodegradable itself, avoiding potential ecological accumulation problems caused by traditional surfactants.

4. Special scenario applications

Low-temperature washing: Under low-temperature conditions (such as cold water washing), HPBCD it helps dissolve oils through solubilization, making up for the deficiency of traditional surfactants in cleaning power at low temperatures.

Fine fabric care: Used in detergents for high-end fabrics such as wool and silk, gently cleaning and reducing fiber damage.

5. Synergistic effects with other ingredients

Synergistic effect with surfactants: HPBCD It can lower the critical micelle concentration of surfactants ( CMC ), enhancing cleaning efficiency while reducing surfactant usage.

With bleach: In oxygen bleach systems, HPBCD it can stabilize active oxygen components such as hydrogen peroxide and delay decomposition.

Practical application cases

Household products: Some high-end laundry detergents and fabric deodorizing sprays have been added HPBCD to remove stubborn odors such as hot pot smell and smoke.

Industrial cleaning: In cleaning agents for machine parts or food processing equipment, it is used to dissolve heavy oil stains and lipid residues.

Summary of advantages

Highly effective and low toxicity: Low skin irritation, suitable for sensitive people.

Multifunctionality: It has multiple functions, including cleaning, deodorizing, and stabilizing formulations.

Sustainability: Complies with environmental regulations (such as EU REACH ) requirements for detergent ingredients.

In summary, the application of hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin in detergents reflects " Green chemistry ” and " functional refinement ” trends, and it may play an important role in the development of high-performance environmentally friendly detergents in the future.