Abstract: Microencapsulated freeze-dried probiotics along with methods of making and using them are disclosed. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a probiotic microcapsule comprising a probiotic stasis pod, a nutrient rich carrier and a protective barrier layer. The microencapsulated probiotics as described are useful for inclusion in consumer and skincare products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive-free cleaning composition which includes, in aqueous solution, a bleach, a colloidal thickener, and a source of divalent ionic calcium. The composition further includes at least one surfactant which is effective to provide cleaning activity and, in association with the colloidal thickener, thickening. The composition also includes an electrolyte/buffer which is effective to promote an environment in which the thickener and the surfactant associate to provide proper thickening. The inventive cleaning composition, with its ionic calcium source, has desirable viscosity and rheological properties, and demonstrates significant viscosity stability, rheological stability, phase stability and bleach stability. The cleaning composition maintains these desirable properties under typical storage conditions as well as over extended times and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a bleaching gel cleaner and a method for preparing it, said cleaner comprising:a) an effective amount of a hypochlorite-generating compound;b) a ternary thickening system which comprises: (i) alkali metal soap; (ii) a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of trialkylamine oxides, betaines and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a bleach stable solvent, each in amounts appropriate to create a gelled composition;c) a buffer/electrolyte in an amount effective to stabilize the hypochlorite; andd) the remainder as water.

Abstract: A method of testing a material without the use of animals to determine the potential of the material to harm human or animal cells due to contact includes forming a biomembrane having at least some constituent matter of human or animal tissue, applying a quantity of material to the membrane, maintaining the biomembrane and quantity of material in contact for a period of time, and monitoring the change in the physical properties of the biomembrane caused by the quantity of material.

Abstract: The invention provides a phase stable, thickened aqueous abrasive cleanser and a method for preparing it, said cleanser comprising:a) an effective amount of a cross-linked polyacrylate;b) an effective amount of at least one bleach-stable surfactant;c) an effective amount of a low salt, high purity hypochlorite;d) an effective amount of a pH-adjusting agent;e) an effective amount of abrasive; andf) the remainder as water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive-free cleaning composition which includes, in aqueous solution, a bleach, a colloidal thickener, and a source of divalent ionic calcium. The composition further includes at least one surfactant which is effective to provide cleaning activity and, in association with the colloidal thickener, thickening. The composition also includes an electrolyte/buffer which is effective to promote an environment in which the thickener and the surfactant associate to provide proper thickening. The inventive cleaning composition, with its ionic calcium source, has desirable viscosity and rheological properties, and demonstrates significant viscosity stability, rheological stability, phase stability and bleach stability. The cleaning composition maintains these desirable properties under typical storage conditions as well as over extended times and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method of making a hard surface abrasive scouring cleanser, in steps comprising making an aqueous solution of nonionic surfactant and pH adjusting agent; making a slurry of water and a calcium carbonate abrasive, and allowing the slurry to degas; adding the slurry of to the aqueous solution slowly with gentle mixing and allowing the resultant mixture to degas; and adding a quantity of cross-linked polyacrylate and any other adjunct ingredients. The cleanser has no significant syneresis, undue viscosity or yield stress increase, stably suspends abrasives, and has excellent rinsing characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a phase stable, thickened aqueous abrasive cleanser and a method for preparing it, said cleanser comprising:a) an effective amount of a cross-linked polyacrylate;b) an effective amount of at least one bleach-stable surfactant;c) an effective amount of a low salt, high purity hypochlorite;d) an effective amount of a pH-adjusting agent;e) an effective amount of abrasive; andf) the remainder as water.

Abstract: The invention is a hard surface abrasive scouring cleanser having no significant syneresis, undue viscosity or yield stress increase, stably suspends abrasives, and has excellent rinsing characteristics. Furthermore, the present invention provides a stably suspended abrasive scouring cleanser which uses relatively small amounts of surfactants, thus lowering the total cost of producing these cleansers. The lesser amount of surfactant also affords the cleanser a milder feel and lower unaesthetic surfactant odor, while also requiring lower levels of fragrance. The absence of solvents results in a less irritating product as well.In one aspect the invention comprises, in aqueous solution:(a) a cross-linked polyacrylate;(b) at least one nonionic surfactant;(c) a pH adjusting agent; and(d) a calcium carbonate abrasive.

Abstract: A thickened aqueous abrasive scouring cleanser containing bleach which is capable of stably suspending abrasives, has excellent bleach half-life stability, little or no syneresis and maintains these advantages over extended times and at elevated temperatures and comprises, in aqueous solution:(a) a colloidal aluminum oxide thickener having average particle size of no greater than about one micron;(b) at least one surfactant which can, in association with the aluminum oxide, provide proper rheology and cleaning;(c) an electrolyte/buffer to promote the environment in which the aluminum oxide and surfactant can associate to provide proper rheology;(d) a halogen bleach;(e) a particulate abrasive having average particle size of about 40 to 800 microns to provide scouring action; and(f) a viscosity stabilizing amount of a multivalent metal salt.

Abstract: A thickened aqueous abrasive scouring cleanser containing bleach which is capable of stably suspending abrasives, has excellent bleach half-life stability, little or no syneresis and maintains these advantages over extended times and at elevated temperatures and comprises, in aqueous solution:(a) a colloidal aluminum oxide thickener having average particle size of no greater than about one micron;(b) at least one surfactant which can, in association with the aluminum oxide, provide proper rheology and cleaning;(c) an electrolyte/buffer to promote the environment in which the aluminum oxide and surfactant can associate to provide proper rheology;(d) a halogen bleach;(e) a particulate abrasive having average particle size of about 40 to 800 microns to provide scouring action; and(f) a phase stabilizing amount of a multivalent metal salt of a C.sub.16-22 fatty acid.