Biodegradable compositions comprising renewably-based, biodegradable 1,3-propanediol

Abstract

Disclosed herein are biodegradable compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said biodegradable composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for reducing skin irritation associated with the use of a biodegradable composition, the method comprising:
 preparing a biodegradable composition comprising 1,3-propanediol and an ingredient, wherein said 1,3-propanediol is biologically-derived, is a monomer and has a purity level of less than about 400 ppm of total organic impurities, of less than about 10 ppm peroxide concentration, and an ultraviolet absorption at 220 nm of less than about 0.200 and at 250 nm of less than about 0.075 and at 275 nm of less than about 0.075, and has a bio-based carbon content of at least 1%, wherein the bio-based carbon has a C-14/C-12 isotope ratio in range of from 1:0 to greater than 0:1, and wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of a personal care product, a cosmetic, a detergent, and a food;   using said biodegradable composition whereby said biodegradable composition causes less skin irritation as compared to the level of skin irritation caused by a biodegradable composition not comprising said 1,3-propanediol.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ingredient is selected from the group consisting of an acceptable carrier, an active, water, an aqueous solution, a surfactant, a builder, a pH control agent, a dye and a food ingredient. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 5% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 10% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 25% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 50% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 75% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 90% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has at least 99% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 1,3-propanediol has 100% biobased carbon. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol is biologically produced through a fermentation process. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said 1,3-propanediol has a “b” color value of less than about 0.15 and an absorbance at 275 nm of less than about 0.050. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said 1,3-propanediol has a concentration of total organic impurities of less than about 300 ppm. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said 1,3-propanediol has a concentration of total organic impurities of less than about 150 ppm.