Targeted Alpha-Amylase Variants for Stability and Specific Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alpha-amylase variants with improved properties, particularly in terms of stability and specific activity, to enhance their performance in industrial applications such as laundry detergents and starch processing, where reducing energy consumption is a key focus.
Innovation Solution
Development of alpha-amylase variants with specific substitutions, deletions, or insertions at defined positions in the amino acid sequence, resulting in improved stability and specific activity, as measured by an Improvement Factor of ≥1.0 compared to parent alpha-amylases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alpha-amylase variants with substitutions at defined positions are developed, then stability and specific activity are improved, but protein structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific amino acid substitutions at defined positions (e.g., positions 1-10, 11-20, etc.) within the alpha-amylase protein sequence. Each substitution is targeted at specific locations to improve stability and specific activity without altering the entire protein structure, thereby achieving improved reliability while controlling complexity through localized modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying amino acid residues at specific positions to alter the protein's physical and chemical properties. The substitutions are designed to improve stability and specific activity by changing local charge distributions, hydrophobicity, or steric properties at defined positions,从而实现性能提升而不需要全面重构蛋白质结构。
2Productivity
If alpha-amylase variants with substitutions at defined positions are developed, then specific activity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent focuses on local quality by implementing specific amino acid substitutions at defined positions within the alpha-amylase sequence. This approach improves specific activity through targeted modifications at key locations while maintaining the overall protein fold and function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity compared to comprehensive protein redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid residues at defined positions to optimize catalytic activity. These targeted substitutions alter local enzymatic parameters such as substrate binding affinity or turnover rate, improving productivity while keeping manufacturing processes relatively simple through focused mutational strategies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The variants exhibit enhanced stability and specific activity, making them more effective in detergent compositions and starch processing, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving wash performance.
Implementation Method 1
Alpha-amylases (α-1,4-glucan-4-glucanohydrolases, E.C. 3.2.1.) are a group of enzymes that hydrolyzes starch, glycogen, and other related polysaccharides by cleaving the internal α-1,4-glucosidic bonds
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.