Alpha-amylase variants for improved wash performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alpha-amylase variants with improved wash performance for use in automatic washing machines and dishwashers, as existing alpha-amylases do not adequately address energy consumption and performance requirements in household care applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of alpha-amylase variants with specific modifications at defined positions, such as H1, H2, G7, I9, Q11, N16, N19, N25, A37, W43, W48, N54, V56, Y58, G59, A60, L63, T81, E84, E86, R90, Q98, V104, G109, A111, F113, R116, Q118, Q125, R127, E130, S132, G133, T134, Y135, Q136, A139, G142, N144, G149, R158, Y160, D163, W167, Q169, S170, R171, Q172, L173, A174, N175, R176, Y178, R181, G182, A186, W187, N195, M202, Y203, A204, V206, D209, H210, T227, L235, V238, M246, Q256, K259, V264, A265, E266, Y267, K269, N270, L272, G273, A274, L275, E276, W284, M286, V291, L293, Y295, Y298, Q299, N302, S303, S304, N306, R310, N311, N314, G315, L317, Q319, R320, S323, F328, G337, A339, Q345, D357, Q365, P377, D375, Q385, K391, Q395, R400, D406, W408, V410, S431, G435, W439, R444, Q445, R458, N465, Q466, W469, F473, G476, and V481, which enhance enzyme activity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alpha-amylase is used in conventional formulations, then it provides basic starch hydrolysis activity, but it fails to deliver adequate wash performance in automatic washing machines and dishwashers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid residues at defined positions in the alpha-amylase sequence (e.g., positions 43, 48, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60, 63, 81, 84, 86, 90, 98, 104, 109, 111, 113, 116, 118, 125, 127, 130, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 139, 142, 144, 149, 158, 160, 163, 167, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 178, 181, 182, 186, 187, 195, 202, 203, 204, 206, 209, 210, 212, 227, 235, 238, 246, 256, 259, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 284, 286, 291, 293, 295, 298, 299, 302, 303, 304, 306, 310, 311, 314, 315, 317, 319, 320, 323, 328, 337, 339, 345, 357, 365, 377, 375, 385, 391, 395, 400, 406, 408, 410, 431, 435, 439, 444, 445, 458, 465, 466, 469, 473, 476, 481). These sequence modifications alter the enzyme's physical-chemical properties to enhance stability and activity under washing machine operating conditions, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing productivity
2Reliability
If higher temperatures are used to improve wash performance, then enzyme activity increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the enzyme's temperature-activity profile through amino acid substitutions that enable effective catalysis at lower temperatures. The modified alpha-amylase maintains high catalytic efficiency at temperatures below conventional washing temperatures, allowing wash performance improvement without the energy penalty of heating water to higher temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing temperature (thermal energy input) with a biochemical approach - modifying the enzyme's intrinsic properties to achieve higher activity at lower temperatures. This substitution of thermal mechanism with enzymatic optimization reduces energy consumption while maintaining or improving wash performance
3Reliability
If alpha-amylase variants with multiple amino acid modifications are developed, then wash performance and stability improve, but the complexity of enzyme production and characterization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically modifies specific amino acid positions based on structural and functional analysis of the alpha-amylase molecule. By targeting defined positions with predicted beneficial substitutions, the patent achieves improved stability and performance while maintaining a manageable number of variants for production and characterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality changes by modifying specific amino acid residues at particular positions in the sequence rather than making global changes to the entire enzyme structure. This localized approach allows for precise optimization of stability and activity while minimizing overall structural disruption and simplifying production protocols
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 modified alpha-amylase variants demonstrate improved wash performance, with enhanced enzyme activity and stability, leading to better stain removal and energy efficiency in household washing applications.
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 of a parent alpha-amylase wherein said alpha-amylase variants have an improved wash performance as compared to said parent alpha-amylase. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the variants of the invention, uses of said variants and methods of producing said variants.