Alpha-amylase Sequence Deletions for Liquid Detergent Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergents and cleaning agents face challenges in effectively removing starch-based stains at low temperatures and maintaining enzyme activity throughout the storage period, as existing amylases are sensitive to temperature and pH variations and have limited stability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition containing a specific α-amylase sequence with high identity and targeted deletions, combined with a mixture of surfactants, including anionic and nonionic surfactants, to enhance detergency and stability at temperatures between 10°C and 40°C, while maintaining enzyme activity over storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional amylases are used in detergents, then starch-based soil removal is achieved, but enzyme activity is lost during storage and at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the amylase enzyme through specific deletions (positions 180-184) and substitutions. These sequence modifications alter the enzyme's physical and chemical properties, specifically improving its stability at low temperatures and during storage while maintaining catalytic activity. The engineered amylase retains high enzyme activity after prolonged storage periods, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and storage duration.
2Reliability
If low water content is used in the composition, then enzyme stability is improved, but liquid composition properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the water content parameter to a specific range (30-70% by weight) and adjusting water activity (aw) to 0.6-0.8. This optimized parameter combination maintains the composition as a liquid while providing sufficient molecular mobility for enzyme stability. The balanced water content prevents both enzyme denaturation (from excessive water) and viscosity increase (from insufficient water), achieving both enzyme stability and liquid properties simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the engineered amylase with a synergistic mixture of surfactants (anionic and nonionic), builders, and stabilizers. This composite formulation creates a protective microenvironment for the enzyme, enhancing stability without requiring extreme water content reduction. The composite system works together to maintain enzyme activity while preserving liquid composition properties.
3Productivity
If high surfactant concentration is used, then cleaning power is enhanced, but enzyme stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating a balanced mixture of anionic surfactants (e.g., alkylbenzenesulfonates) and nonionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl polyglycosides). This composite surfactant system provides enhanced cleaning power through synergistic effects while being less detrimental to enzyme stability compared to high concentrations of single surfactant types. The nonionic surfactants particularly protect the amylase from denaturation caused by anionic surfactants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stabilizers and buffer systems as intermediary substances that mediate between the surfactants and the amylase enzyme. These intermediaries protect the enzyme from the harsh effects of high surfactant concentrations while allowing the surfactants to maintain their cleaning effectiveness. The buffer system maintains optimal pH conditions that protect enzyme stability in the presence of surfactants.
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 composition achieves excellent starch-based stain removal at low temperatures and retains enzyme activity, ensuring consistent cleaning performance throughout the product's shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
The decisive factor in determining whether an enzyme is an α-amylase within the meaning of the invention is its ability to hydrolyze α(1-4) glycoside bonds in the amylose of starch
Implementation Method 2
In addition to the surfactants typically used for soil removal, washing and cleaning agents contain enzymes
Implementation Method 3
the composition at 25°C and 1013 mbar exhibits a water activity aw having a water content of more than 0.3 up to a maximum of 0.9
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to liquid compositions, in particular for cleaning textiles, containing: (a) at least one surfactant, and (b) at least one α-amylase, which is at least 89% and increasing preferably at least 90%, 90.5%, 91%, 91.5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5% and up to 100% identical to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1 over the entire length thereof and has deletions at one or more of positions 180, 181, 182, 183, and 184 in the counting according to SEQ ID NO. 1, with the stipulation that the composition has a water activity (aw) between 0.3 and 0.95, in particular in a range of 0.4 to 0.95, at 25°C and 1013 mbar, stabilize in particular said amylase.