Amylase Variants for Low-Temperature Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergent enzyme compositions, particularly alpha-amylases, face challenges in maintaining wash performance and stain removal effectiveness at low temperatures commonly used in modern washing processes, leading to incomplete stain removal and reduced cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Development of alpha-amylase variants with specific modifications at positions 109, 140, 181, 280, 284, 320, 323, and 391, which retain at least 80% sequence identity with parent enzymes, but with enhanced activity and stability for use in low-temperature washing, combined with a cleaning adjunct to improve wash performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If low temperature washing is used to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics, then energy saving and fabric care are improved, but enzyme activity and stain removal effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of alpha-amylase enzymes at specific positions (109, 140, 181, 280, 284, 320, 323, and 391) to alter the enzyme's thermal properties. These sequence modifications enable the enzyme to maintain optimal activity at low temperatures (20-40°C) while retaining effectiveness in stain removal, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite enzyme system by combining modified alpha-amylase variants with other detergent ingredients and cleaning agents. This composite formulation enhances the overall cleaning performance at low temperatures, allowing effective stain removal while maintaining energy efficiency and fabric care benefits
2Productivity
If washing cycle time is reduced to increase productivity, then time efficiency is improved, but cleaning completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the kinetic parameters of alpha-amylase by changing amino acid sequences, which increases the enzyme's catalytic efficiency and reaction rate. This allows the enzyme to achieve complete stain removal in shorter times, enabling reduced washing cycle lengths while maintaining cleaning reliability and completeness
3Productivity
If amylase activity is increased to improve stain removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but enzyme stability and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of alpha-amylase by modifying amino acid sequences at critical positions, which simultaneously enhances catalytic activity and improves enzyme stability. These sequence changes result in an enzyme that is both highly active and durable under detergent conditions, resolving the contradiction between activity and stability
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 and stain removal capabilities at low temperatures, maintaining or exceeding the activity of parent enzymes, even in shorter washing cycles and cold water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Alpha-amylases (alpha-1,4-glucan-4-glucanohydrolases, E.C. 3.2.1.1) constitute a group of enzymes, which catalyse hydrolysis of starch and other linear and branched 1,4-glucosidic oligo- and polysaccharides
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions including variants of an alpha-amylase and methods of treating surfaces such as textiles with aqueous liquor including such compositions, especially at low temperatures.