Amylase Stability in Liquid Surfactant Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergents face challenges in achieving optimal washing performance at low temperatures and short washing times, especially in regions like the USA, due to legal restrictions on phosphorus-containing ingredients and enzyme stability issues under varying storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid surfactant composition comprising C9-C20 alkyl benzene sulfonate, R1-O-(CH2CH2O)n-SO3M, R2-O-(CH2CH2O)m-SO3M', fatty alcohol ethoxylates, and an α-amylase with a specific amino acid sequence, which maintains stability and performance even at high surfactant concentrations and low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If common enzymes are used in detergents, then cleaning performance is achieved, but the enzymes are subject to inactivation during storage and lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the amylase enzyme (specifically substitutions at positions 193, 204, and 233) to alter its stability parameters. These sequence modifications enable the enzyme to maintain activity during storage at various temperatures and pH conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining cleaning performance and preventing inactivation over time.
2Productivity
If high surfactant concentrations are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but enzyme activity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the enzyme's amino acid sequence to change its interaction parameters with surfactants. The specific substitutions (positions 193, 204, and 233) alter the enzyme's surface properties and conformational stability, enabling it to maintain activity even in the presence of high concentrations of anionic and nonionic surfactants, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning performance and enzyme activity preservation.
3Loss of energy
If washing time is shortened, then energy consumption is reduced, but wash performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by engineering the amylase enzyme with enhanced stability and activity characteristics before use. The pre-modified enzyme (with substitutions at positions 193, 204, and 233) is designed to be highly active and stable during the washing process, enabling effective starch removal even in short wash cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and wash performance.
4Loss of energy
If washing temperature is lowered, then energy consumption is reduced, but enzyme stability and performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the enzyme's amino acid sequence to alter its thermal stability parameters and catalytic efficiency. The substitutions at positions 193, 204, and 233 enhance the enzyme's ability to maintain structure and function at lower temperatures, enabling effective performance in cold wash conditions without energy-intensive heating, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and enzyme performance.
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 ensures improved washing performance and stability of the amylase over time, effectively removing stains at low temperatures and maintaining cleaning efficacy across different storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
α-amylases (EC 3.2.1.1) cleave internal α(1-4) glycoside bonds of amylose
Implementation Method 2
a liquid surfactant composition containing a surfactant mixture, water, and at least one amylase
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid surfactant composition containing a surfactant mixture, water and at least one amylase as defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces using the claimed surfactant composition.