Barley CslF6 Mutations for Malting Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The malting process in beer production is time and energy consuming due to the need to reduce (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan levels in barley kernels, but barley plants with low (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans often exhibit reduced agronomic characteristics and grain hardness.
Innovation Solution
Development of barley plants with a mutation in the CslF6 gene, specifically a mutant CslF6 polypeptide with amino acid substitutions in membrane-localized domains, which reduces (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content while maintaining acceptable agronomic traits and grain hardness, and allows for fine-tuning of the DP3:DP4 ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If barley plants are bred to have low (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan levels to reduce malting time and energy consumption, then malting process efficiency is improved, but grain hardness and agronomic characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the CslF6 gene to alter the DP3:DP4 ratio of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans. By changing the molecular structure parameters (degree of polymerization ratio) rather than simply reducing total glucan content, the invention achieves reduced malting time while preserving grain hardness and agronomic traits. The mutant CslF6 enzyme produces glucans with specific DP3:DP4 ratios that are less problematic during malting while maintaining cell wall integrity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional malting processes are used to reduce (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan levels, then soluble β-glucan content is reduced, but energy consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying the barley plants with CslF6 mutations before malting. The plants are genetically prepared to produce (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans with optimized DP3:DP4 ratios that are inherently less problematic during malting. This preliminary genetic modification eliminates the need for extended malting processes designed to degrade glucans, thereby reducing energy consumption and processing time while achieving the desired low soluble β-glucan content.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If barley plants with low (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans are used, then filtration and haze issues are reduced, but yield and agronomic performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific modifications to the CslF6 gene that affect only the DP3:DP4 ratio of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans while leaving other aspects of plant development and productivity unaffected. The localized genetic modification targets the enzymatic function of CslF6 to produce glucans with specific structural properties that improve brewing characteristics without compromising overall plant yield and agronomic performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to barley plant or a part thereof, wherein the kernels of said barley plant have a reduced (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content. The barley plant may carry a mutation in the CslF6 gene, wherein said mutated CslF6 gene encodes a mutant CslF6 polypeptide.