Dual Enzyme Composition for Brewing Mash Filterability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enzymes used in brewing processes, such as beer production, face challenges in improving mash filterability, extract yield, and reducing pressure buildup during lautering, with existing enzyme combinations not effectively addressing these issues.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising an enzyme with endo-1,4-β-xylanase activity and an enzyme with endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activity, both having specific amino acid sequences with high identity, is used to treat starch-containing materials, enhancing filterability and reducing pressure buildup during brewing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing enzyme combinations are used in brewing processes, then the brewing process can proceed, but mash filterability is not improved and pressure buildup occurs during lautering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemash filterabilityVSAvoidpressure buildup during lautering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different enzymes (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase) into a single composition to work synergistically. The xylanase breaks down xylan polymers while the glucanase breaks down beta-glucans, together effectively reducing mash viscosity and improving filterability without causing pressure buildup during lautering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies optimal activity ratios between the two enzymes (xylanase to glucanase activity ratio of 1:4 to 4:1) and optimal dosages to achieve the desired effect. By carefully controlling the parameters of enzyme composition and dosage, the patent improves mash filterability and prevents pressure buildup during the brewing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing enzyme combinations are used, then the brewing process can continue, but extract yield is not increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextract yieldVSAvoidconsistency of brewing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of xylanase and glucanase enzymes works synergistically to break down different components of the grain matrix. The xylanase targets xylan while the glucanase targets beta-glucans, together releasing more fermentable sugars and improving extract yield while maintaining brewing process consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the activity ratio and dosage parameters of the enzyme composition to maximize extract yield. By controlling the xylanase to glucanase activity ratio and the total enzyme dosage, the patent achieves improved productivity while ensuring reliable and consistent brewing results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional enzymes are used, then the process is simple, but filter bed collapse and off-flavor formation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenzyme composition complexityVSAvoidoff-flavor formation and filter bed collapse
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-enzyme composition addresses multiple problems simultaneously: the xylanase breaks down xylan to prevent filter bed collapse, while the glucanase breaks down beta-glucans to reduce viscosity and prevent off-flavor formation. This combination protects the brewing process from multiple harmful effects while maintaining reasonable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the dosage and activity ratio parameters of the enzyme composition to achieve the desired protective effects. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent prevents filter bed collapse and off-flavor formation while keeping the enzyme composition practical for industrial application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enzyme composition improves mash and beer separation, reduces pressure buildup, and minimizes the risk of filter bed collapse and off-flavor formation, leading to more efficient brewing processes.

Implementation Method 1

an enzyme exhibiting endo-1,4-β-xylanase activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

an enzyme exhibiting endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2756078B9Compositions comprising enzymes with endo-1, 4-beta-xylanase activity and enzymes with endo-1,3(4)-beta glucanase activity
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 INT N&H DENMARK APS
  • EP2756078B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2756078B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2756078B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to enzymes having endo-1,4-beta-xylanase activity and enzymes having endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase activity, with improved properties and to compositions comprising these enzymes suitable for use in the production of a food, feed, or malt beverage product, such as in a brewing process.