Stable Enzyme Compositions Using Acid-Amine Buffers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enzymes are unstable in cleaning solutions due to incompatible chemistries and autolysis, leading to reduced effectiveness in removing stubborn food soils in institutional settings, and existing stabilization systems have limitations such as restrictions on boric acid use.

Innovation Solution

A stable enzyme stabilization system is achieved by using specific ratios of acid to amine, nonionic surfactants, and solvents, which maintain at least 15% of initial enzyme activity after 21 days at 40°C, even in the presence of other ingredients, forming a stable enzyme system suitable for cleaning applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If enzymes are used in cleaning solutions, then effectiveness in removing food soils is improved, but stability in solution deteriorates due to incompatible chemistries and autolysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenzyme effectivenessVSAvoidenzyme stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilization system comprising specific ingredients (surfactants, solvents, and pH buffers) that act as intermediaries between the enzyme and the incompatible chemistries in the cleaning solution. These stabilizers form a protective environment that shields the enzyme from denaturation by surfactants and antimicrobials, and prevents autolysis by proteases, thereby maintaining enzyme stability while preserving cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters including pH range (maintaining near-neutral conditions), temperature control, and precise ratios of stabilizing ingredients to create optimal conditions for enzyme stability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system prevents enzyme denaturation and maintains catalytic activity over extended periods in the cleaning solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If stabilization systems are used to maintain enzyme stability, then enzyme longevity is improved, but product complexity increases due to additional incompatible ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenzyme longevityVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is designed so that each ingredient performs multiple functions: surfactants provide both cleaning action and enzyme stabilization, solvents contribute to soil removal while maintaining enzyme stability, and pH buffers ensure optimal conditions for enzyme activity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilizing agents, thereby limiting the increase in composition complexity while achieving extended enzyme longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If aggressive chemicals are used to remove stubborn food soils, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects increase due to chemical residues and surface damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidchemical harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces aggressive chemical cleaning mechanisms with enzyme-catalyzed biological degradation. Instead of using strong chemicals that physically or chemically damage surfaces, the system employs enzymes that specifically break down food soil molecules through biochemical reactions. This substitution eliminates harmful chemical residues while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness for stubborn food soils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates peracids as oxidizing agents that work synergistically with enzymes to enhance cleaning effectiveness. The peracids provide oxidative cleaning power to tackle stubborn organic soils while being less harmful than traditional aggressive chemicals, and they help maintain the stability of the enzyme system through their antimicrobial properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 system provides a stable enzyme composition that retains significant activity over time, effectively removing food soils and offering antimicrobial properties, suitable for various cleaning applications without relying on aggressive chemicals.

Implementation Method 1

preferred ratios of acid to amine are effective at stabilizing enzymes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuffering:

Implementation Method 2

Nonionic surfactants and solvent also positively contribute to enzyme stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS7723281B1Stable aqueous antimicrobial enzyme compositions comprising a tertiary amine antimicrobial

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

The invention relates to an enzyme stabilization system, compositions with the enzyme stabilization system, and methods of using the enzyme composition. Preferred ratios of acid to amine are effective at stabilizing enzyme. Optional nonionic surfactants and solvents also positively contribute to enzyme stability. The compositions are useful in cleaning applications.