Composite Enzyme Composition for Low-Temperature Raw Starch Saccharification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing materials, such as ethanol, are inefficient and yield suboptimal results, particularly in raw starch hydrolysis processes conducted below the initial gelatinization temperature.

Innovation Solution

An enzyme composition comprising glucoamylase and alpha-amylase, optionally with a cellulolytic enzyme composition and protease, is used to saccharify starch at temperatures below the gelatinization temperature, followed by fermentation, enhancing the yield of fermentation products like ethanol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If starch is converted into dextrins using a liquefying enzyme at temperatures above the initial gelatinization temperature, then the hydrolysis efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from above gelatinization temperature to below gelatinization temperature, and modifies the enzyme system parameters to include specific cellulolytic enzymes and proteases, achieving efficient hydrolysis without the energy cost of heating above gelatinization point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite enzyme system comprising glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, cellulolytic enzymes (endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase), and protease working together, where each enzyme component addresses specific structural aspects of starch and plant cell walls, achieving comprehensive degradation without high energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If starch is converted into dextrins at temperatures below the initial gelatinization temperature, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the hydrolysis efficiency and fermentation product yield decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfermentation product yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the enzymatic parameter composition by adding cellulolytic enzymes and protease to the low-temperature enzyme system, enabling these enzymes to work synergistically at temperatures below gelatinization point and achieve high fermentation product yield without compromising energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different enzyme components target specific local structures: endoglucanase attacks internal cellulose bonds, cellobiohydrolase processes chain ends, beta-glucosidase converts cellobiose to glucose, and protease degrades protein matrices, creating localized efficient degradation zones throughout the starch granules at low temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If existing enzyme compositions are used in raw starch hydrolysis processes, then the process simplicity is maintained, but the fermentation product yield is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidfermentation product yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a composite enzyme formulation containing glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, cellulolytic enzymes, and protease that works as an integrated system, where each component contributes specific functionality to achieve superior fermentation product yield while maintaining single-step process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The enzyme composition performs multiple functions simultaneously: starch hydrolysis, cellulose degradation, protein breakdown, and synergistic enhancement of sugar release, all within a single enzyme addition step, achieving both process simplicity and high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly improves the yield of fermentation products, such as ethanol, compared to using glucoamylase and alpha-amylase alone or existing enzyme compositions, by optimizing the hydrolysis and fermentation process.

Implementation Method 1

saccharifying the starch, without cooking, with an enzyme composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

An enzyme composition comprising glucoamylase and alpha-amylase, optionally with a cellulolytic enzyme composition and protease, is used to saccharify starch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

fermented into the desired fermentation product using a fermenting organism such as a yeast strain derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP3039131B1Enzyme composition and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NOVOZYMES AS

AI summary

The invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising a glucoamylase, an alpha-amylase, and optionally a cellulolytic composition and/or a protease. The invention also relates to the use thereof in processes of producing sugars and/or fermentation products from starch-containing material by saccharifying and/or fermenting starch-containing material at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature.