GH61 Polypeptides Enhance Paper Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current paper manufacturing processes do not effectively enhance the strength of paper materials, particularly in terms of tensile, tear, and bursting strength, despite the use of various enzymes.
Innovation Solution
The use of glycoside hydrolase Family 61 (GH61) polypeptides with specific amino acid motifs during the paper production process, which contact pulp to improve paper strength by enhancing the mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional enzymes (proteases, lipases, xylanases, amylases, cellulases, laccases, peroxidases) are used in paper manufacturing, then various effects such as pitch control, strength improvement, de-inking, tissue softening, and bleaching are achieved, but the tensile, tear, and bursting strength of paper materials are not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a specific enzyme type (glycoside hydrolase Family 61 polypeptide) with defined amino acid sequences and motifs that differ from conventional enzymes. This enzyme exhibits optimal activity at specific pH ranges (4-8) and temperatures (40-70°C), representing parameter optimization to achieve superior paper strength enhancement compared to traditional enzymes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials by combining the GH61 polypeptide with specific amino acid motifs that create a multi-functional enzyme system. The enzyme contains multiple functional domains including catalytic sites and binding regions that work synergistically to achieve both fiber modification and strength enhancement, representing a composite enzymatic approach
2Strength
If paper strength enhancement is pursued using existing enzymatic methods, then some improvement is achieved, but the enhancement level remains insufficient for high-performance paper applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific amino acid motifs at defined positions within the GH61 polypeptide structure. These motifs ([ILMV]-P-x(4,5)-G-x-Y-[ILMV]-x-R-x-[EQ]-x(4)-[HNQ] and H-x(1,2)-G-P-x(3)-[YW]-[AILMV]) are strategically placed to optimize enzyme-substrate interaction at specific locations, enhancing fiber modification precision and resulting in controlled improvement of tensile, tear, and bursting strengths
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies dynamics by enabling the GH61 polypeptide to adapt its conformation and activity based on process conditions. The enzyme maintains optimal functionality across varying pH (4-8) and temperature (40-70°C) ranges, allowing dynamic adjustment to manufacturing conditions while consistently achieving precise strength enhancement
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
Significantly increases tensile, tear, and bursting indices of paper materials, as demonstrated by improved handsheet tests, indicating enhanced paper strength and durability.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the pulp in a process for making a paper material with a glycoside hydrolase Family 61 polypeptide
Data Source
AI summary
The use of GH61 polypeptides in the treatment of pulp, for improving tear strength and/or tensile strength of the corresponding paper materials, such as paper, linerboard, corrugated paperboard, tissue, towels, corrugated containers and boxes.