GH61 Polypeptide Saccharification Oxygen Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for saccharifying pretreated cellulosic materials to produce biofuels are inefficient, as they do not fully utilize the potential of cellulolytic enzyme compositions and require optimized conditions for effective conversion of cellulosic material into fermentable sugars.

Innovation Solution

The use of a cellulolytic enzyme composition combined with a GH61 polypeptide in the presence of dissolved oxygen at a concentration of 0.5-10% saturation level, which enhances the saccharification process by maintaining optimal oxygen levels during enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby increasing glucose yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional cellulolytic enzyme compositions are used for saccharification, then the process is simple, but the glucose yield is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglucose yieldVSAvoidenzyme composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a cellulolytic enzyme composition with a GH61 polypeptide to create a synergistic enzyme system. The GH61 polypeptide works together with the cellulolytic enzymes to significantly enhance saccharification efficiency and glucose yield from pretreated cellulosic material, resolving the contradiction between simple enzyme use and insufficient productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite enzyme system comprising both cellulolytic enzymes and GH61 polypeptide. This composite approach leverages the complementary activities of different enzyme types to achieve superior saccharification performance compared to conventional single enzyme compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high dissolved oxygen concentration is used during saccharification, then hydrolysis efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the dissolved oxygen concentration parameter to a specific range (0.5-10% saturation) during saccharification. This parameter optimization achieves enhanced hydrolysis efficiency with the GH61 polypeptide while avoiding excessive energy consumption associated with maintaining high oxygen levels throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If pretreated cellulosic material is used, then fermentation product production is enhanced, but pretreatment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefermentation product productionVSAvoidpretreatment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pretreatment to cellulosic material before saccharification to improve the accessibility of cellulose to enzymes. This preliminary action enhances the effectiveness of the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis with the cellulolytic enzyme composition and GH61 polypeptide, leading to higher fermentation product yields that justify the pretreatment investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach significantly increases glucose yield during saccharification, with the GH61 polypeptide enhancing hydrolysis efficiency, allowing for the production of biofuels such as ethanol and other valuable products from cellulosic materials.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the cellulosic material to a cellulolytic enzyme composition and a GH61 polypeptide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

saccharifying a cellulosic material into fermentable sugars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSaccharification: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

in the presence of dissolved oxygen at a concentration in the range of 0.5 to 10% of the saturation level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolved oxygen effect: Aeration

Implementation Method 4

fermenting the saccharified cellulosic material with one or more fermenting microorganisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP2959004B1Methods of saccharifying and fermenting a cellulosic material
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 NOVOZYMES AS
  • EP2959004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2959004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2959004B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to methods of saccharifying a cellulosic material comprising subjecting the cellulosic material to a cellulolytic enzyme composition and a GH61 polypeptide, and optionally a catalase in the presence of dissolved oxygen at a concentration in the range of 0.5 to 10% of the saturation level. The invention also related to methods of producing desired fermentation products, such as ethanol, using a method including a saccharification step of the invention.