Poly Alpha-1,3-Glucan Ethers for Cellulase-Stable Detergents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The instability of cellulose-based polymers to cellulase enzymes limits their use in detergent formulations, as enzymes used in detergents often contain trace amounts of cellulase, leading to incompatibility and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds, which are stable to cellulase activity and can be used in combination with cellulase enzymes, modifying viscosity and rheological properties of aqueous solutions, and adsorbing to fabric surfaces, thus enabling their use in detergent formulations without degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellulose-based polymers are used in detergent formulations, then fabric care benefits and viscosity adjustment are provided, but stability to cellulase enzymes deteriorates leading to degradation and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the polysaccharide by creating alpha-1,3-glucan ethers with specific degree of polymerization (10-10,000) and substitution patterns, transforming the molecule from cellulose-based to a novel ether compound that resists cellulase degradation while maintaining functional properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite molecular structure by etherifying alpha-1,3-glucan with specific organic groups, combining the desirable fabric care and viscosity properties of natural polysaccharides with enhanced stability against enzymatic degradation through chemical modification
2Adaptability or versatility
If cellulase enzymes are included in detergent formulations, then color clarification and pill removal benefits are provided, but incompatibility with cellulosic polymers occurs leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the glycosidic linkage configuration from beta-1,4 (cellulose) to alpha-1,3 (novel polysaccharide), fundamentally changing the substrate recognition properties so that cellulase enzymes cannot hydrolyze the bonds, enabling simultaneous use of cellulase for fabric treatment without polymer degradation
3Reliability
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds are used to maintain stability, then compositional stability and cellulase compatibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the synthesis into modular steps: first forming the alpha-1,3-glucan backbone through controlled polymerization, then performing etherification with specific organic groups, allowing independent optimization of each step and facilitating scalable manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses protected sugar intermediates and controlled etherification reagents as mediators to achieve selective modification of the polysaccharide structure, enabling precise control over degree of substitution and molecular weight distribution for consistent product quality
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 poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds provide stability and functional benefits in detergent formulations, allowing for the inclusion of cellulase enzymes, enhancing fabric care properties and maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
modifying viscosity and rheological properties of aqueous solutions
Implementation Method 2
adsorbing to fabric surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions comprising (a) an amylase, protease, or lipase, and (b) at least one poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound having a degree of substitution with an organic group of about 0.05-3.0 are disclosed. Such compositions can be dry or aqueous, the latter of which can have a viscosity of at least about 10 cPs. The disclosed composition can be in the form of a personal care product, household product, or industrial product, for example. Also disclosed are a method for preparing an aqueous composition comprising an amylase, protease, or lipase and a poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound, and a method of treating a material such as fabric by contacting it with this aqueous composition.