Lipid Esterase Variant for Low-Temperature Fabric Soil Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabric cleaning methods using lipid esterase enzymes, such as those disclosed in US6265191B1, do not provide sufficient soil removal, particularly when using enzymes from E.C. class 3.1.1.74, and there is a need for improved methods that can effectively remove soil at lower temperatures and shorter wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting fabrics with a lipid esterase from E.C. class 3.1.1.3, specifically a variant with at least 90% sequence identity to wild-type lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus and having sequence substitutions T231R and N233R, followed by exposure to soil and a laundry detergent composition, which may include detersive surfactants, to enhance soil removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lipid esterase from E.C. class 3.1.1.74 is used in fabric washing, then fabric cleaning benefits are improved, but soil removal effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the enzyme classification parameter from E.C. 3.1.1.74 to E.C. 3.1.1.3, and specifically uses a lipase variant with T231R and N233R substitutions. This parameter change in enzyme type and structure resolves the contradiction by providing both fabric cleaning benefits and superior soil removal effectiveness that the previous enzyme class could not achieve
2Manufacturing precision
If higher temperatures and longer wash cycles are used, then soil removal is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the enzymatic activity parameter by using a modified lipase with T231R and N233R substitutions, which enhances soil removal effectiveness at lower temperatures. This allows the process to achieve improved soil removal without increasing energy consumption, as the enzyme works more efficiently under milder conditions
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 method provides improved soil removal compared to prior art, effectively removing soil at lower temperatures and shorter wash cycles, making it more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the lipid esterase contacted to the fabric in step (i) acts 'out of the wash' to hydrolyse lipid esters in the soil contacted to the fabric in step (ii)
Implementation Method 2
the laundry detergent composition optionally comprises a detersive surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of laundering a fabric comprising the steps of; (i) contacting the fabric with a lipid esterase selected from class E.C. 3.1.1.3, class E.C. 3.1.1.1 or a combination thereof; (ii) contacting the fabric from step (i) with a soil; (iii) contacting the fabric from step (ii) with a laundry detergent composition, wherein the laundry detergent composition optionally comprises a detersive surfactant, and optionally comprises a lipid esterase.