Mannanase Enzyme Coffee Extract Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial coffee extract production methods involve high-temperature thermal processing, leading to off-flavors and high costs, and existing enzyme-based methods do not efficiently achieve high yields of soluble solids.

Innovation Solution

The use of novel thermostable mannanase enzymes with at least 60% sequence identity to specific polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 3, 8, 13) or comprising a CBM1 binding domain for extracting roast and ground coffee, allowing extraction at higher temperatures to increase yield and reduce microbial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If very high temperatures are used for thermal hydrolysis to increase extraction yield, then the yield of soluble solids is improved, but off-flavours are generated and process costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield of soluble solidsVSAvoidoff-flavours

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal hydrolysis (thermal processing) with enzymatic hydrolysis using mannanase enzymes. This substitution allows the extraction process to occur at lower temperatures (below 50°C) while still achieving high yields of soluble solids, thereby avoiding the formation of off-flavours associated with very high temperature processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from very high temperatures (required for thermal hydrolysis) to lower temperatures (below 50°C) by introducing enzymatic catalysis. This parameter change enables the same extraction function to be achieved without the harmful side effects of high-temperature processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If very high temperatures are used for thermal hydrolysis to increase extraction yield, then the yield of soluble solids is improved, but process costs and capital investment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield of soluble solidsVSAvoidprocess costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal hydrolysis with enzymatic hydrolysis, significantly reducing energy consumption and associated process costs. The enzymatic process operates at lower temperatures, reducing both operational expenses and capital investment in heating infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If extraction is performed at higher temperatures to increase yield and reduce microbial growth, then extraction efficiency is improved, but enzyme stability becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction yieldVSAvoidenzyme stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects and uses thermostable mannanase enzymes that maintain their structural integrity and catalytic activity at elevated temperatures (50-70°C). This parameter change in enzyme selection allows the process to operate at higher temperatures for improved extraction efficiency and microbial control without sacrificing enzyme stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If conventional extraction methods are used to produce coffee extract, then the process is simple, but the yield of dry matter is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield of dry matterVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mannanase enzymes as intermediary catalysts to facilitate the hydrolysis of mannans in coffee grounds. These enzymes act as mediators that break down complex polysaccharides into soluble sugars, significantly increasing the yield of dry matter in the extracted coffee without requiring complex process equipment or multiple extraction stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method achieves a high yield of dry matter in coffee extracts, reduces microbial growth, and allows for less cooling between extraction stages, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective production process.

Implementation Method 1

adding to said coffee beans, which have optionally been subjected to one or more first extractions, water and an enzyme having mannanase activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

incubating to make an aqueous coffee extract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

Use of a thermostable mannanase enzyme is an advantage in the production of coffee extracts since this will allow for extraction at higher temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentUS20240292858A1Method for producing a coffee extract

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 NOVOZYMES AS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing a coffee extract which comprises use of an enzyme having mannanase activity. The invention also relates to polypeptides having endo-beta-1,4-mannanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.