Mannanase Variants for Detergent Stability Across pH 5-12

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mannanase enzymes exhibit insufficient activity and stability under the harsh conditions of detergent formulations, particularly at pH levels between 5-12, which leads to inadequate removal of mannan-containing stains, resulting in fabric graying.

Innovation Solution

Development of mannanase variants with improved stability and activity at pH levels between 5-12, specifically engineered to maintain high mannan-degrading performance in laundry and cleaning applications by introducing targeted amino acid substitutions in the enzyme sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing mannanase enzymes are used in detergent formulations, then they can provide basic mannan-degrading activity, but they exhibit insufficient stability and activity at pH levels between 5-12, leading to inadequate stain removal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidinsufficient activity under harsh conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the mannanase enzyme through site-directed mutagenesis. Specific amino acid residues were changed to alter the enzyme's pH stability profile, enabling it to maintain activity across the broad pH range of 5-12 required for detergent formulations. This molecular-level parameter change transformed the enzyme from being pH-sensitive to being pH-stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing mannanase enzymes are used in detergent formulations, then they can provide basic mannan-degrading activity, but they exhibit insufficient activity, leading to inadequate removal of mannan-containing stains and fabric graying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemannan-degrading activityVSAvoidinadequate stain removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the mannanase enzyme through site-directed mutagenesis. Specific amino acid residues were changed to alter the enzyme's pH stability profile, enabling it to maintain activity across the broad pH range of 5-12 required for detergent formulations. This molecular-level parameter change transformed the enzyme from being pH-sensitive to being pH-stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 engineered mannanase variants demonstrate enhanced stability and activity in detergent formulations, effectively removing mannan-containing stains and preventing fabric graying.

Implementation Method 1

endo-1,4-beta-mannanases (EC 3.2.1.78), which hydrolyze the internal glycoside bonds in the mannan backbone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12534735B2Mannanase variants

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 BASF SE

AI summary

A mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase, an expression construct comprising the polynucleotide, and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the expression construct.