Polypeptide Epimerization of 3-Keto-DON for Stereoselective Detoxification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enzymes are inefficient in converting 3-keto-deoxynivalenol (DON) into its non-toxic isomer 3-epi-deoxynivalenol (3-epi-DON), and there is a need for more effective methods to reduce the toxicity of trichothecenes in agricultural and food products.

Innovation Solution

Development of polypeptides with specific sequences (SEQ ID NO. 1-14 or sequences with at least 75% identity) that efficiently convert 3-keto-DON into 3-epi-DON, achieving a 3-epi-DON:DON ratio of at least 25:1 and up to 100% conversion with at least 96% 3-epi-DON, using a carrier for agrarian compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing enzymes are used to convert 3-keto-DON into 3-epi-DON, then the conversion process can proceed, but the conversion efficiency is low and the stereoselectivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidstereoselectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying amino acid residues at specific positions (e.g., positions 88, 92, 102, 106, 128, 132, 208, 212, 238, 242) in the enzyme sequence to optimize both conversion efficiency and stereoselectivity. The invention provides multiple sequence variants with different amino acid substitutions that systematically improve the enzyme's performance in converting 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON with high stereoselectivity (3-epi-DON:DON ratio of at least 25:1).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite enzymatic systems by combining multiple polypeptide sequences (SEQ ID NO: 1-14) with specific functional characteristics. These polypeptides work together to achieve both high conversion efficiency and high stereoselectivity, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability in the epimerization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional methods are used to reduce trichothecene contamination, then preventive measures can be implemented, but up to 68% of samples remain contaminated with DON

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrichothecene contaminationVSAvoidcontamination reduction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful DON toxin into a beneficial non-toxic isomer (3-epi-DON) through enzymatic epimerization. By using the improved polypeptides to catalyze the conversion of 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON with high stereoselectivity (at least 96% 3-epi-DON), the invention transforms the toxic contaminant into a safe substance that can be used in feed and food applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the trichothecene molecule by epimerizing the 3-keto-DON at the C-3 position to produce 3-epi-DON. This parameter change (stereochemical configuration) fundamentally alters the biological activity of the molecule from toxic to non-toxic, achieving reliable contamination reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If high stereoselectivity is achieved in the conversion process, then 3-epi-DON is produced with at least 96% purity, but the conversion process requires highly specific enzyme sequences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3-epi-DON purityVSAvoidenzyme sequence specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically changes the amino acid sequence parameters of the enzyme to achieve high stereoselectivity. By identifying and modifying specific amino acid positions (e.g., 88, 92, 102, 106, 128, 132, 208, 212, 238, 242), the invention creates a series of enzyme variants that progressively improve stereoselectivity while maintaining catalytic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making specific amino acid substitutions at particular positions in the enzyme sequence rather than random modifications. The invention focuses on key residues in the active site and substrate binding regions, where local changes produce disproportionate improvements in stereoselectivity and catalytic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 polypeptides achieve high stereoselectivity and efficiency in converting 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON, significantly reducing the toxicity of trichothecenes in agricultural and food products, with applications in feed additives, biogas, bioethanol, and sugar production.

Implementation Method 1

one or more polypeptide(s)...capable of converting the substrate 3-keto-DON into the products 3-epi-DON and DON

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic reduction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

The polypeptides achieve high stereoselective conversion of 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereoselective conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4022047B1Improved polypeptides capable of converting substrate 3-keto- deoxynivalenol into 3-epi- deoxynivalenol
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 DSM AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP4022047B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4022047B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4022047B1 patent drawingFigure 1B

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions comprising one or more polypeptide(s) comprising or consisting of a sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1-14 or a sequence having a sequence identity of at least 75 % to any one of SEQ ID NO. 1-14 and a carrier as well as uses and methods of these polypeptides.