Protease Polypeptides for Low-Temperature Detergent Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergents face challenges in achieving high performance at low temperatures and reduced pH and detergent component levels, necessitating the development of proteases with enhanced activity under these conditions to improve washing efficiency while being environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
Isolation and use of proteases with high sequence identity to specific polypeptides from Psychrobacillus psychrodurans and Jeotgalibacillus sp-13376, which exhibit thermostability and pH stability, integrated into detergent compositions to enhance stain removal and wash performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional detergents are used at elevated temperatures, then washing performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to higher energy consumption and harsher conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational temperature range of the protease enzyme. The protease is engineered to maintain high activity and stability at lower temperatures (20-40°C) rather than requiring elevated temperatures for optimal performance. This parameter change allows effective washing under milder, more environmentally friendly conditions while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a biodegradable protease enzyme from Bacillus subtilis that can be easily produced and degraded. The enzyme serves as a temporary, disposable biological catalyst that breaks down protein stains during washing and then degrades naturally in the environment, avoiding persistent chemical pollutants while maintaining effective cleaning action.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If detergent components and pH are reduced to be more environmentally friendly, then environmental impact is improved, but washing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protease enzyme acts as an intermediary biological agent that mediates the cleaning action. Instead of relying on harsh chemical detergents with high pH, the enzyme provides a biological mechanism for stain removal that functions effectively at neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels, enabling environmentally friendly formulations to maintain washing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical washing action of traditional detergents with a biological enzymatic mechanism. The protease enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of protein-based stains through biochemical reactions, substituting the need for high-pH chemicals and strong surfactants with a biological system that achieves similar or superior cleaning effectiveness under milder conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wash time is reduced to be more environmentally friendly, then environmental impact is improved, but washing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protease enzyme provides continuous catalytic action throughout the washing process, breaking down stains continuously rather than requiring prolonged exposure times. The enzyme remains active and stable during the reduced wash cycle, maintaining consistent cleaning effectiveness throughout the shortened duration while achieving the same or better results compared to traditional longer wash cycles.
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 proteases demonstrate improved thermal and pH stability, leading to enhanced wash performance and stain removal in detergents, even at lower temperatures and reduced detergent levels, thus addressing environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
Proteases may be of the exo-type that hydrolyses peptides starting at either end thereof, or of the endo-type that act internally in polypeptide chains (endopeptidases).
Implementation Method 2
An uncharacterized protein from Jeotgalibacillus campisalis (UNIPROT:A0A0C2VYQ0) is 84% identical to the mature protease shown herein in SEQ ID NO: 2 and 89% identical to the mature protease shown herein in SEQ ID NO: 4.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having protease 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.