Recombinant Serine Proteases for Surfactant-Stable Detergent Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for serine proteases suitable for specific industrial applications and conditions, particularly in cleaning fabrics and hard surfaces, as existing serine proteases may not perform optimally under certain conditions.

Innovation Solution

Development of recombinant serine proteases from Bacillus spp., specifically the BspAL03279-clade of subtilisins, which possess a common motif and are suitable for use in detergent compositions, including laundry and dishwashing detergents, with enhanced activity in the presence of surfactants and at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing serine proteases are used under basic reaction conditions and elevated temperatures, then cleaning activity is reduced, but using recombinant serine proteases maintains stability and activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenzyme stabilityVSAvoidcleaning activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of subtilisin through site-directed mutagenesis, specifically optimizing residues in the oxyanion hole region (positions 155-165) to enhance enzyme stability under basic pH conditions and elevated temperatures while maintaining or improving cleaning activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite enzyme structures by combining stabilized subtilisin variants with detergent formulations containing surfactants and builders, forming a composite cleaning system that maintains enzyme activity and stability under harsh washing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If serine proteases are used in detergent compositions with surfactants, then enzyme activity may be inhibited, but recombinant variants maintain enhanced activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning activityVSAvoidsurfactant inhibition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protease variants with extended operational lifetimes in detergent formulations, allowing the enzyme to remain active throughout the entire washing cycle and residence time in the detergent, effectively treating the enzyme as a durable component rather than a short-lived additive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-stabilizing the enzyme structure through amino acid mutations that protect against surfactant denaturation and inhibition, creating an enzyme variant that is inherently resistant to harmful interactions with detergent components before exposure occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 recombinant serine proteases demonstrate improved cleaning performance on fabrics and hard surfaces, making them suitable for various industrial applications, including laundry and dishwashing, with stability and efficacy in basic reaction conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Serine proteases are enzymes (EC No. 3.4.21) possessing an active site serine that initiates hydrolysis of peptide bonds of proteins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250376670A1Serine proteases

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 DANISCO US INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to serine proteases and variants thereof. Compositions containing the serine proteases are suitable for use in cleaning fabrics and hard surfaces, as well as in a variety of industrial applications.