Solid Laccase Granules with Alkaline Buffer for Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laccase enzymes in solid formulations experience rapid activity loss during storage due to pH decrease in their micro-environment, despite initial alkaline production conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a high amount of alkaline buffer into the laccase granules to maintain an alkaline pH, with a reserve alkalinity of at least 0.3 g NaOH per 100 g granules, ensuring a homogeneous mixture of laccase and buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laccase is formulated in solid granules without sufficient buffer, then the enzyme can be stored in solid form, but the pH decreases during storage causing rapid activity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a high amount of alkaline buffer (reserve alkalinity ≥0.3 g NaOH/100 g granules) into the granule formulation before storage. This pre-established buffer system proactively counteracts pH decrease during storage, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs and maintaining laccase activity stability throughout the storage period.
2Reliability
If high amount of alkaline buffer is added to maintain pH, then laccase activity is stabilized during storage, but the formulation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the reserve alkalinity parameter to a specific threshold (≥0.3 g NaOH/100 g granules). This quantitative parameter change ensures sufficient pH stability during storage while avoiding excessive buffer amounts that would unnecessarily increase formulation complexity and cost. The specific parameter threshold provides a balanced solution between stability and simplicity.
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 laccase activity is stabilized during storage, maintaining high residual activity even at elevated temperatures, with improved formulations showing over 80% retention after one week at 50°C.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a high amount of alkaline buffer into the laccase granules to maintain an alkaline pH, with a reserve alkalinity of at least 0.3 g NaOH per 100 g granules
Implementation Method 2
Laccases are redox enzymes, acting by oxidizing substrates using molecular oxygen
Implementation Method 3
Laccases are redox enzymes, acting by oxidizing substrates using molecular oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an enzyme granule comprising a mixture of a laccase and a buffer in an amount capable of maintaining an alkaline pH.