Subtilase Variants for Detergent Stability Across Washing Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing proteases used in detergent compositions face challenges such as enzyme stability under varying washing conditions, pH, temperature, and humidity, leading to inactivation and reduced wash performance.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel subtilase variants with specific substitutions at positions 9, 19, and 62, such as S9R+R19L+N62D, and additional alterations like S3T+S9R+R19L+N62D+A194P, to enhance stability and wash performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional proteases are used in detergent compositions, then wash performance is achieved under standard conditions, but enzyme stability deteriorates under varying pH, temperature, and humidity conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenzyme stabilityVSAvoidperformance under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid positions (9, 19, and 62) in the subtilase sequence to alter the enzyme's physical and chemical properties. These sequence variations result in improved stability under diverse washing conditions including varying pH, temperature, and humidity, while maintaining wash performance across different environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If enzyme concentration is increased to maintain wash performance, then wash performance is improved, but enzyme inactivation increases due to chemical components and washing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewash performanceVSAvoidenzyme activity retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies enzyme parameters through amino acid substitutions at positions 9, 19, and 62, which enhances the enzyme's resistance to inactivation by chemical components and washing conditions. This allows maintaining effective wash performance with improved enzyme activity retention throughout the wash cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If storage conditions are optimized to maintain enzyme activity, then storage stability is improved, but enzyme performance under diverse washing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidperformance under diverse washing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sequence modifications at amino acid positions 9, 19, and 62 that simultaneously improve storage stability and enhance performance under diverse washing conditions. The modified subtilase variants maintain catalytic activity during storage and remain effective across varying pH, temperature, and humidity conditions during washing

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 subtilase variants exhibit improved storage stability and wash performance, maintaining enzyme activity under diverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Subtilisins are serine proteases from the family S8... the variants comprise substitutions in at least positions 9, 19 and 62 relative to SEQ ID NO: 1... the variants exhibit improved storage stability and wash performance under diverse conditions, maintaining enzyme activity and efficacy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS12606810B2Subtilase variants and compositions comprising same

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 NOVOZYMES AS

AI summary

Provided are subtilase variants having improved stability, detergent compositions comprising the variants, use of the variants and detergent compositions in a cleaning process such as laundry or hard surface cleaning such as dishwashing, and methods of producing the variants.