Subtilase Variant Stability in Liquid Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid detergents face a challenge with the decrease in enzyme activity over time, particularly with subtilases, leading to reduced stain removal performance due to instability under alkaline conditions.
Innovation Solution
A novel subtilase variant with increased stability is introduced, featuring specific amino acid substitutions (X9E+X206L+X262E), which maintains enzyme activity during storage and use, outperforming traditional subtilases like Relase™ and Savinase™ in retaining protease activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional subtilases (e.g., Relase™, Savinase™) are used in liquid detergents, then initial protease activity is sufficient for stain removal, but enzyme activity decreases over time during storage and use, leading to reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of subtilase at specific positions (9, 206, and 262) to create variant forms with improved stability. The substitutions include changing amino acids at these positions to specific alternatives that enhance the enzyme's resistance to degradation under alkaline storage conditions while maintaining its proteolytic activity for stain removal.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If subtilase variants with improved stability are developed, then enzyme activity is maintained longer during storage, but this requires complex amino acid substitution modifications at multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making targeted amino acid substitutions at specific local positions (9, 206, and 262) within the subtilase protein structure rather than attempting to modify the entire protein. This localized approach allows for improved stability through focused modifications at key residues that are critical for maintaining enzyme integrity under storage conditions.
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 variant demonstrates enhanced stability, maintaining 80-100% residual activity after 4 weeks at 37°C and 45°C, comparable to 1.0% w/w Relase™, while maintaining parity in wash performance on various stains, thus extending the detergent's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
subtilasin-like serine proteases from bacilli... are of particular interest... ability to remove proteinaceous stains from fabric under alkaline conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising a novel protease, more in particular a novel and subtilase variant with increased stability, a method for (dish) washing using said liquid detergent composition and a use of said liquid composition in a (dish) washing process.