Subtilisin Variant for Low pH Dishwashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwashing compositions are ineffective in removing proteinaceous soils from dishware, are not consumer or environmentally friendly, and face challenges in formulation as liquid or gel forms, especially under low pH conditions.
Innovation Solution
A Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant is developed, incorporated into automatic dishwashing compositions, which can be in liquid, gel, tablet, powder, or granule form, and may include additional enzymes like hemicellulases and bleaching agents, to effectively remove proteinaceous soils without using phosphates or high alkalinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high alkalinity detergent washes and chlorine bleach are used, then cleaning and sanitizing performance is improved, but consumer and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from high alkalinity (pH >9.5) to low pH (pH <9.5), enabling effective proteinaceous soil removal without requiring harsh chemicals. The subtilisin variant maintains proteolytic activity at low pH, eliminating the need for chlorine bleach and high alkalinity, thus improving consumer and environmental safety while preserving cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and harmful chemicals (chlorine bleach, high alkalinity detergents) with a biodegradable enzyme (subtilisin variant) that works effectively at low pH. This enzyme-based approach provides a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative that maintains cleaning efficacy without the harmful side effects of traditional harsh chemicals
2Reliability
If proteases active under alkaline conditions are used, then proteinaceous soil removal is improved, but formulation into liquid or gel forms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH operating parameter from alkaline (pH >9.5) to low pH (pH <9.5), which enables the subtilisin variant to function effectively in liquid and gel detergent formulations. Conventional alkaline proteases are incompatible with these formulations, but the low-pH-active subtilisin variant resolves this formulation challenge while maintaining proteinaceous soil removal efficacy
3Reliability
If very highly alkaline and chlorine-containing compositions are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but consumer and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from very high alkalinity to low pH, and eliminates chlorine content entirely by using a subtilisin variant that is active under low pH conditions. This parameter change achieves effective proteinaceous soil removal without requiring harsh chemicals, thereby improving cleaning performance while enhancing consumer and environmental safety
4Object-affected harmful factors
If low pH dishwashing compositions are used, then consumer and environmental friendliness is improved, but proteinaceous soil removal effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to low pH (<9.5) and simultaneously introduces a subtilisin variant that is specifically engineered to be active under these low pH conditions. This dual approach maintains the consumer and environmental benefits of low pH formulations while overcoming the effectiveness problem through the use of pH-adapted enzymatic activity
5Reliability
If high concentrations of enzymes are formulated, then proteinaceous soil removal is improved, but formulation stability and consumer safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to low pH, which allows effective proteinaceous soil removal with lower enzyme concentrations compared to conventional formulations. The subtilisin variant's high activity at low pH reduces the need for high enzyme concentrations, thereby improving formulation stability and reducing potential consumer irritation from high enzyme content
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 Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant enhances the ability to remove proteinaceous soils effectively, improves stability in dishwashing detergents, and provides a consumer and environmentally friendly solution in various detergent forms.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides a Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant... capable of removing proteinaceous soils
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant. In addition, the present invention provides automatic dishwashing compositions comprising this serine protease variant.