Targeted Phytase Mutations for Heat-Resistant Feed Pelleting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phytase enzymes, particularly those derived from Escherichia coli (APPA), exhibit poor thermal stability during the pelleting process of animal feed, leading to reduced enzyme activity and increased costs due to the need for additional equipment and stability measures.

Innovation Solution

Development of a phytase mutant with improved heat resistance through targeted amino acid substitutions, specifically at positions 36, 69, 89, 91, 202, 213, 225, 238, 243, 253, and 266, enhancing the enzyme's stability under high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If bacterial phytase APPA is directly added to powder feed or spray coated on pellet feed, then phosphorus utilization is improved, but thermal stability during pelleting process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephosphorus utilization rateVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the phytase enzyme through site-directed mutagenesis. Specific amino acid residues (such as Phe84, Phe170, Phe284, Trp302) are mutated to alter the enzyme's thermal stability parameters while preserving its catalytic activity. This allows the enzyme to withstand the high temperatures (80-90°C) of the pelleting process, resolving the contradiction between maintaining phosphorus utilization effectiveness and improving thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If spray coating method is used to apply phytase on pellet feed, then enzyme stability is improved, but equipment cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenzyme stabilityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying the phytase enzyme's thermal stability characteristics through genetic mutation before it is applied to the feed. This preliminary engineering of the enzyme itself eliminates the need for subsequent protective measures such as spray coating equipment, special storage facilities, or complex application systems. The enzyme inherently resists thermal degradation, allowing for simple mixing and feeding processes without additional equipment investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12378538B2Phytase mutant
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 QINGDAO VLAND BIOTECH GRP CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of biology, in particular to a phytase mutant, a preparation method therefor and an application thereof, a DNA molecule encoding the phytase mutant, a vector, and a host cell. The mutant provided by the present invention contains the substituent of an amino acid at at least one position selected from the following group: 36, 69, 89, 91, 111, 202, 213, 225, 238, 243, 253, 258, and 266. The heat resistance of the mutant is significantly improved, thereby facilitating the wide application of the phytase in feed.