Thermostable Enzyme Composition for High-Temperature Saccharification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for more efficient and cost-effective enzyme compositions to enhance high temperature saccharification of cellulosic materials, as existing solutions are not optimized for this process.

Innovation Solution

The development of an enzyme composition comprising specific polypeptides with cellobiohydrolase I, cellobiohydrolase II, endoglucanase I, endoglucanase II, beta-glucosidase, cellulolytic enhancing, and xylanase activities, which are selected based on their mature polypeptide sequences and encoding nucleotide sequences, to effectively degrade cellulosic materials at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing enzyme compositions are used for saccharification, then the process can be performed, but the efficiency is insufficient and enzyme dosage is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaccharification efficiencyVSAvoidenzyme dosage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by formulating a multi-component enzyme composition that integrates cellulases, hemicellulases, and lignin-modifying enzymes in specific ratios. This composite enzyme system works synergistically to degrade different components of lignocellulosic biomass simultaneously, achieving higher saccharification efficiency while reducing total enzyme dosage compared to using individual enzymes or conventional compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes process parameters including temperature (50-70°C), pH conditions, and enzyme loading ratios to enhance saccharification performance. By adjusting these parameters and selecting enzymes with optimal activity at elevated temperatures, the composition achieves improved productivity while minimizing the quantity of enzymes required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If conventional enzyme compositions are used, then the process is simple, but they are not optimized for high temperature saccharification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaccharification temperatureVSAvoidenzyme performance at elevated temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects and formulates enzymes with thermostable properties that maintain catalytic activity at elevated temperatures (50-70°C). By changing the thermal parameters of the enzyme system and selecting heat-resistant variants, the composition achieves reliable performance at high temperatures where conventional enzymes would denature or lose activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite enzyme system that includes thermostable cellulases, hemicellulases, and auxiliary enzymes that complement each other's thermal stability. This composite approach ensures that at least some enzymes remain active across the elevated temperature range, maintaining overall system reliability for industrial saccharification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This enzyme composition significantly enhances the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials, improving the efficiency of saccharification and reducing the required enzyme dosage, thereby facilitating the conversion of cellulose into fermentable glucose for ethanol production.

Implementation Method 1

These enzymes include endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, and beta-glucosidases. Endoglucanases digest the cellulose polymer at random locations, opening it to attack by cellobiohydrolases. Cellobiohydrolases sequentially release molecules of cellobiose from the ends of the cellulose polymer. Beta-glucosidases hydrolyze cellobiose to glucose.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2496694B1Compositions for saccharification of cellulosic material
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 NOVOZYMES INC
  • EP2496694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2496694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2496694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising components selected from the group consisting of a cellobiohydrolase I, a cellobiohydrolase II, an endoglucanase I, an endoglucanase II, and a beta-glucosidase. The present invention also relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, comprising: treating the cellulosic material with such an enzyme composition. The present invention also relates to methods method for producing a fermentation product, comprising: (a) saccharifying a cellulosic material with such an enzyme composition; (b) fermenting the saccharified cellulosic material with one or more (several) fermenting microorganisms to produce the fermentation product; and (c) recovering the fermentation product from the fermentation. The present invention further relates to methods of fermenting a cellulosic material, comprising: fermenting the cellulosic material with one or more (several) fermenting microorganisms, wherein the cellulosic material is saccharified with such an enzyme composition.