U.S. patent application number 13/031598 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for chrysosporium cellulase and methods of use.
Invention is credited to Arie Ben-Bassat, Richard P. Burlingame, Vladimir Mikhaylovich Chernoglazov, Mark Aaron Emalfarb, Oleg Nicolaevich Ocounev, Philip T. Olson, Arkady Panteleimonovich Sinitsyn, Irina Vladimirovna Solovjeva.
Application Number | 20110237485 13/031598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24938360 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110237485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Emalfarb; Mark Aaron ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
Chrysosporium Cellulase and Methods of Use
Abstract
The subject invention relates to novel compositions of neutral
and/or alkaline cellulase and methods for obtaining neutral and/or
alkaline cellulase compositions from Chrysosporium cultures, in
particular Chrysosporium lucknowense. This invention also provides
mutants and methods of generating mutants of Chrysosporium capable
of producing neutral and/or alkaline cellulase. This invention also
relates to the genes encoding the enzymes comprising the neutral
and/or alkaline cellulase composition. In addition, this invention
provides methods of culturing Chrysosporium to produce neutral
and/or alkaline cellulases. The neutral and/or alkaline cellulase
compositions of the subject invention can be used in a variety of
processes including stone washing of clothing, detergent processes,
deinking, color brightening, depilling and biobleaching of paper
and pulp and treatment of waste streams. The present invention also
relates to the isolation and purification of cellulase enzymes,
having glucanase and cellobiohydrolase activity, and useful for
stonewashing applications.
Inventors: |
Emalfarb; Mark Aaron;
(Jupiter, FL) ; Solovjeva; Irina Vladimirovna;
(Pushchino, RU) ; Ben-Bassat; Arie; (Wilmington,
DE) ; Burlingame; Richard P.; (Manitowoc, WI)
; Chernoglazov; Vladimir Mikhaylovich; (Moscow, RU)
; Ocounev; Oleg Nicolaevich; (Moscow, RU) ; Olson;
Philip T.; (Manitowoc, WI) ; Sinitsyn; Arkady
Panteleimonovich; (Moscow, RU) |
Family ID: |
24938360 |
Appl. No.: |
13/031598 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09284152 |
Jun 3, 1999 |
7892812 |
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PCT/US97/17669 |
Sep 30, 1997 |
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13031598 |
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08731170 |
Oct 10, 1996 |
5811381 |
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09284152 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
510/320 ;
435/209 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 11/0017 20130101;
D06M 2101/06 20130101; D06P 5/158 20130101; C12N 9/2437 20130101;
D06L 4/40 20170101; C12R 1/645 20130101; C12Y 302/01004 20130101;
D06P 5/02 20130101; D06M 16/003 20130101; C11D 3/38645
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/320 ;
435/209 |
International
Class: |
C11D 3/386 20060101
C11D003/386; C12N 9/42 20060101 C12N009/42 |
Claims
1. A composition having neutral and/or alkaline cellulase activity,
obtained by a method which comprises growing a wild type or mutant
fungus of the genus Chrysosporium in culture in a suitable medium,
wherein the fungus is Chrysosporium lucknowense, Chrysosporium
pannorum, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Chrysosporium lobatum,
Chrysosporium merdarium, Chrysosporium queenslandicum, or
Chrysosporium tropicum.
2. A composition according to claim 1 having optimal cellulose
activity at a temperature from about 40.degree. C. to about
60.degree. C., at a pH from about 5.0 to about 12.0.
3. A composition according to claim 1 having at least 50% of the
optimal cellulase activity, at a pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0, at
a temperature from about 40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.
4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said cellulase
activity is assayed by any one of the CMCase, RBBCMCase,
endoviscometric or filter paper activity assays.
5. A substantially purified and isolated protein fraction, obtained
from a composition according to claim 1, and having at least 50% of
its maximal cellulase activity at a pH between about 6.0 and about
7.0 as measured by any one of the CMCase, RBBCMCase,
endoviscometric or filter paper activity assays.
6. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5,
having a molecular weight of about 25 kD and pI of about 4.
7. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5,
having a molecular weight of about 70 kD and a pI of about 4.
8. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5,
having, a molecular weight of about 60 kD and a pI of about 3.
9. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5,
having a molecular weight of about 43 kD and a pI of about 3.
10. A cellobiohydrolase obtained from a fraction according to claim
5, having a molecular weight of about 60 kD and a pI of about
4.
11. A substantially purified and isolated neutral and/or alkaline
cellulase enzyme, isolated from a protein fraction according to
claim 5, and having a pI of between about 3 and about 5.5.
12. A cellulase according to claim 11 wherein said cellulase
possesses either endoglucanase or cellobiohydrolase activity.
13. A cellulase according to claim 12 wherein said cellulase
retains at least 50% of its maximal cellulase activity at a pH
between about 6.0 and about 7.0.
14. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5
and having a molecular weight of about 25 kD.
15. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5
and having a molecular weight of about 70 kD.
16. An endoglucanase obtained from a fraction according to claim 5
and having a molecular weight of about 43 kD.
17. A detergent composition containing one or more purified enzymes
isolated from a protein fraction according to claim 5, and further
comprising a surfactant.
18. A fabric softening composition containing one or more purified
enzymes obtained from the protein fraction according to claim
5.
19. A composition for the enzymatic treatment of cellulosic fibers
or cellulosic fabrics, comprising a cellulase whose amino acid
sequence is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence from a wild-type or
mutant fungus of the genus Chrysosporium, said composition having a
pH between about 8.0 and about 12.0, wherein the fungus is selected
from the group consisting of Chrysosporium lucknowense,
Chrysosporium pannorum, Chrysosporium pruinosum, Chrysosporium
keratinophilum, Chrysosporium lobatum, Chrysosporium merdarium,
Chrysosporium queenslandicum, and Chrysosporium tropicum.
20. A composition according to claim 19, wherein the cellulase is
isolated or obtained from a wild-type or mutant fungus of the genus
Chrysosporium.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to neutral and/or alkaline cellulases
and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this
invention relates to cellulases produced by fungi of the genus
Chrysosporium, and particular strains of Chrysosporium lucknowense.
This invention also relates to industrial uses for these neutral or
alkaline cellulases and compositions comprising the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Clothing made from cellulosic fabrics such as cotton, linen,
hemp, ramie, cupro, lyocell, newcell, rayon, polynosics, are very
popular. Of particular interest are clothing items such as jeans
made from indigo-dyed denim fabrics made of cotton or cotton
blends. Such clothing items are typically sewn from sized and cut
cloth and tend to be stiff due to the presence of sizing
compositions. In other cases the fibers or rolls of fabric are
treated with enzymes prior to sewing the final garment. After a
period of wear, the clothing items can develop a certain degree of
softness, an overall reduction of shade as well as localized areas
of color variation. Additionally, after repeated washing the
garment continues to provide a more comfortable fit, a softer feel
and a worn appearance. In recent years such comfort, feel and
appearance have become increasingly popular.
[0003] The most widespread methods for producing this comfort, feel
and look involve washing of clothing items with cellulases in large
washing machines with pumice stones or other abrasives. The pumice
helps soften the fabric and helps to provide the faded surface
similar to that produced by the extended wear of the fabric.
However, the use of pumice has some disadvantages. For example, the
pumice must be manually removed from processed clothing items
because it tends to accumulate in pockets, on interior surfaces, in
creases, and in folds. Also, the pumice stones can cause overload
damage to electric motors of stone washing machines, and clog
machine drainage passages and drain lines. These processing and
equipment problems can add significantly to the cost of doing
business and to the purchase price of the goods.
[0004] In view of the problems of using pumice, alternative methods
to using pumice or other abrasives in the stone washing process
have been sought. One alternative involves the use of enzyme
treatments which break down the cellulose in fabrics (Geller U.S.
Pat. No. 4,951,366; Olson U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,832,864, 4,912,056,
Olson et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,006,126, 5,122,159 and 5,213,581,
Christner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,530, Boegh et al. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,788,682). Methods for treating cellulose containing fabrics
with hydrolytic enzymes, such as cellulases, are known in the art
to improve the softness or feel of such fabrics (Novo Brochure
Cellulase SP 227; Novo Brochure Celluzyme; Murata U.S. Pat. No.
4,443,355; Parslow U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,289; Tai U.S. Pat. No.
4,479,881; Barbesgaard U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307; Browning UK. Patent
No. 1,368,599).
[0005] Cellulases are known in the art as enzyme systems that
hydrolyze cellulose (.beta.-1,4-glucan linkages), thereby resulting
in the formation of glucose, cellobiose, cellooligosaccharides, and
the like. Cellulase compositions are comprised of several different
enzyme components, including those identified as
exocellobiohydrolases, endoglucanases, and .beta.-glucosidases.
Moreover, these classes of enzymes can be further separated into
individual isoenzymes.
[0006] The complete cellulase system is required to efficiently
convert crystalline cellulose to glucose. Generally, if total
hydrolysis of a cellulose substrate is needed, the cellulase
mixture should contain .beta.-glucosidases and cellobiohydrolases,
as well as endoglucanases. Endoglucanases catalyze random
hydrolysis of .beta.-1,4-glycosidic bonds between glucose units of
cellulose polymers. Such components hydrolyze soluble cellulose
derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, thereby reducing the
viscosity of such solutions. Such enzyme components act on internal
regions of the polymer, resulting in a rapid decrease in average
polymer chain length together with a slow increase in the number of
reducing ends. The rapid decrease in average chain length of the
cellulose polymer is evidenced by the decrease in viscosity of a
cellulose solution.
[0007] The substrate specificity and mode of action of the
different cellulases varies among strains of organisms that produce
cellulases. For example, the currently accepted mechanism of
cellulase action in cellulase from the fungus Trichoderma reesei is
that endoglucanase activity first-break internal
.beta.-1,4-glucosidic bonds in regions of low crystallinity of the
cellulose (Ruohnen L., et al. In: "Proceedings of the Second Tricel
Symposium on Trichoderma Reesei Cellulases and Other Hydrolases",
(ed. by P. Sudminen and T. Reinkainen.,) Foundation for
Biotechnology and Industrial Fermentation Research 8; (1993):87-96)
The cellobiohydrolase activity binds preferentially to the
crystalline regions of the non-reducing end of the cellulose to
release cellobiose as the primary product. .beta.-Glucosidase or
cellobiase activities then act on cellooligosaccharides, e.g.,
cellobiose, to give glucose as the sole product.
[0008] Cellulases are produced in fungi, bacteria, and other
microbes. Fungi typically produce a complete cellulase system
capable of degrading crystalline forms of cellulose. For example,
Trichoderma reesei produces and secreates all of the enzyme
activities needed for efficient breakdown of crystalline cellulose,
namely endo-1,4-.beta.-D-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases
(exo-1,4-.beta.-D-glucanases), and 1,4-.beta.-D-glucanases, or
.beta.-glucosidases. Fungal cellulases have an added advantage in
that cellulases in fungi can readily be produced in large
quantities via fermentation procedures.
[0009] Cellulases, or the components thereof, are known in the art
to be useful in a variety of industrial textile applications in
addition to the stone washing process. For example, cellulases are
used in detergent compositions, for the purpose of enhancing the
cleaning ability of the composition, as a softening agent, for
color brightening, depilling and other uses. When so used, the
cellulase will degrade a portion of the cellulosic material, e.g.,
cotton fabric, in the wash, which facilitates the cleaning and/or
softening of the fabric. The endoglucanase components of fungal
cellulases have also been used for the purposes of enhancing the
cleaning ability of detergent compositions, for use as a softening
agent, and for use in improving the feel of cotton fabrics, and the
like. However, there is a problem with using the cellulase derived
from Trichoderma spp. and especially Trichoderma longibrachiatum in
detergent compositions. Generally, such components have their
highest activity at acid pHs whereas most laundry detergent
compositions are formulated for use at neutral or alkaline
conditions.
[0010] Other textile applications in which cellulases have been
used include softening (Browning, UK Patent No. 1,368,599, Parslow,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,289, Tai U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,881 and
Barbesgaard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307), defibrillation (Gintis, D.
Mead, E. J., Textile Research Journal, 29, 1959; Cooke, W. D.,
Journal Of The Textile Research Institute, 74, 3, 1983; Boegh,
European Patent Application No. 0 220 016). Cellulases have also
been used in combination with a polymeric agent in a process for
providing localized variation in the color density of fibers.
(WO/94/19528 and WP/94/1529).
[0011] Cellulases are classified in the garment and textile
industry according to their pH range of operation. Acid cellulases
typically have their peak activity at pH values of about 4.0 to 5.5
and less, neutral cellulases at about pH 5.5 to 7.5, and alkaline
cellulases at about pH 7.5 to 11.0. Some enzyme compositions may
have broader ranges of operation. For example, the neutral/alkaline
cellulases may operate at acid, neutral and alkaline pH's at
between about 40.degree. C. to 60.degree. C.
[0012] Acid, neutral and alkaline cellulases are typically used in
the "stone wash" treatment of denim jeans, with or without
surfactants, buffers, detergents, anti-redeposition agents,
softening agents, pumice stones or other abrasives, bleaching
agents, such as optical bleaching agents, enzymes, or other means.
If the cellulase composition is not formulated and/or pre-buffered
then for acid cellulases, the pH is typically adjusted to between
pH 4.5-5.5, with for example, a sodium citrate and citric acid
buffer, and for neutral or alkaline cellulases between 5.5-7.5
with, for example, a monosodium and disodium phosphate buffer.
Neutral and alkaline cellulases are typically used as additives to
laundry detergents where the pH of operation may range from about
pH 7.0 to 11.5. In stone wash applications typical acid cellulases
generally provide greater backstaining or redeposition of the
indigo dye and greater strength loss of the fabric while the
typical neutral and alkaline cellulases generally provide less
abrasion, lower backstaining or redeposition and less strength loss
of the fabric.
[0013] The neutral/alkaline cellulases are the most preferred type
of cellulases for the stonewash industry because they cause lower
levels of backstaining or redeposition and lower strength loss than
acid cellulases (ie; from Trichoderma sp.). Furthermore,
neutral/alkaline cellulases, unlike their acid counterparts,
operate at a much wider pH range and are able to maintain better
relative wash performance within a wider pH range (pH 5.0-pH 8.0)
in the stone washing industry. Therefore, neutral/alkaline
cellulases provide several advantages. First, the incoming feed
water in wet processing facilities is typically within this pH
range lessening the need for as precise pH control as compared to
acid cellulases. This makes the stonewashing process more tolerant
to operator pH error or neglect leaving the overall procedure more
forgiving than procedures using acid cellulases. Secondly, it is
known that denim fabrics are alkaline in nature owing to the fact
that the dyeing process utilities caustic soda. Simply washing
denim releases this caustic into the wash water and the pH of the
wash water generally rises. The alkalinity may overcome the bath
buffers, but the effect of increased pH is less severe on
neutral/alkaline cellulases compared to acid cellulases because
neutral/alkaline cellulases operate not only at higher pH, but also
over a wider pH range.
[0014] The wide spectrum of industrial uses for cellulases or the
components of cellulases, especially alkaline and/or neutral
cellulases, establishes a clear need for cellulases that are
operative at neutral and/or alkaline pH. The present invention
provides a procedure for producing neutral/alkaline cellulases
having enzymatic activity at neutral and/or alkaline pH's and
compositions comprising the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This invention relates, in general, to neutral and/or
alkaline cellulases and novel methods for producing the same. More
specifically, the subject invention provides a method for producing
cellulase compositions from fungi of the genus Chrysosporium, and
particular Chrysosporium lucknowense, wherein the cellulase
compositions have enzymatic activity at neutral and/or alkaline
pH's. Industrial applications for the cellulase composition are
also provided.
[0016] One embodiment of this invention relates to isolated and
purified cultures of wild type and mutant fungi of the genus
Chrysosporium capable of producing neutral and/or alkaline
cellulase compositions, in particular to the strain Chrysosporium
lucknowense--GARG 27K and mutants thereof.
[0017] Yet another embodiment of this invention provides culturing
conditions for producing neutral or alkaline cellulases from fungi
of the genus Chrysosporium.
[0018] In a further embodiment, this invention provides methods to
producing a neutral and/or alkaline cellulase composition through
recombinant technology from fungi of the genus Chrysosporium.
[0019] In yet a further embodiment of this invention methods for
generating and culturing mutant strains of the fungi Chrysosporium
capable of producing neutral and/or alkaline cellulase are
provided.
[0020] Another embodiment of this invention relates to the nucleic
acid sequences encoding the enzymes of the cellulases compositions
produced by Chrysosporium or genetically modified strains of
Chrysosporium.
[0021] Another embodiment relates to the purified and isolated
enzymes of the cellulase compositions produced by Chrysosporium or
genetically modified strains of Chrysosporium.
[0022] In yet another embodiment of this invention methods of use
are provided for alkaline and/or neutral cellulases produced by
Chrysosporium in textile applications, such as softening, bleaching
and stone washing procedures, garment dyeing applications,
defibrillation, or biopolishing, color brightening and
depilling.
[0023] Another embodiment of this invention relates to detergent
compositions comprising Chrysosporium cellulase in detergent
preparations.
[0024] Another embodiment of this invention is to provide methods
of use for the cellulase compositions in the saccharification of
lignocellulose biomass from agriculture, forest products, municipal
solid waste, and other sources.
[0025] Yet other embodiments of this invention involve the use of
the cellulase compositions for production of fuels and other
chemicals for the biobleaching of wood pulp, and for de-inking of
recycled print paper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] As utilized herein, reference to a "neutral-alkaline
cellulase" refers to a cellulase composition which retains
significant enzymatic activity at pH values of about 5.5 and above.
In a preferred embodiment, the neutral and/or alkaline cellulase
compositions of the subject invention have peak enzymatic activity
between about pH 5.5 to about 7.5 at 40.degree. C. to about
60.degree. C. In the event that the peak enzymatic activity is at a
pH of less than about 5.5, the neutral-alkaline cellulase
composition will have at least about 50% of the optimal enzymatic
activity at about pH 6.0 to about 7.0 at about 40.degree. C. to
about 60.degree. C. By way of example such activities may be
measured by RBBCMCase, CMCase, Cellazyme, endoviscometric or filter
paper activity (FPA). Thus, the cellulase compositions of the
subject invention will have useful enzymatic activity at pHs
greater than 5.5 such that the enzyme composition can be used in
stone wash, detergent, de-inking or other applications where
neutral and/or alkaline cellulase activity is needed.
[0027] The subject invention relates to compositions of cellulases
having high activity at neutral or alkaline pH's and to unique
methods for producing said neutral and alkaline cellulase
compositions. The neutral/alkaline cellulase compositions of this
invention may be obtained from any species of Chrysosporium. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulase compositions of
the present invention are isolated from Chrysosporium lucknowense
Garg 27K (designated isolate C1) deposited under the Budapest
Treaty with the International Depository at the All-Russian
Collection of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
Bakhrushina St. 8: Moscow, Russia 113184, on Aug. 29, 1996, and
assigned accession number VKM F-3500D. The cellulase compositions
of the subject invention are highly advantageous because they
possess enzymatic activity at neutral and/or alkaline pH thereby
providing beneficial performance characteristics in industrial
applications.
[0028] The cellulase compositions prepared from fungal strains of
the subject invention exhibit activity at between about pH 5.0 to
about 12.0 at between about 40.degree. to 60.degree. C. as
determined by a CMCase, RBBCMCase, Cellazyme, endoviscometric or
Filter Paper Activity (FPA) assays. In a preferred embodiment for a
stone wash procedure, the cellulase composition may have optimal
activity at between about pH 5.5 to 7.0 at about 40.degree. C. to
about 60.degree. C. Good performance activity at neutral and
alkaline pH (ie: 6.0, 7.0 & 8.0) has been demonstrated for the
neutral and/or alkaline cellulases of the instant invention in
Stonewash application trials and at pH 10.0 and above for detergent
application trials.
[0029] The fermentation procedures for culturing cellulolytic
microorganisms for production of cellulase are known in the art.
For example, cellulase systems can be produced either by solid or
submerged culture, including solid state, batch, fed-batch, and
continuous-flow processes. The collection and purification of the
cellulase systems from the fermentation broth can also be effected
by procedures known in the art. The cellulase composition is
readily isolated from the fungal culture by, for example,
centrifugation or filtration steps and concentration of the
filtrate via membrane or hollow fibers ultrafiltration
equipment.
[0030] The fungal strain Chrysosporium used to produce the
cellulase compositions of the subject invention can be cultured
according to standard methods and conditions known in the art. In a
preferred embodiment, the cellulase composition of the subject
invention is obtained from the C1 strain. The C1 Chrysosporium
strain may be grown in a medium containing inorganic salts, organic
nitrogen sources, such as peptones, defatted cotton seed flour,
corn steep liquor, or yeast extract and carbon source. Examples of
carbon source include, but is not limited to, glucose, lactose,
sucrose, cellulose or other carbohydrates. More preferably, the
fungal strain is grown in media containing both lactose and peptone
or lactose and yeast extract. By way of example the fermentation
media can compose lactose at about 0.3% to about 1.0%, preferably
about 0.5% to about 0.6%, peptone at about 0.3% to about 1.0%,
preferably about 0.5% to about 0.6%. Other nitrogen sources and
carbohydrate sources known in the art may be used in the fungal
growth media including, but not limited to, sweet beet pulp, barley
malt, wheat bran, and others known in the art. By way of example
sweet beet pulp concentrate may be used in a range of about 15 to
about 30 grams/liter (g/L), preferably about 20 to about 25 g/L;
barley malt may be used in a range about 10 g/L to about 20 g/L,
preferably about 14 g/L or about 16 g/L, wheat bean may be used in
a range about 3 g/L to about 8 g/L, preferably about 5 g/L to about
6 g/L. In one embodiment, the C1 strain is cultured in rotated
shake flasks in saline medium containing sweet beet pulp, barley
malt, and wheat bran. Cellulase compositions may be isolated from
fungi cultured about 3 to 7 days in a growth medium by
centrifugation and ultrafiltration concentration of the cell
culture medium.
[0031] Alternatively the Chrysosporium cultures can be cultured on
a large scale for commercial use, by using conventional
fermentation techniques. In this context fermentation is used
broadly to refer to any controlled fungal culturing conditions.
Prior to large scale growth an inoculum of said growth culture is
generally cultured. The inoculum media may contain conventional
ingredients including, but not limited to, carbon sources, organic
nitrogen sources, and inorganic salts. Carbon sources may include,
but are not limited to, glucose, lactose, glycerol, and/or
cellulose at concentrations in the range of about 0.5 to 200 g/L,
more preferably in the range of about 5 to 50 g/L. Organic nitrogen
sources may include, but are not limited to, yeast extract,
peptone, or defatted cotton seed flour at concentrations in the
range of about 0.5 to 30 g/L, more preferably in the range of 5 to
15 g/L. Inorganic salts may include, but are not limited to,
potassium phosphate, for example at about 0.01 to about 10 g/L,
magnesium sulfate, for example at about 0.01 to 3.0 g/L, ferrous
sulfate, for example at about 0.001 to 10 mg/L.
[0032] An inoculum or starter culture may be used to initiate the
Chrysosporium culture for a fermenter by methods known in the art.
The media used for fermentation may comprise conventional
ingredients for culturing fungi, including but not limited to,
cellulose, organic nitrogen sources, magnesium chloride and calcium
chloride. Examples of organic nitrogen sources include, but are not
limited to, peptone or defatted cotton seed flour, such as
Pharmamedia.
[0033] By way of example, the media may comprise about 5 g/l to
about 20 g/L of peptone or defatted cotton seed flour, about 10 g/L
to about 30 g/L of cellulose, about 0.03 g/L to about 0.06 g/L of
magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and about 0.4 g/L to about 0.8 g/L
of calcium chloride dihyrate.
[0034] One of skill in the art will appreciate that during
fermentation the temperature, oxygenation, pH, and nutrient levels
of fermentation mixture should be maintained. By way of example,
dissolved oxygen levels should be maintained at about 10 to 60% of
air saturation, preferably at about 20 to 40% of air saturation.
The pH should be maintained between about 5 and 8, preferably
between about 6.5 and 7.5, most preferably between 6.9 and 7.1 and
the temperature may be maintained at between about 25.degree. C. to
about 40.degree. C., preferably at about 28.degree. C. to
35.degree. C. The feed solution may comprise ingredients similar to
the fermentation media but at higher concentrations to minimize
dilution when added to the fermentation media.
[0035] The cellulase compositions produced according to the methods
of the subject invention are useful for a variety of other
applications for which cellulase activity, in particular neutral
and/or alkaline cellulase activity, is needed. In one embodiment of
this invention, the neutral and/or alkaline cellulase compositions
can be used in stone washing procedures for denim jeans. By way of
example, the most preferred pH range of stone wash applications is
between about 5.5 to 7.5, most preferably at about pH 6 to about 7.
The neutral and/or alkaline cellulase composition obtained from
Chrysosporium isolates advantageously have significant enzymatic
activity at or above neutral or alkaline pH. Stone wash procedures
conducted with neutral and/or alkaline cellulase run at neutral
and/or alkaline pH's are particularly advantageous compared to
traditional procedures using acid cellulases (eg: those from
Trichoderma reesei) because of lower levels of backstaining on the
garments, less strength loss to the garments and the alkalinity of
the water that is present naturally during this process. These
stone washing procedures result in jeans with highly desirable feel
and appearance. By way of example, 0.02 to 10 g of cellulase
preparation 47.0528 described herein, may be used per 135 g of
denim. One of skill in the art will know how to regulate the amount
or concentration of the cellulase composition produced by this
invention based on such factors as the activity of the cellulase,
and the wash conditions, including but not limited to temperature
and pH.
[0036] In yet another embodiment of this invention, the cellulase
compositions of this invention can be used to reduce or eliminate
the harshness associated with fabrics made from cellulose by
addition to detergent compositions. By way of example, the
preferred range for detergent compositions is between about pH 8 to
about 12, most preferably pH 10 to about 11. The cellulase
compositions of the subject invention can be used in detergent
compositions at neutral and or alkaline pH. Detergent ingredients
contemplated for use with the cellulase composition of the subject
invention include any detergent ingredient known in the art.
Examples of such ingredients include, but are not limited to,
detergents, buffers, surfactants, bleaching agents, softeners,
solvents, solid forming agents, abrasives, alkalis, inorganic
electrolytes, cellulase activators, antioxidants, builders,
silicates, preservatives, and stabilizers, and are known in the
art. The detergent compositions of this invention preferably employ
a surface active agent, i.e., surfactant, including anionic,
non-ionic, and ampholytic surfactants well known for their use in
detergent compositions. In addition to the cellulase components and
the surface active agent, the detergent compositions of this
invention can additionally contain one or more of the following
components; the enzymes amylases, cellulases, proteinase, lipases,
oxido-reductases, peroxidases and other enzymes; cationic
surfactants and long-chain fatty acids; builders; antiredeposition
agents; bleaching agents; bluing agents and fluorescent dyes;
caking inhibitors; masking agents for factors inhibiting the
cellulase activity; cellulase activators; antioxidants; and
solubilizers. In addition, perfumes, preservatives, dyes, and the
like can be used, if desired, with the detergent compositions of
this invention. Examples of detergent compositions employing
cellulases are exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,435,307; 4,443,355;
4,661,289; 4,479,881; 5,120,463, which are herein incorporated by
reference.
[0037] When a detergent base used in the present invention is in
the form of a powder, it may be one which is prepared by any known
preparation method including a spray-drying method and/or a
granulation method. The granulation method are the most preferred
because of the non-dusting nature of granules compared to spray dry
products. The detergent base obtained by the spray-drying method is
hollow granules which are obtained by spraying an aqueous slurry of
heat-resistant ingredients, such as surface active agents and
builders, into a hot space. The granules have a size of from about
50 to about 2000 micrometers. After the spray-drying, perfumes,
enzymes, bleaching agents, and/or inorganic alkaline builders may
be added. With a highly dense, granular detergent base obtained by
such as the spray-drying-granulation method, various ingredients
may also be added after the preparation of the base. When the
detergent base is a liquid, it may be either a homogenous solution
or an inhomogeneous solution.
[0038] The cellulase compositions of this invention preferably
exhibit high levels of activity at alkaline or neutral pH's, but
also may exhibit enzymatic activity at acidic pH's. Therefore, the
detergent compositions comprising the cellulases of the present
invention can be used in a broad pH range of from acidic to
alkaline pH.
[0039] Other textile applications in which these cellulase
compositions may be used include, but are not limited to, Garment
Dyeing applications including but not limited to Enzymatic
Mercerizing of viscose, Bio-Polishing applications, Enzymatic
Surface Polishing; Biowash (washing or washing down treatment of
textile materials), Enzymatic Microfibrillation, Enzymatic
"cottonization" of linen, ramie and hemp; and treatment of Lyocel
or Newcell (ie; "TENCEL" from Courtauld's), Cupro and other
cellulosic fibers or garments, dye removal from dyed cellulosic
substrates such as dyed cotton (Leisola & Linko--(1976)
Analytical Biochemistry, v. 70, p. 592. Determination Of The
Solubilizing Activity Of A Cellulose Complex With Dyed Substrates;
Blum & Stahl--Enzymic Degradation Of Cellulose Fibers; Reports
of the Shizuoka Prefectural Hamamatsu Textile Industrial Research
Institute No. 24 (1985)), as a bleaching agent to make new indigo
dyed denim look old (Fujikawa--Japanese Patent Application Kokai
No. 50-132269), to enhance the bleaching action of bleaching agents
(Suzuki--Great Britain Patent No. 2 094 826), and in a process for
compositions for enzymatic desizing and bleaching of textiles
(Windbichtler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,001. Another example of
enzymatic desizing using cellulases is provided in Bhatawadekar
(May 1983) Journal of the Textile Association, pages 83-86.
[0040] In other industrial embodiments, the cellulase compositions
can be used in the saccharification of lignocellulose biomass from
agriculture, forest products, municipal solid waste, and other
sources, for the production of fuels and other chemicals through
fermentation, for biobleaching of wood pulp, and for de-inking of
recycled print paper all by methods known to one skilled in the
art.
[0041] In yet another embodiment of the subject invention, various
components of the neutral and alkaline cellulase compositions can
be isolated and used independently of each other. Specific
components or cellulase composition enriched by certain cellulase
components can be produced or isolated by chemical and physical
means from mutants or specifically produced by genetic engineering
methods. The cellulase system can be purified into separate
components by art-recognized separation techniques including ion
exchange chromatography at a suitable pH, affinity chromatography,
size exclusion, chromatography and like. For example, in ion
exchange chromatography, it is possible to separate the cellulase
components by eluting with a pH gradient, or a salt gradient, or
both. Such separations can be done by those skilled in the art
having the benefit of the teachings provided herein.
[0042] Once the individual enzymatic components of the cellulase
composition are fractionalized and isolated the proteins may be
partially sequenced or microsequenced to design synthetic DNA or
probes to isolate the gene encoding the enzymatic proteins of
interest. Generally the amino terminal sequence of the protein is
determined by conventional protein sequencing methods or by
automated sequence (Ausubel et al., (1987) in "Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology", John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.).
Alternatively, other regions of the protein may be sequenced in
combination with chemical cleavage or enzymatic cleavage and
protein separation techniques. (Ausubel et al., (1987) in "Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology", John Wiley and Sons. New York,
N.Y.). One of skill in the art will understand that the synthetic
DNA clones or probes can be used in routine cloning techniques to
isolate the genes corresponding to the enzymes present in the
neutral/alkaline cellulase compositions produced by
Chrysosporium.
[0043] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that nucleic
acid sequences obtained by this invention in the art may vary due
to the degeneracy of the genetic code variations in the DNA
sequence, but will still result in a DNA sequence capable of
encoding the enzymatic components of the cellulase compositions.
Such DNA sequences are therefore functionally equivalent to the
nucleic acid sequences of the instant invention and are intended to
be encompassed within the present invention. Also intended to be
encompassed within this invention are nucleic acid sequences which
are complementary to nucleic acid sequences capable of hybridizing
to the disclosed nucleic acid sequence under a variety of
conditions.
[0044] This invention further includes the nucleic acid sequences
encoding the enzymes of the cellulase compositions of this
invention and those proteins or peptides having substantially the
same function as the enzymatic proteins or peptides of this
invention. Such proteins or polypeptides include, but are not
limited to, a fragment of the protein, or a substitution, addition
or deletion mutant. This invention also encompasses proteins or
peptides that are substantially homologous to the proteins encoding
the enzymes comprising the cellulase composition of this invention.
The term "analog" includes any polypeptide having an amino acid
residue sequence substantially identical to the sequence
specifically in which one or more residues have been conservatively
substituted with a functionally similar residue and which displays
the functional aspects of the proteins as described herein.
Examples of conservative substitutions include the substitution of
one non-polar (hydrophobic) residue such as isoleucine, valine, nu
leucine or alanine for another, the substitution of one polar
(hydrophilic) residue for another such as between arginine and
lysine, between glutamine and asparagine, between threonine and
serine, the substitution of one basic residue such as lysine,
arginine or histidine for another, or the substitution of one
acidic residue, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid for
another.
[0045] Proteins or polypeptides of the present invention also
include any polypeptide having one or more additions and/or
deletions or residues relative to the sequence of a polypeptide
whose sequence is included in the proteins of this invention so
long as the requisite activity is maintained.
[0046] This invention also provides a recombinant DNA molecule
comprising all or part of the nucleic acid sequences isolated by
this invention and a vector. Expression vectors suitable for use in
the present invention comprise at least one expression control
element operationally linked to the nucleic acid sequence. The
expression control elements are inserted in the vector to control
and regulate the expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Examples
of expression control elements include, but are not limited to, lac
system, operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, yeast or
other fungi promoters. Examples of promoters that may be used
include, but are not limited to, glucoamylase. Additional preferred
or required operational elements include, but are not limited to,
leader sequence, termination codons, polyadenylation signals and
any other sequences necessary or preferred for the appropriate
transcription and subsequent translation of the nucleic acid
sequence in the host system. It will be understood by one skilled
in the art the correct combination of required or preferred
expression control elements will depend on the host system chosen.
It will further be understood that the expression vector should
contain additional elements necessary for the transfer and
subsequent replication of the expression vector containing the
nucleic acid sequence in the host system. Examples of such elements
include, but are not limited to, origins of replication and
selectable markers. It will further be understood by one skilled in
the art that such vectors are constructed using conventional
methods (Ausubel et al., (1987) in "Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology", John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.) or may be
commercially available.
[0047] Another aspect of this invention relates to a host organism
into which recombinant expression vector containing all or part of
the nucleic acid sequence has been inserted. The host cells
transformed with the nucleic acid sequence of this invention
includes eukaryotes, such as animal, plants or seeds, insect and
yeast cells, fungal cells, and prokaryotes, such as E. coli or
other bacteria. Examples of fungal host cells include but are not
limited to Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Humicola, Periicillium, or
Neurospora. The means by which the vector carrying the gene may be
introduced into the cell include, but are not limited to,
transformation, microinjection, electroporation, transduction, or
transfection using DEAE-dextran, lipofection, calcium phosphate or
other procedures known to one skilled in the art (Sambrook et al.
(1989) in "Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual", Cold Spring
Harbor Press, Plainview, N.Y.). Alternatively, Chrysosporium cells
can be transformed with the nucleic acid sequence of this invention
to amplify production of cellulases by Chrysosporium.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, expression vectors that function
in fungal cells are ased. Examples of such vectors include, but are
not limited to plasmids, described in the patents (Ogawa; Japanese
patent JP5095787 A 930420, Ozeki; Japanese patent JP7115976 A
950509, Murakami; Japanese patent JP3094690 A 910419, Ishida;
Japanese patent JP3251175 A 911108, Uozumi; Japanese patent
JP5268953 A 931019 DW9346 C12N-009/34 011pp, Gottschalk; German
patent DE3908813 A 900920 DW9039 000 pp, Gysler; European patent
EP-683228 A2 951122 DW9551 C12n-015/60 Eng 041 pp). It is preferred
that the recombinant protein expression vector is introduced into
fungal cells, such to ensure proper processing and modification and
modification of the introduced protein.
[0049] In a further embodiment, the recombinant protein expressed
by the host cells can be obtained as a crude lysate or can be
purified by standard protein purification procedures known in the
art which may include differential precipitation, molecular sieve
chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing,
gel electrophoresis, affinity, and immunoaffinity chromatography
and the like. (Ausubel et. al., (1987) in "Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology" John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.). In the
case of immunoaffinity chromatography, the recombinant protein may
be purified by passage through a column containing a resin which
has bound thereto antibodies specific for the protein of interest
(Ausubel et. al., (1987) in "Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology" John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.).
[0050] All or parts of the nucleic acid sequences of this invention
can also be used as probes to isolate other homologs in other
genera or strains. In a preferred embodiment the nucleic acid
sequences are used to screen a Chysosporium library; positive
clones are selected and sequenced. Examples of sources from which
the gene library can be synthesized include, but are not limited to
species of Chlysosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Humicola,
Cephalosporium Tricoderma or bacteria such as Bacillus. One skilled
in the art will understand the appropriate hybridization conditions
to be used to detect the homologs. Conventional methods for nucleic
acid hybridization, construction of libraries and cloning
techniques are described in Sambrook et al., (eds) (1989) In
"Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual" Cold Spring Harbor Press,
Plainview, N.Y. and Ausubel et al., (eds) in "Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology" (1987), John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.
[0051] This invention also relates to mutant strains of
Chrysosporium, in particular, mutant strains of Chrysosporium
lucknowense capable of producing neutral and/or alkaline
cellulases. Methods of DNA mutagenesis and screening for mutants
are well known to these skilled in the art and include a variety of
chemical and enzymatic methods. Examples of such methods include
but are not limited to exposure of the fungi to ultraviolet light
(UV), nitrous acid, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NG), and
4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO). (Leninger (1972) Biochemistry,
Worth Publishers Inc., NY; Jeffrey H. Miller (1972) "Experiments in
Molecular Genetics. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Springs
Harbor, N.Y.). Preferred methods, include UV and NG. By way of
example, mutant strains of Chrysosporium capable of producing
increased levels cellulase compositions exhibiting enzymatic
activity at neutral and or alkaline pH's may be generated by UV
mutagenesis. By way of examples mutants may be produced by exposure
of the fungal spores to UV light for a period of about 10 to about
180 seconds, preferably 45 to about 90 seconds, and most preferably
65 to 75 seconds. Mutageneses involving NG may involve varying the
concentration of the NG and exposure time. By way of example NG, at
about 13 milligrams/liter (mg/L) to about 400 mg/L of NG may be
used for a period of exposure of about 15 minutes to about 120
minutes. Alternative methods for generating mutants include
techniques in the field of molecular biology. Examples of such
techniques include, but are not limited to, oligonucleotide
directed mutagenesis, linker scanning mutations or oligonucleotide
directed mutagenesis using polymerase chain reaction (Ausubel
(1987) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology).
[0052] Screening and selection of mutant Chrysosporium clones
exhibiting improved cellulase production can also be performed by
conventional methodology. Examples of selection criteria for
screening mutants includes, but is not limited, to the ability of
the fungal colony to breakdown cellulase as evidenced by cellulose
clearing by the fungi grown on media plates containing cellulose
and increased growth rate on media containing cellulose. By way of
example, after mutagenesis the fungal sample may be plated on agar
plates containing cellulose by conventional methodology. Colonies
exhibiting increased growth and cellulose clearing (as is evidenced
by clearing of the media surrounding the isolate) may be selected.
However, any other assay for cellulose clearing may be used. Once a
mutant is isolated the stock or spores derived from the mutant may
be maintained by conventional methodology. The mutants isolated by
this method may be cultured or fermented under the conditions
described herein and above for the wild type strains of
Chrysosporium. The individual enzymatic components of the cellulase
composition produced by the mutants may be partially sequenced or
microsequenced to design synthetic to isolate the genes encoding
the enzymatic proteins of interest. Thus, this invention relates to
the nucleic acid sequences encoding the cellulase enzymes produced
by the Chrysosporium mutants and to the enzymes themselves. In yet
another embodiment of this invention, the mutants isolated may be
subjected to further mutagenisis and screened by the methods
described herein above.
[0053] The present invention also relates to the production,
isolation and purification of cellulase enzymes, having both
endoglucanase and/or cellobiohydrolase activity from Chrysosporium
organisms of any species and strain desired and wherein the
purification methodology is not limited to the species of organism.
Such purified, or partially purified, protein fractions and enzymes
prepared therefrom are, in accordance with the present invention,
highly useful in applications such as stone washing, color
brightening, depilling and fabric softening, as well as other
applications well known in the art. Such purified enzyme
preparations are readily amenable to use as additives in detergent
and other media used for such applications. These and other methods
of use will readily suggest themselves to those of skill in the art
and need no detailed description herein. However, description of
typical methods of employing these preparations is provided in the
examples that follow.
[0054] All books, patents or articles references herein are
incorporated by reference. The following examples illustrate
various aspects of the invention but in no way are included to
limit the invention. All percentages are by weight and all solvent
mixture propoitions are by volume unless otherwise noted.
Materials and Methods
[0055] Enzyme assays. The assay for CMCase, used carboxymethyl
cellulose as the enzymatic substrate, measured the initial rate of
hydrolysis, and quantified the amount of reducing sugars released
according to the method of Somogyi and Nelson. The method is
described in Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 160A, pp. 102-104.
Endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity was assayed viscometrically as a
rate of the decrease of viscosity of soluble substrate CMC
according to Bioorganicheskaya Khimia, Vol. 6, pp. 1225-1242
(endoviscometric assay). Filter paper activity (FPA) or total
cellulase activity used filter paper as the substrate and estimated
the activity required to release 2 mg glucose from a 50-mg sample
of filter paper. The assay is based on the Commission on
Biotechnology (IUPAC) for the measurement for total cellulase
activity or true cellulase and is described in Methods in
Enzymology, Vol. 160A, pp. 94-97. Avicelase activity was estimated
as initial rate of reducing sugar formation during hydrolysis if
Avicell-cellulose (as described in Bioresource Technology, Vol. 52,
pp. 119-124). The assay of cellobiase used cellobiose as the
substrate and measured the amount of glucose released (described in
Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 160A, pp. 111-112). The assay of
.beta.-glucosidase activity used p-nitrophenyl-.beta.-D-glucoside
as the substrate (described in Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 160A,
pp. 109-1100). The protein was determined by Lowry method
(according to Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol. 193, pp.
165-175). The assay of RBB-CMCase is based on determination of the
dye release from soluble substrate RBB-CMC (CMC, dyed with
Remazolbrilliant Blue), reference to assay--see Megazyme
(Australia) Ltd., Product Information Bulletin, April, 1995.
Endo-cellulase can also be measured using the Cellazyme assay with
Azurine-crosslinked HE-cellulose as substrate (see Megazyme Product
Bulletin CEL, January, 1996).
EXAMPLE 1
Isolation of C1 Strain
[0056] The strain was isolated from samples of forest alkaline soil
from Sola Lake, Far East of Russian Federation (Pacific Coast of
Russia, about 5000 miles east from Moscow). A mixed soil sample was
collected from 10 different sites. One gram of each sample was
transferred into a flask with 100 ml sterile tap water and
sonicated with an ultrasonid dispenser for 1 minute (0.44 Amp, 22
KHz). The suspension (diluted 1:500) was inoculated into petri
dishes with Czapek medium (pH 5.5-6.0) containing 100 mg/L
streptomycin. The study was conducted in three replicates. Colonies
of various color shape and size were identified for a second
isolation step. Further isolation of the sample was performed on
plates with Czapek media, malt agar, potato dextrose agar, or
Getchinson saline medium pH 7.5 (Table 2). Plates were incubated at
about 28.degree. C. for several days. Selection for cellulase
producers was performed on cellulose agar plates which contained
the components shown in Table 1. Preparation of amorphous cellulose
is described in Methods in Enzymology vol. 160A.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Cellulose agar plates Ingredients g/L
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 1 KCl 0.1 MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.3 NaCl 0.1
FeCl.sub.3 0.01 NaNO.sub.3 2.5 Amorphous cellulose 5 Agar 15 pH
7.5
[0057] The plates were incubated for 3-7 days at 28.degree. C. The
formation of light clearing halos around the colonies indicated
cellulase activity. One strain, designated herein as C1, that
exhibited significant levels of cellulase activity was chosen for
additional study. The strain was deposited at the All-Russian
Collection of Microorganisms of Russian Academy of Sciences, (VKM),
abbreviation in English--RCM), Bakhrushina St. 8: Moscow, Russia,
113184 under the Budapest Treat on Aug. 29, 1996, as Chrysosporium
lucknowense Garg 27K, VKM-F 3500 D).
EXAMPLE 2
Characterization of C1 Strain
[0058] Growth of the C1 strain on potato dextrose agar gives
colonies of 55-60 mm diameter after 7 days. C1 colonies exhibit a
white-cream color, the surface is velvet-like and has a slightly
raised center. The edge of the colonies is a flat, thin and
fibereil. The back side of the colonies has a light cream
color.
[0059] The mycelium has hyaline and is slightly branched and
smooth. The hyphae are thin-walled. Air hyphae are septate and form
spores of 2.0-3.0 micrometers width; the substrate hyphae are
sterile.
[0060] The conidia are terminal and lateral. No intercalary conidia
were found. The majority of conidia are connected with hyphae
through short stems or short side branches. The conidia are
separated but adjacent. Conidia are hyaline, thin-walled, oval or
clavate, and single cellular. Their size varies from 4 to 10
micrometers in diameter.
[0061] The C1 strain can be maintained on malt extract agar (at
4.degree. C.), and transferred each six months. Maintenance in
liquid nitrogen and by lyophilization is also possible. The C1
strain is haploid, filamentous, can grow on agar plates with growth
restricting agents like bovinebile (1.5%), and produces spores.
EXAMPLE 3
Classification of C1 Strain
[0062] According to Sutton classification (Van Dorschot, C.A.N.
[1980] "A revision of Chrysosporium and allied genera," in Studies
in Mycology, No. 20, Centraaddbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Baarn,
The Netherlands, pp. 1-36), the C1 strain of the subject invention
belongs to the order of Hyphomycetales, family of Moniliaceae,
genus of Chrysosporium, species of Chrysosporium lucknowense Garg
1966. This classification was based on observation of the following
characteristics of the C1 strain:
[0063] 1. Signs of Hyphomycetales order. Conidia are produced
directly on mycelium, on separate sporogenous cells or on distinct
conidiophores.
[0064] 2. Signs of Moniliaceae family. Both conidia and
conidiophores (if present) are hyaline or brightly colored;
conidiophores are single or in loose clusters.
[0065] 3. Signs of Chrysosporium Corda 1833 genus. Colonies are
usually spreading, white, sometimes cream-colored, pale brown or
yellow, felty and/or powdery. Hyphae are mostly hyaline and
smooth-walled, with irregular, more or less orthotopic branching.
Fertile hyphae exhibit little or no differentiation. Conidia are
terminal and lateral, thallic, borne all over the hyphae, sessile
or on short protrusions or side branches, subhyaline or pale
yellow, thin- or thick-walled, subglobose, clavate, pyriform,
orobovoid, 1-celled, rarely 2-celled, truncate. Intercalary conidia
are sometimes present, are solitary, occasionally catenate,
subhyaline or pale yellow, broader than the supporting hyphae,
normally 1-celled, truncate at both ends. Chlamydospores are
occasionally present.
[0066] 4. Signs of Chlysosporium lucknowense Garg 1966 species.
Colonies attain 55 mm diameter on Sabouraud glucose agar in 14
days, are cream-colored, felty and fluffy; dense and 3-5 mm high;
margins are defined, regular, and fimbriate; reverse pale yellow to
cream-colored. Hyphae are hyaline, smooth- and thin-walled, little
branched. Aerial hyphae are mostly fertile and closely septate,
about 1-3.5 mm wide. Submerged hyphae are infertile, about 1-4.5 mm
wide, with the thinner hyphae often being contorted. Conidia are
terminal and lateral, mostly sessile or on short, frequently
conical protrusions or short side branches. Conidia are solitary
but in close proximity to one another, 1-4 conidia developing on
one hyphal cell, subhyaline, fairly thin- and smooth-walled, mostly
subglobose, also clavate orobovoid, 1-celled, 2.5-11.times.1.5-6
mm, with broad basal scars (1-2 mm). Intercalary conidia are
absent. Chlamydospores are absent.
[0067] 5. Description of C1 strain. Colonies grow to about 55-60 mm
diameter in size on potato-dextrose agar in about 7 days; are
white-cream-colored, felty, 2-3 mm high at the center; margins are
defined, regular, fimbriate; reverse pale, cream-colored. Hyphae
are hyaline, smooth- and thin-walled, little branched. Aerial
hyphae are fertile, septate, 2-3 mm wide. Submerged hyphae are
infertile. Conidia are terminal and lateral; sessile or on short
side branches; absent; solitary, but in close proximity to one
another, hyaline, thin- and smooth-walled, subglobose, clavate or
obovoid, 1-celled, 4-10 mm. Chlamydospores are absent. Intercalary
conidia are absent.
[0068] Conclusion. C1 is a strain of Chrysosporium lucknowense Garg
1966. For convenience the cellulase made by this strain is referred
to herein as "C1" or "C1 cellulase."
EXAMPLE 4
Assay for Cellulase Activity
[0069] The C1 strain was grown in 800 ml shake flasks rotated at
220 rpm and incubated at 28.degree. C. The C1 strain was grown in
saline Getchinson medium (See Table 2) (pH 7.5) containing 5 g/L of
various nutrients, and in some cases with 2 g/L microcrystalline
cellulose. One hundred ml of media were added to each flask.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Getchinson medium for shake flasks g/L
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 1 KCl 0.1 MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.3 NaCl 0.1
FeCl.sub.3 0.01 NaNO.sub.3 2.5
[0070] Combinations of glucose and microcrystalline cellulose,
dextrose and microcrystalline cellulose, glycerol and
microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and microcrystalline cellulose
resulted in very low growth, formation of large aggregates of
mycelium, and in the absence of cellulase activities (CMCase
assay). The results are presented in Table 3. Additions of nitrogen
organic sources, i.e., peptone, corn steep liquor, or yeast extract
enhanced growth and cellulase production and did not result in
mycelium aggregates.
[0071] Lactose and yeast extract gave the highest cellulase
production by C1. Similar results were obtained when the lactose
and yeast extract were substituted with 25 g/L sweet beet pulp, 15
g/L barley malt, and 5 g/L wheat bran.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on
CMCase activity of C1 (shake flasks results) CMCase activity
(units/ml) at pH 7.0 Days Substrate 3 5 7 Glucose + cellulose 0 0 0
Dextrose + cellulose 0 0 0 Glycerol + cellulose 0 0 0 Lactose +
cellulose 0 0 0 Lactose + corn steep liquor 0 0 0.9 Lactose +
peptone 10.7 7.4 14.8 Lactose + yeast extract 0 18.5 10.0 Cellulose
+ peptone 0.3 1.2 1.6 Cellulose + corn steep liquor 1.9 2.8 5.5
EXAMPLE 5
Production of Cellulase for Stone Wash Tests
[0072] 1. Production in shake flasks. C1 strain was grown in 800 ml
shake flasks rotated at 220 rpm and incubated at 28.degree. C. for
seven days. The growth medium 100 ml per flask was saline
Getchinson medium (see Table 2) (pH 7.5) containing 25 g/L sweet
beet pulp, 15 g/L barley malt, and 5 g/L wheat bran. The cell mass
was separated by centrifugation and the cell-free supernatant was
lyophilized and stored for further tests. C1 cellulase preparation
#s 47.1.1 to 47.15.1 were produced in this manner. C1 preparation
#47.16.1 was produced by the same manner, but cell-free supernatant
after centrifugation was ultrafiltrated using a 10 kDa cutoff
membrane before lyophilization. C1 preparation #'s 47.18.1 to
47.22.1 were produced by the same manner in shake flasks with
Getchinson medium, but containing lactose (0.5% w/v) and peptone
(0.5% w/v) instead of sweet beet pulp, barley malt and wheat bran.
The cell mass was separated by centrifugation and the cell free
supernatant was lyophilized and stored for further tests.
Preparation #'s 47.1000, 47.1001, 47.2000 & 47.2001 were
produced in shake flasks by the same manner as preparation ft's
47.1.1-47.15.1 except that they were produced using other
Chrysosporium strains. Specifically, 47.2001 was produced by
Chrysosporium pannorum, preparation 47.2000 was produced by
Chrysosporium pruinosum, preparation 47.1001 was produced by
Chrysosporium keratinophilim and preparation 47.1000 was produced
by Chrysosporium queenslandicum (see Example 8). The protein
content and activity fingerprints of these C1 preparations are
shown in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Protein content and activity fingerprints of
C1 preparations and preparation #'s 47.1000, 47.1001, 47.2000 &
47.2001 which were prepared from other species of Chrysosporium sp.
CMC- Endo Avice- .beta.-Gluco- Preparation Protein, FPA, ase,
(visc), lase, sidase, # % FPU/g U/g U/g U/g U/g 47.1.1 22 13 170
120 23 135 47.2.1 26 14 137 110 22 190 47.3.1 15 19 140 128 18 198
47.4.1 18 23 150 133 55 220 47.5.1 16 20 179 120 71 185 47.6.1 17
22 224 134 82 280 47.7.1 8 4 78 123 10 22 47.8.1 22 14 168 123 19
124 47.9.1 28 15 204 174 23 151 47.10.1 24 11 181 185 16 147
47.11.1 28 16 234 191 25 269 47.12.1 26 14 167 138 20 178 47.13.1
25 9 137 110 13 141 47.14.1 15 6 39 33 9 59 47.15.1 14 6 95 44 10
75 47.16.1 16 10 146 39 15 107 47.17.1 7 3 100 34 5 29 47.18.1 10
30 120 38 10 42 47.19.1 14 4 28 10 4 11 47.20.1 14 6 17 5 1 9
47.21.1 13 3 34 5 3 9 47.22.1 14 5 35 6 3 10 47.1000 18 4 31 35 6
89 47.1001 13 6 103 38 10 66 47.2000 10 3 78 31 7 67 47.2001 13 3
45 39 7 4 47.0325 50 155 4965 964 184 248 47.0528 67 111 13500 1782
232 423
[0073] 2. Production in fermentors. C1 cellulase was produced in a
10-L "ANKUM-1M" fermentor with Getchinson medium, lactose (0.5%
w/v), peptone (0.5% w/v), and chloramphenicol (50 mg/mL). Initial
volume of the nutrition medium was 7.0 L, final volume after
fermentation was 7.3 L. The dissolved oxygen concentration (DO),
agitation speed, aeration level, temperature, and pH were
controlled. Fermentation was carried out as a batch-mode. The
temperature of the fermentation was controlled at 28.degree. C. The
initial pH was 7.5 and was later maintained at that level by
addition of NH.sub.4OH (12% w/v). The aeration was at 4-5 L/minute
and agitation at 400-500 rpm. The DO was maintained at above 50%.
Samples (30 ml) were taken for analysis every 8 hours. At the end
of fermentation, fungal biomass was separated by centrifugation
(10,000 g, room temperature, 20 minutes), and culture filtrate was
lyophilized and stored for further tests. The results are shown in
Table 5. Cellulase preparation #47.17.1 was produced in this
manner. Protein content and activity fingerprint of this C1
preparation is shown in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Production of C1 cellulase in 10-L fermentor
Time (h) DO (%) Reducing sugars (g/L) CMCase (U/mL) 0 100 4.8 0 8
90 4.7 0 16 54 4.4 0 24 66 1.2 4 32 70 0.4 10 40 73 0.3 11.5 48 70
0.1 5 56 70 0 1
[0074] 3. Production of C1 Preparation #s 47.0325 and 47.0528. C1
cellulase preparation #47.0325 was produced using the wild type C1
strain, preparation #47.0528 was produced using an improved mutant
obtained from the wild type C1 strain. These preparations were
grown up fermentors under the conditions described in Examples 13
and 15. Preparation 47.0325 was produced using a batch fermentation
and 47.0528 was produced using a fed batch fermentation
protocol.
[0075] 4. Preparation of Humicola wild type preparation #'s 14.22.1
& 14.23.1 The wild type Humicola grisea var. thermoidea
preparation #14.22.1 was produced from the ATCC 16453 strain and
the wild type Humicola insolens preparation #14.23.1 was produced
from the ATCC 16454 strain. These Humicola wild type preparations
were produced in shake flasks using the same method as described
above for (Production in shake flasks) of C1 preparation #'s
47.1.1-#47.15.1.
EXAMPLE 6
Comparison of C1 to Other Neutral Cellulases
[0076] The FPA, CMCase and endoglucanase activities of C1 enzyme
preparation #47.0528 were compared to commercial Humicola insolens
(Denimax XT) and to wild ATCC-type Humicola (preparation #'s
14.22.1 Humicola grisea var. thermoidea (ATCC 16453) & 14.23.1
Humicola insolens (ATCC 16454) neutral cellulases. The results are
given in the Table 6. The total activities of C-1 #47.0528 are
clearly higher than those of neutral cellulases from wild type
Humicola and from commercial Humicola insolens preparation. The
specific CMCase and endoglucanase activities (as units per gram of
dry preparation or units per gram of protein) of C-1 47.0528 are
higher than those of all tested Humicola preparations listed in
Table 6. The specific FPA of C-1 #47.0528 is higher than the
specific FPA of Humicola wild type preparations #14.22.1 &
14.23 and slightly lower than the specific FPA of the Humicola
insolens commercial product Denimax XT. The pH and thermal
stability of C1 cellulase was similar to Denimax XT.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Comparison of C1 and Humicola cellulases.
Endo Endo FPA CMCase (visc) FPA CMCase (visc) unit/1 gram of
units/1 gram of Protein % dry preparation protein C1 (47.0528) 67
111 13,500 1782 165 20,115 2,655 Humicola sp. (# 14.23.1) 10 2 28
30 20 280 300 Humicola sp. (# 14.23.1) 10 1 11 19 10 110 190
Denimax XT 13 25 450 99 192 3,460 761 (commercial) (*) Activities
were measured at pH 5.0 and 50.degree. C.
EXAMPLE 7
The Effect of pH and Temperature on Activity and Stability of C1
FPA and CMCase Activities
[0077] The FPA and CMCase activities of C1 exhibit optimal
stability and activity at about pH 6-7 and about 50-60.degree. C.;
the pH optimum for CMCase activity is about 6.5, and the optimum
temperature is about 55.degree. C. (see Tables 8,9). At pH 8.0
(50.degree. C.), CMCase possesses 80% activity, and FPA--78%
activity, at pH 9.0 (50.degree. C.), CMCase possesses 65% activity,
and FPA--52% activity (see Table 7.).
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 the effect of pH on FPA and CMCase
activities of C1 cellulase (#47.19.1) at 50.degree. C. pH
(50.degree. C.) FPA (%) CMCase (%) 4.0 50 60 4.5 68 70 5.0 75 78
5.5 80 80 6.0 92 90 6.5 100 100 7.0 95 95 7.5 90 92 8.0 78 80 8.5
60 75 9.0 52 65
[0078] The incubation time for the FPA assay was 60 minutes, the
incubation time for CMCase assay was 5 minutes.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 The effect of temperature on FPA and CMCase
activities of C1 cellulase (#47.19.1), at pH 7.0 Temperature (C.)
FPA (%) CMCase (%) 40 45 50 45 60 55 50 70 65 55 100 100 60 70 60
65 40 30 70 20 25
[0079] The incubation time for the FPA assay was 60 minutes, the
incubation time for the CMCase assay was 5 minutes.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Stability of CMCase of C1 cellulase (#
47.19.1) at 50.degree. C. CMCase activity remained (%) Time (h) pH
5.1 pH 7.2 pH 7.7 pH 8.5 0 100 100 100 100 0.5 100 98 95 85 1 100
95 93 55 2 100 82 78 32 3 100 78 65 25 5 100 75 45 15
[0080] The CMCase of C1 exhibits high stability at optimal pH and
temperature: For Example; at pH 7.2 and 50 C CMCase possesses 95%
activity after 1 hour and 75% activity after 5 hours, at pH 7.7 and
50 C CMCase possesses 93% activity after 1 hour and 45% activity
after 5 hours (See Table 9.).
EXAMPLE 8
Neutral and or Alkaline Cellulase Activity/Performance Demonstrated
in Other Strains of the Same Genera of Chrysosporium
[0081] Various strains of the Chrysosporium genus were tested for
cellulase production. The full names and origins of these strains
are described below.
[0082] Strains obtained from the American Type Culture Collection
(ATCC). Rockville. Md., include:
[0083] 1. ATCC 44006 Chrysosporium lucknowense
[0084] 2. ATCC 34151 Chrysosporium pannorum
[0085] 3. ATCC 24782 Chrysosporium pruinosum
[0086] Strains obtained from the Russian Collection of
Microorganisms (VKM) include:
[0087] 1. VKMF-2119 Chrysosporium keratinophilum
[0088] 2. VKMF-2875 Chrysosporium keratinophilum
[0089] 3. VKMF-2120 Chrysosporium lobatum
[0090] 4. VKMF-2121 Chrysosporium merdarium
[0091] 5. VKMF-2116 Chrysosporium queenslandicum
[0092] 6. VKMF-2117 Chrysosporium queenslandicum
[0093] 7. VKMF-2877 Chrysosporium tropicum
[0094] Two types of growth media were used in this study: medium
A--Getchinson with sugar beet press, barley malt, and wheat bran:
and medium B--Getchinson with peptone and lactose. The compositions
of the media are described in Table 11.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 11 Media for flasks studies Medium A g/L
Medium B g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 1 K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 1 KCl 0.1 KCl 0.1
MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.3 MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.3 NaCl
0.1 NaCl 0.1 FeCl.sub.3 0.01 FeCl.sub.3 0.01 NaNO.sub.3 2.5
NaNO.sub.3 2.5 Sweet beet pulp 25 Lactose 5 Barley malt 15 Peptone
5 Wheat bran 5 pH 7.5 pH 7.5
[0095] The strains were grown in shake flasks at 220 rpm and at
28.degree. C. Samples of each strain grown in Medium A were taken
for analysis after 6 and 7 days of culture. Samples of strains
grown in Medium B were taken after 5 days in culture. All samples
were assayed for CMCase activity at pH 5 and 7. The results of the
CMCase assay are shown in Table 12.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 12 Cellulase production by different strains
of Chrysosporium medium A medium A medium B (6 days) (7 days) (5
days) CMCase CMCase CMCase Strains RS pH 5 pH 7 RS pH 5 pH 7 RS pH
5 pH 7 1 VKMF 2.7 0 0.46 2.6 0.00 0.00 2.3 0.21 0.09 2117 2. VKMF
1.1 0.22 0.04 0.2 0.38 0.61 4.0 0.58 0.59 2116 3. VKMF 1.9 0 0.57
1.1 0.25 0.10 2.5 0.25 0.09 2121 4. ATCC 3.4 0.33 1.40 1.9 1.85
0.11 3.0 1.10 0.06 24782 5. ATCC 1.0 1.54 0.90 0.9 0.17 0.20 4.3
0.81 0.90 34151 6. ATCC 4.4 0.21 0.49 2.0 0.68 0.34 2.5 1.29 0.06
44006 7. VKMF 4.1 0 0.08 2.7 0.29 0.00 3.8 0.95 0.04 2119 8. VKMF
4.5 0 0.17 2.3 0.23 0.00 2.3 0.12 0.00 2120 9. VKMF 1.6 0 1.01 1.7
0.00 0.00 3.8 1.96 0.05 2875 10. VKMF 2.4 0 0.03 0.8 0.22 0.00 5.0
0.43 0.00 2877 11. C1 2.9 1.70 1.65 nt nt nt 0.1 0.89 0.80 (VKMF
3500D) RS = concentration of reducing sugars in the fermentation
medium at the end of fermentation, g/L (Nelson-Somogyi method). pH
5, pH 7 = the values of pH under which the CMCase activity of the
fermentation broth was assayed. CMCase activity in U/ml. nt = not
tested
[0096] In the cases of strains ATCC 34151 Chrysosporium pannorum,
ATCC 24782 Chrysosporium pruinosum, VKMF-2875 Chrysosporium
keratinophilum, VKMF 2116 Chrysosporium queenslandicum the cell
mass was separated by centrifugation and cell free supernatant
concentrated from 5 liters to 0.5 liter by ultrafiltration using 10
kDa cut-off membrane. Then the ultrafiltrated concentrate was
lyophilized and stored for tests.
[0097] The following #-s of cellulase dry preparations were
used:
[0098] 47.2001--ATCC 34151 Chrysosporium pannorum,
[0099] 47.2000--ATCC 24782 Chrysosporium pruinosum,
[0100] 47.1001--VKMF-2875 Chrysosporium keratinophilum.
[0101] 47.1000--VKMF 2116 Chrysosporium queenslaandicum.
[0102] Protein content and activity fingerprints of these
preparations are given in Table 4.
EXAMPLE 9
Stone Wash Tests
[0103] A. Tests with 2-L special washing machine. This system
assesses the stone wash performance characteristics related to
abrasion and backstaining using only small amounts of enzyme.
[0104] Desizing. Forty pieces (30 g each, 25.times.20 cm) of denim
fabric (roll) (1.2 kg) were desized in a household washer at
60.degree. C. for 20 minutes using a fabric:liquor ratio of 1:6
(7.2 L) and 0.5 g/L (3.6 g) Sandoclean PC liquid (nonionic washing
and wetting agent on base of ethyoxylated fatty alcohols with an
average of 6 moles of ethylene oxide, 1 g/L (7.2 g) Sirrix 2UD
(acidic buffered sequestration) and 1 g/L (7.2 g) Bactosol TK
liquid (high temperature stable alpha-amylase) at a pH of about 5
to 6. After 20 minutes, the liquor was drained and the pieces
washed for 5 minutes with cold water (14 L) liquid ratio 1:10. The
pieces were dried at 40.degree. C. and used as a stock of
comparable samples for the determination of cellulase activity
[0105] The cellulase treatment of the garment pieces was carried
out in a washing machine consisting of an inner drum of 29 cm
diameter drum--10.6 l total volume (drum rotates at 20 rpm--five
turns left--five turns right). Each piece of fabric was sewn
together with 4 rubber stoppers prior to the cellulase treatment to
give a garment package that ensured that the mechanical effect
occurred mainly on the darker outer side of the garment. Each drum
was filled with one package and 10 additional rubber stoppers.
[0106] The general wash conditions were: 30 g desized denim jean
fabric, cellulase in 0.02 M citrate buffer, 50.degree. C., 60
minutes, garment:liquor ratio 1:4. After the cellulase treatment
the package was washed with hot water (50 C) (garment:liquid ratio
1:20) for 5 minutes and dried for evaluation.
[0107] Application trials were conducted using various C1 cellulase
preparations along with other cellulase preparations prepared from
different species of Chrysosporium as well as the commercial Novo
Nordisk neutral cellulase products, Denimax XT (U.S. Pat. No.
4,435,307) and Ultra MG (WPO 91/17243). These application trials
were set up to evaluate the stone wash performance characteristics
of C-1 as well as several other species of Chrysosporium cellulases
vs Novo's commercial neutral cellulases. The trials were run at
neutral and alkaline pH's (6.5, 6.7, 7.0, and 8.0). The results are
presented in Table 13. Garments treated with various C1 and other
Chrysosporium cellulase preparations showed similar wash
performance characteristics to those of the commercial neutral
cellulases Denimax XT and Denimax Ultra MG. The C-1 and other
Chrysosporium cellulase preparations showed good softening effect,
bleaching/overall shade reduction, abrasion levels as well as low
backstaining values when run under neutral and alkaline pH
conditions. Datacolor measurement is based on the degree of
lightness of the sample (reflectance). The sample is exposed to
white light (2 pulsed Xenon flash lamps) and the remission is
detected between 400 and 700 nm with 16 diodes. Reflectance from
the front side, the higher value the more abrasion. Reflectance
from the back side, the higher value the more backstaining.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 13 Enzyme Wash With Special 2 Liter Machine
(135 grams of denim per run) Endo CMCase (visc) Liquor Time
Datacolor Datacolor Enzyme Amount g % OWG U/g /run U/g /run
.degree. C. ratio pH (min) Buffer Abrasion Backstng C-1 1.995 1.5
234 474 191 381 50 1:11 7.2 60 0.02MP 13.1 1.8 47.11.1 Denimax XT
0.133 0.10 450 60 99 13 50 1:11 7.0 60 0.02MP 13.1 2.4 C-1 2.100
1.5 167 338 138 290 50 1:11 6.7 60 0.02MP 14.2 1.8 47.12.1 Denimax
XT 0.420 0.30 450 182 99 42 50 1:11 6.6 60 0.02MP 14.0 2.3 C-1
47.9.1 3.29 2.44 204 671 174 572 50 1:11 6.7 60 0.02MP 17.1 1.8 C-1
2.3 1.7 146 336 39 90 50 1:11 6.7 60 0.02MP 16.2 2.3 47.16.1U
47/1000.1 7.0 5.19 48 336 14 98 50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP 12.9 2.1
47/2001.1 7.15 5.30 47 336 20 143 50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP 14.7 1.7
Denimax 0.132 0.10 134 18 243 32 50 1:11 7.3 60 0.02MP 14.1 3.5
UltraMG C-1 7.14 5.29 28 200 9 64 50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP 14.7 1.9
47.19.1 C-1 0.068 0.05 4965 338 964 66 50 1:11 7.0 60 0.02MP 15.1
2.3 47.0325 Denimax XT 1.0 0.74 450 450 99 99 50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP
19.1 2.8 C-1 0.08 0.05 4800 384 1782 143 50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP 18.5
3.0 47.0528 C-1 0.136 0.10 4965 675 964 131 50 1:11 6.0 60 0.02MP
18.3 3.8 47.0325 C-1 0.136 0.10 4965 675 964 131 50 1:11 7.0 60
0.02MP 18.9 3.2 47.0325 C-1 0.136 0.10 4965 675 964 131 50 1:11 8.0
60 0.02MP 16.7 2.5 47.0325 Humicola 9.18 6.80 28 257 30 275 50 1:11
6.7 60 0.02MP 14.9 1.3 14.22.1 Humicola 9.18 6.80 11 101 19 174 50
1:11 6.7 60 0.02MP 12.5 1.5 14.23.1 T. reesei 0.30 0.22 9190 2737
2000 600 50 1:11 4.8 60 0.02CA 17.5 8.0 CP Blank 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 0
50 1:11 6.5 60 0.02MP 9.1 n/a 0.02MP = Phosphate Buffer System
0.01CA = Citric Acid Buffer System T. reesei CP = Commercial acid
cellulase product produced from Trichoderma reesei. Datacolor
Abrasion = reflectance from the front side, the higher the values,
the more abrasion, Blank = 9.1 Datacolor Backstng = reflectance
from the back side, the lower the values, the lower the back
staining % OWG = for example for 1% OWG, 1 lb of enzyme is used on
100 lbs of garment
[0108] B. Tests with 35 lb washing machine. Application Trials were
run in a 35 lb washing machine (35 lb washing machine brand is
Milnor--washer RPM is 30). Load size is 2400 g (3 garments),
garments used are Levi's 505 jeans. Water level for cellulase bath
is 15 L for a liquor ratio of 6.25:1 (low). The water level for all
other baths is 24 L for a liquor ratio of 10:1 (Med). The buffering
system used is MAP--monoammonium phosphate and DAP--diammonium
phosphate to maintain the pH of 6.7 during the cellulase bath. In
Trials 4, 5, 6 & 7 a nonionic detergent was added to the
cellulase bath, it is known that adding a detergent to the
cellulase bath will help in reducing the backstaining on the
garments. Zeke is a desizing product. SSCE is Superscour, a
nonionic detergent (Zeke and Super Scour are commercial specialty
textile chemical products offered by CPN International, Ltd., Inc
of Jupiter, Fla.). One Example of the Wash Formulas used in these
trials is Trial 2. below;
TABLE-US-00013 Wash Formula - Trial 2. (C-1 47.0528) Load (g) 2400
(3 gmts) Fabric: Denim Formula Time: 1:30 Machine: 35# Milnor
Weight: 14.5 oz Developed by: Step Operation Time (min) Level Temp
(F.) Chemical Amount % OWG pH 1 Desize 10 Med 150 Zeke 48 g 2 2
Drain Balance 3 Rinse 2 Med 140 4 Drain Balance 5 Rinse 2 Med 130 6
Drain Balance 7 Abrasion 75 Low 125 MAP 29 g buffer 6.7 (15L) DAP
10 g C-1 1.2 g 0.05 8 Drain Balance 9 Wash 10 Med 160 SSCE 24 g 1
10 Drain Balance 11 Rinse 3 Med 120 12 Drain Balance 13 Rinse 3 Med
100 14 Drain Balance 15 Rinse 3 Med 100 16 Drain Balance 17 Extract
2
[0109] In the example above, and in commercial use, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that the use of pumice stones in the
stonewash process will enhance the overall stonewash effect on the
garments.
[0110] The results in Table 14. show that the C1 cellulase
preparations #47.0325 and #47.0528 performed better in terms of the
overall level of abrasion achieved on the garments and well within
the range of the backstaining level of the other commercial neutral
cellulase products tested.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Comparison of C-1 Cellulase Preparations
47.0325 & 47.0528 To Commercial Neutral Cellulases Denimax XT
& BTU 202-318 (which contains Denimax XT) % T Trial Cellulase
OWG Wt (g) Detergent (.degree. F.) pH t (min) 1 Denimax XT 0.50
12.0 no 130 6.7 75 2 C-1 47.0528 0.05 1.2 no 125 6.7 75 3 C-1
47.0325 0.10 2.4 no 125 6.7 75 4 Denimax XT 0.50 12.0 yes 130 6.7
75 5 C-1 47.0528 0.05 1.2 yes 125 6.7 75 6 C-1.47 0325 0.10 2.4 yes
125 6.7 75 7 BTU 202-318 2.50 60.0 yes 130 SB 75 ABRASION
BACKSTAINING (Most to Least) (Least to Most) Trial 5 Trial 4 Trial
6 Trial 5 Trial 2 Trial 6 Trial 3 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 1 Trial 1
Trial 2 Trial 7 Trial 7 Figure Legand for Table 14 All of the
trials in table 14. were cleaned up with Super Scour (nonionic
detergent) at 1.0% OWG, 160 F. for 5 minutes. SB = Self Buffered -
the commercial product "ROCKSOFT" BTU 202-318 contains Denimax XT,
detergent and a buffer system as well as other additives to help
enhance the stone wash performance of this commercial product.
[0111] C. Tests with 60-L special washing machine. Whole denim
garments were desized as described for the 2-L washing machine
tests. Each wash test was made with 1 pair of jeans (700 g), 2.8 L
liquid (fabric:liquid ratio 1:4). All jeans were from the same dye
lot. They were prewashed using an oxidation method for 15 minutes,
then dried. Blue jeans washed at neutral pH with formulated C1
cellulase preparations 47.0325 using 2.4 grams per trial and
47.0528 using 1.5 grams for one trial and using 1.0 gram for a
second trial were compared directly against blue jeans washed under
neutral pH conditions and similar formulations using Denimax XT at
12 grams per trial and two other commercial neutral cellulases;
Bactosol JE using 2.0% OWG and BTU 202-318 using 2.0% OWG (Bactosol
JE and BTU 202-318 contain Denimax XT, buffer, detergent as well as
other additives to enhance their wash performance). Table 15. shows
that the blue jeans from all three C-1 trials outperformed the
three commercial neutral cellulase products in terms of the level
of abrasion achieved as well as the overall color reduction of the
garments. The level of backstaining on the blue jeans from all six
trials was very good, they were very similar to one another and
what one would expect and see when using Novo's neutral cellulase
Denimax XT. The backstaining values for all three of these C-1
trials were within the range of the backstaining values as shown in
Table 13. The finished garments from these trials and the trials as
rated and shown in Table 14 above were rated in a blind study by
four independent groups, of three or more people per group. The
people that made up each of these groups are considered to be
skilled in the art of stonewashing. They were asked to place each
of the garments in the following order: (1) Greatest overall
abrasion and color reduction to least overall abrasion and color
reduction; and (2) Backstaining, lowest level of backstaining to
highest level of backstaining (See Table 15).
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 ABRASION/ COLOR TRIAL ENZYME DOSAGE BUFFER
DETERGENT REDUCTION BACKSTAINING Trial A C-1 47.0528 1.5 grams
Phosphate Yes ++++++ 5 Trial B C-1 47.0528 1.0 grams Phosphate Yes
+++++ 2 Trial C C-1 47.0325 2.4 grams Phosphate Yes +++++ 4 Trial D
Denimax XT 12.0 grams Phosphate Yes ++++ 3 Trial E BTU 202-318 2.0%
OWG Phosphate Yes +++ 6 Trial F Bactosol JE 2.0% OWG Citrate Yes
+++ 1 Legend for Table 15: Abrasion/Color Reduction - ++++++ (+6)
best (= > ++++ (4) is considered good and was comparable to
commercial netural cellulases (e.g. - Denimax XT) Backstaining -
The lower number the better (all jeans were judged to be within the
range of backstaining as found when using Novo's Denimax TX).
Neutral cellulase significantly decreased backstaining compared
with traditional acid cellulases such as Trichoderma (see Example
13) % OWG--% Of Weight of Garment, for example for 100 lbs of jeans
dryweight at 1% OWG, 1 lb of enzyme is used.
[0112] D. Light reflectance. Another test to evaluate backstaining
is to measure the light reflectance of a treated fabric. At the end
of washing treatment, jeans samples were analyzed using a
reflectometer at two different wavelengths: (1) the higher the
signal detected at 680 nm (measured at the outside of the jeans),
the lower the backstaining; and (2) the higher the signal detected
at 420 nm (measured at the inside of the jeans), the lower the
backstaining. Table 16. compares the reflectance values of denim
jeans after treatment with commercial cellulases from Novo Nordisk
and Genencor International to C-1 preparation #47.6.1.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Enzyme 680 nm 420 nm Denimax L (neutral
cellulase, Novo) 23 20 Primafast 100 (acid cellulase, Genencor) 20
13 C1 47.6.1 (neutral/alkaline cellulase) 22 18
[0113] The light reflectance values for the C1 cellulase were
similar to those obtained with Novo Nordisk's commercial product
Denimax L, a neutral cellulase, at both 680 and 420 nm and the
light reflectance values for C1 cellulase were significantly better
than those obtained with Genecor's commercial product Primafast
100, a acid cellulase, at both 680 and 420 nm.
[0114] E. Tests in Semi-Industrial Washing Machine. [0115] Test #1.
[0116] 2 Jeans, weight 1343 gr [0117] Water ratio 6:1 [0118] pH 5.5
[0119] Temp. 54.degree. C. [0120] Enzyme: C1 (preparation #47.6.1)
12 gr [0121] (0.9%) [0122] Abrasion time 90 minutes [0123] Drop
bath [0124] Rinse 5 minutes with 1% non-ionic detergent at
66.degree. C. [0125] Drop bath [0126] Rinse cold [0127] Drop bath
[0128] Soften for 5 minutes with cationic softener at Extract and
dry.
[0129] Test #2.The same procedure as Test #1, above, except Denimax
700 T (2% OWG 28.9 gr) enzyme was used and wash conditions were
conducted at pH 7.0, 54.degree. C.
[0130] C1 cellulase was compared to Denimax 700 T, a neutral
cellulase commercial product made by Novo. All jeans were from the
same dye lot. They were prewashed for 15 minutes using an oxidation
method then dried.
[0131] The jeans treated with C1 cellulase preparation #47.6.1
showed slightly less abrasion and lower backstaining than the jeans
treated with Denimax 700T cellulase.
EXAMPLE 10
C1 Cellulase as an Additive to Laundry Detergent
[0132] A. Soil Release from Cotton
[0133] Wash performance of C1 cellulase preparation #47.9.1 was
tested using the wash-performance procedure PW 9406 (Solvay). Soil
(ink) release from cotton fabric was tested by Delta Reflectance
(%). Wash test compared a C1 cellulase preparation (#47.9.1) to
Celluzyme 0.7 T from Novo Nordisk in the presence and absence of
alkaline protease Opticlean L500. The results of this test are
shown in the Table 17.
[0134] C1 cellulase has soil release properties from ink soiled
cotton at neutral pH in a color type detergent as the cellulase
enzyme from Humicola insolens.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Detergent wash test with C1 cellulase (*)
CMCase Reflectance Data (%) Enzyme tested (pH 7.0) dosage (U/I) 1 2
Cellulzyme 0.7 T 200 3.68 4.75 Celluzyme 0.7 T 500 2.68 4.07
Celluzyme 0.7 T + 5000 DU/l (**) 200 2.07 3.13 Celluzyme 0.7 T +
5000 DU/l (**) 500 2.08 3.22 C1 # 47.9.1 200 2.18 2.88 C1 # 47.9.1.
500 2.77 3.72 C1 #47.9.1 + 5000 DU/l (**) 200 1.15 1.91 C1 #47.9.1
+ 5000 DU/l (**) 500 2.81 3.30 None (control) none 0 0 AADU = Du =
Delft unit, Du/l = Defft unit per liter (*) 40 C..degree., 45 min,
drying at 68.degree. C., 75 min (**) Alkaline protease Opticlean
L500
[0135] B. The Stability of C1 Cellulase with Serine Proteases
[0136] As serine proteases, a trypsin (3.2 .mu.M, from Bovine
Pancreas, activity 10,000-13,000 N-benzyl-L-argine ethylester
(BAEE)/mg, Sigma T-8253) and an .alpha.-chymotrypsin (8 .mu.M, from
Bovine Pancreas, 40-60 U/mg, Sigma C-4129) were used.
[0137] The proteases were incubated with C1 cellulase at 20.degree.
C. and pH 7.0. Chymotrypsin did not decrease C1 activity for 12
hours and trypsin led to a slight decrease (around 20%) of C1
activity, see Table 18.
[0138] Trypsin and chymotrypsin did not significantly change the
stability of C1 CMCase at pH-s 4.5 and 7.0 at 50.degree. and
57.degree. C., see Table 18.
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 The effect of proteases on CMCase activity
of C1 cellulase (# 47.9.1) Temperature Incubation CMCase activity
Protease (.degree. C.) pH time (h) remaining (%) None (control) 20
7.0 12 70 +Chymotrypsin 20 7.0 12 70 +Trypsin 20 7.0 12 50 None
(control) 50 4.5 3 100 +Chymotrypsin 50 4.5 3 100 +Trypsin 50 4.5 3
100 None (control) 50 7.0 3 78 +Chymotrypsin 50 7.0 3 60 +Trypsin
50 7.0 3 68 None (control) 57 4.5 3 62 +Chymotrtrypsin 57 4.5 3 60
+Trypsin 57 4.5 3 62 None (control) 57 7.0 3 30 +Chymotrypsin 57
7.0 3 30 +Trypsin 57 7.0 3 30
[0139] C. The Effect of Citrate, EDTA, Tween-80 and Persulfate on
CMCase Activity
[0140] Changing from acetate to citrate buffer (a chelating agent)
did not effect the of C1 CMCase activity (molarity of buffers--0.1
M, pH 4.5, 50 and 57.degree. C.), see Table 19.
[0141] EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) (5 mM) as a
chelating agent at pH 4.5 and 50.degree. C. did not change CMCase
activity. At pH 4.5 (57.degree. C.) and at pH 7.0 (50.degree. C.)
EDTA caused slight decreases in CMCase activity. At pH 7.0 and
57.degree. C., EDTA caused slight increase in CMCase activity, see
Table 19.
[0142] Non-ionic detergent Tween-80 (3 g/L, polyoxyethylene
sorbitane monooleate), did not change CMCase activity of C1 (at
pH-s 4.5 and 7.0 and at 50 and 57.degree. C., see Table 19.
[0143] Oxidizing agent persulfate (3 g/L) did not change CMCase
activity of C1 (at pH-s 4.5 and 7.0 and at 50 and 57.degree. C.),
see Table 19.
[0144] C1 CMCase is resistant to serine proteases (trypsin and
chymotrypsin), chelating agents (EDTA, citrate), non-ionic
detergent (Tween-80) and to oxidizing agent (persulfate).
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 The effect of citrate, EDTA, Tween-80 and
persulfate on activity of C1 cellulasese (# 47.9.1). Incubation
time - 3 hours. Temperature CMCase activity Effector Concentration
(.degree. C.) pH remaining (%) None (control) -- 50 4.5 100 Citrate
0.1M 50 4.5 100 EDTA 5 mM 50 4.5 100 Tween-80 3 g/L 50 4.5 100
Persulfate 3 g/L 50 4.5 97 None (control) -- 57 4.5 62 Citrate 0.1M
57 4.5 65 EDTA 5 mM 57 4.5 60 Tween-80 3 g/L 57 4.5 68 Persulfate 3
g/L 57 4.5 65 None (control) -- 50 7.0 78 EDTA 5 mM 50 7.0 50
Tween-80 3 g/L 50 7.0 52 Persulfate 3 g/L 50 7.0 50 None (control)
-- 57 7.0 30 EDTA 5 mM 57 7.0 38 Tween-80 3 g/L 57 7.0 25
Persulfate 3 g/L 57 7.0 30
EXAMPLE 11
Stone Wash Tests of Cellulase Samples Produced by Different Strains
of Chrysosporium
[0145] Preparations #-s 47.1000, 47.1001, 47.2000 and 47.2001
produced by different strains of Chrysosporium were used for wash
test with 2-L special wash machine at pH 6.5, 50.degree. C., during
60 min with 135 g of desized denim jean fabric. Total amount of
CMCase activity per trial was constant and equal to 336 U/run.
After drying abrasion and backstaining of garment was evaluated by
Datacolor measurement. The results are presented in Table 20. The
results show that cellulases produced from different strains of
Chrysosporium demonstrate similar wash performance at neutral pH in
terms of abrasion and backstaining levels to the cellulases
produced by the C-1 species Chrysosporium lucknowense Garg
1966.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Stone wash activity of cellulase
preparations from different strains of Chrysosporium Preparation #
Abrasion (*) Backstaining (**) 47.1000 12.3 1.6 47.1001 12.1 1.6
47.2000 14.2 1.7 47.2001 14.6 1.6 (*) reflectance from front side,
the higher value the more abrasion, blank = 9.1 (**) reflectance
from back side, the higher value the more backstaining
EXAMPLE 12
Purification of Cellulase Components
[0146] 1. Selection of the C1 samples for purification. The C1
cellulase preparation #47.11.1 was chosen for further purification
in view of the fact that 47.11.1 possessed (i) high protein
content; (ii) high FPA and CMCase activity (see Table 4).
[0147] 2. Isolation and purification of C1 complex component. The
first purification step included ion exchange chromatography on a
DEAE-Toyopearl column (TosoHaas, Japan). Dry C1 cellulose
preparation (1.5 g) was dissolved in 15 mL of 0.01 M Na-phosphate
buffer, pH 7. The solution was centrifuged and the supernatant
desalted using an Acrylex P-2 column. The desalted sample was then
applied to the DEAE-Toyopearl column (1.5.times.30 cm) in 0.03 M
phosphate buffer, pH 4.7 and adsorbed proteins were eluted in 0-0.2
M NaCl gradient with flow rate of 1 mL/min. Three pooled fractions
were obtained--the non-bound (NB) fraction was eluted in the start
buffer, Fractions I and II were eluted across a 0-0.2 M NaCl
gradient. All fractions possessed cellulolytic activities.
[0148] 3. SDS-PAGE of protein fractions. After sodium dodecyl
sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the NB
Fraction included proteins with molecular weights from 30 and 70
kD. Fraction I includes proteins with molecular weights from 25 to
100 kD and Fraction II contained proteins with molecular weights
from 35 and 100 kD. SDS-PAGE was carried out with a 10% separating
gel (100.times.80.times.0.75 mm) under denaturing conditions.
Reagents and kits were obtained from Bio-Rad (USA). Coomassie
brilliant blue R-250 in 25% trichloracetic acid was used for
protein staining.
[0149] 4. IEF of Protein Fractions. After isoelectric focusing
(IEF), the NB Fraction includes proteins with isoelectric points
(pI's) of from 4.6 to 8.0. Fraction I contains proteins with pI
values from 3.2 to 5.5, and Fraction II conatins proteins with pI
from 3.0 to 5.5. Isoelectic focusing was carried out with 7% PAAG
in mini-IEF Model 111 (from Bio-Rad). Reagents and kits were
obtained from Bio-Rad (USA). Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 in 25%
trichloroacetic acid was used for protein staining.
[0150] 5. pH-dependencies of CMCase activity of protein fractions.
Table 21 represents the pH dependencies of CMCase and RBB-CMCase
activities of Fractions NB, I and II of C1 cellulase. The following
buffer systems were used: acetate buffer (pH 4-5), phosphate buffer
(pH 6-8), and carbonate buffer (pH 8.5-10). In addition, a
universal buffer system was used which consisted of acetate,
borate, and phosphate (pH 4-10).
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 The effect of pH on CMCase and RBB-CMCase
activities of C1 protein fractions pH NB Fraction Fraction I
Fraction II CMCase activity, 50.degree. C. (%) 4.0 85 70 95 4.5 95
85 100 5.0 100 90 95 5.5 90 100 90 6.0 80 90 80 6.5 70 85 80 7.0 65
85 80 7.5 60 65 75 8.0 50 60 60 8.5 45 50 50 9.0 30 45 40 9.5 10 40
32 RBB-CMCase activity, 50.degree. C. (%) 4.5 65 95 100 5.0 100 100
95 5.5 95 100 90 6.0 95 95 90 6.5 80 87 90 7.0 80 85 87 7.5 60 65
85 8.0 50 60 70 8.5 45 60 60 9.0 30 50 40 9.5 10 40 32
[0151] CMCase and RBB-CMCase activities of the NB, I and II
Fractions following DEAE-Toyopearl ion exchange chromatography had
a non-symmetric bell-type pH profile. CMCase activity of the NB
Fraction showed a maximum at pH 4.5-5.5 and 50% of maximal activity
at pH 8.0. RBB-CMCase activity of the NB Fraction had a maximum at
pH 5.0-6.0 and 50% of maximal activity at pH 8.0. CMCase activity
of Fraction I had a maximum at pH 5.0-6.0 and 50% of maximal
activity at pH 8.5. RBB-CMCase activity of Fraction I had a maximum
at pH 4.5-7.0 and 50% of maximal activity at pH 8.5. CMCase
activity of Fraction II had a maximum at pH 4.0-5.5 and 50% of
maximal activity at pH 8.5. RBB-CMCase activity of Fraction II had
a maximum at pH 4.5-7.5 and 50% of maximal activity at about pH
8.5.
[0152] 6. Stability of CMCase of protein Fraction I (after
DEAE-Toyopearl). Table 22 shows temporal CMCase activity curves of
Fraction I after DEAE-Toyopearl ion exchange chromatography at
different pH (5.2-8.7) and 50.degree. C. CMCase activity of
Fraction I was most stable at pH 5.2-7.2 (between about 30% and 45%
of activity was lost over 3 hours). At pH 7.7, 60% of activity was
lost after about 1 hour, whereas at pH 8.3 and 8.7, 50% of activity
was lost after about 0.5 hour. At pH 8.3, 100% of CMCase activity
was lost after 3 hours, and at pH 8.7, 100% of activity was lost
after 2 hours.
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 Stability of CMCase of a protein fraction I
after DEAE-Toyopearl at 50.degree. C. CMCase activity remained (%)
Time (h) pH 5.2 pH 7.2 pH 7.7 pH 8.3 pH 8.7 0 100 100 100 100 100
0.5 97 75 65 50 50 1 90 55 40 25 15 2 40 50 35 10 0 3 30 45 25 0
0
[0153] 7. Properties of Fractions after Ion Exchange Chromatography
on DEAE-Toyopearl. Adsorption experiments using Avicel (micro
crystalline cellulose) as a substrate demonstrated that fractions I
and II did not bind to a crystalline substrate and the NB Fraction
bound to Avicel with a distribution coefficient of 0.2 L/g.
Specific activities of the NB, I and II Fractions toward different
substrates are presented in Table 23. All three fractions possessed
CMCase, endoglucanase, avicelase, .beta.-glucanase and xylanase
activities, but the NB Fraction had no .beta.-glucosidase activity,
contrary to Fractions I and II. The Micro Denim Wash test for
Fractions NB, I and II showed that Fractions I and II possessed
approximately equal activity on denim at pH 7 while the NB Fraction
showed lower activity (according to the Micro Denim Wash test).
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 23 Specific Activities of Fractions After Ion
Exchange Chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl Specific Activities, U/mg
Protein Micro Denim Fractions CMCase Endoglucanase Avicelase
.beta.-glucosidase .beta.-glucanase Xylanase Wash Test NB 9.9 6.2
0.18 0.0 11.0 5.3 + I 3.7 2.3 0.02 3.6 1.9 0.7 ++ II 0.8 0.2 0.02
0.02 1.2 0.04 ++
[0154] 8. Micro Denim Wash Test. This test was carried out using 20
mL of buffered enzyme solution having a preset level of CMCase
activity. Real Indigo-denim stained swatches were treated at
50.degree. C. for 60 minutes in the conditions of excessive
mechanical stress (abrasion). The level of cellulase performance
was evaluated by panel score according to the color reduction after
the samples were dried. Color measuring instruments and software
could also be used. More "+" values indicate better abrasion.
[0155] 9. Further Purification of Proteins from Fraction I After
Ion Exchange Chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl. Desalted Fraction I
(25 mL, 0.8 g/l of protein) was subjected to Macro Prep Q ion
exchange chromatography. The MacroPrep Q column (1.5.times.10 cm)
was equilibrated with 0.03 M acetate buffer, pH 4.7, and the
adsorbed proteins eluted in 0-0.1 M NaCl concentration gradient.
Three fractions, I.1, I.2, and I.3, were collected. Fraction I.2
showed the highest Micro Denim Washing activity at pH 7 and
fraction 1.3 showed the lowest. SDS-PAGE results showed that
Fractions I.1 and I.2 differed by the presence of a low molecular
weight protein (25 kD) in Fraction I.2, which might have accounted
for the stonewashing activity. Fraction I.1 had a pI of 4.2 as
shown by IEF measurements. Fractions I.1 and I.3 had too low a
protein content to permit further study. Therefore, Fraction I.2
was used in further purification.
[0156] The next purification step involved chromatofocusing on a
Mono P column. Fraction I.2 was equilibrated with 0.03 M imidazole
buffer, pH 6.8, and applied to the column. Adsorbed proteins were
eluted with Polybuffer 74 (1:8), pH 4.0, whereupon 2 major peaks in
protein and activity profiles were observed. The first peak,
designated Peak A, showed lower specific CMCase activity (2.5
Units/mg) compared to Peak B (3.6 Units/mg). Native polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis showed the presence of 2 protein bands in Peak
A, with the higher molecular weight protein band being active
toward CMC stained with Congo Red. One active protein band under
native conditions was observed in Peak B. SDS-PAGE data showed that
Peak A included 2 major proteins (60 kD and 70 kD) and Peak B
contained one major protein (25 kD) and one minor protein (27 kD).
The fraction collected within Peak B was designated as 25 kD-endoC1
and was used in further studies. Table 24 shows the specific
activities of 25 kD-endoC1 toward different substrates. The 25
kD-endoC1 had CMCase, RBB-CMCase, endo-glucanase, FPA, avicelase,
.beta.-glucanase, and xylanase activities but did not show
.beta.-glucosidase activity. This combination of different
activities shows that 25 kD-endoC1 is an endoglucanase. The pH
optimum of CMCase and RBB-CMCase activities is approximately 6.0
(Table 24). The 25 kD-endoC1 possessed high stonewashing activity
(according to a Micro Denim Wash test using cotton swatches) (see
Table 24).
[0157] During elution of Peak A from the Mono P column a number of
fractions were recovered that differed in the ratio of 60 kD to 70
kD proteins, especially a fraction designated 70(60) kD-C1 that
included predominantly a 60 kD protein and a fraction designated 70
kD-endoC1 with predominantly a 70 kD protein. Specific activities
of these fractions toward different substrates are presented in
Table 24. As is seen therein, the 70(60) kD-C1 fraction possessed
low specific endoglucanase (0.5 U/mg) and a high specific avicelase
(0.31 U/mg) activities compared to the 70 kD-endoC1 fraction (2.8
U/mg endoglucanase and 0.18 U/mg avicelase) and had very low
.beta.-glucosidase activity. Specific activities toward FP,
.beta.-glucan, and xylan of the 70(60) kD-C1 fraction were low (see
Table 24) and only cellobiose was formed as a product of avicel
hydrolysis. Stonewashing activity (according to a Micro Denim Wash
test using cotton swatches) of the 70(60) kD-C1 fraction was low
(see Table 24). These data show that the 60 kD protein from
Fraction I after ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl can
be designated as a cellobiohydrolase. The pH optimum of 70(60)
kD-C1 (toward CMC and RBB-CMC) was approximately 5.0 (Table
24).
[0158] The 70hkD-endoC1 had high specific CMCase, RBB-CMCase,
endoglucanase, FPA, .beta.-glucanase and xylanase activities and
possessed some avicelase and .beta.-glucosidase activity (Table
24). The 70 kD-endoC1 also possessed relatively high stonewashing
activity (according to the Micro Denim Wash test using cotton
swatches) (see Table 24). The 70 kD-endoC1 from fraction I after
ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl appears to be an
endoglucanase. As seen from Table 24, the pH optimum for 70
kD-endoC1 is approximately 6.0 for both the CMCase and RBB-CMCase
activities.
[0159] 10. Further Purification of Proteins from Fraction II after
Ion Exchange Chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl. Fraction II,
obtained as a result of DEAE chromatography, was divided into 3
fractions (Fraction II.1, II.2, and II.3, respectively) using a
longer 0-0.2 M NaCl gradient (over a period of 8 hr) on a
DEAE-Toyopearl column. Results of SDS-PAGE showed that Fraction
II.1 included 2 major proteins of molecular weight 60 kD and 100
kD, Fraction II.2 included 3 major proteins of 35 kD, 60 kD, and
100 kD, and Fraction II.3 included 2 major proteins of 43 kD and 60
kD. Fraction II.3 demonstrated the highest CMCase activity (10
units/mg of protein) but showed low washing activity (using a
sub-Micro Denim Wash test) and specific CMCase activity of 1
unit/mg. Fraction II.2 did not show any of the washing activity
(but CMCase activity was 0.7 U/mg). Thus, Fractions II.1 and II.3
were purified further.
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 24 Properties of C1 Enzymes 60 kD 43 kD 60 kD
25 kD 70 (60) 70 kD endo 100 kD endo endo pH endo kD endo (II.1)
(II.1) (II.3) (II.3) CMCase Activity (U/mg) 5.0 4.6 1.10 3.5 0.70
0.03 1.02 1.32 6.0 5.0 0.83 3.8 0.52 0 1.01 1.07 7.0 3.9 0.65 3.0
0.45 0 0.90 1.03 RBB-CMCase (U/mg) 5.0 8.2 0.12 1.5 0.90 0 0.82
1.21 6.0 8.8 0.10 2.7 0.84 0 0.75 1.14 7.0 6.6 0.07 2.4 0.68 0 0.73
1.12 FPA (U/mg) 5.0 1.0 0.17 0.61 0.31 0 0.45 0.52 Endoglucanase
(viscometric) (U/mg) 5.0 2.26 0.50 2.8 0.21 0 0.15 0.27 Avicelase
(U/mg) 5.0 0.16 0.31 0.18 0.03 0 0.01 0.01 .beta.-Glucosidase
(U/mg) 5.0 0 0.02 0.16 0.02 0 0.02 0 .beta.-Glucanase (U/mg) 5.0
0.66 0.07 2.4 1.3 0 3.9 4.4 Xylanase (U/mg) 5.0 0.40 0.16 0.50 0.06
0.01 0.07 0.01 Micro Denim Wash Activity 5.0 +++ - ++ n.d. n.d.
n.d. n.d. 7.0 +++ - ++ n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. Sub-Micro Denim Wash
Activity 5.0 n.d. n.d. n.d. +++ - + + 7.0 n.d. n.d. n.d. +++ - +++
++ n.d. = not determined
[0160] 11. Sub-Micro Denim Wash Test. This test was performed on
fragments of real Indigo-stained denim in 2 mL of buffered enzyme
solution (2 units CMCase activity) at 50.degree. C. for 2 hours in
the conditions of excessive mechanical stress. The level of
cellulase performance was evaluated by panel score according to the
color reduction after the samples were dried.
[0161] 12. Purification of Fraction II.1. Fraction II.1 was applied
to a Macro prep Q column equilibrated with 0.03 M acetate buffer,
pH 4.75, and the adsorbed proteins were eluted in a NaCl gradient
(0-0.3 M). Two protein peaks were obtained but only the first one
showed CMCase activity. SDS-PAGE of the material from the first
peak showed that proteins, with 60 kD and 100 kD were isolated in a
homogeneous state. According to IEF data, the 60 kD and 100 kD
proteins possessed an acidic pI of about 3. The activities of the
60 kD and 100 kD proteins toward different substrates are shown in
Table 24. The 60 kD protein designated as 60 kD(II.1)-endoC1 was
found to possess endoglucanase, CMCase, RBB-CMCase, FPA and
.beta.-glucanase activities at pH 5 (0.2, 0.7, 0.9, 0.3, and 1.3
units/mg of protein, respectively, as shown in Table 24).
Avicelase, .beta.-glucosidase, and xylanase activities were rather
low. This combination of activities shows that the 60
kD(II.1)-endoC1 is an endoglucanase. The 60 kD(II.1)-endoC1 also
possesses high washing activity (by the Sub-Micro Denim Wash test)
both at pH 5 and at pH 7 (per Table 24). The pH dependence of
CMCase and RBB-CMCase activities for this protein showed maxima at
pH 4.0-4.5, with 50% of maximal activity toward CMC and 85% of
maximal activity toward RBB-CMC retained at pH 6, and 15-20% of
both activities retained at pH 9 and 10 (see Table 25).
[0162] The 100 kD protein from Fraction II.1 was designated as
100kD(II.1) protein and almost did not have cellulase activity
(Table 24). This protein possessed only very low CMCase (0.03 U/mg)
and xylanase (0.008 U/mg) activities and could not be determined to
be a cellulytic enzyme. According to the Sub-Micro Denim Wash test,
the 100 kD (II.1) protein did not demonstrate any stonewashing
activity (Table 24) and also failed to show any protease activity
at either pH 5 or pH 7.
[0163] 13. Purification of Fraction II.3. Fraction II.3 was also
purified by Macro Prep Q chromatography. The adsorbed proteins were
eluted in 0.2-0.6 M NaCl gradient (the start buffer was 0.03 M
acetate, pH 4.75). SDS-PAGE of the obtained fractions after the
Macro Prep Q chromatography showed that the 43 kD and 60 kD
proteins were obtained in homogeneous form. Isoelectrofocusing of
these fractions showed that both the 43 kD and 60 kD proteins had
pI values of about 3. The 43 kD and 60 kD proteins were designated
43 kD(II.3)-endoC1 and 60 kD(II.3)-endoC1, respectively. The
activities of these enzymes toward different substrates (see Table
24) showed that they had similar specific CMCase, FPA, avicelase,
and xylanase activities. The 60 kD(II.3)-endoC1 possessed higher
specific RBB-CMCase, endoglucanase and FPA activities (Table 24).
At the same time it should be stressed that the 43 kD(II.3)-endoC1
and 60 kD(II.3)-endoC1 possessed very little stonewashing
activities at pH 5 (using the Sub-Micro Denim Wash test). However,
both 43 kD(II.3)-endoC1 and 60 kD(II.3)-endoC1 demonstrated
remarkable stonewashing activity at pH 7, and at the same time the
43 kD(11.3)-endoC1 had higher stonewashing activity compared to the
60 kD(II.3)-endoC1. As seen from the pH dependencies in Table 25,
43 kD(II.3)-endoC1 showed a broad pH optimum (from pH 4.5 to 8) in
the case of both CMCase and RBB-CMCase activities. The 43
kD(II.3)-endoC1 possessed 50% CMCase and 70% RBB-CMCase activities
from a maximum at pH 9 and 20% of both CMCase and RBB-CMCase at pH
10. In contrast, 60 kD(II.3)-endoC1 had a narrow pH optimum at pH
4-4.5 toward CMC and a broad pH optimum (from pH 4 to 8) toward
RBB-CMC and 30% RBB-CMCase activity being retained at pH 9.
[0164] It should be noted that in all cases of purified proteins
disclosed herein, molecular weights were determined using gel
electrophoresis (especially SDS-PAGE) and reference proteins of
known molecular weight as standards. As with all analyses using
such methods, the results are only approximate and some variation
in molecular weight may be observed as different gels are run by
different workers using different sets of molecular weight
standards as references.
[0165] Such purified, and partially purified, enzyme preparations
are highly useful as components of detergent, fabric softening,
depilling, color brightening and stone washing compositions. Thus,
the above isolated and purified enzyme preparations find utility in
such applications according to the present invention. Thus, methods
for stone washing, fabric softening, depilling, color brightening
and cleansing as heretofore recited herein, as well as typical
methods for accomplishing such applications as already disclosed in
the literature will readily employ such purified, or partially
purified, enzyme preparations, and compositions containing such, as
main or additive agents in effecting the goals of such procedures.
The use of other and different purified, or partially purified,
enzyme preparations in such applications is known in the literature
with many enzymes in commercial use.
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 25 The Effect of pH on CMCase and RBB-CMCase
activities of C1 Cellulase Enzymes pH 60 kD(II.1)-endo 43
kD(II.3)-endo 60 kD(II.3)-endo CMCase Activity, 50.degree. C. (%)
3.5 85 80 85 4.0 100 100 100 5.0 65 100 85 6.0 50 100 70 7.0 45 90
65 8.0 25 70 45 9.0 17 30 30 10.0 15 20 10 11.0 15 5 5 RBB-CMCase
activity, 40.degree. C. (%) 3.5 85 85 80 4.0 100 100 100 5.0 90 100
100 6.0 85 95 95 7.0 70 90 90 8.0 50 80 85 9.0 20 70 70 10.0 15 20
30 11.0 15 15 15
[0166] It should be understood that the neutral and/or alkaline
cellulases heretofore described can have different enzymatic
activities depending on the chemical structure of the substrate
used in measuring the activity and the particular assay method
employed to measure activity. Thus, the purified, or partially
purified, neutral and/or alkaline cellulases will show different
pH/activity profiles depending on the assay method and substrates
employed. To resolve any confusion as to the nature of the
activities and properties of the substantially purified cellulase
enzymes prepared by the methods of this example, the following is a
description of the activities and properties measured for the
cellulases of the purified fractions.
[0167] The purified, or partially purified, cellulases prepared
herein showed both endoglucanase and/or cellobiohydrolase activity
when the appropriate substrate was employed. Thus, the cellulase
preparations that showed endoglucanase activities all had pI values
between about 3 and about 4.5. More specifically, these fractions
included cellulases (endoglucanases) having molecular weights and
pI values as follows: MW about 25 kD (pI about 4.0), MW about 70 kD
(pI about 4.2), MW about 60 kD (pI about 3.0) and MW about 43 kD
(pI about 3.1). These cellulase fractions also contained proteins
showing a cellobiohydrolase activity. More specifically, the latter
had a MW of about 60 kD and pI about 4.2.
[0168] Methods of using the compositions and purified enzymes
according to the present invention have been well disclosed in the
literature, including many patents, whose disclosures are hereby
incorporated by reference. These would include Clarkson (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,290,474), which discloses use of cellulase enzymes and
cellulase enzyme-containing compositions, including surfactants and
other additives, for use in aqueous wash media, detergent
compositions, media designed to enhance color retention and/or
restoration, as well as imparting improved softening and feel
properties, especially to cotton-containing fabrics. The cellulase
enzymes and cellulase-containing compositions according to the
present invention are also intended for use in the same
applications, specific descriptions of which are described in many,
if not all, of the references cited. In addition, the utility of
cellulase enzymes and compositions for applications such as
harshness reduction, or fabric softening, is also taught in
Barbesgaard et al (U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307), specifically
disclosing the use of fungal cellulases, but not those of the genus
Chrysosporium, at alkaline pH ranges and including various additive
agents, such as those employed in conjunction with the novel
cellulase and cellulase compositions of the present invention, for
harshness reduction, or fabric softening, and washing as a single
operation. The cellulases and cellulase compositions of the present
invention are similarly useful and the teachings of Barbesgaard
with respect to such applications is specifically incorporated
herein. In addition, the use of cellulase enzymes and cellulase
compositions, other than the novel cellulases and cellulase
compositions of the present invention, for applications to color
brightening are specifically disclosed in Boegh (European Patent EP
0 220 016), which teaching is specifically incorporated herein.
[0169] Of course, the novel cellulase enzymes and cellulase
compositions of the present invention will be understood by those
of skill in the art to be highly useful for the same applications
as disclosed in in the foregoing references, thus rendering the
elucidation of any further details of such applications
unnecessary. However, such purified, or partially purified, enzymes
and enzyme-containing compositions are also useful in such
applications as deinking and biobleaching of paper or pulp
materials and method of doing so will readily suggest themselves to
those of skill in the art, especially after they review the
teachings herein.
EXAMPLE 13
C-1 Cellulase Production in 60 Liter Batch Fermentor
[0170] 1. Inoculum Preparation
[0171] Inoculum preparations or starter cultures for the batch
fermentation were prepared as follows. One milliliter (1 ml) of C-1
spore culture was used to inoculate each of two flasks to generate
a total of 2.0 liters of inoculum. The starter culture was
incubated at 150 rpm, at 30.degree. C. for 56 hours.
TABLE-US-00026 Medium for Inoculum Preparation* K.sub.2HPO.sub.4
0.5 g/L MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.15 KCl 0.05
FeSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.007 yeast extract (ohly KAT) 1.0
peptone (Hormel PSR 5) 10.0 lactose 10.0 glucose 10.0 *The pH of
the inoculum medium was adjusted to pH 7.0 with NaOH, the media was
then autoclaved for 35 minutes at 121.degree. C. in two six liter
baffled flasks each containing one liter of medium.
[0172] 2. Cellulase Production in 60 Liter Batch Fermenter
(Preparation of 47.0325)
[0173] The two liter shaker flask inoculum culture prepared above,
was used inoculate 40 liters of medium contained in a 60 liter
fermenter. The medium for fermentation was as follows:
TABLE-US-00027 Fermentation Medium* K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 0.22 g/L
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 0.08 g/L (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 4.0 g/L
Na.sub.3citrate.cndot.2H.sub.2O 4.0 g/L MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O
0.03 g/L CaCl.sub.2.cndot.2H.sub.2O 0.4 g/L
FeSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.5 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.5
mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.2 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.cndot.6H.sub.2O
0.24 mg/L lactose 5.0 g/L yeast extract (ohly KAT) 0.05 g/L
defatted cotton seed flour 5.0 g/L (Pharmamedia) cellulose
(Signmacell 50) 20.0 g/L pH 7.0 *The 40 liters medium was in
deionized water, and was sterilized for 45 minutes at 121.degree.
C.
[0174] After inoculation of the fermentation medium, pH was
maintained above 6.9 by addition of NH.sub.3 and below 7.1 by
addition of H.sub.2S0.sub.4. The fermenter was incubated for 64
hours with agitation and aeration as necessary to maintain
dissolved oxygen greater than 30% of saturation.
[0175] 3. Recovery of Cellulase Activity
[0176] Suspended solids from the fermented culture were removed by
filtration on large Buchner funnel using Whatman 54 filter paper
and 10 g/L Celite 503 as filter aid. The filtrate was collected,
and the cellulase concentrated by ultrafiltration using 10,000 MW
cutoff hollow fiber filter. The concentrate was freeze dried. The
dried concentrate was designated cellulase preparation 47.0325. The
activity of this preperation is given in Table 4.
EXAMPLE 14
Mutation Procedure Used to Generate Mutant Stain of C-1
[0177] A spore suspension was prepared using a Pridham agar plate
(4 g/L yeast extract, 10 g/L malt extract, 10 g/L glucose, 15 g/L
agar) containing a sporulated culture of strain C1. The plate was
flooded with 10 ml of 0.05% Tween 80. The suspension was
transferred to a sterile screw cap tube and vortexed on high for 1
minute. The suspension was then filtered through a column to remove
mycelium. Spores were counted and diluted to 7.times.10.sup.5
spores per ml in water. Ten mls of the spore suspension were
transferred to a standard glass petri dish. The spores were
irradiated for 75 seconds at 720 .mu.Watts/cm.sup.2 using a Pen-Ray
UV bulb. The spore suspension was gently stirred throughout the
irradiation using a sterile paper clip as a magnetic stir bar.
Following irradiation, the spore suspension was taken to a foil
wrapped tube, diluted in water and plated in dim light to NH.sub.4
minimal medium as defined below. After incubating 20 days at 30
degrees C., a colony was identified as a large colony with a large
zone of cellulose clearing around the colony.
NH.sub.4 Minimal Medium, pH 7.5
[0178] 1 g/L K.sub.2HPO4.sub.4 [0179] 0.1 g/L KCl [0180] 0.3 g/L
MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O [0181] 0.1 g/L NaCl [0182] 16 mg/L
FeCl.sub.3.6H.sub.2O [0183] 1.92 g/L(NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 [0184]
15 g/L Difco Noble agar [0185] 2.5 g/L acid swollen cellulose
(added as a 1.25% stock after autoclaving) [0186] 0.5 g/L sodium
deoxycholate (added after autoclaving)
EXAMPLE 15
C-1 Mutant Cellulase Production in 60 Liter Batch Fermentation
Flasks (Preparation of 47.0528)
[0187] 1. Inoculum Preparation
[0188] Preparations of starter cultures for the fed batch
fermentation were prepared as described in Example 13 (section
1).
[0189] 2. Cellulase Production In 60 Liter Batch Fermentation
[0190] The two liter inoculum was used to inoculate 40 liters of
fermentation medium as described below.
TABLE-US-00028 Fermentation Medium* K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 0.44 g/L
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 0.16 g/L (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 3.0 g/L
Na.sub.2citrate.cndot.2H.sub.2O 4.0 g/L MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O
0.06 g/L CaCl.sub.2.cndot.2H.sub.2O 0.8 g/L
FeSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.1 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.04
mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.04 mg/L
CoSO.sub.4.cndot.6H.sub.2O 0.048 mg/L lactose 5.0 g/L yeast extract
(ohly KAT) 0.1 g/L defatted cotton seed flour 10.0 g/L
(Pharmamedia) cellulose (Sigmacell 50) 20.0 g/L *The 40 liters
medium was in deionized water, and sterilized by autoclaving for 45
minutes at 121.degree. C.
[0191] 3. Fermentation Conditions
[0192] The pH was maintained at around 7.0 and controlled by
addition of NH.sub.3 at pH above 6.9, and addition of
H.sub.2SO.sub.4 at pH below 7.1. Incubation time was 87 hours,
agitation and aeration were as necessary to maintain dissolved
oxygen greater than 30% of saturation. At 40 hours, 3.0 liters of
feed solution as described below, was added at a rate of 5.0 ml
each 5 minutes.
TABLE-US-00029 Feed Solution for Fermenter K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 0.88
g/L KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 0.32 g/L (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 4.0 g/L
Na.sub.2citrate.cndot.2H.sub.2O 4.0 g/L MgSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O
0.12 g/L CaCl.sub.2.cndot.2H.sub.2O 0.16 g/L
FeSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.2 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.08
mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.cndot.7H.sub.2O 0.08 mg/L
CoCl.sub.2.cndot.6H.sub.2O 0.096 mg/L lactose 20.0 g/L yeast
extract (ohly KAT) 0.2 g/L Pharmamedia 20.0 g/L cellulose
(Sigmacell 50) 20.0 g/L
[0193] 4. Recovery of Cellulase Activity
[0194] Suspended solids were removed by filtration on large Buchner
funnel using Whatman 54 filter paper and 10 g/L Celite 503 as
filter aid. The filtrate was collected and cellulase concentrated
by ultrafiltration using 10,000 MW cutoff hollow fiber filter. The
concentrate was dried by freeze-drying. The concentrate was
designated cellulase preparation 47.0528 (activity is given in
Table 4).
EXAMPLE 16
Assay of Cellulase Activity Using Cellazyme Assay
[0195] This assay was carried out using Cellazyme C tablets and the
assay kit obtained from Megazyme (Aust) Pty. Ltd., Sydney, NSW
2101, Australia. The substrate used is Azurine-crosslinked
HE-celulose (AZCL-Cellulose) supplied commercially as cellazyme C
tablets, ready for use. Briefly, 0.5 mL aliquots of enzyme
preparation (diluted if necessary) in 0.025 M acetate buffer (pH
4.5) are equilibrated to 40.degree. C. for 5 minutes in glass test
tubes (16.times.122 mm). The test reaction is then initiated by
addition of a Cellazyme C tablet (without stirring). After exactly
10 minutes at 40.degree. C., the reaction is terminated by addition
of Trizma Base solution (10.0 mL, 2% w/v, from Sigma Chemical Co.,
St. Louis, Mo.) and then vortexing. The tubes are then allowed to
stand for about 5 minutes at room temperature whereupon the slurry
is stirred again, filtered through a Whatman No. 1 (9 cm) filter
circle and absorbance of the filtrate measured at 590 nm. The
absorbance measurements are read against a blank containing both
substrate and rt. 15 enzyme but prepared by adding the Trizma Base
to the enzyme solution prior to addition of the cellazyme C tablet.
This slurry is left at room temperature rather than 40.degree. C. A
single blank is used for each set of determinations and was used to
zero the spectrophotometer.
[0196] In this assay, one unit of enzyme activity is defined as the
amount of enzyme required to release one micromole of glucose
reducing sugar equivalents per minute under the defined assay
conditions. Endo-cellulase activity was then determined by
reference to a standard curve (a sample curve was supplied with the
kit but could be readily generated in the laboratory, if different
particular enzyme, enzyme dilution and conditions are to be
employed for a given set of experiments).
[0197] Using this assay for our own neutral/alkaline enzyme
activity, we found endo-Cellulase activity (taking the activity at
pH 7 as 100%) to be 92.4% (at pH 6), 75.6% (at pH 5.0) and 69.7%
(at pH 4.0).
EXAMPLE 17
Detergent Wash Test for De-Pilling and Color Brightening
(Anti-Fading)
[0198] Tests were carried out according to the AATCC monograph,
"Standardization of Home Laundry Test Conditions" in the AATCC
Technical Manual, 1997 (revised 1995), using a regular Kenmore home
top-loading washer, using a Kenmore home tumble-dryer. Three
different styles of red adult-size socks (88% cotton, 10%
polyester, 2% lycra) were used as test garments (plain ribbed knit,
heavy ribbed knit and waffle weave). The socks were divided into 3
groups with an equal number of each style in each group, with a
non-washed garment of each style used as a reference. The
approximate weight of each group was 1 kg.
[0199] The samples of detergent were prepared prior to each wash as
follows: a) Cheer Triple Guard (as purchased in the U.S.A. and
commonly at alkaline pH) as is (to demonstrate the de-pilling and
color care properties of cellulases originally present in Cheer, b)
thermally treating the sample of Cheer to inactivate all of the
enzymes originally present in the detergent (to limit the
performance of Cheer to its components other than enzymes. For
thermal inactivation, a 40 g sample of Cheer was suspended in 200
mL of water and heated on high (1000 W) in a home microwave for 5
minutes, the final temperature reached being 95.degree. C. Then,
repeating the same steps (a) and (b) above, but adding 5 g of C1 to
the preparation.
[0200] The wash/dry cycles were performed 25 times for each group.
Each group was washed throughout the 25 wash cycles using 1 kg of
garments to 20 liters of wash liquor (water level in the washer was
low) and 40 g of only one of the above mentioned detergent
preparations. The temperature was set on hot-hot, the wash duration
was 30 minutes, followed by regular, high speed centrifugation. The
dryer temperature was set on high and the drying cycle lasted 45
minutes. The testing was complete after 25 washes, when the
garments were evaluated, by several different groups/panels skilled
in the art, for de-pilling and color brightening.
[0201] A summary of the procedure is as follows:
TABLE-US-00030 Inactivation of original Addition of Enzymes
Preparation(s) Cheer enzymes from AARL a. Cheer (complete) No No b.
Cheer (no enzymes) Yes No c. Cheer + C1 Yes Yes (5 g of C1)
[0202] The results of the rating for each wash group were as
follows (where all 3 styles of socks were rated the same):
TABLE-US-00031 Cheer Cheer (complete) (enzymes inactivated) Cheer +
C1 De-pilling ++++ - +++ Color Brightening ++ - ++++
[0203] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments
described herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and
that various modifications or changes in light thereof will readily
suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and are to be
included within the spirit and purview of this application and the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *