THERMOSTABLE PROTEASE FROM THERMOCOCCUS

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermococcus celer, Thermococcus stetteri or Thermococcus litoralis, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 100 DEG C and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0 - 10.

Description: Thermostable protease from Thermococcus TECHNICAL FIELD This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel thermostable proteases, a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. BACKGROUND ART Hyperthermophilic archaebacteria have been isolated from solfataric and submarine hydrothermal systems (vide e.g. Kelly, R.M. & Deming, J.W. ; Biotech. Progress, 4., 47-62 (1988)). It has been presumed that members of Thermococcus contain heat stable proteases and a ylases (Stetter, K.O. ; J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 42.(4), 315-317 (1988)). However, proteases from Thermococcus have not formerly been isolated or investigated. SUMMARY OP THE INVENTION Within the scope of the present invention novel enzymes that show extraordinary thermostability as well as thermoactivity are provided. Accordingly, in its first aspect, the present invention provides a protease that is characterized by having pH optimum in the range 6.0 to 10.0, and temperature optimum in the range 75 to 100°C. In another aspect the present invention provides a protease that is characterized by having pH optimum in the range 6.0 to 10.0, temperature optimum in the range 75 to 100°C, and immunochemical properties identical or partially identical to those of the protease derived from Thermococcus celer. DSM No. 2476; Thermococcus sp. AN1, DSM No. 2770; Thermococcus stetteri, DSM No. 5262; or Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of these proteases, which process comprises cultivation of a protease producing strain of Thermococcus in a suitable nutrient medium, containing carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts, followed by recovery of the desired enzyme. In preferred embodiments of this process, a strain of Thermococcus celer; a strain of Thermococcus SP. AN1; a strain of Thermococcus stetteri; or a strain of Thermococcus litoralis is cultivated. In further preferred embodiments of this process Thermococcus celer, DSM No. 2476; Thermococcus sp. AN1. DSM No. 2770; Thermococcus stetteri. DSM No. 5262; or Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474; or mutants or variants thereof, is cultivated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present invention is further illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the Figs. 1-4 show the relation between the enzymatic activity of proteases obtained from Thermococcus celer; Thermococcus SP. AN1; Thermococcus stetteri; Thermococcus litoralis; and temperature and pH, respectively. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Growth experiments with Thermococcus have now shown that these organisms secrete extremely thermostable and ther- moactive protein hydrolysing enzymes. These enzymes possess proteolytic activity under extreme conditions. The properties of Thermococcus are demonstrated by Thermococcus celer f Thermococcus sp. AN1. Thermococcus stetteri. and Thermococcus litoralis. A strain of Thermococcus celer is available from DSM, No. 2576, a strain of Thermococcus sp. AN1 is available from DSM, No. 2770, a strain of Thermococcus stetteri is available from DSM, No. 5262, and a strain of Thermococcus litoralis is available from DSM, No. 5474. As appears from the figures, the proteases obtainable from Thermococcus can be characterized by a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0 to 10.0, and a temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 100°C. Further, it appears from Fig. 1 that the protease obtainable from Thermococcus celer is active in a broad temperature range, namely at temperatures of from below 75°C to above 110°C, and in a pH range of from below 5.5 to 10.5. The temperature optimum is between 90 and 100"C, more specifically around 95 β C. 60% enzymatic activity are detected at 75"C, and 40% enzymatic activity are detected at 110°C. The enzyme has a pH optimum in the range of from 6.5 to 8.5, more specifically of from 7.0 to 8.0 (around 7.5). Considerable enzyme activity is still detected at pH 5.5 and 10.0, respectively. From Fig. 2 it appears that the protease obtainable from Thermococcus sp. AN1 is active in a temperature range of from 50 to 110°C, and in a pH range of from below 5.5 to 10. The protease has a temperature optimum in the range of from 80 to 100°C, more specifically around 90°C, and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0, more specifically around 7.0. From Fig. 3 it appears that the protease obtainable from Thermococcus stetteri is active in a temperature range of from below 45°C to 100°C, and in a pH range of from below 5.5 to above 10. The protease has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 85°C, more specifically around 80°C, and a pH optimum in the range of from pH 8 to 10, more specifically around pH 9.0. From Fig. 4 it appears that the protease obtainable from Thermococcus litoralis is active in a temperature range of from below 60°C to above 100°C, and in a pH range of from below 6.5 to above 11. The protease has a temperature optimum in the range of from 90 to 100°C, more specifically around 95°C, and a pH optimum in the range of from pH 8 to 10, more specifically around pH 9.0. In table 1 some properties of the proteases from hermococcus s . are shown. Sue = Succinyl pNA = p-nitroanilide Pip = piperazine The immunochemical properties can be determined immunologically by cross-reaction identity tests. The identity tests can be performed by the well-known Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion procedure or by tandem crossed immunoelectro- phoresis according to N. H. Axelsen; Handbook of Immuno- precipitation-in-Gel Techniques; Blackwell Scientific Publica¬ tions (1983), chapters 5 and 14. The terms "antigenic identity" and "partial antigenic identity" are described in the same book, chapters 5, 19 and 20. Preparation of the proteases The proteases according to the present invention can be prepared by cultivation of a protease producing strain of Thermococcus in a suitable nutrient medium, containing carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts, followed by recovery of the desired enzyme, by methods known in the art. The protease according to the present invention can also be prepared by recombinant DNA-technology. Detergent compositions Due to the unique properties of the proteases according to the present invention, these enzymes are of great interest for industrial applications, e.g. for use in the detergent industry. The detergent composition of the invention may comprise one or more surfactants, which may be of an anionic, non-ionic, cat-ionic, amphoteric or zwitter-ionic type, or a mixture of these. Typical examples of anionic surfactants are linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS) ; alkyl sulfates (AS) ; alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS) ; alcohol ethoxy sulfates (AES) and alkali metal salts of natural fatty acids. Examples of non- ionic surfactants are alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers; nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ethers; fatty acids esters of sucrose and glucose; and esters of polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside. The detergent composition of the invention may also contain other detergent ingredients known in the art such as builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, anti-corrosion agents, sequestering agents, anti soil-redeposition agents, perfumes, stabilizers for the enzymes and bleaching agents, formulations aids, optical brighteners, foam boosters, chela- ting agents, fillers, fabric softeners, etc. The detergent composition of the invention may be formulated substantially as described in J. Falbe [Falbe, J. ; Surfactants in Consumer Products. Theory, Technology and Application; Springer Verlag 1987, vide in particular the section entitled "Frame for¬ mulations for liquid/powder heavy-duty detergents"]. It is at present contemplated that the detergent composition of the invention may contain the enzyme preparation in an amount corresponding to 0.0005-0.5 CPU of the proteolytic enzyme per litre of washing liquor. The detergent compositions of the invention can be formulated in any convenient form, such as powders, liquids, etc. The detergent composition of the invention may advantageously include one or more other enzymes, e.g. Upases; amylases; cellulases; and/or peroxidases, conventionally included in detergent compositions. The protease of the invention may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing the detergent protease, or by adding a combined additive comprising different detergent enzymes. The additive of the invention can be formulated e.g. as granulates, liquids, slurries, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, slurries, or protected enzymes. Dust free granulates may be produced according to e.g. GB 1,362,365 or US 4,106,991, and may optionally be coated by methods known in the art. The detergent enzymes may be mixed before or after granulation. Liquid enzyme preparations may, for instance, be stabilized by adding a polyol such as e.g. propylene glycol; a sugar or sugar alcohol; lactic acid or boric acid, according to established methods. Other enzyme stabilizers are well known in the art. Protected enzymes may be prepared according to the method disclosed in EP 238,216. The following examples further illustrate the present invention. EXAMPLE 1 Cultivation of Thermococcus celer Thermococcus celer, DSM No. 2476, was cultivated in a nutrient medium containing the following components (per 1 litre) : NaCl 40. 00 g (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 1. 30 g KH 2 PO A 0 .28 g MgS0 • 7H 2 0 0. 25 g CaCl 2 • 2 H 2 0 0. 07 g FeCl 3 • 6H 2 0 2 . 000 mg MnCl 2 • 4H 2 0 1. 800 mg Na 2 B 4 0 7 • 10H 2 O 4 . 500 mg ZnS0 4 • 7H 2 0 0. 220 mg CuCl 2 • 2H 2 0 0 . 050 mg Na 2 Mo0 4 • 2H 2 0 0. 030 mg VOS0 4 • 5H 2 0 0. 038 mg CoS0 4 0 . 010 mg Yeast extract 1. 00 g Peptone 1. 00 g Resazurin 1.000 mg Sulphur (powdered) 5.00 g Na 2 S • 9H 2 0 0.50 g Adjust pH to pH 5.8 The medium without sodium sulphide and sulphur was boiled for 20 minutes, cooled on ice and dispensed under N 2 atmosphere. The medium was then filled under N 2 atmosphere into 100-ml vials containing sulphur. For sterilization the medium was heated to 100°C for 1 hour on each of 3 successive days. Before inoculation the medium was reduced by adding 10 ml/1 of sterile neutral sodium sulphide (5% solution) . The medium was inoculated with 10% of a grown preculture and finally incubated at 88°C for 24-36 hours. Assay for proteol tic activity The enzymatic reaction was conducted in a 50 mM of phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.25% of casein (Hammar- sten, Serva, Heidelberg, FRG) . The reaction was initiated by the addition of 250 μl of cell suspension to 2250 μl assay mixture. Samples (500 μl each) were taken after incubation at 90°C for 30, 60, 90, and 120 in. The reaction was stopped by cooling the samples on ice and by the addition of 500 μl of trichloroacetic acid (10% solution) . The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 min. and then centrifuged for 510 min. at 12000 rpm. The absorbance of the supernatant was measured at 280 nm against a blank. 1 U of enzyme is defined as the amount of enzyme which liberates lμ-mol of tyrosine per min. Characterization of the protease In order to study the effect of pH and temperature on 10 enzyme activity a buffer mixture which was composed of 20 mM MES (2-[N-Morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid), 20 mM HEPES (N-2- hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid) and 20 mM Glycine was used. The pH value was varied from 5.5 to 11.0 in increments of 0.5, and the temperature was varied from 75 to 15110°C. Casein (0.25%) was used as a substrate. As shown in Fig. 1, the protease from T. celer was active in a broad temperature and pH range. 60% and 40% of enzyme activity was still detected at 75°C and 110°C, respec¬ tively; the temperature optimum being 90 to 100°C. The enzyme 20 had a pH optimum of around 7.5, and considerable activity was also detected at pH 5 and 10. EXAMPLE 2 Cultivation of Thermococcus sp. AN1 Thermococcus sp. AN1, DSM No. 2770, was cultivated in 25 a nutrient medium containing the following components (per litre) : 30 Adjust pH to 7. 3 The medium without sodium sulphide and sulphur was boiled for 20 minutes, cooled on ice and dispensed under N 2 atmosphere. The medium was then filled into a 100-ml vial containing sulphur under N 2 atmosphere. For sterilization the medium was heated to 100°C for 1 hour on each of 3 successive days. Before inoculation with 10% of a grown preculture the medium was reduced by adding 10 ml/1 of sterile neutral sodium sulphide (5% solution). Bacteria were cultivated at 75°C for 24-36 hours. Assay for proteolytic activity The enzymatic reaction was conducted in a 50 mM of phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.25% of casein (Hammar- sten, Serva, Heidelberg, FRG) . The reaction was initiated by the addition of 250 μl of cell suspension to 2250 μl assay mixture. Samples (500 μl each) were taken after incubation at 80°C for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The reaction was stopped by cooling the samples on ice and by the addition of 500 μl of trichloroacetic acid (10% solution) . The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 min. and then centrifuged for 10 min. at 12000 rpm. 1 U of enzyme is defined as the amount of enzyme which liberates 1 μmol of tyrosine/min. Characterization of the protease Casein (Hammarsten) was dissolved at a concentration of 0.25% in a buffer mixture which was composed of 20 mM MES (2-[N-Morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid), 20 mM HEPES (N-2- hydroxyethylpiperazine-N*-2-ethanesulfonic acid) and 20 mM Glycine at pH-values from 5.5 to 9, and at temperatures from 50 to 110°C. As shown in Fig. 2, the level of protease activity reached a maximum around pH 7.0. At a pH-value of 5.5 and 9.0 approximately 35% of activity could be detected. Optimum proteolytic activity for the substrate casein occurred at 90°C. Approximately 50% of enzyme activity was measured at 100°C. EXAMPLE 3 Cultivation of Thermococcus stetteri Thermococcus stetteri, DSM No. 5262, was cultivated in a nutrient medium containing the following components (per litre) : The medium without sodium sulphide and sulphur was boiled for 20 minutes, cooled on ice and dispensed under N 2 atmosphere. The medium was then filled into a 100-ml vial containing sulphur under N 2 atmosphere. For sterilization the medium was heated to 100°C for 1 hour on each of 3 successive days. Before inoculation with 10% of a grown preculture the medium was reduced by adding 10 ml/1 of sterile neutral sodium sulphide (5% solution). Bacteria were cultivated at 80°C for 24-36 hours. Assay for proteolytic activity The assay mixture contained 0.25% casein (Hammarsten) which was dissolved in 50 mM Tris/Glycine buffer, pH 9.0. The reaction was initiated by the addition of 250 μl enzyme sample 5 to 2350 μl assay mixture at 80°C. Samples (500 μl each) were taken after 30, 60, 90, 120 min. The reaction was stopped by cooling on ice and by the addition of 500 ml of trichloroacetic acid (10%) . The mixture was allowed to stand at room tempera¬ ture for about 30 minutes and centrifugated afterwards for 10 10 minutes at 12,000 r.p.m. The absorbance of the supernatant was determined at 280 nm against a blank. 1 U of enzyme is defined as that amount of enzyme which liberates 1 μmol of tyrosine per minute under the specified conditions. Characterization of the protease 15 Casein (Hammarsten) was dissolved at a concentration of 0.25% in a buffer mixture which was composed of 20 mM MES (2-[N-Morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid), 20 mM HEPES (N-2- hydroxyethylpiperazine-N » -2-ethanesulfonic acid) and 20 mM Glycine at pH-values from 5.5 to 10, and at temperatures from 2045 to 100°C. As shown in Fig. 3, the level of protease activity reached a maximum around pH 9.0. At a pH-value of 5.5 approxi¬ mately 30% of activity could be detected and at a pH-value of 10.0 approximately 70% of activity could be detected. Optimum 25 proteolytic activity for the substrate casein occurred at 80°C. Approximately 30% of enzyme activity was measured at 45°C. EXAMPLE 4 Cultivation of Thermococcus litoralis Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474, was cultivated 0 in a nutrient medium containing the following components (per litre) : ad 1000 ml H 2 Odest. pH 6.5 The medium without sodium sulphide and sulphur was boiled for 20 minutes, cooled on ice and dispensed under N 2 atmosphere. The medium was then filled under N 2 atmosphere into 100-ml vials containing sulphur. For sterilization the medium was heated to 100°C for 1 hour on each of 3 successive days. Before inoculation the medium was reduced by adding 10 ml/1 of sterile neutral sodium sulphide (5% solution) . The medium was inoculated with 10% of a grown preculture and finally incubated at 85°C for 24-36 hours. Assay for proteolytic activity The assay mixture contained 0.25% casein (Hammarsten) which was dissolved in 50 mM Tris/Glycine buffer, pH 9.0. The reaction was initiated by the addition of 250 μl enzyme sample to 2350 μl assay mixture at 90°C. Samples (500 μl each) were taken after 30, 60, 90, 120 min. The reaction was stopped by cooling and by the addition of 500 ml of trichloroacetic acid (10%) . The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes and centrifugated afterwards for 10 minutes at 12,000 r.p.m. The absorbance of the supernatant was determined at 280 n against a blank. 1 U of enzyme is defined as that amount of enzyme which liberates 1 μmol of tyrosine per minute under the specified conditions. Characterization of the protease Casein (Hammarsten) was dissolved at a concentration of 0.25% in a buffer mixture which was composed of 20 mM MES (2-[N-Morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid), 20 mM HEPES (N-2- hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid) and 20 mM Glycine at pH-values from 6.5 to 11, and at temperatures from 60 to 100°C. As shown in Fig. 4, the level of protease activity reached a maximum around pH 9.0. At a pH-value of 5.5 and 11 approximately 10% of activity could be detected. Optimum proteolytic activity for the substrate casein occurred at 95°C. Approximately 90% of enzyme activity was measured at 100°C, and approximately 30% of enzyme activity was measured at 60°C.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A protease, characterized by having the following properties: (a) pH optimum in the range of from pH 6.0 to 10.0; (b) temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 100°C. 2. A protease, characterized by having the following properties: (a) pH optimum in the range of from pH 6.0 to 10.0; (b) temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 100°C; (c) immunochemical properties identical or partially identical to those of the protease derived from Thermococcus celer, DSM No. 2476, or Thermococcus sp. ANl, DSM No. 2770, or Thermococcus stetteri. DSM No. 5262, or Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474. 3. A protease, characterized by having the following properties: (a) pH optimum in the range of from pH 6.0 to 10.0; (b) temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 100°C; (c) being derived from a strain of the genus Thermococcus. 4. A protease according to claim 3, derived from a strain of the species T. celer. Thermococcus sp. ANl. T. stetteri or T. litoralis. 5. A protease according to claim 4, derived from the strain T. celer. DSM 2476, or Thermococcus sp. ANl. DSM No. 2770, or Thermococcus stetteri. DSM No. 5262, or Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474. 6. A process for the preparation of a protease according to any of claims 1-5, which process comprises cultivation of a protease producing strain of Thermococcus in a suitable nutrient medium, containing carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts, followed by recovery of the desired enzyme. 7. A process according to claim 6, in which a strain of Thermococcus celer. Thermococcus s . ANl. Thermococcus stetteri. or Thermococcus litoralis is cultivated. 8. A process according to claim 7, in which Thermococ¬ cus celer. DSM No. 2476, Thermococcus sp. ANl. DSM No. 2770, Thermococcus stetteri, DSM No. 5262, or Thermococcus litoralis. DSM No. 5474, or a mutant or a variant thereof, is cultivated. 9. A proteolytic detergent additive, in the form of a non-dusting granulate, a liquid, in particular a stabilized liquid, a slurry, or a protected enzyme, characterized by comprising the protease of any of claims 1-5. 10. A protease-containing detergent composition, characterized by comprising the protease of any of claims 1-5. 11. A detergent composition according to claim 10, which further comprises one or more other enzymes, in particu¬ lar amylases, Upases, cellulases, or peroxidases.

Inventors: ANTRANIKIAN GARABED, KLINGEBERG MICHAEL, ANTRANIKIAN, GARABED, KLINGEBERG, MICHAEL
Applicants: NOVONORDISK AS, NOVO NORDISK A/S
Application year: 1991
Main classification: C12N9
IPC codes: C11D3, C12N9, C12R1