An enzyme consists of several hundreds of amino acids located in a delicate three-dimensional structure. This structure determines the properties of the enzyme such as reactivity, stability and specificity.
Through extensive research we know the exact location of each amino acid in the three-dimensional structure of most of our enzymes. Based on years of experience with these enzymes and aided by specially programmed super-computers we are able to suggest how to change one or few of the amino acids in the enzyme such that the enzyme will function better in a desired application.
As soon as we have discovered possible ways to improve the three-dimensional structure of a specific enzyme, our scientists can construct these slightly altered enzymes by modifying the gene encoding the enzyme. Engineered organisms then produce the modified enzyme that is tested to evaluate whether the predictions have been correct.
Protein engineering has formed the basis of many of Novozymes most prominent products. By utilizing such methods we have made enzymes that can withstand boiling, enzymes that work at extreme pH (both acidic and alkaline), enzyme that can withstand high concentrations of bleach, enzymes that have improved activity and enzymes that work on several new substrates.