Abstract
This paper describes the discovery of a new 4 domain α-amylase from Anoxybacillus contaminans which very efficiently hydrolyses raw starch granules. Compared to traditional starch liquefying α-amylases, this new 4 domain α-amylase contains a starch binding domain. The presence of this starch-binding domain enables the enzyme to efficiently hydrolyse starch at a temperature below the gelatinisation temperature. At a reaction temperature of 60°C and in combination with a glucoamylase from Aspergillusniger it was possible to liquefy 99% of the starch obtaining a DX value of 95%.
Furthermore, we describe how the current HFCS process can be turned into a low temperature simultaneous liquefaction and saccharification process by using this new 4 domain α-amylase in combination with a glucoamylase.