Glycosyl hydrolase enzymes in high temperature industrial processes

Abstract

Novel hyperthermophilic Dictyoglomus beta-mannanases are provided for use in high temperature industrial applications requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of 1,4-β-D-mannosidic linkages in mannans, galactomannans, and glucomannans. Also provided are methods and compositions for fracturing a subterranean formation in which a gellable fracturing fluid is first formed by blending together a hydratable polymer and a Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase as an enzyme breaker. An optimized and stabilized recombinant Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase is provided that shows superior performance/effectiveness and properties in degrading guar and derivatized guars at pH ranges from 3.0 to 12 and temperatures ranging from 130° F. to in excess of 270° F.

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