Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amylolytic enzymes having improved characteristics for the use in starch degradation, in textile or paper desizing and in household detergent compositions. The disclosed ?-amylases show surprisingly improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level. These improved properties make them more suitable for the use under more acidic or more alkaline conditions. The improved properties allow also the reduction of the Calcium concentration under application conditions without a loss of performance of the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amylolytic enzymes having improved characteristics for the use in starch degradation, in textile or paper desizing and in household detergent compositions. The disclosed &agr;-amylases show surprisingly improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level. These improved properties make them more suitable for the use under more acidic or more alkaline conditions. The improved properties allow also the reduction of the Calcium concentration under application conditions without a loss of performance of the enzyme.

Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam Penicillin G acylases are provided, exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These Penicillin G acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding said Penicillin G acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type Penicillin G acylase.

Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam Penicillin G acylases are provided, exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These Penicillin G acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding for said Penicillin G acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type Penicillin G acylase.

Abstract: New mutant .beta.-lactam acylases are provided exhibiting altered substrate specificities. These .beta.-lactam acylases are obtained by expression of a gene encoding said .beta.-lactam acylase and having an amino acid sequence which differs at least in one amino acid from the wild-type .beta.-lactam acylase.

Abstract: A method for selecting amino acid residues is disclosed which upon replacement will give rise to an enzyme with an altered pH optimum. The method is specific for metalloenzymes which are inactivated at low pH due to the dissociation of the metal ions. The method is based on altering the pK.sub.a of the metal coordinating ligands or altering the K.sub.ass for the metal binding. New glucose isomerases with an altered pH optimum are provided according to this method. These altered properties enable starch degradation to be performed at lower pH values.

Abstract: A method for selecting amino acid residues is disclosed which upon replacement will give rise to an enzyme with an altered pH optimum. The method is specific for metalloenzymes which are inactivated at low pH due to the dissociation of the metal ions. The method is based on altering the pK.sub.a of the metal coordinating ligands or altering the K.sub.ass for the metal binding. New glucose isomerases with an altered pH optimum are provided according to this method. These altered properties enable starch degradation to be performed at lower pH values.

Abstract: A method for selecting amino acid residues is disclosed which upon replacement will give rise to an enzyme with an altered substrate specificity. New mutant glucose isomerases with an altered substrate specificity are provided according to this method. These altered properties are useful in starch degradation and in other sugar conversion reactions.