Use of Enzymes Having Silicase Activity

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of polypeptides having silicase activity for the modification or synthesis of silica, silicones and other silicium (IV) compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of polypeptides having silicase activity for the modification of glass, sand, asbestos, computer chips, glass wool, fiber glass, optical fibers and silicones, for the removal of sand from oil-sands, for the removal of asbestos, and for sandblasting.

1 . A method for the modification of silica, silicone and a silicium (IV) compound, comprising treating silica, silicone or a silicium compound with a gamma-carbonic anhydrase having silicase activity. 
     
     
         2 . A method for the synthesis of silica, silicone and a silicium (IV) compound, comprising treating a precursor of silica, silicone or a silicium compound with a gamma-carbonic anhydrase having silicase activity, wherein the treatment results in the synthesis of silica, silicone and a silicium (IV) compound. 
     
     
         3 . A method for the modification of silica, silicone and a silicium (IV) compound, comprising treating silica, silicone or a silicium compound with a silicase obtained from  Methanosarcina thermophila,  or a silicase activity which has a degree of identity to the  Methanosarcina thermophila  silicase (SEQ ID NO: 1) of at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and even most preferably at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the silicase is obtained from  Methanosarcina thermophila.    
     
     
         5 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the silicase is used for the modification of glass, sand, asbestos, computer chips, glass wool, fiber glass, optical fibers and silicones, for the removal of sand from oil-sands, for the removal of asbestos, or for sandblasting.