Title: Heterologous production and functional characterization of Auxiliary Activity family 10 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases for fiber functionalization
“Organic matter from plants and animals (biomass) represents a largely untapped renewable resource. Cellulose and chitin are carbohydrate polymers that account for the majority of biomass found on earth and can be used to produce fuels, chemicals, and bio-based materials. The primary barrier prohibiting efficient utilization of these materials for industrial applications (valorization) is their difficulty to break down (recalcitrance), which stems from their high chemical stability. Detritus-consuming organisms (saprotrophs) such as bacteria and fungi secrete powerful oxidative enzymes called lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) that depolymerize recalcitrant cellulose and chitin fibers. This thesis explores the potential of a canonical family of bacterial LPMOs to aid in the valorization of biomass polysaccharides through exploration of heterologous protein production strategies, biochemical characterization studies, and a proof-of-concept scheme to utilize LPMOs for chemo-enzymatic modification of cellulose fibers.”
Monday, April 04, 2022 at 2:30 pm via Zoom
Hosted by: Harry Brumer