Hemicelluloses for fibre enzymatic modification

Our project focuses on hemicelluloses, as they play an important role within lignocellulosic biomass, interlocking cellulose microfibrils, and lignin. Hemicelluloses affect the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber surfaces by creating rigid and flexible domains. The vision of the project is to unlock the full potential of hemicelluloses in wood and open the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. In the project we will use oxidative enzymes to selectively introduce reactive groups onto hemicelluloses absorbed on the surface of cellulosic fibers. We will then investigate the influence of these functionalized groups on the stability of adsorbed hemicelluloses and their impact on the properties of cellulosic fibers. This will contribute to an integral utilization of lignocellulosic fibers by using the hemicelluloses.