Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMOs) for Advanced Nanocellulose Materials

LPMOs (lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases) are oxidative enzymes that enhance cellulose fibrillation by introducing charged carboxyl groups onto the cellulose surfaces in aqueous reaction conditions. The use of LPMOs in production of nanocelluloses could reduce the need of hazardous chemicals and facilitate more environmentally friendly processes. The aim of this subproject is to produce recombinant LPMOs in Pichia pastoris, characterize the optimal reaction conditions for the oxidation of cellulosic substrates, and to use the LPMOs in production of nanocelluloses (CNFs and CNCs), as well as use LPMOs to tailor the structure and properties of delignified wood template.