ForestValue – FunEnzFibres (From fundamentals to valorization: Enzymatic oxidation of cellulosic fibres and underlying mechanisms)

Cellulose from wood can be used to replace many products that today are made from fossil raw materials. The breakdown of cellulose into sugar, which can then be used to produce, for example, second-generation biofuels, is well known. Other applications of cellulose make greater use of the wonderful fiber that cellulose is, and are aimed at producing new, environmentally friendly materials. In this project, we, in collaboration with several European industries, including Borregaard, will develop enzyme-based processes to produce improved and novel cellulose-based materials. The goal is to develop better varieties of the processes and products that already exist, but also to develop new products. Enzyme technology is well suited for this because it is a green technology that does not involve toxic chemicals or extreme reaction conditions. In this project, we use enzymes to process the cellulose, so that we get the thin and homogeneous fibers that industry wants, as well as new types of fibers. The project is largely based on the use of so-called "Lytic Polysaccharide Monoxogygenases" (LPMOs). LPMOs were discovered at NMBU in 2010 and are currently used worldwide for the breakdown of cellulose. However, it is clear that much more can be done with LPMOs, for example, by using these enzymes to only break down ?irregularities? in otherwise homogeneous fibers. Such approaches will improve fiber functionality and, hence, value. LPMOs can also be used to introduce reactive groups on the cellulose fibers which can then be used to attach to other substances; this can give rise to brand new materials. We have now shown that, by using the right types of LPMOs under the right conditions, different types of cellulose fibers can be obtained and we are developing optimized protocols that are of industrial interest and that are scaled up by partner VTT (Finland). VTT has extensive experience in the production of cellulose fibers and is process- and industry-oriented. Our progress is strongly dependent on the unique and very advanced analytical "fiber" expertise that partner BOKU (Austria) brings into the project. The project is carried out in collaboration with five industries that assist in procuring relevant raw materials and are involved in identifying processes that have the most industrial relevance. We are experiencing great interest from the industry and the project's more applied goals, such as upscaling, will be achieved. The three research partners have complementary expertise and work very well together; this contributes to the project's progress and will lead to several good scientific joint publications, which are expected to be completed in the final phase of the project.

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Wood cellulose is a future material for replacement of many fossil-based products. Modification of the wood pulp is needed for preparation of value-added products. Enzymes are specific, non-toxic biodegradable tools for the modification of the pulps in mild reaction conditions. Recently discovered lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) oxidize cellulose in the crystalline parts, having thus capability to modify the most recalcitrant celluloses. This project will explore the potential of LPMOs in oxidative modification of cellulosic fibres. The research aims at developing sustainable refining and dissolving processes. The consortium brings together top-class expertise in enzymatic modification of pulp and fibres, LPMO enzymology, cellulose analytics and applications. Six industrial partner are committed to follow and advise the project.