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QLK3-2000-00273
Engineering of hybrid proteins containing cellulose-binding domains - Novel biotechnological tools for pulp, paper and textile industry |
| Contract No: | QLK3-2000-00273 |
| Project Type: | RS (Research and Technological Development Project) |
| Start Date: | 01-04-2001 |
| Duration: | 36 months |
| Total Cost: | |
| EC Contribution: | 935 228 EUR |
| Scientific Officer: |
Abstract
The overall objective of the CBD-hybrids project is the development of biotechnological tools to modify cellulosic fibers. This will be achieved by combining Cellulose-Binding Domains (CBD's), naturally present in cellulases, with new catalytic domains (laccase, pectinases or lipases) or other functional proteins or polypeptides. The structure-function characteristics of the novel CBD-hybrids will be studied, with emphasis on the interaction between the novel proteins and the cellulose fiber surface. Application trials, by research and industrial partners, will evaluate the potential of the novel biotechnological tools for application in pulp, paper and textile processes such as biobleaching, biodeinking, bioscouring and fiber modification to reach more sound, eco-efficient processes and higher product quality.
Objectives
The CBD-hybrids project aims for the design and lab-scale production of targeted enzymes and other functional proteins resulting in more efficient enzymes and modified cellulose fibers.
The main objectives are:
Description of the Work
New DNA-constructs, coding for targeted protein tools (CBD-hybrids), will be made by genetic engineering. A CBD will be combined with enzymes or other protein fragments of interest. The most suitable CBD's are chosen from various biological origins, based on compatibility with the expression system and affinity for cellulose. In addition, mutation of natural CBD's may be applied to fine-tune the binding characteristics. Enzymes to be fused to the CBD's are laccase, pectinase and lipase. This selection is based on the desired enhanced enzyme activities in pulp and textile processes. For obtaining specific fiber surface characteristics, selected protein fragments or amino acid tails will be used. The CBD-hybrids will be produced in microbial and plant expression systems, which will be further optimized to become economically feasible. The novel proteins will be characterised with emphasis on their interaction with the cellulose fiber surface. Based on these results a second round of genetic engineering may be started for the most promising CBD-hybrids.
In parallel, the industrial partners will perform application tests for modification of pulp and textile fibers. Virgin and recycled pulps will be treated with the CBD-enzymes to modify or degrade lignin, remove wood extractives or unwanted compounds (e.g. inks) from the recycled fiber surface while retaining recycled fiber quality. Textile fibers will be treated with CBD-pectinases and CBD-lipases to enhance the removal of residual pectins and wax. The technical properties of these industrial fibers will be examined to compare the performance of the novel CBD-hybrids with the respective original enzymes. The functional CBD-hybrids will be tested for their ability to modify surface properties by anchoring specific groups to the cellulose fiber.
Deliverables
Result
More efficient enzymes and tools for fiber surface modification: opportunities for cleaner fiber production processes and higher product quality and diversity.
Contacts
Coordinator
Participant
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