BioProducts Research Lab
Current Research Projects
Proteomic Analysis of Softwood-degrading Fungi
This project involves proteomic analysis of enzymes secreted by the white-rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete carnosa, and the brown-rot basidiomycete Postia placenta, while transforming lignocellulosic substrates, particularly softwood fibre that is abundant in Canada. It is anticipated that this research will identify enzyme profiles that can be correlated to efficient transformation of particular lignocellulosic feedstocks. This will enable tailored applications of enzymes for processing wood fibres in the future. In addition, the comparison of proteins secreted by P. carnosa and P. planceta will provide further insight into the unique biotransformation strategies that have evolved in brown-rot and white-rot fungi.
Genome Sequencing and Transcription Analysis of P. carnosa
This project includes a collaborative initiative with the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) to sequence and annotate the genome of Phanerochaete carnosa, a white-rot fungus that is differentiated from P. chrysosporium by its preference for degrading softwood fibre rather than hardwood fibre. This project is also analyzing differential transcript profiles from P. carnosa grown on cellulosic and woody substrates. It is anticipated that this research will identify enzymes with comparatively high specific activity on softwood fibre. Comparative genomic analysis of P. carnosa and P. chrysosporium will also facilitate efforts to metabolically engineer lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms.
Enzyme Discovery and Engineering for Fibre Polymer Modification
The aim of this project is to mine publicly available genome sequences for novel enzymes that can be developed for plant fibre engineering. Carbohydrate esterase and oxidase enzymes are primary targets for this project, which are being recombinantly produced and characterized, and then engineered to alter the side-group chemistry of hemicellulose polymers. It is anticipated that this research will create new market opportunities for Canada’s agricultural and forest industries by generating high-value biomaterials that combine the reactivity of polymers extracted from agricultural residues and the strength properties of cellulose from wood fibres.
Characterizing Accessibility and Non-productive Interactions Between Enzymes and Lignocellulose
The cost of utilizing enzymes for refining and engineering lignocellulose remains an important obstacle to broader acceptance of this technology. Improvements in enzyme production, and the development of enzymes with higher temperature and pH stability, as well as specific activity, have helped to reduce associated costs. The objective of this project is to apply state-of-the-art analytical teachniques to characterize determinants of enzyme accessibility and non-productive associations to lignocellulose components. Methods being applied include isothermal calorimetry, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy,and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. In addition to decreasing enzyme loading by 1) decreasing non-productive enzyme binding and 2) increasing enzyme accessiblity to lignocellulosic substrates, it is anticipated that this study will advance our fundamental understanding of enzyme activity on complex composite materials.
Anaerobic Conversion of Recalcitrant Biomass to Energy
Energy cost and waste handling are two principle challenges for Canada’s forest sector. For instance, proper disposal of secondary sludge is of particular concern, given limited opportunity for land application, and increased production forecasts. Anaerobic conversion of wastes to methane is commonly practiced by other industrial and municipal treatment facilities, and the feasibility of anaerobic conversion of secondary sludge from certain pulp mills has been demonstrated. The objective of our current research is to identify economic pretreatment technologies and opportunities for co-digestion that increase the efficiency of methane production from secondary sludge. With the aim to generate new microbial consortia with ability to efficiently transform recalicitrant biomass, we are also developing and characterizing anaerobic microcosms enriched from natural environments that range from forest heritage piles to moose rumen.