Addition of a carbohydrate-binding module enhances cellulase penetration into cellulose substrates.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cellulases are of great interest for application in biomass degradation, yet the molecular details of the mode of action of glycoside hydrolases during degradation of insoluble cellulose remain elusive. To further improve these enzymes for application at industrial conditions, it is critical to gain a better understanding of not only the details of the degradation process, but also the function of accessory modules.

Method

We fused a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) from family 2a to two thermophilic endoglucanases. We then applied neutron reflectometry to determine the mechanism of the resulting enhancements.

Results

Catalytic activity of the chimeric enzymes was enhanced up to three fold on insoluble cellulose substrates as compared to wild type. Impor

SUBMITTER: Reyes-Ortiz V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3716932 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature