WR DTP project: Discovery and characterization of novel ligininase activities for the production of sustainable chemicals and biofuels

The need to reduce our reliance on fossil derived hydrocarbons for chemical and fuel production is pressing. Biofuels provide substantial reductions in carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Producing biofuels from the sugars released from degrading woody residues of crops provides an attractive way of making biofuels sustainable without impacting food security; however, the complexity and recalcitrance of this promising feedstock hampers energy and economic efficient usage by industry. In order to unlock this potential there is a need to identify new lignocellulose degrading enzymes. Previous work in our lab has resulted in the isolation of an exceptional lignocellulose degrading fungus identified as Parascedosporium putredinis. Preliminary studies of the organism’s secretome suggest an abundance of extracellular proteins are produced, most of them currently are unidentifiable using the extant genome.

The project will use ‘omics technologies to discover highly performing lignocellulose degrading enzymes for lignocellulose digestion in P. putredinis and will elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow this fungus to be such an effective lignocellulose degrader. The project will also involve the characterisation of a family of novel ligninase produced by P. putredinis that has potential for biorefining applications.

The White Rose DTP in Mechanistic Biology is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.