SUPERVISOR: Georg M. GÜBITZ

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Martin NAGL

Cellulose is the most abundant biodegradable and renewable polymer with an annual production of approximately 1.5 · 1011 tons. The project will elucidate the mechanisms of cellulose degrading enzymes (Cellulases) for several crucial steps of the paper production process as well as for the total hydrolysis of cellulose moieties contained in process side streams and wastes. For example, in Germany alone 220.000 tons of multi-layer beverage cartons waste is produced annually while only a small portion is recycled. Cellulases can be used to completely degrade cellulose fibers present in blended materials containing paper, cotton, rayon fibers or other products to their monomeric building blocks, which makes them of special interest for recycling. The recycled glucose can be re-used for the biotechnological production of new products in a biorefinery, e.g. for the fermentation of biopharmaceuticals, chemicals or the production of bioethanol.

A detailed investigation of the mechanisms of the enzymes is essential for the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies and to allow better control of processes in paper production as well as for making the recycling cost-effective. In the course of this project, several imaging technologies (e.g. SEM- Scanning Electron Microscopy) are applied to elucidate the function of cellulase enzymes, which makes it an excellent fit for the “Biomaterials and Biointerfaces” doctoral school.

Fig. 1 SEM picture of untreated cellulose fibers (Blank) at a magnification of 2500x.

Fig. 2 SEM picture of cellulose fibers treated with a cellulase mixture at a magnification of 2500x. Damage of fibers caused by the enzyme treatment can be clearly seen.