PuLCO

Winner of the 2024 call for projects.

PuLCO is centered on an integrated approach targeting the improved valorization of recalcitrant polysaccharides from biomass to produce bio-based chemicals or advanced biofuels.

In particular, the project will focus on Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMOs), a family of copper-containing enzymes which promote polysaccharide deconstruction through oxidative mechanisms. LPMOs are currently implemented in enzymatic cocktails for improved saccharification. However, due to a lack of fundamental knowledge, their activation, stability and engineering remain a challenge. PuLCO project therefore seeks to address critical questions regarding the mechanism, the influence of reaction conditions, interaction with extended substrate and the enzyme stability.

Our multidisciplinary approach combines:

• Enzymatic studies.
• Mechanistic and biophysical approaches (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance and bioelectrochemistry).
• Computational studies.

The important knowledge acquired through the PuLCO project will be implemented into industrial conditions to improve the use of these key enzymatic systems.
 

Project lifetime:
 

2024 - 2028

Scientific manager:
 

A Jalila Simaan (CNRS)