Collaborative Research: Molecular and Engineering Studies of Extremely Thermophilic Xylose Isomerases

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The objective of this project is to continue collaborative efforts between Michigan State University and North Carolina State University to explore the thermophilicity of class II xylose isomerases (XIs) with the ultimate goal of providing the scientific and engineering bases for a superior isomerization process. The specific research objectives include: (1) to use protein engineering to develop a superior XI able to produce a 55% fructose syrup at high temperature and low pH in the absence of unwanted by-product formation and without the requirement for a chromatographic enrichment step; (2) to address the bioprocessing issues relevant to such biocatalysts; (3) to examine the differences and similarities among class II XIs as a basis for developing thermostabilization and thermoactivation strategies useful for other enzymes; and (4) to consider other monosaccharide biotransformations that operate at elevated temperatures and that have technological potential.