Tailoring cellulose properties by manipulating cellulose synthase

纤维素是一种由植物产生的高度丰富的聚合物，在澳大利亚纤维和聚合物工业中具有许多现有用途，并且作为例如将生物质转化为乙醇和其他高价值产品的丰富饲料具有潜在用途。不同应用的最佳性能各不相同，例如，高结晶度纤维素可提供坚固的纤维，而低结晶度纤维素在生产纤维素基聚合物的过程中可溶解在较温和的溶剂中。通过探索调整纤维素特性以用于不同应用的方法，我们可以为初级生产者、工业和环境带来潜在的好处。

Cellulose, a highly abundant polymer produced by plants, has many existing uses in Australian fibre and polymer industries and potential uses as, for example, an abundant feedstuff for biomass conversion into ethanol and other high value products. The optimal properties for different applications vary so that, for example, high crystallinity cellulose gives strong fibres whereas low crystallinity cellulose dissolves in gentler solvents on the way to producing cellulose-based polymers. By exploring ways to adjust the properties of celluloses for use in different applications, we can deliver potential benefits to primary producers, industries and the environment.