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

该项目的目标是继续密歇根州立大学和北卡罗来纳州立大学之间的合作努力，探索II类木糖异构酶（XIs）的亲热性，最终目标是为更好的异构化过程提供科学和工程基础。具体的研究目标包括：(1)利用蛋白质工程技术，开发一种能够在高温、低pH条件下生产55%果糖糖浆、不产生有害副产物且不需要色谱富集步骤的优良XI；(2)解决与此类生物催化剂相关的生物处理问题；(3)研究II类XIs之间的异同，为开发对其他酶有用的热稳定和热激活策略奠定基础；(4)考虑其他在高温下操作的单糖生物转化，并具有技术潜力。

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.