Tailoring cellulose properties by manipulating cellulose synthase

纤维素是一种由植物生产的高度丰富的聚合物，在澳大利亚的纤维和聚合物行业中有许多现有的用途，例如，作为生物质转化为乙醇和其他高附加值产品的丰富饲料的潜在用途。不同应用的最佳性能有所不同，例如，高结晶度的纤维素可以提供坚韧的纤维，而低结晶度的纤维素在生产纤维素基聚合物的过程中会溶解在较温和的溶剂中。通过探索在不同应用中调整纤维素性质的方法，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.