A new method of improving plant enzymes through bioengineering has expanded the understanding of converting plant materials into biofuels, biochemicals and other high-value products. The research was published in the journal Plant.
Lead work from the University of Adelaide proposes new ideas for how plant cell walls can be structured, organized and reformed by manipulating the catalytic activity of certain enzymes. Basic plant cell features such as structure, integrity, cytoskeletal organization and stability are now considered in a new light, indicating new possibilities.
By studying the catalytic activity of a specific enzyme – known as 'xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferase’ – the researchers were able to better understand how different polysaccharides are linked to form the structural components of plant cell walls. „This work contributes to essential knowledge of how to understand xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases and control their fundamental properties – for example, to improve their catalytic rates and stability,” said project leader Professor Maria Harmova.
Plant cell walls are destroyed and the resulting products must be chemically treated before they can be used in the production of biofuels. Cell wall features can be altered to make biofuel production more efficient and cost-effective. The discovery has implications for the pharmaceutical business, as enzymes are sought as environmentally friendly and cost-effective biomedical solutions, among other applications.
Using living organisms to remove impurities, pollutants and toxins from the environment is called bioremediation. „Although the definition of the catalytic function of xyloglucan xyloglucosyltransferases has progressed significantly in the last 15 years, there are limitations in how this knowledge can be naturally applied to the function of plant cell walls, and there is still a lack of information,” he said. said.
This group work builds on 60 years of xyloglucan chemical and biochemical research and other research groups. The research team used sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent reagents to efficiently monitor the complex biochemical reactions of polysaccharides.
„We also used 3D molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to gain insights into the mode of action of these enzymes on fast time scales,” Professor Hrmova said. „Our findings are supported by plant and cellular biological approaches, and we have provided new insights into the function of these enzymes in vivo.” (ANI)
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