Home Institute: Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
Main supervisor: Anett Schallmey
Co-Supervisors: Marco Fraaije (RUG) and
Valerio Ferrario (BASF)
Required academic background: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry or related. Preference in enzyme production, purification, and characterization. Experience in enzyme engineering is also beneficial.

In this project, computational tools and lab experiments will be employed to engineer solvent-stable enzymes (β-etherases, peroxygenases, dehydrogenases, etc.) for the selective provision and functionalization of lignin-derived aromatics. Solvent stability is crucial for enzymes acting on hydrophobic substrates or materials. Enzyme stability towards different water-miscible and non-miscible solvents will be addressed, focusing on bio-based solvents like deep-eutectic solvents. The research will involve the study of novel β-etherases and peroxygenases for the selective cleavage of C-O bonds and regiospecific O-demethylation, as well as auxiliary enzymes such as dehydrogenases for further (enantioselective) functionalization of monomers and oligomers. Ideally, it aims to achieve a molecular understanding of the factors driving solvent stability in the studied enzymes.

Objectives:

  • Engineering solvent-stable enzymes (β-etherases, peroxygenases and auxiliary enzymes) by semi-rational protein design using different computational tools (e.g., PROSS, FRESCO and MD simulations in explicit solvent).
  • Biochemical characterization of engineered enzymes, especially concerning stability and activity amongst others.
  • Application tests of engineered enzymes, individually or in combination, for lignin monomer provision and functionalization.

Expected results:

  • Engineered enzymes with significantly increased solvent stability.
  • Knowledge of the performance of engineered enzymes, individually and in combination, for lignin monomer provision and functionalization.
  • Methods for generating innovative, lignin-derived aromatic building blocks.