Co-engineering of hemicellulases from a xylan PUL for improved deconstruction of plant biomass

Turning lignocellulosic biomass into useful products is a key way to cut global carbon emissions and build a sustainable bioeconomy. The problem is that plant cell walls are tough, especially because they contain hemicellulosic xylan, which resists enzymatic breakdown. This project looks at co‑engineering hemicellulases from a xylan Polysaccharide Utilization Locus (PUL) to make plant‑biomass deconstruction more efficient. The work centers on studying how different enzymes work together: * Main‑chain depolymerizing enzymes – endo‑1,4‑β‑D‑xylanases and β‑D‑xylosidases. * Accessory debranching enzymes – α‑L‑arabinfuranosidases and carbohydrate esterases. By measuring the cooperative kinetics of these glycoside hydrolases, the project provides systematic guidance for creating optimized multi‑enzyme cocktails. M.Tech students will: * Model the

structures of enzyme‑substrate complexes. * Simulate the kinetics of multi‑step polysaccharide hydrolysis. * Perform mass‑balance calculations for the deconstruction process. The framework aims to develop highly efficient biocatalytic systems for biorefineries. It offers a clear method for analyzing enzyme synergy, tuning reaction conditions, and assessing the overall environmental and economic viability of converting lignocellulosic biomass.

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