SBIR-STTR Award

This SBIR Phase I project is to investigate the potential for using oxidative enzymes derived from a novel matrix in a market chosen from the fields of pulp bleaching, textile bleaching, enzymatic remediation or bio-glue a novel matrix. The phase I objective is to perform bench-top experiments in each of these areas to identify the conditions necessary to achieve success in applying oxidative enzymes derived from transgenic corn seed material in these processes. These experiements will be conducted in collaboration with several laboratories in which expertise resides. APPROACH: In this proposal, manganese-dependent peroxidase and laccase, expressed at high levels in transgenic corn seed, will be tested in applications that aim for chemical-free pulp bleaching, peroxidase-free textile bleaching, formaldehyde-free glued wood products and reduced phenolic contaminants in waste streams. Once efficacy of these enzyme products has been demonstrated, a Phase II proposal will be submitted to scale-up applications trials to demonstrate commercial potential. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Industrial proteins produced in plants, particularly corn, offer a unique opportunity for industrial scale production of enzymes at competitive prices and yields that will address markets that cannot be addressed today. These corn-produced enzymes open the possibility to address such large markets as pulp bleaching, textile bleaching, bio-glues and enzymatic remediation of waste streams. The goal is to show efficacy, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of applying oxidative enzymes derived from transgenic corn seed material in these processes. The results of these experiments will define efficacious applications of laccase and manganese peroxidase produced from a corn matrix, and thus direct potential commercial outlets for this new source of redox enzymes.

Keywords:
laccase; manganese peroxidase; redox enzymes; pulp bleaching; transgenic maize

The pulp and paper industry require the removal or bleaching of lignin as an important manufacturing step for many of their products. Chemical bleaching is the preferred current process for whitening because of its relatively low cost. The bleaching process uses large amounts of chlorinated and caustic chemicals to brighten raw pulp which is brown in color due to the presence of residual lignin. Depending on the bleaching chemicals used, the liquid waste stream may contain a number of toxic chemicals which may eventually accumulate in rivers and oceans. Additionally, wastes from bleaching tanks may emit hazardous air pollutants. Consequently, large amounts of chlorinated organic byproducts such as dioxin are generated. The successful completion of this project would provide an enzymatic alternative to chemical bleaching. This process would have a positive impact on the environment by eliminating many of the unwanted caustic products released. The key to the successful adoption of an enzymatic process will be to develop a system of production for the enzyme that can compete favorably in function and cost. Early work has suggested that transgenic plants may be able to provide such as system and the work proposed here is focused on demonstrating this in a practical manner.