Project description
A new cohort of researchers prepares to unleash the power of oxygenases
Oxygenation, the incorporation of oxygen into molecules, is a key process in many metabolic reactions. Nature accomplishes this with so-called oxygenases, enzymes that catalyse the oxidation of a tremendous variety of organic molecules by molecular oxygen. The versatility of these enzymes and the importance of the reactions and products make the production and application of oxygenases a key goal in biotechnology. However, their large-scale application is considerably challenging. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OXYTRAIN project will create a European Training Network comprising academic and non-academic partners to foster a new generation of talented and experienced researchers to take up the challenge.
Objective
For the selective and effective incorporation of oxygen into biological molecules (oxygenation reaction), several enzyme types have evolved in nature. They catalyse crucial reactions in various metabolic routes. The chemistry feasible with these biocatalysts is unrivalled when compared with conventional chemical methods. Therefore, these oxygenating enzymes are very promising tools in biotechnological approaches. However, when compared with other enzyme classes, such as hydrolases, oxygenases are still in their infancy considering their biotechnological potential. To fully exploit the catalytic power of oxygenases, several hurdles have to be taken for which a higher level of knowledge on these enzymes is needed while also technical aspects have to be solved.
The European Training Network (ETN) OXYTRAIN is a joint academic/non-academic training initiative supporting the convergence of biochemistry, enzyme engineering and biotechnology. The consortium's mutual goal is developing a new generation of innovative and entrepreneurial early stage researchers (ESRs) to satisfy the need for knowledge and skills to produce and apply oxidative enzymes. This will be achieved by setting up a network and intersectoral programme in which multiple disciplines will be integrated and exploited. By bringing together 7 academic beneficiaries that are experts in the field of individual oxygenase groups, the network will provide perfect conditions for cross-fertilization of knowledge, while the 3 industrial beneficiaries and 5 partner organisations will add to the consortium by translating the generated knowledge into real industrial applications, such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and biorefineries.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN - European Training NetworksCoordinator
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands