Objective The high stability of components like cellulose limit the efficiency and cost effectiveness of biofuel or chemical production from lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, the ability of the recently discovered class of metalloenzymes, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMO), to enhance the efficiency of recalcitrant polysaccharide degradation makes understanding these enzymes invaluable for carbon friendly sustainable chemical and energy development as prioritized under the Horizon2020 program. The current project seeks to develop multi-layered biomimetics of the LPMO active site that can offer unprecedented replication first and second coordination sphere groups, in order to be able to rationally study the collection of interactions that contribute to enzyme activity. The research involves the design and chemical synthesis of aromatic oligoamide scaffolds that incorporate a specific copper binding site. Through synthetic modification of the scaffold to alter the second coordination sphere, and combined spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, changes in the properties and reactivity of the metal site will be studied with a goal of developing a structure- function relationship that can assist in guiding enzyme modification, as well as, new synthetic catalyst development.The applicant has a strong background in synthetic chemistry and mechanistic studies that will be crucial to the success of the project. Through joining the host lab in Belgium that specializes in coordination and supramolecular chemistry, she will greatly increase her own knowledge base, while transferring her knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry to the host. Additionally, during proposed secondments to work with a collaborator in Germany for the electrochemical studies, the applicant will further expand the gain and transfer of knowledge and strengthen international collaboration between the groups involved. Fields of science natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistrynatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistrynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesnatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN Net EU contribution € 160 800,00 Address PLACE DE L UNIVERSITE 1 1348 Louvain La Neuve Belgium See on map Region Région wallonne Prov. Brabant Wallon Arr. Nivelles Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 160 800,00
