Project description
Stabilisation of enzymes via molecular crosslinking
There is a growing market for services and products involving sustainable chemistry and materials which are safe for the environment. Biotechnology is one of the drivers of the future economy, enabling green chemistry and innovative recycling processes. The central components of biotechnological processes, enzymes, are sensitive to high temperatures and environmental factors, complicating their applications in production processes. The EU-funded INCYPRO project focuses on enzyme stabilisation via the application of small-molecular crosslinkers, previously introduced by the project partners. This process increases enzyme efficiency in the conditions required for biotechnological applications. During the current stage, the project will finalise technological development and marketing strategies.
Objective
The general awareness towards a sustainable life style is growing in society. This translates into a growing market for services and products that involve environment-friendly chemistry and material loops. Biotechnology will be one the key drivers when aiming for a circular economy, as it facilitates green chemistry and efficient recycling processes. A central component of most biotechnological processes are biocatalytic proteins (so-called enzymes). However, enzymes are intrinsically vulnerable to elevated temperatures and unnatural microenvironments hampering their wide-spread use in production processes and consumer products. The stabilization of enzymes via small-molecular crosslinkers (INCYPRO), developed in the Grossmann lab, increases the robustness of enzymes towards conditions required for biotechnological applications. INCYPRO has the potential to improve current biotechnological processes and to allow completely new applications. As the method allows straight-forward and broad application, it is suitable for further valorization. In the proposed project, we will develop INCYPRO from its current method state into an innovative and valuable technology (Aim 1). We will further strengthen the intellectual property position (Aim 2) and develop a market valorization strategy (Aim 3). Our commercialization efforts are supported by experts from the private sector and the science-business interface.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
1081 HV Amsterdam
Netherlands