Evaluation and upscaling of Cellulosome enzyme systems for industrial lignocellulose feedstocks

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to evaluate and scale up a new enzyme technology for industrially relevant lignocellulosic feedstocks. A number of different "Cellulosome complexes" were evaluated on pretreated Swedish softwood and compared with existing commercial enzyme cocktails. Selected enzymes were expressed in E. coli and optimization of enzyme production was performed in bioreactors. The possibility to improve existing commercial enzyme cocktails with additives of various "Cellulosome complexes" resulted however only in moderate improvements for the specific feedstock.

Expected results and effects

Addition of various "Cellulosome complexes" during enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated softwoodl resulted only in moderate improvements (increased sugar yield). Therefore, the technology concept in its current form is not considered economically justifiable to implement on an industrial scale. However, the project resulted in new knowledge and technology transfer between the parties. A basis has also been laid for further transnational cooperation between the Weizmann Institute / Yeda (Israel) and RISE / Sekab (Sweden) via a visit and several good meetings during the project.

Planned approach and implementation

The project began with a visit and start-up meeting at the Weizmann Institute in Israel. Materials, pre-treated softwood from Sweden and various gene constructs from Israel, were exchanged between the parties and extensive lab work was carried out. Unfortunately, the lab-scale work showed only a moderate positive effect for the technology concept. The planned upscaling and a detailed technical-economic evaluation for industrial implementation were therefore not performed. However, the collaboration and communication between the parties worked very well during the project.