🧪 Representing at CBM16 in Elsinore, Denmark!

We are thrilled to share that our team was present at the 16th

Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting (CBM16)", held in the historic city of Elsinore, Denmark — and we came with some exciting science to show!

Dr. Christina Pentari presented her poster on "Enhanced Release of Xylo-Oligosaccharides from Native Lignocellulose by the Bifunctional GH30_7 Xylanase TtXyn30A."

Christina's work evaluates TtXyn30A from Thermothelomyces thermophilus — a bifunctional enzyme combining exo- and endo-modes of action — on native Arabidopsis thaliana biomass. Key highlights include: approximately 50% of the released xylobiose was acetylated, strong synergism with acetyl esterases (degree of synergy up to 1.48), and a 13% boost in glucose and xylose release when combined with commercial cellulolytic cocktails. 🔬

Eleni Krassa presented her work on "The activity of a fungal GH30 exo-xylobiohydrolase on acetylated xylan from natural substrates challenges acetylation-mediated recalcitrance."

Acetyl groups on xylan have long been thought to block enzymatic degradation of plant biomass. Eleni's research demonstrates that AaXyn30A, a xylobiohydrolase from Acremonium alcalophilum, can tolerate these acetyl substitutions — releasing a mixture of acetylated and unsubstituted xylobiose from pre-treated beechwood. This is the first reported case of a fungal xylobiohydrolase tolerating acetyl groups at the non-reducing end, opening new doors for understanding hemicellulose biodegradation and designing improved hemicellulolytic cocktails. 🌿

Both studies are part of the Bio2PEs project, funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, reflecting our group's commitment to advancing enzymatic strategies for sustainable biomass valorization.

A huge congratulations to Eleni and Christina for their outstanding contributions, and thank you to the CBM16 organizers for a wonderful scientific gathering! 👏

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