Cellulose fibres are used in textiles, paper, packaging and other materials. However, their production often requires complex and costly processes. These processes require a lot of energy and water, which impairs their sustainability. Current methods, such as mechanical-chemical processes or steam explosion, often result in fibres with an uncontrollable degree of polymerisation and aggressive chemical residues that reduce the quality of the end products. The variability of plant fibre raw materials exacerbates these challenges. To improve this, our project is developing an enzyme biotechnology approach that combines experimental work, computational modelling and innovative production processes. Using a systems biology approach and modelling methods, new fibre processing tools will be developed to specifically modify plant fibres and optimise their physical properties, such as water retention. In addition, the market acceptance of the sustainable products will be evaluated in order to address both scientific and economic challenges.

Contacts IBG-2: Dr. rer. nat. Holger Klose