Biomolecular Sciences

Renewable Energy through Scientific Understanding 

As part of the Chemical and Biosciences Center, the Biomolecular Sciences Section conducts fundamental research toward understanding the underlying mechanisms of the natural resistance of lignocellulosic biomass to chemical and enzymatic conversion processes. Biomolecular Sciences studies how the intricacies of biomass ultrastructure and chemistry influence interactions between biomass conversion technologies such as pretreatment, enzyme hydrolysis, and microbial fermentation. The ultimate goal is the productive and efficient conversion of lignocellulosic materials in an effort to bring clean, renewable fuels into the competitive marketplace. Research in Biomolecular Sciences is centered in the Targeted Conversion Research task of the DOE Office of the Biomass Program and is carried out across three disciplines: Chemical Processing Fundamentals, Biological Processing Fundamentals, and Plant Cell Wall Imaging/Structure. This trinity of technologies is unlocking the secrets of biomass recalcitrance and channeling the gathered insights to applied biomass conversion research groups for use in developing economic biomass conversion processes.

Research Projects

• Understanding Cellobiohydrolase Action
• Understanding Pretreatment
• Understanding Biomass Ultrastructure Effects
• Understanding the Processivity of Cellobiohydrolase Cel7A (CBH I)   

Capabilities and Facilities

• Computational biology
• Fungal molecular biology and high-throughput enzyme screening
• Protein structure/function analysis
• Correlative Microscopy/Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory

For staff profiles, publications, and contact information, see Biomolecular Sciences Research Staff.