FPL-RWU-4712

Dr. Barbara Illman , Director
Phone: (608) 231-9231

The mission of this unit is to explore, through basic and applied research, the potential of biotechnology in wood conversions and to better understand the roles of such conversions in enhancing the environment.

This is accomplished by developing the scientific understanding of wood fungi oxidative systems and applying this to wood processing; by developing the basic scientific information and conditions needed to apply enzymatic processing to wood fiber; by developing an understanding of the molecular genetics of lignocellulosic-degrading fungi to develop biotechnologically based conversion technology; and by improving processing and fermentation technology to convert low-grade lignocellulosic materials into fuels and chemicals.