Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Enzymes are now recognized as key ingredients in ""green chemistry"", particularly in the area of pulp and paper. The enzyme known as cellulase can increase the pulp drainage rate with positive consequences in terms of increasing machine productivity and decreasing the energy costs of drying, both of which reduce the environmental footprint. However, cellulases may also negatively impact both sheet quality and strength, which can be avoided by using additional enzymes in combination with a decreased dose of cellulase. Controlling drainage and strength is important for Canadian pulp industries and is a priority for our partner Buckman Laboratories of Canada. In this project we intend to help our partner expand its offering into recycled pulp, a major Canadian market. We will use our expertise in protein engineering, enzymology and spectroscopy to develop an innovative method allowing direct and quick characterization of fibre composition and polymer surface distribution. Technology transfer will follow two pathways: First, our innovative and predictive method (FPTM) will be used by our partner to optimize enzyme combinations adapted to different customers' requirements. Then, as we develop this method, an enzyme composition allowing for optimal drainage will be identified. This composition will then be tested at a pilot scale by Buckman. With such innovations, Buckman will contribute to increasing Canadian papermakers' competitiveness and help to further reduce its environmental footprint. Our second industrial partner involved in this project is Kruger. Kruger will have priority access to our formulations and related advantages. Benefits for Centre de recherche sur les matières lingo-cellulosiques at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières include the strengthening of its contribution to the Pulp and paper industry in an extremely timely sector (green chemistry, biocatalysis). This project will also provide an opportunity for graduate students to work in collaboration with a dynamic industrial partner, and learn to use bioinformatics, molecular biology and automation for real life product development.