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Søren Brander |
Biopolymers and redox enzymes
Our research is focused on the enzymes that catalyse degradation of plant cell walls in nature as well as in industrial biorefineries.
The aim is to both understand the molecular mechanisms and the systems in which the enzymes work. Our laboratories are equipped with specialised instruments that allow for study the role of oxygen in the degradation processes.
Special attention is given to enzymes called lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). These enzyme are mononuclear copper enzymes that use oxygen-species for catalysis.
LPMOs are likely to have several functions in biology and are important for saprotrophic fungal lifestyle. Importantly, they initiate degradation of cellulose by cleaving glycosidic bonds at places that are not accessible cellulose hydrolases.
Ongoing Projects
Crypto
NNF Synergy grant "Mechanisms of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases in fungal pathogenesis: directing polysaccharide structure and metabolism in Cryptococcus neoformans". NNF grant number NNF21OC0070070.
The project will run from the 1 April 2022 - 31 December 2026.
Contact: Søren Brander
OxyMiST
Oxygen Constraints on Microbial Secretomes during Plant Cell Wall Turnover
Contact: Søren Brander
Completed Projects
HOPE
Harnessing the Oxidative Power of Enzymes
Contact: Søren Brander
Master projects
Every year we develop a list of project ideas. You can use the Thesis Idea Catalogue to get inspiration for you own project, or formulate your own project. You are always welcome to come by our offices to discuss your ideas.
Bachelor projects
We are always looking for students who wants to try to produce, purify, and characterize enzymes. These projects offer a great opportunity to develop a range of laboratory skills, providing tangible results, such as colonies on a plate, bands on a PAGE gel, and color formation from enzymatic assays.
Our research focuses on enzymes that are working on natural polymers. Each project will work towards an experiment that tests this activity on a heterogeneous (dirty) sample. Join us to gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful research.
Enzyme examples:
LPMOs - oxidize and degrade insoluble fibers; key enzyme in recycling of biomass.
Glucose oxidases - unexpectedly found in anaerobic environments.
Glycan hydrolases - degrade glycan matrix in biofilm.
KUnet Student Information - On this link you can find useful student information about projects, thesis contracts and other.
2025
2024
2021
Inhibition of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases by Plant Extracts
Radina Tokin
Read abstract here
On the Histidine Brace in Redox Enzymes and Chaperones
Johan Ørskov Ipsen
Read abstract here
Researchers
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search in Name | Search in Title | Search in Phone | |
| Anne Blicher | Laboratory Technician | +4535328028 | |
| Helle Jakobe Martens | Associate Professor | ||
| Magnus Hallas-Møller | Assistant Professor | +4535332313 | |
| Radina Tokin | Postdoc | +4535326455 | |
| Signe Lett | Assistant Professor | +4535326162 | |
| Søren Brander | Associate Professor | +4535331261 |
