Perspective: Enzymatic routes to designer hemicelluloses for use in biobased materials

This article poses the interesting question of whether we can use our knowledge of plant cell wall-modifying, carbohydrate-active enzymes to produce biobased materials. Specifically, the authors point out that much of the hemicellulose contained in agricultural and wood fiber could provide a starting point for making useful products such as aerogels, films, and coatings. Compared to common chemical processes, enzymes can be both more specific about what is produced, and greener in terms of waste. This Perspective article gives a comprehensive review of the substrates and products of many different characterized enzymes (a good review for those interested) and also proposes steps to overcome some of the challenges inherent in creating designer hemicelluloses. For example, the authors propose screening enzymes for application rather than function, e.g., by measuring changes in sample viscosity or light-scattering, and they call for more collaboration between enzymologists and materials scientists. (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) JACS Au 10.1021/jacsau.4c00469