Other HLEs (Lignin-α- and lignin-β- bonds to hemicellulose)

Tethys is working to enzymatically break all ether bonds between lignin and hemicellulose.  MLE and XLE are targeted to phenyl ether bonds.  But hemicellulose is also linked to lignin via α- and β-benzyl ether bonds.  In collaboration with Dr. Tom Chang at Utah State University, Tethys has designed and synthesized models of those bonds.

Tethys is bioprospecting for microorganisms that can break α- and β-benzyl ether bonds between mannose and lignin.  Possible sources of specific enzymes have been identified.

Examples of mannose bonded to a lignin monomer via α-benzyl and β-benzyl bonds: