Speaker: Åsmund Røhr Kjendseth
Title: How experiments and theory uncover oxygen activation mechanisms in copper enzymes for biomass breakdown
Abstract:
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) have altered our understanding of biomass conversion by catalyzing the oxidative cleavage of robust C–H bonds in polysaccharides. Despite their crucial role in both natural ecosystems and industrial biorefining, the intricate details of their catalytic mechanisms and substrate interactions remain partially obscured. This lecture aims to "break down" these complexities by combining experimental findings with theoretical models to offer a comprehensive insight into LPMO catalysis.
We will begin by exploring how multidisciplinary approaches—including biochemical assays, spectroscopic techniques, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations—have advanced our knowledge of LPMO interactions with crystalline substrates like chitin and cellulose. By analyzing enzyme cutting patterns and constructing atomistic models, we've uncovered how LPMOs position their monocopper active sites relative to the substrate, facilitating effective catalysis while preventing self-destructive oxidation. By integrating experimental observations with theoretical insights, the lecture will provide a nuanced understanding of LPMO catalysis.