Novel Biopolymers
Principle Investigators: Prof Jens Kossmann, Prof? James Lloyd and
Dr Shaun Peters
In order to produce novel biopolymers with specialised functionalities we have developed a range of screening systems that allow for easy identification of novel genes coding for biopolymer synthetic or modifying enzymes. After characterisation, the genes are expressed in suitable hosts, such as bacteria, yeasts or higher plants. The libraries we are screening are either derived from organisms known to accumulate interesting biopolymers, or are metagenomic libraries from specific ecological niches that we think represent environments where accumulation of such functional polymers would give a selective advantage.
