Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus

Kone Oy

Marjaana Rättö

Liisa Viikari

Markku Saloheimo

Ann Westerholm-Parvinen

Tiina Nakari-Setälä

Johanna Buchert

Laura-Leena Kiiskinen

Kristiina Kruus

Hanna Kontkanen

Pasi Halonen

Anne Kantelinen

The present invention relates to polyesterases having cutinase and/or suberinase activity obtainable fromand. The invention further relates to a method for producing the polyesterases, and to polynucleotides, vectors and host cells used therein. The enzymes are useful in hydrolysing cutin, suberin and other polyesters for example in treating agricultural or food raw materials, or wood raw materials, pulp and paper products and waste, and in modifying polyester fibers, or in laundry and dish applications.

Esterases and their use

The invention relates to a new laccase enzyme, which can be isolated from the strains of thegenus, thestrain in particular. The pH optimum of the enzyme is within 5&#x2013;8 and the enzyme works at a temperature of 30&#x2013;80&#xb0; C. The isoelectric point of the enzyme is about 4.0 as determined by isoelectric focusing and the molecular weight about 80 kDa, defined by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme is especially well suited to applications, wherein the pH and temperature conditions are high. The invention also relates to a gene that encodes laccase enzyme, and a laccase enzyme produced by recombinant technology.

Laccase enzyme and the gene encoding the enzyme

A method for the debarking of logs is disclosed, which comprises treating the logs with enzymes to weaken the bonds between the bark and wood. An apparatus is also disclosed for the debarking of logs, comprising a conveyor for conveying the logs to a debarker, a piping system with nozzles for spraying the logs with an enzyme solution, a device for separating the enzyme solution from the logs and conducting it back into the piping system, and a feed device for supplying enzyme solution into the circulation system.

Method for the debarking of logs

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Vantaa, Finland

Marjaana Rättö