Chemistry of Wood Biomass Conversion
| Numbering Code | G-AGR03 6CA23 LJ79 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Intensive, First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 1 | Course Type | Lecture |
| Target Year | 2nd year master's students | Target Student | |
| Language | Japanese | Day/Period | Intensive |
| Instructor name |
WATANABE TAKASHI (Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere Professor) WATANABE TAKAHITO (Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere Assistant Professor) NISHIMURA HIROSHI (Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere Program-Specific Associate Professor) |
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| Outline and Purpose of the Course | In this lecture we will introduce conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels, chemicals and useful materials by biological and chemical methods. Structural analysis of plant cell wall components by advanced NMR and MS, wood decay mechanisms and biological functions of wood rotting basidiomycetes will be lectured, paying special attention to free radical regulation mechanisms of their secondary metabolites and lignin-degrading enzymes. We will introduce cellular response of selective lignin-degrading fungi to lignin fragments, and lipid metabolism relevant to wood decay. Catalytic functions of cellulolytic enzymes and their interaction with biomass components are also introduced. Roles of biomass conversion in sustainable environment are discussed. | ||
| Schedule and Contents |
Theory of biomass resources Topics include: characteristics of various types of biomass such as lignocellulose biomass; the importance of wood resources for material cycling on Earth; the relationship between biomass conversion and environmental problems such as global warming, exhaustion of fossil fuels, and pollution by chemical substances. 2. Structures of lignocellulose biomass and their conversion using microbes and enzymes Topics include: chemical structures and characteristics of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin carbohydrate complex that constitute biomass; and precise compositional analysis of biomass using protein probes, NMR, and mass spectrometer. We will also discuss how microbes and enzymes can be used to convert lingocellulose biomass into bioethanol, chemical products, and functional materials. 3. Catalytic and expression control mechanisms of wood-degrading enzymes Catalytic mechanisms of lignin-degrading enzymes and cellulase at the molecular level will be discussed. 4. The biology of basidiomycetes and wood decay mechanisms Topics include: classification and biological characteristics of bacteria; analysis of gene expression of basidiomycetes; and lipid metabolisms In addition, various mechanisms for controlling wood decay will be discussed, including: the generation and suppression of active oxygen by oxidoreductase and bacterial metabolites; lipid peroxidation; enzyme-mediator reactions; and biomimetic radical reactions. 5. The course will be delivered on two Mondays, from 3rd to 6th period. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Evaluation will be based on reports related to course content and attendance. | ||
| Course Requirements | Basic knowledge in microbiology, enzyme chemistry, wood chemistry, organic chemistry, and genetic engineering is desirable. | ||
