Biomass Product Tree Industry-Academia Collaborative Research Laboratory

Laboratory for Complex Energy Processes Biomass Product Tree Industry-Academia Collaborative Research Laboratory

Professor(Concurrent) : Masato KATAHIRA

We aim at the development of new conversion process and sustainable circular use of biomass.

Determination of Fine Structure by NMR and Development of Utilization Using Enzymes of Biomass

Kyoto University and Daicel ltd. have been carrying out collaboration aiming at realization of circular-type low-carbon society and development of industries. We have contracted the comprehensive cooperation agreement on October 1, 2021. The contract will stand for eight and half a year until 2030. Our Institute has started "Biomass Product Tree Industry-Academia Collaborative Research Laboratory" in collaboration with Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Institute for Chemical Research and Daicel ltd. Professor Katahira's group participates in the Collaborative Laboratory with the research theme of "Determination of Fine Structure by NMR and Development of Utilization Using Enzymes of Biomass". Since 2025, Graduate School of Agriculture, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies and Institutional Advancement and Communications have also joined. Currently, 23 members are engaged in the Collaborative Laboratory.

Discovery of the enzyme LPMO that dramatically enhances the breakdown of cellulose in collaboration with cellulases and elucidation of the operation mechanism.
(Left) Enhancement of the breakdown of cellulose by the combinatorial use of LPMO and cellulases. (Right) Molecular structure of LPMO in action of breaking down of cellulose.