Division of Glycoscience
We integrate multidisciplinary competences in chemical biology, biochemistry, and material sciences to understand the biosynthesis, assembly, modification, and deconstruction of complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates or ‘glycans’ are fundamental building blocks of life, responsible for many regulatory functions, providing energy to cell processes and structural support in plants and microorganisms in their cell walls. Moreover, carbohydrates represent the primary renewable carbon source for developing multiple bioproducts in a sustainable society.
Our fundamental understanding of plant and microbial cell wall biosynthesis and structure enables the development of biological strategies for pest control in aquaculture and food crops. We apply sustainable processes, including the production and characterization of carbohydrate-active enzymes, to mine the diversity of glycans in terrestrial and marine biomass. These glycan components are then engineered towards high-value products for structural, biomedical, food, and cosmetic applications.