Researchers Submit Patent Application, "Cellobiohydrolase Variants And Polynucleotides Encoding Same", for Approval (USPTO 20240271114).

Researchers from Novozymes A/S have submitted a patent application for cellobiohydrolase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants, and methods of producing and using them. Cellobiohydrolases are enzymes that break down cellulose into cellobiose, which can be fermented into ethanol. The goal of this invention is to enhance the efficiency of converting lignocellulosic feedstocks into ethanol by developing cellobiohydrolase variants with improved properties. The application provides specific substitutions and alterations that can be made to the parent cellobiohydrolase to create the variants, which may have increased thermal activity or thermostability. The application also discusses methods for producing the variants and their use in degrading cellulosic materials and producing fermentation products. [Extracted from the article]