Research Project: Technologies for Improving Industrial Biorefineries that Produce Marketable Biobased Products

Location: Bioproducts Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in Pseudomonas putida from alkanoic acids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cal, A.J., Sikkema, D., Hathwaik, U.I., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2023. Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in Pseudomonas putida from alkanoic acids. PLOS. 18(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284377.

Hydrolysis of ferulic acid in corn fiber by a metagenomic feruloyl esterase - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Chan, V.J. 2020. Hydrolysis of ferulic acid in corn fiber by a metagenomic feruloyl esterase. BioResources. 16(1):825-34.

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymers containing 4-hydroxybutyrate in engineered Bacillus megaterium - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cal, A.J., Kibblewhite, R.E., Sikkema, D.W., Torres, L.F., Hart-Cooper, W.M., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2020. Production of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymers containing 4-hydroxybutyrate in engineered Bacillus megaterium. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 168:86-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.015.

Combinatorial enzyme approach for production and screening of libraries of Feruloyl Oligosaccharides - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Batt Throne, S.B., Orts, W.J. 2020. Combinatorial enzyme approach for production and screening of libraries of Feruloyl Oligosaccharides. Advances in Enzyme Research. 8:27-37. https://doi.org/10.4236/aer.2020.83003.

Chromohalobacter salixigens Uronate Dehydrogenase: directed evolution for improved thermal stability and mutant - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagschal, K.C., Chan, V.J., Pereira, J.H., Zwart, P.H., Sankaran, B. 2020. Chromohalobacter salixigens Uronate Dehydrogenase: directed evolution for improved thermal stability and mutant. Process Biochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2020.02.013.

Biodegradation of cotton, PET, and PHB fibers in compost conditions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Penicillium camemberti galacturonate reductase: C-1 xidation/reduction of uronic acids and substrate inhibition mitigation by aldonic acids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagschal, K.C., Jordan, D.B., Hart-Cooper, W.M., Chan, V.J. 2019. Penicillium camemberti galacturonate reductase: C-1 xidation/reduction of uronic acids and substrate inhibition mitigation by aldonic acids. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 153:1090-1098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.239.

Metagenomic discovery of feruloyl esterases from rumen microflora - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Chan, V.J., Liao, H. 2019. Metagenomic discovery of feruloyl esterases from rumen microflora. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 103:8449-8457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-019-10102-y.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in Pseudomonas putida from alkanoic acids - (Abstract Only)
Sikkema, D.W., Cal, A.J., Hathwaik, U.I., Kibblewhite, R.E., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2019. Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in Pseudomonas putida from alkanoic acids. Meeting Abstract. [abstract]. ASM Microbe 2019 conference, San Francisco, CA. June 20-24, 2019.

Lactic acid bacteria for growth promotion and fungal disease management in crops - (Abstract Only)
Nadeem, A., Bibi, N., Arshad, R., Lee, C.C. 2019. Lactic acid bacteria for growth promotion and fungal disease management in crops. Meeting Abstract. [abstract]. ASM Microbe 2019 conference, San Francisco, CA. June 20-24, 2019.

Nucleation and plasticization with recycled low-molecular-weight poly-3-hydroxybutyrate toughens virgin poly-3-hydroxybutyrate - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cal, A.J., Grubbs, B., Torres, L.F., Riiff, T.J., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2019. Nucleation and plasticization with recycled low-molecular-weight poly-3-hydroxybutyrate toughens virgin poly-3-hydroxybutyrate. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 136(17):47432. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.47432.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in pseudomonas - (Abstract Only)
Sikkema, D., Cal, A.J., Ponce, M.I., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C., Hathwaik, U.I. 2018. Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in pseudomonas. Meeting Abstract. 25th Annual BEPS Conference. September 20-22, 2017. Albany, CA.

Isolation of ligninolytic Bacillus sp. strains for depolymerization of alkali lignin - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shah, T.A., Tabassum, R., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2019. Isolation of ligninolytic Bacillus sp. strains for depolymerization of alkali lignin. Journal of Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy. 38(3):e13036. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13036.

Combinatorial enzyme approach to produce Oligosaccharides of diverse structures for functional screen - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Feng, D., Batt, S.B., Orts, W.J. 2018. Combinatorial enzyme approach to produce Oligosaccharides of diverse structures for functional screen. Advances in Enzyme Research. 6(2):11-20. https://doi.org/10.4236/aer.2018.62002.

Biochemical characterization of caulobacter crescentus xylose dehydrogenase - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, C.C., Jordan, D.B., Stoller, R.J., Kibblewhite, R.E., Wagschal, K.C. 2018. Biochemical characterization of caulobacter crescentus xylose dehydrogenase. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 118:1362-1367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.124.

Biochemical characterization of caulobacter crescentus xylose dehydrogenase - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, C.C., Jordan, D.B., Stoller, J.R., Kibblewhite, R.E., Wagschal, K.C. 2018. Biochemical characterization of caulobacter crescentus xylose dehydrogenase. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.124.

A novel method for rapid and sensitive metagenomic activity screening - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shang, M., Chan, V.J., Wong, D., Hans, L. 2018. A novel method for rapid and sensitive metagenomic activity screening. MethodsX. 5:669-675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2018.06.011.

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of molybdenum(VI) imido complexes with N-salicylidene-2-aminothiophenol - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Minelli, M., Hart-Cooper, W.M., Sinnwell, J.G., Blumberg, D.T., Guzei, I.A., Spencer, L.C., Saucedo-Vasquez, J., Solano-Peralta, A., Sosa-Torres, M. 2018. Synthesis, structure, and characterization of molybdenum(VI) imido complexes with N-salicylidene-2-aminothiophenol. Polyhedron. 146:26-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2018.02.017.

Production and uses of low molecular weight 3-hydroxybutyrate polymers and oligomers - (Abstract Only)
Cal, A.J., Grubbs, B., Torres, L.F., Riiff, T.J., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2017. Production and uses of low molecular weight 3-hydroxybutyrate polymers and oligomers. Meeting Abstract. 25th Annual BEPS Conference. September 20-22, 2017. Albany, CA.

Expression and characterization of hyperthermostable exo-polygalacturonase RmGH28 from Rhodothermus marinus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagschal, K.C., Stoller, J.R., Chan, V.J., Jordan, D.B. 2017. Expression and characterization of hyperthermostable exo-polygalacturonase RmGH28 from Rhodothermus marinus. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 183(4):1503-1515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-017-2518-0.

Pilot scale high solids anaerobic digestion of steam autoclaved municipal solid waste (MSW) pulp - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Holtman, K.M., Bozzi, D.V., Franquivillanueva, D.M., Offeman, R.D., Orts, W.J. 2017. Pilot scale high solids anaerobic digestion of steam autoclaved municipal solid waste (MSW) pulp. Renewable Energy. 113(113):257-265.

Production and characterization of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates - (Abstract Only)
Cal, A.J., Sikkema, D.W., Ponce, M.I., Orts, W.J., Lee, C.C. 2017. Production and characterization of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates. Meeting Abstract. American Chemical Society. p.340.

Conversion of biomass to value-added bioproducts by enzyme nanoassemblies - (Abstract Only)
Lee, C.C., Kibblewhite, R.E., Paavola, C.D., Wagschal, K.C. 2017. Conversion of biomass to value-added bioproducts by enzyme nanoassemblies. Meeting Abstract. American Chemical Society. p.100.

Combinatorial enzyme technology: Conversion of pectin to oligo species and its effect on microbial growth - (Abstract Only)

Combinatorial enzyme technology: Conversion of pectin to oligo species and its effect on microbial growth - (Abstract Only)

Combinatorial enzyme technology for the conversion of agricultural fibers to functional properties - (Abstract Only)

Combinatorial enzyme technology for the conversion of agricultural fibers to functional properties - (Abstract Only)

Production of D-xylonic acid from hemicellulose using artificial enzyme complexes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, C.C., Kibblewhite, R.E., Paavola, C., Orts, W.J., Wagschal, K.C. 2017. Production of D-xylonic acid from hemicellulose using artificial enzyme complexes. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 27(1):77–83 doi: 10.4014/jmb.1606.06041.

Hydrothermal carbonization of autoclaved municipal solid waste pulp and anaerobically treated pulp digestate - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Reza, M., Coronella, C., Holtman, K.M., Franqui-Villanueva, D.M., Poulson, S.R. 2016. Hydrothermal carbonization of autoclaved municipal solid waste pulp and anaerobically treated pulp digestate. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 4(7):3649-3658. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b00160.

Nanostructured enzyme assemblies for lignocellulosic biomass breakdown for bioproduct and bioenergy applications - (Abstract Only)
Lee, C.C., Wagschal, K.C., Paavola, C. 2016. Nanostructured enzyme assemblies for lignocellulosic biomass breakdown for bioproduct and bioenergy applications.[abstract]. USDA/NIFA Nanotechnology Meeting.

Expression and characterization of hyperthermostable exo-polygalacturonase TtGH28 from Thermotoga thermophilus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagschal, K.C., Stoller, J.R., Chan, V.J., Lee, C.C., Grigorescu, A.A., Jordan, D.B. 2016. Expression and characterization of hyperthermostable exo-polygalacturonase TtGH28 from Thermotoga thermophilus. Molecular Biotechnology. 58(7):509-519. doi: 10.1007/s12033-016-9948-8.

Production of glucaric acid from hemicellulose substrate by rosettasome enzyme assemblies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, C.C., Kibblewhite, R.E., Paavola, C., Orts, W.J., Wagschal, K.C. 2016. Production of glucaric acid from hemicellulose substrate by rosettasome enzyme assemblies. Molecular Biotechnology. 58:489.

Cloning and expression of Pectobacterium carotovorum endo-polygalacturonase gene in Pichia pastoris for production of oligogalacturonates - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Rafique, N., Tabassum, R., Awan, S., Orts, W.J. 2016. Cloning and expression of Pectobacterium carotovorum endo-polygalacturonase gene in Pichia pastoris for production of oligogalacturonates. BioResources. 11(2):5204-5214.

A pilot-scale steam autoclave system for treating municipal solid waste for recovery of renewable organic content: Operational results and energy usage - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Holtman, K.M., Bozzi, D.V., Franqui-Villanueva, D.M., Offeman, R.D., Orts, W.J. 2016. A pilot-scale steam autoclave system for treating municipal solid waste for recovery of renewable organic content: Operational results and energy usage. Waste Management and Research. 34(5):457-464. doi: 10.1177/0734242x16636677.

Methanotrophic production of copolymer, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), with high hydroxyvalerate content - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cal, A.J., Ponce, M.I., Franquivillanueva, D.M., Orts, W.J., Pieja, A., Lee, C.C. 2016. Methanotrophic production of copolymer, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), with high hydroxyvalerate content. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 87:302.

Properties of cellulose micro/nanofibers obtained from eucalyptus pulp fiber treated with anaerobic digestate and high shear mixing - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tonoli, G., Holtman, K.M., Glenn, G.M., Fonseca, A., Wood, D.F., Williams, T.G., Sa, V., Torres, L., Klamczynski, A., Orts, W.J. 2016. Properties of cellulose micro/nanofibers obtained from eucalyptus pulp fiber treated with anaerobic digestate and high shear mixing. Cellulose. 23(2):1239-1256. doi: 10.1007/s10570-016-0890-5.

Testing for sustainable preservatives - (Trade Journal)
Byrne, A.P., Hart-Cooper, W.M., Johnson, K., Stanker, L.H., Wong, D., Orts, W.J. 2016. Testing for sustainable preservatives. Home and Personal Products Industry Magazine (HAPPI). p. 2.

Isolation and divalent-metal activation of a ß-xylosidase, RUM630-BX - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jordan, D.B., Braker, J.D., Wagschal, K.C., Stoller, J.R., Lee, C.C. 2015. Isolation and divalent-metal activation of a ß-xylosidase, RUM630-BX. Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 82:158-163. doi: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2015.10.001.

Glucuronoyl esterases are active on polymeric substrate, methyl esterified glucuronoxylan - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Biely, P., Malovikova, A., Uhliarikova, I., Li, X., Wong, D. 2015. Glucuronoyl esterases are active on polymeric substrate, methyl esterified glucuronoxylan. FEBS Letters. 589:2334-2339.

From metagenomic gene discovery to enzymatic breakdown of crosslinks in agricultural fibers for functional products - (Abstract Only)
Wong, D., Chan, V.J., Marakami, M. 2015. From metagenomic gene discovery to enzymatic breakdown of crosslinks in agricultural fibers for functional products. Pacifichem Symposium. Meeting Abstract, BIOL 343.

A novel feruloyl esterase from rumen microbial metagenome: Gene cloning and enzyme characterization in the release of mono- and diferulic acids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wong, D., Takeoka, G.R., Chan, V.J., Liao, H., Marakami, M. 2015. A novel feruloyl esterase from rumen microbial metagenome: Gene cloning and enzyme characterization in the release of mono- and diferulic acids. Protein and Peptide Letters. 22(2):681-688.

Structural basis for xyloglucan specificity within GH5 family and the molecular determinants for a-D-Xylp(1¿6)-D-Glcp recognition at the -1 subsite - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Santos, C.R., Cordeiro, R.L., Wong, D., Murakami, M.T. 2015. Structural basis for xyloglucan specificity within GH5 family and the molecular determinants for a-D-Xylp(1¿6)-D-Glcp recognition at the -1 subsite. Biochemistry. 54:1930-1942.

Nanostructure enzyme assemblies for biomass conversion - (Abstract Only)
Lee, C.C., Kibblewhite, R.E., Templeton, P.D., Orts, W.J., Paavola, C., Wagschal, K.C. 2015. Nanostructure enzyme assemblies for biomass conversion. 37th Symposium for Biotechnology. Meeting Abstract. PSI: M110.

Quantifying landfill biogas production potential in the U.S. - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Schauer-Gimenez, A., Cal, A.J., Morse, M., Pieja, A., Holtman, K.M., Orts, W.J. 2014. Quantifying landfill biogas production potential in the U.S.. Biocycle. 55(10):43.

Lignin fate and characterization during ionic liquid biomass pretreatment for renewable chemicals and fuels production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sathitsuksanoh, N., Holtman, K.M., Yelle, D.J., Morgan, T., Stavila, V., Pelton, J., Blanch, H., Simmons, B.A., George, A. 2013. Lignin fate and characterization during ionic liquid biomass pretreatment for renewable chemicals and fuels production. Green Chemistry. 3(3):1236-1247. doi: 10.1039/c3gc42295j.