Development of Novel Robust Laundry Enzymes for Cold Wash Applications by both rational and directed evolution and using micro-fluidic approaches

The project will be involved in identifying novel enzymes from extremophilic bacteria and archaea that have improved properties for use in the detergent and healthcare sector. Specifically enzymes that are both robust and have high activity for sustainable cold water washing. Previous studies have used enzymes isolated from psychrophilic bacteria. This approach has its limitations since although the enzymes are active at low temperatures they are not robust enough for laundry purposes. The approach will involve using a robust enzyme scaffold together with a flexible active site that will allow high activity at ambient temperatures. This approach will be carried out by both rational and directed evolution and using micro-fluidic approaches.