9417356 Eriksson This award supports a two-year cooperative research project between Dr. Karl-Erik Eriksson of the University of Georgia and Dr. Masahiro Samejima of the University of Tokyo. The objective of this cooperative research project is to construct a new enzymatic system for cellulose surface analysis. The investigators intend to exploit two characteristics for cellulose surface analysis: high specificity for substrate and high catalytic activity. It will also be necessary to further characterize specific antibodies for immunolocalization studies as well as to examine the practical application of cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDH) to celluloses from a variety of industrial processes. This proposal brings together research scientists from two countries working on the biochemical properties of wood. Dr. Eriksson s group has extensive knowledge and experience in biochemistry of cellulolytic enzymes including CDH. The team led by Dr. Samejima has worked on enzymatic surface analysis of cellulose and pulp. By combining these expertises, the two groups can achieve a deeper understanding and more rapid progress than can either group alone. Therefore, this proposal fulfills the objectives of the Program in its exchange and transfer of scientific knowledge through an international collaboration. ***
