| 1. Chemical and enzymatic modification of carbohydrates | |
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Natural carbohydrates can be modified in many ways to obtain an enormous amount of functionalities. We look for new methods in organic chemistry (glycochemistry) and in biocatalysis. The search for new enzymes, their characterization and production is part of this activity. |
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2. Polysaccharide engineering for functional polymers and improved composite materials | |
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The material properties of carbohydrate polymers cover an amazing range, from tough, highly insoluble cellulose-like materials to very soluble polyelectrolytes with random, helical or even multiple helical secondary structures. We investigate ways to mold the properties to specific requirements, and we look for novel ways to process carbohydrate polymers into the desired product. |
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3. Precision engineering of food microstructures with functional carbohydrates through the use of microtechnology | |
| Micro- and nanotechnology are promising ways to fabricate materials and products with well-defined structure at the sub-micrometer level. We intend to apply the principles from this novel field to biomolecules, in particular carbohydrates (bio-nanotechnology) to learn how we can give new properties to materials and food products, and to understand how nature manages to build such delicate, yet reliable microfactories. |
4. Plant cell wall architecture as a food quality parameter
The appearance and appreciation of fruits and vegetables depends strongly on mechanical properties of the walls of cells. We study the role of these cell walls in storage, but also in processes like the making of juices. Often, enzymes can be used to our advantage, and we investigate how we can use these properly.
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On the basis of these four clusters, a core programme is put together consisting of separate projects. Most of these are four-year projects, each carried out by a PhD student. The core programme projects stand out because of their collaborative nature, such that at least two, but often more, of the academic groups are involved in each of them. As CRC-Wageningen develops, we expect to start more clusters and to expand the number of core projects. Except the projects in the core programme, CRC-Wageningen features a multitude of other carbohydrate-related research projects. Most of these are carried out by individual CRC-Wageningen participants and help to expand the expertise CRC-Wageningen is built upon. |
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| Chemistry | Excellent facilities for organic synthesis |
| Spectroscopy | NMR (various spectrometers up to 500MHz, a unique whole-plant imaging NMR), mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS, LC-MS), fluorescence, ultra-fast pulsed laser spectroscopy, micro-spectroscopic center, infrared |
| Rheometry | Several rheometers, covering a wide range of frequencies and deformations, surface rheometry, rheo-optics |
| Liquid surfaces | Several Langmuir film balances, Brewster Angle microscopy, Reflection Infrared (IRRAS), ellipsometry |
| X-ray diffraction | An up-to-date Philips X-pert system |
| Thermal analysis | DSC, micro-DSC, advanced batch and flowisothermal calorimetry |
| Light scattering | Static and dynamic light scattering; powerful laser sources |
| Microscopy | Optical microscopy (including polarization, reflection, and confocal scanning options), scanning probe microscopy (AFM, STM), electron microscopy |
| Chromatography | Full range of gas and liquid chromatography, SEC |
| Molecular Genetics | Full range of state-of-the-art techniques |
| Pilot Processing Equipment | For testing new processing conditions |
| Greenhouses | For experimental plant breeding |
| Fermenters | For a variety of volumes and conditions |
| Enzyme purification | Facilities and technology |
| Computational Equipment | Molecular modelling, simulation software, self-consistent-field methods |
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