Abstact

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are industrial enzymes which are gaining use in second generation bioethanol production from lignocellulose by acting in synergy with glycoside hydrolases. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of an AA9 fungal LPMO from Aspergillus fumigatus and a variant which has been shown to have better performance at elevated temperatures. Based on the structures, thermal denaturation data and theoretical calculations, we provide a suggestion for the structural basis of the improved stability.