The study demonstrates that up to ~15% additional glucose can be released from the cellulose fraction of dry‑ground corn flour, corresponding closely to the total cellulose content, using recombinant cellulases produced in corn kernels. The enzymes can be applied directly as ground flour, and optimal glucose recovery requires either starch removal or a brief heat treatment prior to enzymatic digestion. Glycosyl composition data generated through GlycoMIP services contributed to the biochemical characterization of digestion products, supporting evaluation of cellulose conversion under different enzyme and processing conditions.
Increasing Glucose Yield from Cellulose in Ground Corn Using Plant-Made Recombinant Cellulases (PDF)
This study demonstrates that the polysaccharide lyase Smlt1473 can inhibit alginate secretion and degrade established alginate, an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), from multiple mucoid P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, although the effective enzyme concentration varies by strain. Structural analysis showed that all EPS samples were dominated by alginate, were enriched in mannuronic acid, and contained significant levels of acetylation. Glycosyl composition analysis and NMR spectroscopy performed by the GlycoMIP user facility confirmed that differences in total alginate content, M‑to‑G ratio, or degree of acetylation do not primarily account for variation in Smlt1473 efficacy across strains, suggesting that other biological factors contribute to strain‑dependent responses.
Polysaccharide Lyases as Biotechnological Tools for Glycomaterials (PDF)
The study demonstrates that whole Hawaiian macroalgae can be transformed directly into mechanically robust bioplastics and effective wood particleboard adhesives without chemical extraction or synthetic binders. Species‑dependent differences in composition were shown to correlate with stiffness, strength, flame retardance, and biodegradation behavior of the resulting materials. Monosaccharide composition data generated through GlycoMIP services contributed to the biochemical characterization underpinning these comparisons by quantitatively resolving major carbohydrate components across algal species.
Direct Conversion of Whole Macroalgae into Bioplastics and Wood Particleboards (PDF)
Researchers determined a near‑atomic‑resolution (~2 Å) crystal structure of the polysaccharide lyase RbmB bound to defined oligosaccharide fragments of Vibrio polysaccharide (VPS), revealing how chemically modified polysaccharides are selectively recognized and processed. By combining structural data with molecular dynamics simulations and targeted mutagenesis, the study elucidates how specific chemical modifications and multivalent ionic interactions govern substrate binding, deformation, and controlled chain scission within a polysaccharide network.
Molecular Modeling Provides Insights into Enzyme‑Driven Polysaccharide Processing (PDF)
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin synthesized a series of precision glycopolymers with systematically varied backbone and glycan stereochemistry and showed that these structural differences produce measurable changes in polymer conformation, hydrophobicity, lectin binding, cellular uptake, and toxin inhibition, despite identical chemical compositions.
To support the training of next generation glycomaterials scientists, and in combination with individual mentoring GlycoMIP Scholars receive from their faculty mentor, GlycoMIP has created a professional development-oriented seminar series specifically designed for GylcoMIP Scholars.
GlycoMIP Scholars engage in social events and professional development opportunities (PDF)
A result of feedback received following past summer school, GlycoMIP organized its first “advanced content” short course. The program was focused on methods of glycomaterials synthesis and included topics outside the expertise and capabilities of the user facilities.
GlycoMIP Engages Glycomaterials Synthesis Experts as 2024 Summer School @ VT Instructors (PDF)
A team of researchers, led by Sanket Deshmukh at Virginia Tech, developed a computational workflow involving machine learning and deep learning models with evolutionary algorithms to identify new compositions of FeNiCrCoCu multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs). A team led by Tyrel McQueen at John Hopkins University synthesized and tested these compositions for model validation
Artificial Intelligence-guided Inverse Design of Multi-Principal Element Alloys (PDF)
A team of researchers, led by Cassandra Callmann at The University of Texas at Austin, developed a synthesis method for glycopolymers that affords precise control over polymer length, backbone structure, and density of pendant carbohydrates. The team identified the latter to be a critical factor for lectin binding, with grafting densities below 50% resulting in weaker interactions.
The GlycoMIP User Facility provided rheological and structural information on the alginates used. The team hopes to further improve menstrual care, leading to advancements in improving the quality of life for women.
Researchers at McGill University, supported by GlycoMIP scientists at UGA, analyzed a water-soluble component of the self-healing Mistletoe Viscin adhesive after extraction. Systematic characterization of the chemical components enables direct links between adhesive performance and molecular features.
The GlycoMIP In‑House Research Team developed a machine learning–based framework to establish appropriate MSn protocols and effective data analysis methods for inferring glycosidic linkages in glycans. As a proof of principle, the approach was applied to the elucidation of sialic acid linkages using sialyllactose standards and NIST glycans.
Machine‑learning framework for glycan linkage inference (PDF)
Three mucus types in C. aspersum were characterized, including proteins, glycosylation, ion content, and mechanical properties. Advanced mass spectrometry revealed previously unreported details on both N‑ and O‑linked glycans, providing new insight into structure–function relationships. This study was reported by outlets including NPR.
Working alongside FLSI’s existing SURF program, GlycoMIP leverages a long‑standing framework for introducing undergraduate students to graduate‑level research. Participants gain professional development training, hands‑on laboratory experience, and individualized mentorship from GlycoMIP faculty and staff.
Broadening participation through the GlycoMIP SURF program (PDF)
GlycoMIP’s second annual Summer School was held June 13–17, 2022 at the Virginia Tech user facility. Twenty‑two academic and industry scientists participated in hands‑on laboratory exercises, lectures, and panel discussions focused on glycomaterial synthesis, characterization, and modeling.
The GlycoMIP User Facility supported research by Dr. Brandon Jutras at Virginia Tech, leading to a high‑impact publication in Nature Microbiology. The study revealed the glycan composition of the Borrelia burgdorferi cell wall, advancing understanding of Lyme disease detection and treatment.
The first two commercially available automated glycan synthesizers in the United States were installed at the GlycoMIP user facility in September 2021. The instruments enable systematic, automated synthesis of defined oligosaccharides using solid‑phase chemistry.
Installation of automated glycan synthesizers at GlycoMIP (PDF)
Through participation in the FLSI SURF program, GlycoMIP provides undergraduate students with an immersive research experience that includes laboratory work, professional development, and close mentorship by faculty and research scientists.
GlycoMIP hosted its first Summer School, a virtual event. The event featured 15 instructors and offered content aligned with the GlycoMIP facilities of synthesis, analysis and modeling services.
As part of its outreach mission, GlycoMIP provided education about glycomaterials to high-school STEM teachers through the Teacher Enrichment Program of the Center for Excellence in Education.