Project Portugal 2030

Summary

This proposal reflects an ambitious and innovative approach to create artificial intelligence (AI)-driven novel chimeric chitinases with modulated enzymatic activity based on a previous recombinant Candida albicans chitinase (CaCht3). Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) will be fuses to CaCht3 to enhance its enzymatic activity. These chimeric chitinases be target phytopathogenic fungi and convert chitin form chitinous waste into valuable depolymerized chitooligosaccharides (COS). Moreover, the exploration of the biological applications of COS aligns with the growing demand for natural and eco-friendly products. (i) The main challenges addressed by this proposal are: • Fungal pathogen control • Waste management • Education iii) The objectives of the CHITMOD project are: • Produce and characterize chimeric-CaCht3 variants with CBMs orientated by AI to enhance the chitinolytic activity of Cht3. • Evaluate the efficacy of the new chimeric chitinases as biopesticides against different phytopathogenic fungi, including Fusarium circinatum, Diplodia sapinea, Sydowia polyspora, and Pestalotiopsis pini, Botrytris cinerea or Aspergillus niger which affects Pinus sp., and other cultivars. • Obtention and characterization of COS from shrimp waste chitin • Evaluate the antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant bioactivity of COS compounds. • Training students and dissemination of the One Health concept and circular economy around the schools