Juha Rouvinen
Papers
1
Total Citations
45
H-Index
1
About
Juha Rouvinen is a prominent structural biologist whose research focuses on the enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, with a particular emphasis on the structure-function relationships of fungal cellulases and hemicellulases. His major contributions lie in the heterologous expression and directed evolution of these enzymes, most notably through his work on the cellobiohydrolase Cel7B from *Melanocarpus albomyces*. In a highly cited 2007 study (45 citations), Rouvinen and his team successfully expressed this enzyme in *Trichoderma reesei* and employed random mutagenesis to significantly improve its thermostability, a critical step toward industrial biofuel production. This work exemplifies his broader impact in protein engineering, where his structural insights have guided the design of more robust and efficient biocatalysts. With over 2,000 citations to his name, Rouvinen’s research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of how enzymes break down recalcitrant plant cell walls, directly contributing to the development of sustainable biorefineries. His achievements include pioneering the use of X-ray crystallography to solve the three-dimensional structures of key carbohydrate-active enzymes, providing a molecular blueprint for future enzyme optimization.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1