J.H. Pereira
Papers
1
Total Citations
28
H-Index
1
About
J.H. Pereira is a structural biologist and biochemist whose research focuses on the enzymatic deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable biofuel production. His most-cited work, a 2013 study on the thermophilic cellulase Cel5A from *Thermotoga maritima*, demonstrated that ionic liquid pretreatment of switchgrass dramatically reduces biomass recalcitrance, enabling more efficient enzymatic saccharification. This foundational paper, which has garnered 28 citations, addresses a critical bottleneck in biofuel economics: the high cost and low activity of enzymes on pretreated feedstocks. Pereira’s contributions lie in characterizing the structural and functional adaptations of thermostable cellulases, showing how these enzymes maintain activity under harsh industrial conditions. His work has implications for designing more robust biocatalysts that can withstand ionic liquid residues, potentially lowering processing costs. By bridging structural biology with applied biotechnology, Pereira has helped advance the practical viability of cellulosic ethanol. His research continues to inform strategies for engineering enzymes that are both highly active and stable, making him a key figure in the transition toward sustainable, cost-effective bioenergy from non-food plant materials.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1