Terhi Puranen
Papers
1
Total Citations
45
H-Index
1
About
Terhi Puranen is a leading researcher in fungal biotechnology and enzyme engineering, with a particular focus on the discovery and optimization of cellulolytic enzymes for industrial applications. Her most-cited work, a 2007 study on the heterologous expression of *Melanocarpus albomyces* cellobiohydrolase Cel7B, exemplifies her core contribution: advancing the production and stability of key biomass-degrading enzymes. Through random mutagenesis, Puranen and her team successfully improved the thermostability of this cellobiohydrolase, a critical step for enabling efficient enzymatic hydrolysis under the harsh conditions required for biofuel and biorefinery processes. This foundational research, cited over 45 times, has helped pave the way for more robust and cost-effective enzyme cocktails. Her work sits at the intersection of molecular biology, protein engineering, and sustainable chemistry, directly impacting the development of second-generation biofuels. By demonstrating how targeted mutagenesis can enhance enzyme performance, Puranen has provided a powerful template for improving other industrially relevant proteins, solidifying her reputation as a key innovator in the field of fungal enzyme biotechnology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1