Research Unit: Institute for Microbial and Biochemical Technology

Primary Goals: Developing biotechnology and nanotechnology for wood and fiber conversion through research that contributes to efficient use of wood and improved forest health.

Research conducted in the Institute for Microbial and Biochemical Technology (IMBT) extends basic discoveries in microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, nanotechnology, and bioprocessing into technologies that improve wood utilization and forest management practices.

Our research improves knowledge of the chemical properties of wood, particularly as related to mechanisms and processes for bioconversion and decay prevention. This enhanced knowledge will increase yield from traditional wood supplies and lead to new and improved technologies to convert low-value, underutilized forest resources into renewable fuels, chemicals, pulp, paper, and paperboard.