1995 - 1999

  2000 - 2004 

Degree in Chemistry
Aristotle University/
Department of Chemistry/
Thessaloniki
Grade: 8.81/10.0 (DISTINCTION)

Diploma Thesis : Characterization and partial purification of pectin lyase from mutant cells of E. coli 

PhD in Biotechnology
National Technical University of Athens/
Department of Chemical Engineering/
Biotechnology Laboratory/
Athens
PhD Thesis : Production, characterization and technological evaluation of microbial feruloyl esterases of hemicellulose

2004           Award for the best publication of the year in the National Technical University of Athens

2000-2004   State Scholarship’s Foundation, National Technical University of Athens, Greece (PhD Scholarship)

1995-1999   State Scholarship’s Foundation, Aristotle University, Greece (Bachelor  Degree Scholarship)

• Greek (Native language)
• English (Advanced level)

INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

• Microbial production and Biochemistry of plant cell-wall degrading enzymes
• Heterologous expression of recombinant plant cell-wall degrading enzymes
• Structural and Molecular studies of plant cell-wall degrading enzymes
• Enzymatic production of phytochemicals
• Production of Second Generation Biofuels
• Biocatalysis in conventional and non conventional media.

10. 2012-2015: Senior Researcher

"Metagenomics of ligninolytic microorganisms – Bioconversion of plant by-products into high-added value products", THALIS PROJECT, funded by Hellenic Ministry of Education, 180000 €

9. 2011-2013: Senior Researcher

"Upgrading of Textile products using novel enzyme activities", SYNERGASIA 2009, funded by the Greek Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, 220000 €

8. 1/9/2010-31/8/2013: Senior Researcher

"Molecular, structural and catalytic study of glucuronoyl esterases identified by the use of bioinformatics tools", National Programme of Fundamental Research IRAKLITOS II, funded by Hellenic Ministry of Education, 40000 €

7. July 2008 - 2014: Research Associate

Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.‘High efficiency consolidated bioprocess technology for lignocellulose ethanol’ Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos.

6.  December 2006 – September 2007: Research Associate

Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.‘Methodology for the production of Biological fuel (Biodiesel) from Microalgae’ Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos.

5. December 2005 – December 2006: Research Associate

Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.‘Structure:function relationships in a two-component signalling system that regulates the degradation of complex carbohydrates in the recently-sequenced plant saprophyte Cellvibrio japonicus.’ Under the supervision of Professor H.J. Gilbert

4. January 2004 – November 2005: Research Assistant

Scientific and technological cooperation between RTD Organisations in Greece and RTD Organisations in New Zealand ‘Acetylxylan esterase and Feruloyl esterase: Novel enzymes for chemoenzymic synthesis and supercritical biocatalysis.’Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos

3. September 2002 – September 2004: Research Assistant

British Council Funded research project‘Enzymes as tools for obtaining high value-added products from agro-industrial cereal waste.’Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos

2. January 2000 – June 2001: Research Assistant

PENED research project funded by General Secretariat of Research and Technology ‘Production and purification of plant origin esterases with different specificity related to the structure of phenolic acids involved in the disassociation of xylan.’ Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos

1. November 1999 – March 2000: Research Assistant

PROCTER & GAMBLE funded research project
‘Production and characterization of enzymes with detergent activity.’  Under the supervision of Associate Professor P. Christakopoulos

• Visiting Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Chalmers University, Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (1 month; May 2010)
• Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK as a post-doc under the supervision of Professor H.J.Gilbert (12 months; December 2005–December 2006)
• Forest Research Institute, Rotorua, New Zealand during my PhD under the supervision of Dr Ken Wong (3 months; January – April 2004). 
• Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK during my PhD under the supervision of Dr Craig Faulds (2 months; February – May 2003). 

Publications (Citation Index) h-index 16, >600 citations

48. Charavgi M., Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E. (2012). The crystal structure of a novel glucuronoyl esterase from Myceliophthora thermophila gives new insights on its role as a potential biocatalyst. Acta Crystallographica Section D, in Press.

47. Xiros* C., Topakas* E., Christakopoulos P. (2012). Hydrolysis and fermentation for cellulosic ethanol production. Wiley Interdisciplinary Review: Energy and Environment, in Press. (*Equal contribution)

46. Vouyiouka S.N., Topakas E., Katsini A., Papaspyrides C.D., Christakopoulos P. (2012). A green route for the preparation of aliphatic polyesters via lipase-catalyzed prepolymerization and low-temperature post polymerization. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, in Press.

45. Papaspyridi L.-M., Aligiannis N., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Skaltsounis A.-L., Fokialakis N. (2012). Submerged fermentation of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus in a batch stirred tank bioreactor as a promising alternative for the effective production of bioactive metabolites. Molecules, 17(3), pp. 2714-2724.

44. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Olsson L., Christakopoulos P. (2012). Lignin boosts the cellulase performance of a GH-61 enzyme from Sporotrichum thermophile. Bioresource Technology, 110, pp.480-487.

43. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E.D. (2012). A new crystal structure of a Fusarium oxysporum GH10 xylanase reveals the presence of an extended loop on top of the catalytic cleft. Acta Crystallographica Section D, 68(7), pp. 735-742..

42. Topakas* E., Moukouli* M., Dimarogona M., Christakopoulos P. (2012). Expression, characterization and structural modelling of a feruloyl esterase from the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila. Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology, 94(2), pp. 399-411. (*Equal contribution)

41. Xiros C., Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. (2012). Decrement of cellulose recalcitrance by treatment with ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) as a strategy to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 87, pp. 629-634.

40. Panagiotou* G., Topakas* E., Moukouli M., Christakopoulos P., Olsson L. (2011). Studying the ability of Fusarium oxysporum and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae to efficiently cooperate in decomposition and ethanolic fermentation of wheat straw. Biomass and Bioenergy, 35, pp. 3727-3732. (*Equal contribution)

39. Moukouli M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. (2011). Cloning and optimized expression of a GH-11 xylanase from Fusarium oxysporum in Pichia pastoris. New Biotechnology, 28, pp. 369-374.

38. Kourtoglou E., Anasotzis G., Mamma D., Topakas E., Hatzinikolaou D., Christakopoulos P. (2011). Constitutive expression, purification and characterization of a phosphoglucomutase from Fusarium oxysporum. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 48, pp. 217-224.

37. Topakas E., Moukouli M., Dimarogona M., Vafiadi C., Christakopoulos P. (2010). Functional expression of a thermophilic glucuronoyl esterase from Sporotrichum thermophile: identification of the nucleophilic serine. Applied Microbiology Biotechnology, 87, pp. 1765-1772.

36. Topakas E.†, Kyriakopoulos S., Biely P., Hirsch J., Vafiadi C., Christakopoulos P. (2010). Carbohydrate esterases of family 2 are 6-O-deacetylases. FEBS Letters, 584, pp. 543-548. († corresponding author)

35. Vafiadi C., Christakopoulos P. & Topakas E.† (2010). Purification, characterization and mass spectrometric identification of two thermophilic xylanases from Sporotrichum thermophile. Process Biochemistry,45, pp. 419-424. († corresponding author)

34. Xiros C., Moukouli M., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. (2009). Factors affecting ferulic acid release from brewer’s spent grain by Fusarium oxysporum enzymatic system. Bioresource Technology, 100, pp. 5917-5921.

33. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Biely P. & Christakopoulos P. (2009). Purification, characterization and mass spectrometric sequencing of a thermophilic glucuronoyl esterase from Sporotrichum thermophile. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 296, pp. 178-184.

32. Montanier C., Money V.A, Pires V.M.R., Flint J.E., Pinheiro B.A., Goyal A., Prates J.A.M., Izumi A., Stalbrand H., Morland C., Cartmell A., Kolenova K., Topakas E., Dodson E.J., Bolam D.N., Davies G.J., Fontes C.M.G.A. & Gilbert H.J. (2009). The active site of a carbohydrate esterase displays divergent catalytic and non-catalytic binding functions. PLOS Biology, 7 (3), e1000071.

31. Emami* K., Topakas* E., Nagy* T., Henshaw J., Nelson K.E., Jackson K.A., Mongodin E.F., Murray J.W., Gilbert H.J. & Lewis R.J. (2009). Regulation of the xylan degrading apparatus of Cellvibrio japonicus by a novel two component system. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 284, pp. 1086-1096. (*Equal contribution)

30. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Nahmias V.R., Faulds C.B. & Christakopoulos P. (2009). Feruloyl esterase-catalysed synthesis of glycerol sinapate using ionic liquids mixtures. Journal of Biotechnology, 139, pp. 124-129.

29. Cartmell* A., Topakas* E., Ducros* V. M.-A., Suits M.D.L, Davies G.J. & Gilbert H.J. (2008). The Cellvibrio japonicus mannanase CjMan26C displays a unique exo-mode of action that is conferred by subtle changes to the distal region of the active site. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283, pp. 34403-34413.(*Equal contribution)

28. Panagiotou G., Papadakis M.A., Topakas E., Olsson L. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Identification of NADH kinase activity in filamentous fungi and structural modelling of the novel enzyme from Fusarium oxysporum. Process Biochemistry, 43, pp. 1114-1120.

27. Kourtoglou E., Mamma D., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Purification, characterization and mass spectrometric sequencing of transaldolase from Fusarium oxysporum. Process Biochemistry, 43, pp. 1094-1101.

26. Moukouli* M., Topakas* E. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Cloning, characterization and functional expression of an alkalitolerant type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 79, pp. 245-254.(*Equal contribution)

25. Xiros C., Topakas E., Katapodis P., & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Evaluation of Fusarium oxysporum as an enzyme factory for the hydrolysis of brewer’s spent grain with improved biodegradability for ethanol production. Industrial Crops and Products, 28, pp. 213-224.

24. Vafiadi C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Preparation of multipurpose cross-linked enzyme aggregates and their application to production of alkyl ferulates. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 54, pp. 35-41.

23. Xiros C., Topakas E., Katapodis P. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). Hydrolysis and fermentation of brewer’s spent grain by Neurospora crassa. Bioresource Technology, 99, pp. 5427-5435.

22. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Alissandratos A., Faulds C.B. & Christakopoulos P. (2007). Enzymatic synthesis of butyl hydroxycinnamates and their inhibitory effects on LDL-oxidation. Journal of Biotechnology, 133, pp. 497-504.

21. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Alderwick L.J., Besra G.S. & Christakopoulos P. (2007). Chemoenzymatic synthesis of feruloyl D-arabinose as potential anti-mycobacterial agent. Biotechnology Letters, 29, pp.1771-1774.

20. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Bakx E.J., Schols H.A. & Christakopoulos P. (2007). Structural characterization by ESI-MS of feruloylated arabino-oligosaccharides synthesised by chemoenzymatic esterification. Molecules, 12, pp. 1367-1375.

19. Topakas E., Vafiadi C. & Christakopoulos P. (2007). Microbial production, characterization and applications of feruloyl esterases. Process Biochemistry, 42, pp. 497-509.

18. Puchart V., Vršanská M., Mastihubová M., Topakas E., Vafiadi C., Faulds C.B., Tenkanen M., Christakopoulos P. & Biely P. (2007). Substrate and positional specificity of feruloyl esterases for monoferuloylated and monoacetylated 4-nitrophenyl glycosides. Journal of Biotechnology, 127, pp. 235-243.

17. Vafiadi C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. (2006). Regioselective esterase-catalyzed feruloylation of L-arabinobiose. Carbohydrate Research, 341, pp. 1992-1997.

16. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. & Faulds C.B. (2006). The feruloyl esterase system of Talaromyces stipitatus: determining the hydrolytic and synthetic specificity of TsFaeC. Journal of Biotechnology, 125, pp. 210-221.

15. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Wong K.K.Y., Suckling I.D. & Christakopoulos P. (2005). Mapping the hydrolytic and synthetic selectivity of a type C feruloyl esterase (StFaeC) from Sporotrichum thermophile using alkyl ferulates. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry (Invited paper), 16, pp. 373-379.

14. Topakas E., Vafiadi C., Stamatis H. & Christakopoulos P. (2005). Sporotrichum thermophile type C feruloyl esterase (StFaeC): Purification, characterization, and its use for phenolic acid (sugar) ester synthesis. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 36, pp. 729-736.

13. Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. & Faulds C.B. (2005). Comparison of mesophilic and thermophilic feruloyl esterases: characterization of their substrate specificity for methyl phenylalkanoates. Journal of Biotechnology, 115, pp. 355-366. 

12. Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. (2004). Production and partial characterization of alkaline feruloyl esterases by Fusarium oxysporum during submerged batch cultivation. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 20, pp. 245-250.

11. Topakas E., Stamatis H., Biely P., Christakopoulos P. (2004). Purification and characterization of a type B feruloyl esterase (StFAE-A) from the thermophilic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 63, pp.  686-690.

10. Vardakou M., Katapodis P., Topakas E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2004). Synergy between enzymes involved in degradation of insoluble wheat flour arabinoxylan. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 5, pp. 107-112.

9. Gkargkas K., Mamma D., Nedev G., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Kekos D., Macris B.J. (2004). Studies on a N-acetyl-β-D-glycosaminidase produced by Fusarium oxysporum F3 grown in solid-state fermentation. Process Biochemistry, 39 (11), pp. 1599-1605.

8. Topakas E., Kalogeris E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2004). Production of phenolics from corn cobs by coupling enzymic treatment and solid state fermentation. Engineering in Life Sciences, 4 (3), pp. 283-286.

7. Topakas E., Stamatis H., Mastihubova, M., Biely P., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003) Purification and characterization  of a Fusarium oxysporum feruloyl esterase (FoFAE-I) catalysing transesterification of phenolic acid esters. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 33, pp. 729-737.

6. Topakas E., Stamatis H., Biely P., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003). Purification and characterization of a feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum catalyzing esterification of phenolic acids in ternary water-organic solvent mixtures. Journal of Biotechnology, 102 (1), pp. 33-44.

5. Topakas E., Kalogeris E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003). Production and partial characterization of feruloyl esterase by Sporotrichum thermophile under solid-state fermentation. Process Biochemistry, 38, pp. 1539-1543.

4. Panagiotou G., Topakas E., Economou L., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003). Induction, purification, and characterization of two extracellular a-L-arabinofuranosidases from Fusarium oxysporum. Canadian Journal Microbiology, 49, pp. 639-644.

3. Topakas E., Kalogeris E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003). Bioconversion of ferulic acid into vanillic acid by the thermophylic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile. Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft und - Technologie, 36 (6), pp. 561-565.

2. Topakas E., Katapodis P., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. (2003). Production and partial characterization of xylanase by Sporotrichum thermophile under solid-state fermentation. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 19 (2), pp. 195-198.

1.  Kalogeris E., Iniotaki F., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Kekos D., Macris B.J. (2003). Performance of an intermittent agitation rotating drum type bioreactor for solid-state fermentation of wheat straw. Bioresource Technology, 86 (3), pp. 207-213.

Publications (Non Citation Index)

1. Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. (2004). Enzymic release of phenolic antioxidants from plant cell-wall material. NutraCos, 1, pp. 54-57.

Book Chapters

3. Mamma D., Topakas E., Vafiadi C. & Christakopoulos P. (2008). 14. Biotechnological potential of fruit processing industry residues. Book Chapter, in ‘Biotechnological potential of agro-industrial residues for bioprocesses.’ Nigam P.S. & Pandey A. (Eds.), Springer, Part III, pp. 273-291. ISBN: 978-1-4020-9941-0

2. Panagiotou* G., Topakas* E., Olivarres R., Christakopoulos P. & Olsson L. (2008). Feruloyl esterases as biosynthetic tools for the organic synthesis of nutraceutical compounds. Book Chapter, in ‘Encyclopedia of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food.’ Heldman D.R., Brigdes A., Hoover D. & Wheeler M.B. (Eds.), Taylor & Francis, Publication date: March 15, 2010.

1. Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. (2007). Microbial xylanolytic carbohydrate esterases. Book Chapter 6, in ‘Industrial Enzymes: Structure, Function and Applications.’ Polaina J. & MacCabe A.P. (Eds.), Springer, ISBN: 978-1-4020-5376-4.

39. Thorn C., Gupta Udatha DBRK, Carlsson N., Topakas E., Olsson L. Feruloyl esterases immobilized into mesoporous materials leads to improved transesterification yield. 10th International Symposium on Biocatalysis (Biotrans 2011), Giardini Naxos (ME), Sicily, October 2-6, 2011, Abstract Book p. 167.

38. Vouyiouka S., Katsini A., Topakas E., Papaspyrides C.D., Christakopoulos P. Preparation of aliphatic polyesters via a lipase-catalyzed low-temperature polymerization process. 3rd International Conference on Biodegradable and Biobased Polymers (BIOPOL-2011), Strasbourg-France, 29-31 August 2011, Abstract Book PO-10.

37. Topakas E., Papadopoulos A., Moukouli M., Nounesis G., Christakopoulos P. Thermodynamic binding studies of branched oligosaccharides to feruloyl esterases. 12th Bratislava Symposium on Saccharides, Smolenice, Slovakia, 19-23 June 2011, Abstract Book p. 57.

36. Christakopoulos P., Topakas E., Dimarogona M., Moukouli M., Karnaouri A. Glycosyl hydrolases from Sporotrichum thermophile with biotechnological potential. 12th Bratislava Symposium on Saccharides, Smolenice, Slovakia, 19-23 June 2011, Abstract Book p. 31.

35. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Cloning, expression and characterization of a family 61 glycoside hydrolase from the thermophilic fungus Myceliopthora thermophila. 9th Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal, 15-18 March 2011. Abstract Book p.94

34. Karnaouri A., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Cloning, heterologous expression and characterization of a family 7 thermophilic endoglucanase from Myceliopthora thermophila (StEG7). 9th Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal, 15-18 March 2011. Abstract Book p.123

33. Moukouli M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Optimized expression of a GH11 xylanase and a type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum in Pichia pastoris and study of their synergistic action. Final Workshop COST 928, Naples, Italy, 2-4 March 2010. Abstract Book p.18.

32. Topakas E., Moukouli M., Dimarogona M., Vafiadi C., Christakopoulos P. Identification of the nucleophile serine in glucuronoyl esterases. The Fourth Annual Workshop of COST FP0602, Cesme, Turkey, 21-24 September 2010. Abstract Book p. 65

31. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Synergistic enhancement of cellulase performance on hydrothermal pretreated wheat straw by the addition of GH-61 activity. The Fourth Annual Workshop of COST FP0602, Cesme, Turkey, 21-24 September 2010. Abstract Book p. 20

30. Moukouli* M., Xiros C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P.  Factors affecting ferulic acid release by F. oxysporum FoFaeC-12213. COST 928 3rd Annual Meeting, Krakow, 23-25 September 2009. Abstract Book p. 21.

29. Kourtoglou E., Anasontzis G., Mamma D., Topakas E., Hatzinikolaou D. & Christakopoulos P. Growth and fermentation characteristics of genetically engineered Fusarium oxysporum strain. New Biotechnology, 14th European Congress on Biotechnology, September 13-16, 2009, Barcelona, Spain. Abstract Book 3.1.043/S263 (doi:10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.588)

28. Moukouli M., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Molecular characterization and bioinformatics analysis of the feruloyl esterase system of Fusarium oxysporum. New Biotechnology, 14th European Congress on Biotechnology, September 13-16, 2009, Barcelona, Spain. Abstract Book 2.3.059/S131-132 (doi:10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.442)

27. Xiros C., Moukouli M., Topakas E., Paschos T. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymic processing of brewer’s spent grain using Fusarium oxysporum multienzyme system. ITALIC5 Science & Technology of Biomasses: Advances and Challenges, COST FP602, September 2-4, 2009, Varenna, Italy. Abstract Book p. 38

26. Topakas* E., Vafiadi C., Biely P. & Christakopoulos P. Transacetylations to carbohydrates catalyzed by a novel family 2 acetyl xylan esterase from Cellvibrio japonicus. ITALIC5 Science & Technology of Biomasses: Advances and Challenges, COST FP602, September 2-4, 2009, Varenna, Italy. Abstract Book p. 27

25. Topakas E., Xiros C., Moukouli M., Vafiadi C. & Christakopoulos P. Bioinformatics study of the feruloyl esterase system of Fusarium oxysporum: a tool for the efficient hemicelluloses degradation. COST Action FP0602, Biotechnology for lignocelluloses biorefineries, Enzymatic fiber modification and hydrolysis, December 4-5, 2008, Biel, Switzerland. Abstract Book p. 35.

24. Topakas* E. & Christakopoulos P. Molecular characterization and bioinformatics analysis of the feruloyl esterase system of Fusarium oxysporum: An efficient tool for the chemoenzymatic modification of phenolic antioxidants. COST Action 928, Control and exploitation of enzymes for added-value products, October 15-17, 2008, Istanbul, Turkey. Abstract Book p. 5.

23.  Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. & Chrysina E.D. Structural studies of new xylanolytic enzymes. EMBO Practical Course on X-ray Crystal Structure Determination of Macromolecules, September 14-20 20081 Saint Aubin, France. Abstract Book P3.

22. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. & Chrysina E.D. Structural studies of a new alkaline xylanase (FoXyn10a) from Fusarium oxysporum F3. 33rd FEBS Congress, June 28 – July 3 2008, Athens, Greece. Abstract book PP3A-18

21. Moukouli M., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Release of ferulic acid from wheat bran and brewer’s spent grain using a recombinant type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum. International Symposium on Biotechnology, 4-8 May 2008, Sfax, Tunisia. Abstract book Session 2/PC77 S2.

20. Kourtoglou E., Mamma D., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Transaldolase: purification and characterization of the enzyme involved in xylose fermentation to ethanol by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. International Symposium on Biotechnology, 4-8 May 2008, Sfax, Tunisia. Abstract book Session 2/PC30 S2.

19. Topakas E., Moukouli M. & Christakopoulos P. Cloning, expression and characterization of a type C feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum: A potential enzyme tool for the release of phenolic compounds from agro-industrial by-products. COST Action FP0602, First European workshop on biotechnology for lignocellulose biorefineries, March 26-28 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract Book p. 27

18. Xiros* C., Topakas E., Katapodis P. & Christakopoulos P. Evaluation of Neurospora crassa as an enzyme factory for the bioconversion of brewer’s spent grain. COST Action FP0602, First European workshop on biotechnology for lignocellulose biorefineries, March 26-28 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract Book p. 10.

17. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Faulds C.B. & Christakopoulos P. Preparation of feruloyl esterase CLEAs and their application to production of butyl hydroxycinnamates. COST Action 928, Control and exploitation of enzymes for added-value products, September 26-28 2007, Vienna, Austria. Abstract Book P. 2.

16. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Faulds C.B. & Christakopoulos P. Synthetic activity of feruloyl esterases in ionic liquids: esterification of glycerol with hydroxyl-cinnamic acids. GSC-3 Symposium, 3rd International Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 1-5 July 2007, Delft, The Netherlands. Abstract Book p. 176.

15. Flint* J.E., Money V.A., Pires V.R., Topakas E., Montanier C., Goyal A., Prates J.A.M., Bolam D.N., Gilbert H.J., Davies G.J. & Fontes C.M. Biochemical diversity within Family 2 carbohydrate esterases. 7th Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting, 22-25 April 2007, Braunschweig, Germany. Abstract Book p. 53.

14. Topakas* E., Vafiadi C. & Christakopoulos P. Modification of biomass-derived antioxidants by feruloyl esterases. Workshop on Production, Functionalization and Analysis of Hemicelluloses for Sustainable Advanced Products, March 19-20 2007, Hamburg, Germany. Abstract Book p. 37-38.

13. Vardakou M., Katapodis P., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos* P. Action of xylanases on arabinoxylan. Workshop on Production, Functionalization and Analysis of Hemicelluloses for Sustainable Advanced Products, March 19-20 2007, Hamburg, Germany. Abstract Book p. 39-40.

12. Vafiadi C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymatic transformation of carbohydrates in ionic liquids catalysed by feruloyl esterases. 1st International IUPAC Conference on Green-Sustainable Chemistry, September 10-15 2006, Dresden, Germany. Abstract Book p. 276.

11. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Christakopoulos* P. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of feruloyl sugars in non-conventional media. 13th European Carbohydrate Symposium, 21-26 August 2005, Bratislava, Slovakia. Abstract Book p. 26.

10. Vafiadi C., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Chemoenzymatic routes for the synthesis of feruloyl L-arabinobiose in non-conventional media. Biocatalysis in non-conventional media, Biocatalysis Workshop, April 13 & 14 2005, Manchester, UK.

9. Vafiadi C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Synthesis of feruloylated oligosaccharides catalysed by a feruloyl esterase (StFAE-B) isolated from the thermophilic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile. 8th European Training Course on Carbohydrates, 28-1 July 2004, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Abstract Book No 65. 6th Poster Prize Winner.

8. Topakas E., Christakopoulos P & Faulds C.B. Release of phenolic material from wheat bran and brewers’ spent grain using different type of feruloyl esterases. Plant Polysaccharide Workshop, University of York, July 21-23 2004.

7. Topakas E., Vafiadi C., Stamatis H. & Christakopoulos P. Transferuloylation to carbohydrates catalyzed by feruloyl esterase in the presence of organic solvent. 12th International biotechnology symposium and exhibition, 17-22 October 2004, Santiago, Chile, Abstract Book S VII-17.

6. Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymic release of phenolic antioxidant ferulic acid from plant cell-wall material. International Conference on Oxidative Stress in Skin Biology and Medicine, 18-21 September 2003, Andros, Greece.

5. Topakas E., Stamatis H., Kekos D., Macris B, Christakopoulos P. Feruloyl esterases: novel enzymes for chemoenzymatic synthesis. 11th European Congress on Biotechnology, 24-29 August 2003, Basel, Convention Center, Switzerland. Abstract Book P511.

4. Vardakou M., Katapodis P., Topakas E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. Synergy between enzymes involved in degradation of insoluble wheat flour arabinoxylan. New Functional Ingredients and Foods, 9-11 April 2003, Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract Book p. 32.

3. Topakas E., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. Bioconversion of ferulic acid into vanillic acid by the thermophylic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile. ESBES-4 Life: Science and Technology, 28-31 August, 2002, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. Abstract Book p. 93.

2. Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Kekos D., Macris B.J. Production and partial characterization of feruloyl esterase by Sporotrichum thermophile under solid-state fermentation. 10th European Congress on Biotechnology, 8-11 July, 2001, Madrid, Spain. Abstract Book p. 192 (ENG-198).

1. Topakas E., Katapodis P., Christakopoulos P., Kekos D., Macris B.J. Production and purification of a feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum and synergy with thermophilic xylanases for the release of ferulic acid from wheat bran. 10th European Congress on Biotechnology, 8-11 July, 2001, Madrid, Spain. Abstract Book p. 211 (CAT-35).

19. Charavgi M.D., Dimarogkona M., Moukouli M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E.D. The 3-D structure of a novel Glucuronoyl Esterase from Sporotrichum thermophile (StGE2) at 1.55 Å. 62nd HSBMB Conference, December 9-11, 2011, Athens, Greece.

18. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E. D. Crystal structure of a new endo-b-1,4-xylanase from Fusarium oxysporum determined at 1.9 Å resolution. 11th Hellenic Symposium on Catalysis. October 22-23, 2010, Athens, Greece.

17. Charavgi M.D., Dimarogkona M., Moukouli M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E.D. Crystallographic studies of glucuronoyl esterase from Sporotrichum thermophile – a novel biocatalyst for the plant biomass degradation. 11th Panhellenic Symposium of Catalysis, October 22-23, 2010, Athens, Greece.

16. Dimarogona M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P., Chrysina E. Crystal structure of a new endo-β-1,4-xylanase from Fusarium oxysporum determined at 1.9 Å resolution. Hellenic Crystallographic Association, 5th International Conference, Thessaly, Greece, 24-25 September 2010. Abstract Book p.18

15.Topakas Ε. (Invited Speaker). Biotechnological management of plant biomass: research activities of BIOtechMASS Unit. Agricultural University of Athens, April 2010

14. Kourtoglou* Ε., Diomi Μ., Topakas Ε., Christakopoulos P. Metabolic study of bioethanol production from a genetically modified strain of Fusarium oxysporum. 7th National Conference of Chemical Engineering, 3-5 June 2009, Patras. (* oral presentation)

13. Christakopoulos* P., Katapodis P., Topakas Ε., Vafiadi C., Xiros C., Moukouli Μ., Dimarogona Μ., Kourtoglou Ε. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high added value products. 1st National MikroBioKosmos Conference,  12-14 December 2008, Abstract Book, p. 265-267. (* oral presentation)

12. Dimarogona M., Moukouli M., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P & Chrysina E.D. Structural studies of new hemicellulose degrading enzymes. Hellenic Crystallographic Association, 4th Conference, 26-27 September 2008, Athens. Abstract Book, p. 53.

11. Moukouli M., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Cloning, functional expression and characterization of Fusarium oxysporum feruloyl esterase in Pichia pastoris. Poster presentation, Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 59th Meeting, 7-9 December 2007, Athens, Greece. Abstract Book, Volume 54, p. 205.

10. Chrysina D.E., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of a new alkaline xylanase FoXyn10A from Fusariumoxysporum F3. Poster presentation, Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 59th Meeting, 7-9 December 2007, Athens, Greece. Abstract Book, Volume 54, p. 77.

9. Vafiadi* C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymatic modification of antioxidants using feruloyl esterases in their free and immobilized form. 6th National Scientific Congress of Chemical Engineering, 31st May – 2nd June 2007, Athens, Greece. Greece. Abstract Book p. 1125-1128. (* oral presentation)

8. Vafiadi* C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Study of the synthetic ability of ferulic acid esterases in conventional organic solvents and ionic liquids. 2nd Panhellenic Symposium, Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development, 8-10 March 2007, Patras, Greece. Abstract Book p. 15. (* oral presentation)

7. Vafiadi C., Topakas* E. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymatic synthesis of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants catalysed by feruloyl esterases. 2nd Panhellenic Scientific Congress, Biotechnology and Food Technology, March 29-31 2007, Athens, Greece. Abstract Book p. 35-38. (* oral presentation)

6. Vafiadi C., Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Chemoenzymatic regioselective synthesis of feruloylated L-arabinobiose. Poster presentation, Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 57th Meeting, 9-11 December 2005, Athens, Greece. Abstract Book, Volume 52, p. 215.

5. Topakas E. & Christakopoulos P. Enzymic release of phenolic antioxidants from plant biomass. Poster presentation, 1st National Congress of Greek Lipid Forum, 8-9 June 2005, Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece. Abstract Book p. II-29.

4. Vafiadi* C., Topakas E., Christakopoulos P. Biotechnological evaluation of feruloyl esterases for the synthesis of compounds with pharmaceutical interest. 5th National Scientific Congress of Chemical Engineering, 26-28 May 2005, Thessaloniki, Greece. Abstract Book p.669-672 (* oral presentation)

3. Topakas* E., Stamatis H., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. Biochemical and catalytic properties of two feruloyl esterases purified from the culture filtrate of Fusarium oxysporum. Proceedings of the 54th meeting of Hellenic Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2002, Ioannina, Greece. Abstract Book p. 351-354. (* oral presentation)

2. Katapodis* P., Topakas E., Kavarnou A., Kekos D., Christakopoulos P., Macris B. Enzymatic synthesis of high added value with bioconversion of plant biomass. Proceedings of the 3rd Panellenic Scientific Congress of Chemical Engineering (Vol Β), 2001, Athens. Abstract Book p. 1173-1176. (* oral presentation)

1. Topakas* E., Katapodis P., Kekos D., Macris B.J., Christakopoulos P. Release of ferulic acid from wheat bran by a ferulic acid esterase (FAE-I) from Fusarium oxysporum. Proceedings of the 52nd meeting of Hellenic Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2000, Thessaloniki, Greece. Abstract Book p. 22-25. (* oral presentation)

Member of :                     

1. Association of Greek Chemists (AGC)
2. Society of Chemistry and Industry (SCI)
3. European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB)
4. Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (HSBMB)
5. European Federation for the Science and Technology of Lipids