Decolorization of industrial dyes by a Brazilian strain of Pleurotus pulmonarius producing laccase as the sole phenol-oxidizing enzyme

The ability of a Brazilian strain ofPleurotus pulmonarius to decolorize structurally different synthetic dyes (including azo, triphenylmethane, heterocyclic and polymeric dyes) was investigated in solid and submerged cultures. Both were able to decolorize completely or partially 8 of 10 dyes (Amido Black, Congo Red, Trypan Blue, Methyl Green, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Methyl Violet, Ethyl Violet, Brilliant Cresyl Blue). No decolorization of Methylene Blue and Poly R 478 was observed. Of the four phenol-oxidizing enzymes tested in culture filtrates (lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, aryl alcohol oxidase, laccase),P. pulmonarius produced only laccase. Both laccase activity and dye decolorization were related to glucose and ammonium starvation or to induction by ferulic acid. The decolorizationin vivo was tested using three dyes — Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Trypan Blue and Methyl Green. All of them were completely decolorized by crude extracellular extracts. Decolorization and laccase activity were equally affected by pH and temperature. Laccase can thus be considered to be the major enzyme involved in the ability ofP. pulmonarius to decolorize industrial dyes.     

Evaluation of Argentinean white rot fungi for their ability to produce lignin-modifying enzymes and decolorize industrial dyes

The decolorizing capacity of 26 white rot fungi from Argentina was investigated. Extracellular production of ligninolytic enzymes by mycelium growing on solid malt extract/glucose medium supplemented with different dyes (Malachite Green, Azure B, Poly R-478, Anthraquinone Blue, Congo Red and Xylidine), dye decolorization and the relationship between these two processes were studied. Only ten strains decolorized all the dyes, all ten strains produced laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase on solid medium. However, six of the strains could not decolorize any of the dyes; all six strains tested negative for lignin peroxidase, and produced less than 0.05 U/g agar of manganese peroxidase. Comparing the isolates with the well-known dye-degrader Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a new fungus was identified: Coriolus versicolor f. antarcticus, potentially a candidate for use in biodecoloration processes. Eighteen day-old cultures of this fungus were able to decolorize in an hour 28%, 30%, 43%, 88% and 98% of Xylidine (24 mg/l), Poly R-478 (75 mg/l), Remazol Brilliant Blue R (9 mg/l), Malachite Green (6 mg/l) and Indigo Carmine (23 mg/l), respectively. Laccase activity was 0.13 U/ml, but neither lignin peroxidase nor manganese peroxidase were detected in the extracellular fluids for that day of incubation.     

Laccase from Trametes hirsuta Grown on Paper Cuttings: Application to Synthetic Dye Decolorization at Different pH Values

The potential of paper cuttings to produce laccase from Trametes hirsuta grown under solid‐state conditions was investigated. In addition, cultures were also grown on barley bran, a support commonly used in solid‐state fermentation (SSF), for comparison. Paper cutting cultures showed a maximum individual laccase activity of 7695 U/L on day 9. In addition, the ability to decolorize two structurally different dyes (Indigo Carmine and Lissamine Green B) by the extracellular liquid from both paper and barley bran cultures at pH values between 2 and 11 was analyzed. Laccase‐containing enzyme preparations from both cultures decolorized the dyes tested at pH values between 4 and 7 and, in addition, the laccase‐containing enzyme preparation from paper cutting cultures was also able to decolorize the dyes tested at alkaline pH values. This is a very interesting and novel result, since no decolorization by fungal laccases has been reported until recently at pH values higher than pH 7.     

Contribution of manganese peroxidase and laccase to dye decoloration by Trametes versicolor

During dye decoloration by Trametes versicolor ATCC 20869 in modified Kirk’s medium, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase were produced, but not lignin peroxidase, cellobiose dehydrogenase or manganese-independent peroxidase. Purified MnP decolorized azo dyes [amaranth, reactive black 5 (RB5) and Cibacron brilliant yellow] in Mn²⁺-dependent reactions but did not decolorize an anthraquinone dye [Remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR)]. However, the purified laccase decolorized RBBR five to ten times faster than the azo dyes and the addition of a redox mediator, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), did not alter decoloration rates. Amaranth and RB5 were decolorized the most rapidly by MnP since they have a hydroxyl group in an ortho position and a sulfonate group in the meta position relative to the azo bond. During a typical batch decoloration with the fungal culture, the ratio of laccase:MnP was 10:1 to 20:1 (based on enzyme activity) and increased to greater than 30:1 after decoloration was complete. Since MnP decolorized amaranth about 30 times more rapidly than laccase per unit of enzyme activity, MnP should have contributed more to decoloration than laccase in batch cultures.     

Screening for decolorizing basidiomycetes in Mexico

A survey to isolate native white rot basidiomycetes from Northeast Mexico was conducted in the forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental in the state of Nuevo León. A total of 92 isolates from at least 20 different genera, were screened on Bran-Flakes solid plate cultures for the production of ligninolytic oxidases and/or peroxidases with guaiacol and o-anisidine as substrates; their lignin depolymerizing potential using the polymeric dye Poly R 478; their ability to decolorize anthraquinonic (Remazol Brilliant Blue Reactive), azo (Acid Red 44) and triphenylmethane (Crystal Violet) dyes. Among all fungi tested, 15 isolates showed extensive decolorization of the three dyes within a week and gave a positive reaction in guaiacol and o-anisidine tests. Nine of them were also efficient degraders of Poly R-478. Two isolates (CS5 and CU1) showed decolorization of all dyes within 5 days, comparing favorably with reference strains of P. chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Bjerkandera adusta. Decolorization was associated with laccase activity in both isolates and reached 90% or more for all dyes within 24 h in 8-day-old liquid cultures. The coupling of pairs 2,4-dichlorophenol + 4-aminoantipyrine and 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid + 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone, strongly suggest that the laccases of both strains correspond to those considered of high redox potential. These strains are considered good candidates for bioremediation of dye polluted effluents due to their ligninolytic potential and decolorizing performance.     

Screening for novel laccase-producing microbes

AIMS: To discover novel laccases potential for industrial applications. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fungi were cultivated on solid media containing indicator compounds that enabled the detection of laccases as specific colour reactions. The indicators used were Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR), Poly R-478, guaiacol and tannic acid. The screening work resulted in isolation of 26 positive fungal strains. Liquid cultivations of positive strains confirmed that four efficient laccase producers were found in the screening. Biochemical characteristics of the four novel laccases were typical for fungal laccases in terms of molecular weight, pH optima and pI. The laccases showed good thermal stability at 60 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Plate-test screening based on polymeric dye compounds, guaiacol and tannic acid is an efficient way to discover novel laccase producers. The results indicated that screening for laccase activity can be performed with guaiacol and RBBR or Poly R-478. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Laccases have many potential industrial applications including textile dye decolourization, delignification of pulp and effluent detoxification. It is essential to find novel, efficient enzymes to further develop these applications. This study showed that relatively simple plate test screening method can be used for discovery of novel laccases.     

Decolorization of synthetic dyes by solid state cultures of Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes producing manganese peroxidase as the main ligninolytic enzyme

The ability of the white-rot fungus Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes to decolorize several synthetic dyes was investigated using solid state cultures with corn cob as substrate. Cultures, containing amido black, congo red, trypan blue, methyl green, remazol brilliant blue R, methyl violet, ethyl violet and Poly R478 at 200 ppm, were completely decolorized after 18 days of incubation. Partial decolorization was observed in the cultures containing 200 ppm of brilliant cresyl blue and methylene blue. High manganese peroxidase activity (2600 U/g substrate), but very low lignin peroxidase (<10 U/g substrate) and laccase (<16 U/g substrate) activities were detected in the cultures. In vitro, the dye decolorization was markedly decreased by the absence of manganic ions and H2O2. These data suggest that manganese peroxidase appear to be the main responsible for the capability of L. edodes to decolorize synthetic dyes.     

Purification of recombinant laccase from Trametes versicolor in Pichia methanolica and its use for the decolorization of anthraquinone dye

A recombinant laccase from Trametes versicolor in Pichia methanolica was produced constitutively in a defined medium. The recombinant laccase was purified using ultrafiltration, anion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The molecular weight of the purified laccase was estimated as 64 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The purified recombinant laccase decolorized more than 90% of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) initially at 80 mg l⁻¹ after 16 h at 45°C and pH 5 when 25 U laccase ml⁻¹ was used. The purified recombinant laccase could efficiently decolorize RBBR without additional redox mediators.     

Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBBR) and Poly R-478 dyes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bjerkandera adusta</Emphasis> CCBAS 930

An anamorphic Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 strain isolated from soil was found to decolorize two anthraquinonic dyes: Remazol Brilliant Blue R and Poly R-478. The reduction in the level of phenolic compounds in liquid B. adusta cultures containing RBBR and Poly R-478 was correlated with decolorization of studied dyes, which suggested their biodegradation. It was shown that this process was coupled with induction of secondary metabolism (idiophase) and peak peroxidase activity in culture medium, and the appearance of aerial mycelium. Decolorization of dyes depended on the presence of glucose (cometabolism).     

Redox-mediated decolorization of synthetic dyes by fungal laccases

Laccases from the lignin-degrading basidiomycetes Trametes versicolor, Polyporus pinisitus and the ascomycete Myceliophthora thermophila were found to decolorize synthetic dyes to different extents. Differences were attributed to the specific catalytic properties of the individual enzymes and to the structure of the dyes. Due to their higher oxidative capacities, the laccases from the two basidiomycetes decolorized dyes more efficiently than that of the ascomycete. The azo dye Direct Red 28, the indigoid Acid Blue 74 and anthraquinonic dyes were directly enzymatically decolorized within 16 h. The addition of 2 mM of the redox-mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole further improved and facilitated the decolorization of all nine dyes investigated. Laccases decolorized dyes both individually and in complex mixtures in the presence of bentonite or immobilized in alginate beads. Our data suggest that laccase/mediator systems are effective biocatalysts for the treatment of effluents from textile, dye or printing industries.     

White-rot fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganoderma</Emphasis> sp.En3 had a strong ability to decolorize and tolerate the anthraquinone,indigo and triphenylmethane dye with high concentrations

The ability of the white-rot fungus Ganoderma sp.En3 to decolorize different kinds of dyes widely applied in the textile and dyeing industry, including the anthraquinone dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR), indigo dye indigo carmine and triphenylmethane dye methyl green, was evaluated in this study. Ganoderma sp.En3 had a strong capability of decolorizing high concentrations of RBBR, indigo carmine and methyl green. Obvious reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand was observed after decolorization of different dyes. Ganoderma sp.En3 had a strong ability to tolerate RBBR, indigo carmine and methyl green with high concentrations. High concentrations of RBBR, indigo carmine and methyl green could also be efficiently decolorized by the crude enzyme of Ganoderma sp.En3. Different redox mediators such as syringaldehyde, acetosyringone and acetovanillone could enhance the decolorization capability for higher concentration of indigo carmine and methyl green. Different metal ions had little effect on the ability of the crude enzyme to decolorize indigo carmine and methyl green. Our study suggested that Ganoderma sp.En3 had a strong capability for decolorizing and tolerating high concentrations of different types of dyes such as RBBR, indigo carmine and methyl green.     

Production of Laccase by Trametes hirsuta Grown in an Immersion Bioreactor and its Application in the Docolorization of Dyes from a Leather Factory

An alternative system for producing laccase on a bioreactor scale by the white‐rot fungus Trametes hirsuta is proposed. The experiments were performed in an immersion bioreactor (employing cuttings of stainless steel sponges as a support) and the culture medium was supplemented with copper sulfate (1 mM). Operating under these conditions, it was possible to obtain a maximum laccase activity of nearly 5,000 U/L within 9 days. In addition, the ability of the crude laccase produced to decolorize two synthetic acid dyes utilized in the leather industry (Luganil Green and Sella Solid Red) was investigated. The effect of the pH and the enzyme activity on decolorization was analyzed. It was found that a pH of 4.0 and a laccase activity of 300 U/L were optimal for Luganil dye decolorization (16.2 % in 2 hours). Sella Solid Red showed its highest decolorization (around 40 % in 2 hours) when used at pH 5.0 and at a laccase activity of 1,000 U/L.     

一色齿毛菌漆酶的酶学特性及染料脱色研究

染料由于具有复杂的化学结构通常难以降解。本文从白腐菌一色齿毛菌LS0547中纯化出胞外漆酶并用于染料脱色实验。SDS-PAGE结果显示纯化的漆酶分子量大小为63.7kDa。漆酶氧化底物ABTS的最适pH为2.2,最适温度为50℃。叠氮钠可强烈抑制漆酶活性,半胱氨酸和二硫苏糖醇可部分抑制漆酶活性。漆酶氧化ABTS,丁香醛连氮和2,6-二甲氧基苯酚的米氏常数分别为0.217,0.306和0.199mmol/L。粗酶和纯化的漆酶用于不同化学结构的染料的脱色研究,结果表明一色齿毛菌纯化漆酶可快速对RB亮蓝进行脱色,偶氮胭脂红和结晶紫的脱色效果低于RB亮蓝,测试的三种染料均可在没有介体存在的条件下被漆酶脱色,显示出一色齿毛菌漆酶在染料废水处理中的应用前景。     

Potential of Trametes trogii culture fluids and its purified laccase for the decolorization of different types of recalcitrant dyes without the addition of redox mediators

Trametes trogii BAFC 463 culture fluids (containing 110 U ml⁻¹ laccase; 0.94 U ml⁻¹ manganese peroxidase), as well as its purified laccase were capable of decolorizing azoic, indigoid, triphenylmethane, anthraquinonic and heterocyclic dyes, in the absence of redox mediators. Six dyes: RBBR, Indigo Carmine, Xylidine, Malachite Green, Gentian Violet and Bromophenol Blue were almost completely degraded (more than 85% decolorization after 1 d) by either laccase or T. trogii itself in culture, proving the role of the enzyme in dye decolorization. The purified laccase also decolorized 65% of Fast Blue RR and 30% of Azure B and Methylene Blue after 24 h. The use of redox mediators significantly increased the decolorization rates (90% decolorization of Azure B after 1 h). 1-hydroxybenzotriazole resulted the best redox mediator, but the natural mediator p-hydroxybenzoic acid also demonstrated its efficiency for dye decolorization. Due to their ability to decolorize recalcitrant dyes without addition of redox mediators, high laccase activities, high thermostability and efficient decolorization at 70 °C and pH 7.0, even in the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals (100 mM Cu⁺², Pb⁺² or Cd⁺²) or in a synthetic dyebath, T. trogii culture fluids could be effectively used to decolorize synthetic dyes from effluents.     

White‐rot fungi combined with lignite granules and lignitic xylite to decolorize textile industry wastewater

The feasibility of using immobilized fungi to decolorize textile industry wastewater containing dyes was examined in experiments with: two species of white‐rot fungi (a Marasmius species from Indonesia, which produces copious biomass, and Trametes hirsuta, which produces high levels of laccase); two types of lignite products as adsorbents and solid substrates (lignitic xylite and lignite granules); and four simulated wastewaters, each containing a different kinds of reactive textile azo dye. The growth, extracellular enzyme production, dye degradation and dye absorption parameters afforded by each permutation of fungus, substrate and dye were then measured. Both fungal species grew poorly on xylite, but much better on lignite granules. Marasmius sp. produced up to 67 U/L laccase on lignite granules, but just 10 U/L on xylite, and no other detectable extracellular enzymes. T. hirsuta produced 1343 U/L laccase and up to 12 U/L unspecific peroxidase when immobilized on lignite granules, and 898 U/L laccase with 14 U/L unspecific peroxidase when immobilized on xylite. The amount of color lost from the dye solutions depended on both the type of dye and the enzyme levels in the fermenter.     

Influence of structure on dye degradation with laccase mediator systems

A new laccase was purified from Trametes hirsuta IMA2002. The laccase had a molecular mass of 62 kDa and an isoelectric point of pH 7. It had an optimum pH of 3.0 and an optimum temperature of 55°C. The laccase was quite stable at 30°C and pH 4.0 with a half-life of more than 100 hours. On ABTS, syringaldazide, and DMP the laccase showed K_M and K_cat values of 75, 12 and 37 μM and 64, 83 and 54 s^?1, respectively. The structurally diverse commercial dyes Indigo Carmine, Lanaset Blue 2R, Diamond Black PV 200 and Diamond Fast Brown were oxidized by the laccase. While the rate and extent of decolorization of the latter dye was significantly enhanced by the presence of different types of mediators, the structurally similar azo-dye Tartrazine was not oxidized. Lanaset Blue 2R, a commercial textile dye containing an anthrachinoid structural fragment acted similarly to anthrachinone sulfonic acid by strongly enhancing the rate of the decolorization reaction. Twenty two model azo-dyes based on the molecular framework of 2,7-dihydroxy-1-phenylazonaphtalene-3,6-disulfonic acid were synthesized and the kinetics of their laccase-catalyzed decolorization was studied. Hydroxy-substituted dyes were the most susceptible to enzyme/mediator action. All reactions were well described by Michaelis–Menten-like kinetics and the Hammett free energy linear relationship could be successfully applied to describe the influence of dye structure (substituents on the aromatic ring) on decolorization. Strongly electron withdrawing substituents such as a nitro-group in the meta-position (+0.7) resulted in positive σ-constants whereas electron donating groups such as para-methyl (?0.3) resulted in negative values for σ-constants.     

Evaluation of synthetic dye decolorization capacity in Ischnoderma resinosum

The little studied white rot fungus Ischnoderma resinosum was tested for its ability to decolorize seven different synthetic dyes. The strain efficiently decolorized Orange G, Amaranth, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Cu-phthalocyanin and Poly R-478 on agar plates and in liquid culture at a relatively high concentration of 2–4 and 0.5–1 g l⁻¹, respectively. Malachite Green and Crystal Violet were decolorized to a lower extent up to the concentration of 0.1 g l⁻¹. Decolorization capacity of I. resinosum was higher than that in Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus or Trametes versicolor. In contrast with these thoroughly examined fungi, I. resinosum was able to degrade a wide spectrum of chemically and structurally different synthetic dyes. I. resinosum also efficiently decolorized dye mixtures. In liquid culture, Orange G and Remazol Brilliant Blue R were decolorized most rapidly; the process was not affected by different nitrogen content in the media. Shaken cultivation strongly inhibited the decolorization of Orange G.     

Decolorizing an anthraquinone dye by Phlebia brevispora: Intra‐species characterization

Remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) is an anthraquinone dye derived from anthracene that is decolorized by a white rot fungus, Phlebia brevispora. Interestingly, P. brevispora produces two phenomena of yellowish and pinkish colors during the degradation of RBBR. Here, we characterized the decolorization of RBBR by P. brevispora. The fungus was significantly different between the two colors via UV spectrophotometry, and the morphology of the hyphae observed in the respective color culture was also entirely different. Moreover, both of the two ligninolytic enzymes, laccase and manganese‐dependent peroxidase (MnP), were remarkably stimulated in the yellowish culture at the beginning of the decolorization. It is possible that the RBBR decolorizing mechanism might be primarily related to the amount of laccase and MnP produced in the yellowish culture. Thus, the decolorized color may be rapidly estimated at initial period of incubation. In addition, GeneFishing technology revealed that two genes were differentially expressed in yellowish culture.     

Capacity of Irpex lacteus and Pleurotus ostreatus for decolorization of chemically different dyes

The rate and efficiency of decolorization of poly R-478- or Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)-containing agar plates (200 μg g⁻¹) were tested to evaluate the dye degradation activity in a total of 103 wood-rotting fungal strains. Best strains were able to completely decolorize plates within 10 days at 28 °C. Irpex lacteus and Pleurotus ostreatus were selected and used for degradation of six different groups of dyes (azo, diazo, anthraquinone-based, heterocyclic, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine) on agar plates. Both fungi efficiently degraded dyes from all groups. Removal of RBBR, Bromophenol blue, Cu-phthalocyanine, Methyl red and Congo red was studied with I. lacteus also in liquid medium. Within 14 days, the following color reductions were attained: RBBR 93%, Bromophenol blue 100%, Cu-phthalocyanine 98%, Methyl red 56%, Congo red 58%. The ability of I. lacteus to degrade RBBR spiked into sterile soil was checked, the removal being 77% of the dye added within 6 weeks. The capacity of selected white rot fungal species to remove efficiently diverse synthetic dyes from water and soil environments is documented.     

Production of laccase and manganese peroxidase by Pleurotus pulmonarius in solid-state cultures and application in dye decolorization

The production of ligninolytic enzymes (laccase and Mn-dependent peroxidase) by the white-rot fungus Pleurotus pulmonarius (FR.) Quélet was studied in solid-state cultures using agricultural and food wastes as substrate. The highest activities of laccase were found in wheat bran (2,860?±?250 U/L), pineapple peel (2,450?±?230 U/L), and orange bagasse (2,100?±?270 U/L) cultures, all of them at an initial moisture level of 85 %. The highest activities of Mn peroxidase were obtained in pineapple peel cultures (2,200?±?205 U/L) at an initial moisture level of 75 %. In general, the condition of high initial moisture level (80–90 %) was the best condition for laccase activity, while the best condition for Mn peroxidase activity was cultivation at low initial moisture (50–70 %). Cultures containing high Mn peroxidase activities were more efficient in the decolorization of the industrial dyes remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR), Congo red, methylene blue, and ethyl violet than those containing high laccase activity. Also, crude enzymatic extracts with high Mn peroxidase activity were more efficient in the in vitro decolorization of methylene blue, ethyl violet, and Congo red. The dye RBBR was efficiently decolorized by both crude extracts, rich in Mn peroxidase activity or rich in laccase activity.