Utilization of cross‐linked laccase aggregates in a perfusion basket reactor for the continuous elimination of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals

A perfusion basket reactor (BR) was developed for the continuous utilization of insolubilized laccase as cross‐linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs). The BR consisted of an unbaffled basket made of a metallic filtration module filled with CLEAs and continuously agitated by a 3‐blade marine propeller. The agitation conditions influenced both the apparent laccase activity in the reactor and the stability of the biocatalyst. Optimal laccase activity was obtained at a rotational speed of 12.5 rps and the highest stability was reached at speeds of 1.7 rps or lower. The activity and stability of the biocatalyst were affected drastically upon the appearance of vortices in the reaction medium. This reactor was used for the continuous elimination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan (TCS). Optimization of EDC elimination by laccase CLEAs as a function of temperature and pH was achieved by response surface methodology using a central composite factorial design. The optimal conditions of pH and temperature were, respectively, 4.8 and 40.3°C for the elimination of p353NP (a branched isomer of NP), 4.7 and 48.0°C for BPA, and 4.9 and 41.2°C for TCS. Finally, the BR was used for the continuous elimination of these EDCs from a 5 mg L^?1 aqueous solution using 1 mg of CLEAs at pH 5 and room temperature. Our results showed that at least 85% of these EDCs could be eliminated with a hydraulic retention time of 325 min. The performances of the BR were quite stable over a 7‐day period of continuous treatment. Furthermore, this system could eliminate the same EDCs from a 100 mg L^?1 solution. Finally, a mathematical model combining the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of the laccase CLEAs and the continuous stirred tank reactor behavior of the BR was developed to predict the elimination of these xenobiotics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1582–1592. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Immobilization of laccase by encapsulation in a sol-gel matrix and its characterization and use for the removal of estrogens

Laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila was immobilized by encapsulation in a sol-gel matrix based on methyltrimethoxysilane and tetramethoxysilane. The amount of laccase used for the preparation of the hydrogel was in the range 2.2-22 mg of protein/mL sol and the corresponding enzymatic activities were in the range 5.5-17.0 U/g biocatalyst. The kinetic parameters of the encapsulated laccase showed that the immobilized enzyme presented lower affinity for the substrate 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS). However, the stability of laccase was significantly enhanced after immobilization; thus, both pH and thermal stability improved about 10-30% and tolerance to different inactivating agents (NaN(3) , ZnCl(2) , CoCl(2) , CaCl(2) , methanol, and acetone) was 20-40% higher. The reusability of the immobilized laccase was demonstrated in the oxidation of ABTS for several consecutive cycles, preserving 80% of the initial laccase activity after 10 cycles. The feasibility of the immobilized biocatalyst was tested for the continuous elimination of Acid Green 27 dye as a model compound in a packed-bed reactor (PBR). Removals of 70, 58, 57, and 55% were achieved after four consecutive cycles with limited adsorption on the support: only 10-15%. Finally, both batch stirred tank reactor (BSTR) operated in several cycles and PBR, containing the solid biocatalyst were applied for the treatment of a solution containing the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs): estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Eliminations of EDCs in the BSTR were higher than 85% and the reusability of the biocatalyst for the degradation of those estrogens was demonstrated. In the continuous operation of the PBR, E1 was degraded by 55% and E2 and EE2 were removed up to 75 and 60%, at steady-state conditions. In addition, a 63% decrease in estrogenic activity was detected.     

Purification and characterization of laccase from the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor

Laccase is one of the ligninolytic enzymes of white rot fungus Trametes versicolor 951022, a strain first isolated in Korea. This laccase was purified 209-fold from culture fluid with a yield of 6.2% using ethanol precipitation, DEAE-Sepharose, Phenyl-Sepharose, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. T. versicolor 951022 excretes a single monomeric laccase showing a high specific activity of 91,443 U/mg for 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as a substrate. The enzyme has a molecular mass of approximately 97 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE, which is larger than those of other laccases reported. It exhibits high enzyme activity over broad pH and temperature ranges with optimum activity at pH 3.0 and a temperature of 50 degrees C. The Km value of the enzyme for substrate ABTS is 12.8 micrometer and its corresponding Vmax value is 8125.4 U/mg. The specific activity and substrate affinity of this laccase are higher than those of other white rot fungi, therefore, it may be potentially useful for industrial purposes.     

Immobilization of laccase from the white rot fungus Coriolopsis polyzona and use of the immobilized biocatalyst for the continuous elimination of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Laccase from the white rot fungus strain Coriolopsis polyzona was immobilized covalently on the diatomaceous earth support Celite^® R-633 using different strategies. A first methodology involved the sequential activation of the support surface with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane followed by the reaction of the functionalized surface with glutaraldehyde (GLU) or glyoxal (GLY) and the immobilization of laccase on the activated surface. Another strategy tested the simultaneous internal cross-linking of the protein with GLU or GLY and the immobilization of the laccase on the silanized surface. Finally, these two strategies were modified to test the impact of the concomitant addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizing agent during the immobilization steps. The highest laccase activity and the greatest degree of activity recovery (tested using 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as the substrate) were achieved by the sequential immobilization procedure using GLU as the cross-linking agent. The solid catalysts featuring internal cross-linking of the protein showed significantly higher stability against several denaturants. The Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters with respect to ABTS revealed a higher affinity for this substrate in the case of the sequential procedure compared to the simultaneous approach. The biocatalyst formed using GLU in the sequential procedure was applied in a packed bed reactor for the continuous treatment of 5 mg l⁻¹ solutions of the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) through repeated batch treatments. All of these EDCs could be eliminated at a contact time of less than 200 min by using, respectively, 3.75 units (U) of laccase activity for BPA and TCS and 1.88 U for NP. These performances of elimination were maintained over five consecutive treatment cycles using the same biocatalyst. This system could also remove these EDCs from 100 mg l⁻¹ solutions. The Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters with respect to these chemicals showed a decreasing affinity of the solid biocatalyst for NP, TCS and BPA in that order.     

Purification,molecular characterization and reactivity with aromatic compounds of a laccase from basidiomycete <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trametes</Emphasis> sp. strain AH28-2

A recently isolated basidiomycete, Trametes sp. strain AH28-2, can be induced to produce a high level of laccases when grown on a cellobiose-asparagine liquid medium. After induction by kraft lignin, two major isozymes were detected in the fermentation supernatant of the fungus. The principal component laccase A, which accounts for about 85% of the total activity, can be purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by three chromatographic steps: DEAE-Sepharose FF, Superdex-200 and Mono-Q. The solution containing purified laccase is blue in color, and the ratio of absorbance at 280 nm to that at 600 nm is 22. The molecular mass of laccase A is estimated to be 62 kDa by SDS-PAGE, 57 kDa by FPLC, and measured as 58522 Da by MALDI mass spectrum. Laccase A is a monomeric glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 11-12% and an isoelectric point of 4.2. The optimum pH and temperature for oxidizing guaiacol are 4.5 and 50 degrees C, respectively. The half-life of the enzyme at 75 degrees C is 27 min. The enzyme shows a good stability from pH 4.2 to pH 8.0. The K(m) values of the enzyme toward substrates 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), guaiacol and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol are 25, 420 and 25.5 microM, respectively, and the corresponding V(max) values are 670, 66.8, and 79 microM min(-1) x mg(-1), respectively. Laccase A activity is strongly inhibited by 0.1 mM NaN(3) or 0.1 mM cyanide. Two units of laccase A alone is able to completely oxidize 100 micromol 2,6-chlorophenol in 6 h. In the presence of 1 mM ABTS and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, 15.0 U laccase A is able to oxidize 45% and 70% of 50 micromol fluorene in 12 and 18 h, respectively. The laccase A gene was cloned by a PCR method, and preliminary analysis of its sequence indicates 87.0% similarity to the corresponding segment in the phenoloxidase gene from Coriolus hirsutus.     

Biosensor for the determination of phenols based on cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLEC) of laccase

Cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLECs) are a versatile form of biocatalyst that can also be used for biosensor application. Laccase from Trametes versicolor (E.C.1.10.3.2) was crystallized, cross-linked and lyophilized with beta-cyclodextrin. The CLEC laccase was found to be highly active towards phenols like 2-amino phenol, guaiacol, catechol, pyrogallol, catechin and ABTS (non-phenolic). The CLEC laccase was embedded in 30% polyvinylpropylidone (PVP) gel and mounted into an electrode to make the sensor. The biosensor was used to detect the phenols in 50-1000 micromol concentration level. Phenols with lower molecular weight such as 2-amino phenol, catechol and pyrogallol gave a short response time where as the higher molecular weight substrates like catechin and ABTS had comparatively a long response time. The optimum pH of the analyte was 5.5-6.0 when catechol was used as substrate. The CLEC laccase retained good activity for over 3 months.     

Demonstration of Laccase in the White Rot Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F1767

It has been widely reported that the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium, unlike most other white rot fungi, does not produce laccase, an enzyme implicated in lignin biodegradation. Our results showed that P. chrysosporium BKM-F1767 produces extracellular laccase in a defined culture medium containing cellulose (10 g/liter) and either 2.4 or 24 mM ammonium tartrate. Laccase activity was demonstrated in the concentrated extracellular culture fluids of this organism as determined by a laccase plate assay as well as a spectrophotometric assay with ABTS [2,2(prm1)-azinobis(3-ethylbenzathiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] as the substrate. Laccase activity was observed even after addition of excess catalase to the extracellular culture fluid to destroy the endogenously produced hydrogen peroxide, indicating that the observed activity is not due to a peroxidase. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by activity staining with ABTS revealed the presence of a laccase band with an estimated M(infr) of 46,500.     

Comparative studies on immobilized laccase behaviour in packed-bed and batch reactors

Extracellular laccase produced by the wood-rotting fungus Cerrena unicolor was immobilized covalently via glutaraldehyde to cellulose-based carrier Granocel. Laccase was partially purified by membrane concentration and diafiltration followed by precipitation with acetone. Five-fold increase in the measured activity of immobilized enzyme was obtained when six times purer laccase was used for immobilization. For the best preparation, with very high activity of 2053 U per 1 mL of the carrier, thermal- and pH-stability, and activity profiles were determined. Experiments carried out in a batch reactor showed that k_cat/K_m for immobilized enzyme (0.65) is three times lower than the value obtained for the native laccase (2.19) whereas k_cat/K_m estimated from continuous reactor (1.50) is notably closer to that for the native enzyme. Continuous process probably reflects more precisely kinetics of the reaction accompanied by simultaneous product precipitation on the carrier’s surface. Operational stability of immobilized laccase was tested in continuous mode operation with ABTS, guaiacol and trichlorophenol as substrates and showed that packed-bed reactor is unprofitable system for laccase immobilized on Granocel carrier due to the high bed compaction. However, excellent stability of the preparation was noted under 20 successive runs in the well mixed tank reactor and better ability towards trichlorophenol biotransformation was observed in the case of immobilized laccase.     

Biochemical characterization and molecular evidence of a laccase from the bird's nest fungus Cyathus bulleri

Cyathus bulleri, a bird's nest fungus, known to decolorize polymeric dye Poly R-478, was found to produce 8 U ml(-1) of laccase in malt extract broth. Laccase activity appeared as a single band on non-denaturing gel. Laccase was purified to homogeneity by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The enzyme was a monomer with an apparent molecular mass of 60 kD, pI of 3.7 and was stable in the pH range of 2-6 with an optimum pH of 5.2. The optimal reaction temperature was 45 degrees C and the enzyme lost its activity above 70 degrees C. Enzyme could oxidize a broad range of various phenolic substrates. K(m) values for ABTS, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, guaiacol, and ferulic acid were found to be 48.6, 56, 22, and 14 mM while K(cat) values were 204, 180, 95.6, and 5.2, respectively. It was completely inhibited by KCN, NaN(3), beta-mercaptoethanol, HgCl(2), and SDS, while EDTA had no effect on enzyme activity. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of C. bulleri laccase showed close homology to N-terminal sequences of laccase from other white-rot fungi. A 150 bp gene sequence encoding copper-binding domains I and II was most similar to the sequence encoding a laccase from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus with 74.8% level of similarity.     

Biochemical characterization of laccase from hairy root culture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis> L. and role of redox mediators to enhance its potential for the decolorization of textile dyes

In vitro transgenic hairy root cultures provide a rapid system for physiological, biochemical studies and screening of plants for their phytoremediation potential. The hairy root cultures of Brassica juncea L. showed 92% decolorization of Methyl orange within 4 days. Out of the different redox mediators that were used to achieve enhanced decolorization, 2, 2′-Azinobis, 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) was found to be the most efficient. Laccase activity of 4.5 U mg⁻¹ of protein was observed in hairy root cultures of Brassica juncea L., after the decolorization of Methyl orange. Intracellular laccase produced by B. juncea root cultures grown in MS basal medium was purified up to 2.0 fold with 6.62 U mg⁻¹ specific activity using anion-exchange chromatography. Molecular weight of the purified laccase was estimated to be 148 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme efficiently oxidized ABTS which was also required for oxidation of the other tested substrates. The pH and temperature optimum for laccase activity were 4.0 and 40°C, respectively. The purified enzyme was stable up to 50°C and was stable in the pH range of 4.0–6.0. Laccase activity was strongly inhibited by sodium azide, EDTA, dithiothreitol and l-cysteine. The purified enzyme decolorized various textile dyes in the presence of ABTS as an efficient redox mediator. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the enzymatic process involved in phytoremediation of textile dyes by using hairy roots.     

漆酶在磁性壳聚糖微球上的固定及其酶学性质研究

以磁性壳聚糖微球为载体,戊二醛为交联剂,共价结合制备固定化漆酶。探讨了漆酶固定化的影响因素,并对固定化漆酶的性质进行了研究。确定漆酶固定化适宜条件为：50 mg磁性壳聚糖微球,加入10mL 0.8mg/mL 漆酶磷酸盐缓冲液（0.1mol/L,pH 7.0）,在4℃固定2h。固定化酶最适pH为3.0, 最适温度分别为10℃和55℃,均比游离酶降低5℃。在pH 3.0,温度37℃时,固定化酶对ABTS的表观米氏常数为171.1μmol/L。与游离酶相比,该固定化漆酶热稳定性明显提高,并具有良好的操作和存储稳定性。     

Kinetic resolution of racemic naproxen methyl ester by magnetic and non-magnetic cross-linked lipase aggregates

Abstract

In this study, the non-magnetic and the magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) from Candida rugosa lipase were synthesized to catalyze the kinetic resolution reaction of naproxen methyl ester (NME). Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were produced through co-precipitation method and their surfaces were modified by silanization reaction. The MIONPs were used as a platform to synthesize the magnetic CLEAs (M-CLEAs). The biocatalysts and MIONPs synthesized were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The kinetic resolution of racemic NME was studied in aqueous buffer solution/isooctane biphasic system to compare the performance of M-CLEAs and CLEAs. The effects of reaction parameters such as temperature, pH, stirring rate on the enantiomeric excess of the substrate (ee_s%) were investigated in a batch reactor system. The activity recovery of CRL enzyme in CLEAs was higher than M-CLEAs. Compared with M-CLEAs, CLEAs biocatalysts had previously reached ee_s% values. Although both biocatalysts showed similar cavity structure from SEM analysis, the lower performance of M-CLEAs may be due to the different microenvironments of M-CLEAs from CLEAs. However, the reusability performance of M-CLEAs was higher than that of CLEAs. The optimal reaction conditions for M-CLEAs and CLEAs were found to be 37?°C, pH 7.5, and 300?rpm.     

粗毛栓菌诱变菌株SAH-12漆酶的分离纯化及酶学性质研究

粗毛栓菌Trametes gallica诱变菌株SAH-12是通过紫外诱变选育所得的漆酶高产菌株,Active-PAGE分析表明SAH-12在高氮低碳无机盐培养液(LM3)中至少分泌3种漆酶同工酶(Lac1、Lac2、Lac3)。采用硫酸铵盐析、透析和Sephadex-G75分子筛层析从其培养液中分离纯化得到电泳纯的Lac1,纯化倍数6.54,酶活性回收59.7%。Lac1经SDS-PAGE验证为一条带,其表观分子量为61.5kDa。Lac1为一种糖蛋白,含糖量11.6%,等电点pI4.40,催化氧化底物ABTS的最适反应温度为60℃,最适pH为2.6,Km值为25μmol/L。Lac1在40℃(pH4.0)以下和pH1.5～5.0(28℃)范围内稳定。金属离子Fe2+、Ag+、Hg2+和Cr3+与抑制剂DTT、SDS、EDTA和DMSO对Lac1有抑制作用,其中Fe2+和DTT完全抑制酶活,而Cu2+对酶有明显激活作用,Mn2+、Zn2+对酶活影响不大。Lac1不仅可使一些合成染料明显脱色,而且对苹果汁多酚祛除也有较好效果。40℃用该酶(1U/mL)处理苹果汁5h,其多酚含量可降低40%。     

Immobilized laccase of Cerrena unicolor for elimination of endocrine disruptor micropollutants

The white-rot fungus Cerrena unicolor C-139 produced 450?000 U l⁻¹ of laccase when cultivated in submerged (50 ml) fermentation of wheat bran. Laccase (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.3.2.), from C. unicolor C-139 was immobilized covalently on control porosity carrier silica beads. The activity of the immobilized laccase was approximately 15.8 units per gram of silica beads. The pH optimum was between 2.5 and 3.0 for free and immobilized laccase. The immobilization of enzyme appeared to be the main factor for retention of laccase activity at high temperature of 80 °C. The apparent K_m value (100 μmol) of immobilized laccase from C. unicolor C-139 was 6.7 times higher than free laccase (15 μmol) using 2,2-azino-bis-[3-ethylthiazoline-6-sulfonate] (ABTS) as the substrate. Immobilized laccase was able to eliminate 80 % of Bisphenol A, 40 % of Nonylphenol, and 60 % of Triclosan from solutions containing 50 μmol of each micropollutant separately. The experiments were run three times consecutively with the same immobilized laccase without loss of enzyme activity.     

Preparation and use of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of laccases

Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA^®) were prepared from laccases from three different sources: Trametes versicolor, Trametes villosa and Agaricus bisporus. The effect of the various parameters – nature of the precipitant, pH, temperature, glutaraldehyde concentration and cross-linking time – on the activity recovery and storage and operational stability of the resulting CLEAs was different. The laccase CLEAs exhibited the expected increased stability compared to the free enzyme but there was no direct correlation with the number of surface lysine residues in the latter. It is clearly not the only parameter influencing the properties of the CLEA. Co-aggregation with albumin did not improve the stability. The laccase CLEAs, in combination with the stable N-oxy radical, TEMPO, were shown to be active and stable catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of linear C₅–C₁₀ aliphatic alcohols, to the corresponding aldehydes, in aqueous buffer (pH 4). Rates were an order of magnitude higher than those observed with the corresponding free enzyme and the CLEAs could be recycled several times without appreciable loss of activity. The addition of water immiscible or water miscible solvents showed no further improvement in rate compared with reactions in aqueous buffer alone.     

灵芝EIM-40漆酶的分离纯化及酶学性质

采用冻干浓缩、（NH4）2S04盐析、HiTrapphenyl（FF）疏水层析和QSepharose FastFlow离子交换层析对灵芝EIM-40发酵液进行分离纯化,获得纯化漆酶,纯化倍数为14．6,回收率为5．3％。SDS-PAGE银染的结果为单一条带,相对分子质量约为6．53×104。以愈创木酚和2,2-联氮-二（3-乙基-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸）二铵盐（ABTS）为催化底物进行酶学性质研究,最适pH分别为4．8和4．5,最适温度分别为55和50℃,2种底物在pH4．0。5．0范围内,温度低于50℃时,酶的稳定性都很好。以愈创木酚为底物,Km=645．0umol／L;以ABTS为底物,Km=22．2txmol／L。Cu2＋对该酶起激活作用,Fe2＋、Ca2＋、Ba2＋则完全抑制酶的活性。     

Effect of Nutritional Parameters on Laccase Production by the Culinary and Medicinal Mushroom, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grifola frondosa</Emphasis>

Extracellular laccase in cultures of Grifola frondosa grown in liquid culture on a defined medium was first detectable in the early/middle stages of primary growth, and enzyme activity continued to increase even after fungal biomass production had peaked. Laccase production was significantly increased by supplementing cultures with 100–500 μM Cu over the basal level (1.6 μM Cu) and peak levels observed at 300 μM Cu were 7-fold higher than in unsupplemented controls. Decreased laccase activity similar to levels detected in unsupplemented controls, as well as an adverse effect on fungal growth, occurred with further supplementation up to and including 0.9 mM Cu, but higher enzyme titres (2- to 16-fold compared with controls) were induced in cultures supplemented with 1–2 mM Cu²⁺. SDS-PAGE combined with activity staining revealed the presence of a single protein band (M _r 70 kDa) exhibiting laccase activity in control culture fluids, whereas an additional distinct laccase protein band (M _r 45 kDa) was observed in cultures supplemented with 1–2 mM Cu. Increased levels of extracellular laccase activity, and both laccase isozymes, were also detected in cultures of G. frondosa supplemented with ferulic, vanillic, veratric and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Using 2,2′-azino-bis(ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) as substrate, the optimal temperature and pH values for laccase activity were 65°C and pH 2.2, respectively, and the enzyme was relatively heat stable. In solid-state cultures of G. frondosa grown under conditions adopted for industrial-scale mushroom production, extracellular laccase levels increased during the substrate colonization phase, peaked when the substrate was fully colonized, and then decreased sharply during fruit body development.     

Sequential reactors for the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals by laccase immobilized onto fumed silica microparticles

Abstract

The main objective of this study is the evaluation of the capability of laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila immobilized on fumed silica microparticles (fsMP) for the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in two enzymatic reactor configurations. This type of support can also be magnetized to allow the straightforward separation of the biocatalyst under a magnetic field. The support exhibited excellent biocompatibility with the enzyme, superior tolerance to pH and temperature as well as improved stability in comparison with the free enzyme, even in the presence of organic solvents and enzyme inhibitors. The technical feasibility of the removal of EDCs by immobilized laccase was assessed in two types of enzymatic reactors operated in sequential mode: a membrane reactor using fsMP-laccase and a reactor with magnetic separation using magnetized fsMP-laccase. The extent of transformation for the target compounds: bisphenol A (BPA) and 17β-estradiol (E2) was high and comparable to free laccase in both systems (up to 80%). The possibility of reusing the immobilized enzyme, especially for magnetized supports, offers an interesting approach in the development of enzyme based processes for the biotransformation of emerging pollutants.     

Characterization of laccase activity produced by Cryptococcus albidus

This study deals with the characterization of laccase enzyme activity produced by Cryptococcus albidus. Industrial wastes like effluent and sludge are complex mixtures of a number of chemicals. These chemicals can interfere with the proper functioning of the enzymes used for bioremediation. Thus, it is important to study the effect of such interfering solvents, detergents, metal chelators, and other chemicals on enzyme activity before industrial applications. Laccase showed maximum activity at pH 2.5 and temperature 20-30°C when ABTS was used as a substrate. The enzyme followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics: K(m) was 0.8158 mM and V(max) was 1527.74 U/mg. Laccase showed good thermostability with a half-life of 81 min at 25°C, 77 min at 35°C, 64 min at 45°C, 36 min at 55°C, and 21 min at 65°C. There was no effect of sodium dodceyl sulfate (SDS) (0.1-1.0%) and EDTA (0.1-0.5%) on laccase activity. Sodium azide and 2-mercaptoethanol showed complete inhibition of laccase activity at 0.1% concentration. At lower concentrations of acetone and acetonitrile, laccase was able to maintain its activity. However, the activity was completely inhibited at a concentration of 50% or above of acetone, methanol, 1,4-dioxan, and acetonitrile.     

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.