Micellar laccase-catalyzed synthesis of electroconductive polyaniline

A method of enzymatic synthesis of electroconductive polyaniline on the micelles of dodecylben-zenesulfonic acid sodium salt (DBSNa) is proposed. The high potential laccase from the basidiomycete Trametes hirsuta was used as a biocatalyst. The conditions for polyaniline synthesis were optimized (pH 4.0; reagent concentrations, 10-20 mM; and aniline/DBSNa ratio, 2: 1). The resulting product was electrochemically active in the range of potentials from -200 to 600 mV, electroconductive, and capable of reversible dedoping with a change in pH of solution.     

Micellar peroxidase-catalyzed synthesis of chiral polyaniline

Micellar peroxidase-catalyzed synthesis of chiral polyaniline (PANI) in the presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) was developed. The effect of DBSA concentration on the catalytic efficiency of horseradish and palm tree peroxidases was examined. Favorable conditions for the enzymatic synthesis of chiral PANI, determined by a multiple factors design, demonstrated that the PANIs with the highest chirality were produced in the presence of low concentrations of optically active camphorsulphonic acid (CSA). Unexpectedly, the chiral PANI was also synthesized in the absence of CSA in feed. The favorable conditions for the enzymatic production of chiral and conducting PANIs were shown to be different. The morphology of the chiral PANI particles was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopies.     

Enzymatic synthesis of electroconductive biocomposites based on DNA and optically active polyaniline

Electroconductive interpolymer polyaniline complexes are synthesized on the DNA matrix, using the method of oxidative polymerization of aniline with two different biocatalyzers: horseradish root peroxidase and micropiroxidase-11 biomimetic. The spectral characteristics and morphology of the acquired biocomposites have been studied. The stereospecificity of the acquired samples of interpolymer complexes is shown, depending on the biocatalyzers used. The results acquired indicate the important role of a biocatalyzer in the formation of the twist direction of an electroconductive polymer spiral on the DNA matrix; i.e., the optical activity of the polymer samples acquired is apparently associated with the biocatalyzer properties.     

Enzymatic synthesis of electroconductive biocomposites based on DNA and optically active polyaniline

Electroconductive interpolymer polyaniline complexes are synthesized on the DNA matrix, using the method of oxidative polymerization of aniline with two different biocatalyzers: horseradish root peroxidase and micropiroxidase-11 biomimetic. The spectral characteristics and morphology of the acquired biocomposites have been studied. The stereospecificity of the acquired samples of interpolymer complexes is shown, depending on the biocatalyzers used. The results acquired indicate the important role of a biocatalyzer in the formation of the twist direction of an electroconductive polymer spiral on the DNA matrix; i.e., the optical activity of the polymer samples acquired is apparently associated with the biocatalyzer properties.     

Synthesis of electroconductive polyaniline using immobilized laccase

A new method for synthesis of the conductive complex between polyaniline (PANI) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanosulfonic acid) (PAMPS) was proposed; in this method, the immobilized laccase from the basidiomycete Trametes hirsuta is used as a biocatalyst for aniline oxidative polymerization. The conditions for laccase immobilization on CM cellulose by bifunctional Woodward’s reagent were optimized. The catalytic properties of immobilized and native laccases were compared. The immobilized laccase appeared an efficient catalyst for the oxidative radical polymerization of aniline on polysulfonic acid matrix at 4°C. It was demonstrated that the immobilized enzyme could be repeatedly used for enzymatic synthesis of this polymer. Several spectral characteristics of the PANI/PAMPS complexes synthesized at various pH values were studied. The conductance of PANI specimens produced using immobilized laccase as a catalyst was 13 mS/cm.     

Mediator-assisted laccase-catalyzed oxidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl

The kinetics of oxidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl (4-HBP) catalyzed by laccase from Polyporus pinsitus was studied in the presence of methyl syringate (MS), which acts as an electron-transfer mediator. Measurements were performed in 0.05 M acetate buffer, pH 5.5, in the presence of 4-HBP, MS, and laccase. It is shown that the oxidation rate of the lowly reactive substrate 4-HBP significantly increases during synergistic action of the highly reactive substrate MS. Bimolecular kinetic constants of interaction between the oxidized form of laccase and MS, the former and 4-HBP, and the oxidized form of MS and 4-HBP were calculated. A kinetic scheme of the synergistic substrate action is suggested; based on this scheme, the dependence of the initial rate on reagent concentration is derived. Analyzing experimental data, we obtained kinetic constants close to those obtained by modeling the processes.     

Kinetic model of laccase-catalyzed oxidation of aqueous phenol

Laccase from Trametes versicolor (EC 1.10.3.2) catalyzes the oxidation of aqueous phenol by oxygen and has demonstrated good potential for applications in various industrial and environmental processes. A kinetic model of this system has been developed to facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms and rate-limiting steps of enzyme-catalyzed transformation and to eventually assist in the choice and design of suitable reactor systems. A kinetic model was derived based on the differential and mass balance equations that describe the interactions of various forms of the enzyme with the aromatic substrate and oxygen. This model also incorporated an expression accounting for enzyme inactivation over time due to the reaction environment. The model was validated by comparing model predictions with experimental observations of phenol transformation and oxygen consumption over time at a variety of enzyme concentrations. Excellent agreement was found between experimental data and predictions of the kinetic model. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the reaction between oxidized-laccase and phenol was the rate-limiting step.     

Redox chemistry in laccase-catalyzed oxidation of N-hydroxy compounds

1-Hydroxybenzotriazole, violuric acid, and N-hydroxyacetanilide are three N-OH compounds capable of mediating a range of laccase-catalyzed biotransformations, such as paper pulp delignification and degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbons. The mechanism of their enzymatic oxidation was studied with seven fungal laccases. The oxidation had a bell-shaped pH-activity profile with an optimal pH ranging from 4 to 7. The oxidation rate was found to be dependent on the redox potential difference between the N-OH substrate and laccase. A laccase with a higher redox potential or an N-OH compound with a lower redox potential tended to have a higher oxidation rate. Similar to the enzymatic oxidation of phenols, phenoxazines, phenothiazines, and other redox-active compounds, an "outer-sphere" type of single-electron transfer from the substrate to laccase and proton release are speculated to be involved in the rate-limiting step for N-OH oxidation.     

The laccase-catalyzed modification of lignin for enzymatic hydrolysis

The efficient use of cellulases in the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass is limited due to the presence of lignin. Lignin is known to bind hydrolytic enzymes nonspecifically, thereby reducing their action on carbohydrate substrates. The composition and location of residual lignin therefore seem to be important for optimizing the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates. The use of lignin-modifying enzymes such as laccase may have potential in the modification or partial removal of lignin from the biomass. In this study, the effect of lignin modification by laccase on the hydrolysis of pretreated spruce (Picea abies) and giant reed (Arundo donax) was evaluated. The substrates were first treated with laccase and then hydrolyzed with commercial cellulases. Laccase modification improved the hydrolysis yield of spruce by 12%, but surprisingly had an adverse effect on giant reed, reducing the hydrolysis yield by 17%. The binding properties of cellulases on the untreated and laccase-treated lignins were further studied using isolated lignins. The laccase treatment reduced the binding of enzymes on modified spruce lignin, whereas with giant reed, the amount of bound proteins increased after laccase treatment. Further understanding of the reactions of laccase on lignin will help to control the unspecific-binding of cellulases on lignocellulosic substrates.     

The laccase-catalyzed modification of lignin for enzymatic hydrolysis

The efficient use of cellulases in the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass is limited due to the presence of lignin. Lignin is known to bind hydrolytic enzymes nonspecifically, thereby reducing their action on carbohydrate substrates. The composition and location of residual lignin therefore seem to be important for optimizing the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates. The use of lignin-modifying enzymes such as laccase may have potential in the modification or partial removal of lignin from the biomass. In this study, the effect of lignin modification by laccase on the hydrolysis of pretreated spruce (Picea abies) and giant reed (Arundo donax) was evaluated. The substrates were first treated with laccase and then hydrolyzed with commercial cellulases. Laccase modification improved the hydrolysis yield of spruce by 12%, but surprisingly had an adverse effect on giant reed, reducing the hydrolysis yield by 17%. The binding properties of cellulases on the untreated and laccase-treated lignins were further studied using isolated lignins. The laccase treatment reduced the binding of enzymes on modified spruce lignin, whereas with giant reed, the amount of bound proteins increased after laccase treatment. Further understanding of the reactions of laccase on lignin will help to control the unspecific-binding of cellulases on lignocellulosic substrates.     

Reaction kinetics for laccase-catalyzed polymerization of 1-naphthol

Laccase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of 1-naphthol was carried out in a closed system containing acetone and sodium acetate buffer. The effects of initial 1-naphthol and dissolved oxygen concentrations on the initial reaction rate were investigated. A multiplicative mathematical model, using a function of 1-naphthol and dissolved oxygen concentrations, was developed for enzymatic polymerization and the corresponding biokinetic parameters have been evaluated for the first time. The activation energy and reaction rate constant of the laccase-catalyzed 1-naphthol polymerization were calculated as 57 kJ/mol and 311 l/s, respectively. The activation energy calculated was in the typical range of 30-60 kJ/mol and rate constant was of the order of magnitude of previously reported values for laccase-catalyzed reactions with different monomers.     

Variable stoichiometry during the laccase-catalyzed oxidation of aqueous phenol

The oxidation of aqueous phenol through the catalytic action of laccase from Trametes versicolor was studied over a wide range of phenol concentrations and enzyme activities. The stoichiometric ratio, which is defined as the molar ratio of phenol transformed to oxygen consumed in the catalytic reaction, was found to increase with phenol concentration in the reaction mixture from a theoretical lower limit of 1 and to approach a theoretical upper limit of 4. A logistic equation was proposed to relate reaction stoichiometry to substrate concentration and was successfully used to relate these parameters over a range of phenol concentrations extending from approximately 0.15 to 8 mM. This expression was incorporated into two kinetic models in order to account for variations in reaction stoichiometry during the reaction and to extend the range over which the models may be accurately applied. The new models demonstrated an improved ability to predict concentrations of phenol and oxygen over time in a closed batch reaction system.     

Surfactant-assisted two phase partitioning bioreactors for laccase-catalyzed degradation of anthracene

The degradation of anthracene by laccase from Trametes versicolor in enzymatic reactors was evaluated. The use of a surfactant (Triton X-100) at concentration above critical micelle concentration (CMC) enhanced anthracene solubility and facilitated its degradation. Moreover, Triton exerted a beneficial effect on the laccase stability and protected it from the oxidative action of the mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). In a further stage, the combined configuration of a two phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) operating with silicone oil as an immiscible solvent and the surfactant achieved the degradation of anthracene at higher conversion rate: 16 μmol/L_Rh. Furthermore, a model for anthracene degradation by laccase-mediator system was developed. The first order kinetic constant (k) and the overall mass transfer coefficient (K_La) were estimated by using the method of least squares. The increased K_La value obtained, 788.1 h^?1, proved that Triton also improved mass transfer. Anthracene concentration in aqueous phase was close to that corresponding to equilibrium state suggesting that mass transfer mechanism did not limit the global process. The kinetic constant, which is expected to depend on the initial concentration of enzyme, resulted in 52.2 h^?1. Enzyme inactivation occurred in two stages and could be modeled by using a three parameter biexponential model. The possibility of reusing silicone oil to dissolve more anthracene was proven in three consequent cycles with high percentages of anthracene removal.     

Impact of reaction conditions on the laccase-catalyzed conversion of bisphenol A

The oxidative conversion of aqueous BPA catalyzed by laccase from Trametes versicolor was conducted in a closed, temperature-controlled system containing buffer for pH control. The effects of medium pH, buffer concentration, temperature and mediators and the impacts of dissolved wastewater constituents on BPA conversion were investigated. The optimal pH for BPA conversion was approximately 5, with greater than half maximal conversion and good enzyme stability in the range of 4-7. The stability of the enzyme was not impacted by buffer concentration, nor was BPA conversion. Despite the observation that the enzyme tended to be inactivated at elevated temperatures, enhanced conversion of BPA was observed up until a reaction temperature of 45 degrees C. Of the mediators studied, ABTS was most successful at enhancing the conversion of BPA. Dissolved wastewater constituents that were studied included various inorganic salts, organic compounds and heavy metal ions. BPA conversion was inhibited in the presence of anions such as sulfite, thiosulfate, sulfide, nitrite and cyanide. The metal ions Fe(III) and Cu(II) and the halogens chloride and fluoride substantially suppressed BPA conversion, but the presence of selected organic compounds did not significantly reduce the conversion of BPA.     

Micellar enzymology

Experimental approaches to modelling the enzymatic function of biological membranes are discussed. Emphasis is given to pseudohomogeneous systems such as proteolipid complexes and enzymes in organic solvents; the latter are solubilized with phospholipids or synthetic surfactants. Methods for producing and studying such micellar systems are considered. The key research problems of micellar enzymology are formulated and its relation to enzyme membranology is discussed. Finally, the new potentialities are noted of applied enzymology (biotechnology) offered by application of a colloidal solution of water in organic solvents as a microheterogeneous medium for enzymatic reactions.     

Biomimetic synthesis of a water soluble conducting molecular complex of polyaniline and lignosulfonate

A new biomimetic route for the synthesis of a conducting molecular complex of polyaniline (Pani) and a natural polyelectrolyte, lignosulfonate (LGS) is presented. A poly(ethylene glycol) modified hematin (PEG-hematin) was used to catalyze the polymerization of aniline in the presence of LGS to form a Pani/LGS complex. UV-vis, FTIR, conductivity and TGA studies for the LGS-polyaniline complex indicate the presence of a thermally stable and electrically conductive form of polyaniline. Also the presence of LGS in this complex, an inexpensive byproduct from pulp processing, provides a unique combination of properties such as electronic conductivity, processability and biodegradability. The use of this conductive complex for corrosion protection is also proposed.     

Enzymatic synthesis of polyaniline film using a copper-containing oxidoreductase: bilirubin oxidase.

Electroactive polyaniline films have been synthesized by using a copper-containing oxidoreductase, bilirubin oxidase (BOD). Enzymatic polymerization took place on the surface of BOD-adsorbed solid matrix which was in contact with a buffer solution containing aniline. Optimum conditions for enzymatic polymerization of aniline were investigated. Elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy indicated that the enzymatically synthesized film was polyaniline. The cyclic voltammetric studies demonstrated that the polyaniline film was electrochemically reversible in the redox properties in acidic aqueous solutions. Since the film retained enzymatic activity of BOD which was employed as a catalyst for polymerization, enzymatic polymerization seems promising in preparation of immobilized enzyme membranes.     

Green synthesis of conductive polyaniline by Trametes versicolor laccase using a DNA template

The green synthesis of highly conductive polyaniline by using two biological macromolecules, i.e laccase as biocatalyst, and DNA as template/dopant, was achieved in this work. Trametes versicolor laccase B (TvB) was found effective in oxidizing both aniline and its less toxic/mutagenic dimer N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DANI) to conductive polyaniline. Reaction conditions for synthesis of conductive polyanilines were set‐up, and structural and electrochemical properties of the two polymers were extensively investigated. When the less toxic aniline dimer was used as substrate, the polymerization reaction was faster and gave less‐branched polymer. DNA was proven to work as hard template for both enzymatically synthesized polymers, conferring them a semi‐ordered morphology. Moreover, DNA also acts as dopant leading to polymers with extraordinary conductive properties (～6 S/cm). It can be envisaged that polymer properties are magnified by the concomitant action of DNA as template and dopant. Herein, the developed combination of laccase and DNA represents a breakthrough in the green synthesis of conductive materials.     

The effect of synthesis media on the properties of substituted polyaniline/chitosan composites

Substituted polyaniline/chitosan (sPANI/Ch) composites were chemically synthesized in H₂SO₄ and CH₃COOH synthesis media. Structural and physical properties of the composites were characterized by using FTIR, SEM, TGA, UV–vis, XRD techniques, and conductivity measurements. The effect of synthesis media on morphology, thermal stability, conductivity, and crystalline properties was investigated. Chemical interactions between substituted polyanilines and chitosan were explained using FTIR spectra results. The different morphological surfaces were observed in SEM images of the composites. The size of the substituted polyaniline/chitosan (sPANI/Ch) composites was in nanoscale, and the composites synthesized in acetic acid media showed smaller structures than those of H₂SO₄ media and pure chitosan. It was interpreted from XRD results that the composites have amorphous structure and the PNEANI/Ch–CH₃COOH composite has the highest crystallinity.