Histochemical detection of laccase in Pycnoporus cinnabarinus using microwave-enhanced colloidal gold microcrystallization

Laccase was detected histochemically in Pycnoporus cinnabarinus fungal hyphae by growing the organism on cellophane or microporous polycarbonate membranes overlaid on malt extract agar. Membrane sections were stained with a reagent of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and colloidal gold for 30 min and irradiated for 24 s at maximum output in a microwave oven. Laccase was detected as purple-blue deposits at the apical tip region in high concentrations, and at lower levels on the exterior, sub-apical hyphal sheath.