Pinewood nanobiochar: A unique carrier for the immobilization of crude laccase by covalent bonding

From Bulk to Nano: Formation, Features, and Functions of Nano-Black Carbon in Biogeochemical Processes

Globally increasing wildfires and widespread applications of biochar have led to a growing amount of black carbon (BC) entering terrestrial ecosystems. The significance of BC in carbon sequestration, environmental remediation, and the agricultural industry has long been recognized. However, the formation, features, and environmental functions of nanosized BC, which is one of the most active fractions in the BC continuum during global climate change, are poorly understood. This review highlights the formation, surface reactivity (sorption, redox, and heteroaggregation), biotic, and abiotic transformations of nano-BC, and its major differences compared to other fractions of BC and engineered carbon nanomaterials. Potential applications of nano-BC including suspending agent, soil amendment, and nanofertilizer are elucidated based on its unique properties and functions. Future studies are suggested to develop more reliable detection techniques to provide multidimensional information on nano-BC in environmental samples, explore the critical role of nano-BC in promoting soil and planetary health from a one health perspective, and extend the multifield applications of nano-BC with a lower environmental footprint but higher efficiency.

Advances in surface design and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles

Despite significant efforts by scientists in the development of advanced nanotechnology materials for smart diagnosis devices and drug delivery systems, the success of clinical trials remains largely elusive. In order to address this biomedical challenge, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained attention as a promising candidate due to their theranostic properties, which allow the simultaneous treatment and diagnosis of a disease. Moreover, MNPs have advantageous characteristics such as a larger surface area, high surface-to-volume ratio, enhanced mobility, mass transference and, more notably, easy manipulation under external magnetic fields. Besides, certain magnetic particle types based on the magnetite (Fe3O4) phase have already been FDA-approved, demonstrating biocompatible and low toxicity. Typically, surface modification and/or functional group conjugation are required to prevent oxidation and particle aggregation. A wide range of inorganic and organic molecules have been utilized to coat the surface of MNPs, including surfactants, antibodies, synthetic and natural polymers, silica, metals, and various other substances. Furthermore, various strategies have been developed for the synthesis and surface functionalization of MNPs to enhance their colloidal stability, biocompatibility, good response to an external magnetic field, etc. Both uncoated MNPs and those coated with inorganic and organic compounds exhibit versatility, making them suitable for a range of applications such as drug delivery systems (DDS), magnetic hyperthermia, fluorescent biological labels, biodetection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, this review provides an update of recently published MNPs works, providing a current discussion regarding their strategies of synthesis and surface modifications, biomedical applications, and perspectives.

Definitive Review of Nanobiochar

Nanobiochar is an advanced nanosized biochar with enhanced properties and wide applicability for a variety of modern-day applications. Nanobiochar can be developed easily from bulk biochar through top-down approaches including ball-milling, centrifugation, sonication, and hydrothermal synthesis. Nanobiochar can also be modified or engineered to obtain "engineered nanobiochar" or biochar nanocomposites with enhanced properties and applications. Nanobiochar provides many fold enhancements in surface area (0.4-97-times), pore size (0.1-5.3-times), total pore volume (0.5-48.5-times), and surface functionalities over bulk biochars. These enhancements have given increased contaminant sorption in both aqueous and soil media. Further, nanobiochar has also shown catalytic properties and applications in sensors, additive/fillers, targeted drug delivery, enzyme immobilization, polymer production, etc. The advantages and disadvantages of nanobiochar over bulk biochar are summarized herein, in detail. The processes and mechanisms involved in nanobiochar synthesis and contaminants sorption over nanobiochar are summarized. Finally, future directions and recommendations are suggested.

Waste-derived nanobiochar: A new avenue towards sustainable agriculture, environment, and circular bioeconomy

The greatest challenge for the agriculture sector in the twenty-first century is to increase agricultural production to feed the burgeoning global population while maintaining soil health and the integrity of the agroecosystem. Currently, the application of biochar is widely implemented as an effective means for boosting sustainable agriculture while having a negligible influence on ecosystems and the environment. In comparison to traditional biochar, nano-biochar (nano-BC) boasts enhanced specific surface area, adsorption capacity, and mobility properties within soil, allowing it to promote soil properties, crop growth, and environmental remediation. Additionally, carbon sequestration and reduction of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture can be achieved with nano-BC applications, contributing to climate change mitigation. Nonetheless, due to cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and environmental friendliness, waste-derived nano-BC may emerge as the most viable alternative to conventional waste management strategies, contributing to the circular bioeconomy and the broader goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it's important to note that research on nano-BC is still in its nascent stages. Potential risks, including toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial environments, necessitate extensive field investigations. This review delineates the potential of waste-derived nano-BC for sustainable agriculture and environmental applications, outlining current advancements, challenges, and possibilities in the realms from a sustainability and circular bioeconomy standpoint.

Degradation of 2,4-DCP by immobilized laccase on modified biochar carrier

Rape straw was used as the raw material for the biochar in this study, which was then changed using acid, alkali, and magnetic techniques. The laccase was attached using the adsorptions-crosslinking process, and the three modified biochars served as the carriers. The ideal circumstances for laccase immobilization were explored, and both biochar and immobilized laccase's characteristics were examined. The removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) by immobilized laccase from modified biochar and its degradation products were researched. The main conclusions are as follows: the optimal concentration of glutaraldehyde (GLU) was 4%, and the pH was four, and the enzyme dosage was 1.75 mg/mL for the immobilized laccase of acid-modified biochar (SBC@LAC). The optimal concentration of GLU was 5%; the pH was four, and the enzyme dosage was 2 mg/mL for immobilized laccase from alkali-modified biochar (JBC@LAC). The optimal concentration of GLU was 5%; the pH was four, and the enzyme dosage was 1.75 mg/mL for immobilized laccase from magnetically modified biochar (CBC@LAC). SEM images could show the changes in the surface morphology of biochar caused by three modification methods. The BET results demonstrated that acid and magnetic modification increased the specific surface area of biochar, and alkali modification mainly expanded the pore size of biochar. FT-IR and XRD showed that modification and laccase loading had little effect on the structure of biochar. The stability of immobilized laccase was better than that of free laccase in acid-base, heat, and storage. Among the three modified biochar immobilized laccases, JBC@LAC showed the best acid-base stability and thermal stability, and the relative enzyme activity changed the least when pH and temperature conditions changed. The storage stability of SBC@LAC is the best. After 30 days of storage, the relative enzyme activity is still 83%. The removal rates of 2,4-DCP were 57, 99, and 63%, respectively, by SBC@LAC, JBC@LAC, and CBC@LAC. After five reuses, the removal rates of 2,4-DCP by SBC@LAC, JBC@LAC and CBC@LAC were 26, 42, and 27%, respectively. The intermediate products of 2,4-DCP degradation by immobilized laccase were p-phenol, p-benzoquinone and maleic acid.

Design of V2O5 Blocks Decorated with Garlic Peel Biochar Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Catalyst for the Degradation of Methyl Orange and Its Antioxidant Activity

In this study, novel V2O5-decorated garlic peel biochar (VO/GPB) nanocomposites are prepared via the facile hydrothermal technique. As-synthesized VO/GPB is characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The surface morphology of the as-prepared samples was predicted by SEM analysis, which shows that the block-like V2O5 was uniformly decorated on the stone-like GPB surface. The elemental mapping analysis confirms the VO/GPB composite is composed of the following elements: C, O, Na, Mg, Si, P, K, and V, without any other impurities. The photocatalytic activity of the VO/GPB nanocomposite was examined by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under the irradiation of visible light; 84% degradation efficiency was achieved within 30 min. The reactive oxidative species (ROS) study reveals that hydroxyl and superoxide radicals play an essential role in MO degradation. Moreover, the antioxidant action of the VO/GPB nanocomposite was also investigated. From the results, the VO/GPB composite has higher antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid; the scavenging effect increased with increasing concentrations of VO/GPB composite until it reached 40 mg/L, where the scavenging effect was the highest at 93.86%. This study will afford innovative insights into other photocatalytic nanomaterials with effective applications in the field of photocatalytic studies with environmental compensation.

Efficient removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water and wastewater using immobilized laccase on activated carbon derived from pomegranate peels

In this study, pomegranate peels (PPs) as an abundant fruit processing waste was used to produce cost-effective, eco-friendly, and high-quality activated carbon. The produced carbon (fossil free activated carbon) was used for immobilizing laccase to remove a range of emerging pollutants namely diclofenac, amoxicillin, carbamazepine, and ciprofloxacin from water and wastewater. The loaded activated carbon by laccase (LMPPs) and the unloaded one (MPPs) were characterized using advanced surface chemistry analysis techniques. MPPs was found to have a porous structure with a large surface area and an abundance of acidic functional groups. Laccase immobilization reduced surface area but added active degradation sites. The optimal immobilization parameters were determined as pH 4, 35 °C, and a laccase concentration of 2.5 mg/mL resulting in a 69.8% immobilization yield. The adsorption of the emerging pollutant onto MPPs is best characterized as a spontaneous endothermic process that adheres to the Langmuir isotherm and first-order kinetics. Using synergistic adsorption and enzymatic degradation, the target pollutants (50 mg/L) were eliminated in 2 h. In both water types, LMPPs outperformed MPPs. This study shows that pomegranate peels can effectively be harnessed as an enzyme carrier and adsorbent for the removal of emerging pollutants even from a complex sample matrix. The removal of contaminants from wastewater lasted five cycles, whereas it continued up to six cycles for water.

Nano-biochar: recent progress, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable environmental remediation

Biochar is a carbonaceous by-product of lignocellulosic biomass developed by various thermochemical processes. Biochar can be transformed into "nano-biochar" by size reduction to nano-meters level. Nano-biochar presents remarkable physico-chemical behavior in comparison to macro-biochar including; higher stability, unique nanostructure, higher catalytic ability, larger specific surface area, higher porosity, improved surface functionality, and surface active sites. Nano-biochar efficiently regulates the transport and absorption of vital micro-and macro-nutrients, in addition to toxic contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics). However an extensive understanding of the recent nano-biochar studies is essential for large scale implementations, including development, physico-chemical properties and targeted use. Nano-biochar toxicity on different organisms and its in-direct effect on humans is an important issue of concern and needs to be extensively evaluated for large scale applications. This review provides a detailed insight on nanobiochar research for (1) development methodologies, (2) compositions and properties, (3) characterization methods, (4) potentiality as emerging sorbent, photocatalyst, enzyme carrier for environmental application, and (5) environmental concerns.

Genipin and glutaraldehyde based laccase two-layers immobilization with improved properties: New biocatalysts with high potential for enzymatic removal of trace organic contaminants

This research proposes the preparation of a two-layer laccase biocatalyst using genipin or/and glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agents. The multilayer biocatalysts were prepared using different combinations of genipin and glutaraldehyde in the individual preparation of the first and second laccase layers. First, chitosan was treated with genipin or glutaraldehyde, followed by the immobilization of the first laccase layer to form a single-layer biocatalyst. Then, the immobilized laccases were coated once again with genipin or glutaraldehyde, and a new laccase layer was immobilized onto the system, resulting in the final two-layer biocatalyst. Compared to the single-layer biocatalysts, catalytic activity increased 1.7- and 3.4-fold when glutaraldehyde coating was used to prepare the second laccase layer. However, adding a second layer did not always produce more active biocatalysts, since the two-layer biocatalysts prepared with genipin (GenLacGenLac and GluLacGenLac) presented a decrease in activity of 65% and 28%, respectively. However, these two-layer biocatalysts prepared with genipin maintained 100% of their initial activity after 5 cycles of ABTS oxidation. Nevertheless, the two-layer, genipin-coated biocatalyst resulted in a higher removal of trace organic contaminants, since it removed 100% of mefenamic acid and 66% of acetaminophen, compared with the glutaraldehyde-coated biocatalyst, which removed 20% of mefenamic acid, and 18% of acetaminophen.

Recent Advances in the Biocatalytic Mitigation of Emerging Pollutants: A Comprehensive Review

The issue of environmental pollution has been worsened by the emergence of new contaminants whose morphology is yet to be fully understood. Several techniques have been adopted to mitigate the pollution effects of these emerging contaminants, and bioremediation involving plants, microbes, or enzymes has stood out as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. Enzyme-mediated bioremediation is a very promising technology as it exhibits better pollutant degradation activity and generates less waste. However, this technology is subject to challenges like temperature, pH, and storage stability, in addition to recycling difficulty as it is arduous to isolate them from the reaction media. To address these challenges, the immobilization of enzymes has been successfully applied to ameliorate the activity, stability, and reusability of enzymes. Although this has significantly increased the uses of enzymes over a wide range of environmental conditions and facilitated the use of smaller bioreactors thereby saving cost, it still comes with additional costs for carriers and immobilization. Additionally, the existing immobilization methods have their individual limitations. This review provides state-of-the-art information to readers focusing on bioremediation using enzymes. Different parameters such as: the sustainability of biocatalysts, the ecotoxicological evaluation of transformation contaminants, and enzyme groups used were reviewed. The efficacy of free and immobilized enzymes, materials and methods for immobilization, bioreactors used, challenges to large-scale implementation, and future research needs were thoroughly discussed.

More effective application of biochar-based immobilization technology in the environment: Understanding the role of biochar

In recent years, biochar-based immobilization technology (BIT) has been widely used to treat different environmental issues because of its cost-effectiveness and high removal performance. However, the complexity of the real environment is always ignored, which hinders the transfer of the BIT from lab-scale to commercial applications. Therefore, in this review, the analysis is performed separately on the internal side of the BIT (microbial fixation and growth) and on the external side of the BIT (function) to achieve effective BIT performance. Importantly, the internal two stages of BIT have been discussed concisely. Further, the usage of BIT in different areas is summarized precisely. Notably, the key impacts were systemically analyzed during BIT applications including environmental conditions and biochar types. Finally, the suggestions and perspectives are elucidated to solve current issues regarding BIT.

Carbon content determines the aggregation of biochar colloids from various feedstocks

The aggregation kinetics of biochar colloids (BCs) play a crucial role in the fate and transport of contaminants, as well as the carbon (C) cycle in the environment. However, the colloidal stability of BCs from various feedstocks is very limited. In this study, the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of twelve standard biochars pyrolyzed from various feedstocks (municipal source, agricultural waste, herbaceous residue, and woody feedstock) at 550 °C and 700 °C were investigated, and the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of biochar and the colloidal stability of BCs was further analyzed. The CCC of BCs in the NaCl solution followed the trend of municipal source < agricultural waste < herbaceous residue < woody feedstock, which was similar to the order of C content in biochar. The CCC of BCs showed a strong positive correlation with the C content of various biochars, especially pyrolyzed at a higher temperature of 700 °C. The BCs derived from lignin-rich feedstock (e.g., woody feedstock) had the highest colloidal stability, followed by cellulose-rich feedstock (e.g., agricultural waste and herbaceous residue). The BCs derived from organic matter-rich feedstock (municipal source) were easy to aggregate in the aqueous environment. This study quantitatively provides new insights into the relationship between BCs stability and biochar characteristics from various feedstocks, which is critical to assess biochar environmental behavior in aqueous environments.

A Cu(II) MOF with laccase-like activity for colorimetric detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol and p-nitrophenol

Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with aqueous stability have a good potential application in the field of mimetic enzymes. However, most of them have poor robustness in aqueous solution due to competitive coordination effects between water molecules and central metal ions. Herein, a copper-based MOF (Cu-SM MOF) was prepared using copper ions and 5-(sulfomethyl) isophthalic acid (5-SMIPA) by a hydrothermal process. Considering the similarity of coordination and morphology with HKUST-1, the aqueous stability and laccase-like activity of the Cu-SM MOF were investigated using HKUST-1 as the reference. The Cu-SM MOF shows superior aqueous stability to HKUST-1 after immersion in buffer solutions, especially under alkaline conditions. Moreover, the Cu-SM MOF possesses higher catalytic activity than HKUST-1 at a high salt concentration, high temperature, etc., because the Cu-SM MOF exhibits lower K_m and higher V_max values than those of laccase and reported mimetic enzymes. The mimetic enzyme behavior of the Cu-SM MOF is demonstrated in the oxidation of phenols, as well as in the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP) and p-nitrophenol with linear ranges of 1-100 μM and 2-250 μM, and limits of detection of 0.53 μM and 1.62 μM, respectively. Owing to the excellent aqueous stability and laccase-like activity of the Cu-SM MOF, it has great application prospects in many fields, such as the determination of phenols and the treatment of industrial wastewater.

Covalent immobilizing horseradish peroxidase on electrochemically-functionalized biochar for phenol removal

Enzyme-based biocatalytic treatment has been known as an effective measure to biologically degrade organic pollutants. Advantageously, enzymes could be immobilized on solid supports, and such fact enables reuse/prolong the enzymatic capability. It could be of great importance to functionalize a support material for enhancing the immobilization efficiency/stability of enzymes. As such, this study laid great emphasis on covalent bonding to immobilize horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on a functionalized rice straw biochar with glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinker. Biochar was pretreated by the electrochemical method and the acid treatment respectively to enrich the oxygen-containing functional groups. These led to the enhanced immobilizing ability of biochar. The HRP immobilized on the electrochemically-functionalized biochar (HRP-EBC) showed three times as much enzyme activity as the HRP directly adsorbed onto biochar. The HRP immobilized on the acid-functionalized biochar (HRP-ABC) showed activity similar to that of HRP-EBC. It was concluded that both the (acid/electrochemical) pretreatments are effective to enhance enzyme immobilization. Nevertheless, the electrochemical functionalized method of biochar is chemical oxidant-free, and one important lesson from a series of tests was that the pretreatment of biochar through the electrochemical method could be more environmentally benign. Moreover, employing HRP-EBC could be beneficial from a perspective of a real environmental practice considering its higher pH, thermal stability, and good reusability. 80% of phenol was degraded in 1 h in the presence of HRP-EBC when pH was 7.0 and a ratio of H₂O₂ to phenol was 1:1.5.

Enzyme immobilization on biomass-derived carbon materials as a sustainable approach towards environmental applications

Enzymes with their environment-friendly nature and versatility have become highly important 'green tools' with a wide range of applications. Enzyme immobilization has further increased the utility and efficiency of these enzymes by improving their stability, reusability, and recyclability. Biomass-derived matrices when used for enzyme immobilization offer a sustainable solution to environmental pollution and fuel depletion at low costs. Biochar and other biomass-derived carbon materials obtained are suitable for the immobilization of enzymes through different immobilization strategies. Environmental pollution has become an utmost topic of research interest due to an ever-increasing trend being observed in anthropogenic activities. This has widely contributed to the release of various toxic effluents into the environment in their native or metabolized forms. Therefore, more focus is being directed toward the utilization of immobilized enzymes in the bioremediation of water and soil, biofuel production, and other environmental applications. In this review, up-to-date literature concerning the immobilization and potential uses of enzymes immobilized on biomass-derived carbon materials has been presented.

Biochar-microorganism interactions for organic pollutant remediation: Challenges and perspectives

Numerous harmful chemicals are introduced every year in the environment through anthropogenic and geological activities raising global concerns of their ecotoxicological effects and decontamination strategies. Biochar technology has been recognized as an important pillar for recycling of biomass, contributing to the carbon capture and bioenergy industries, and remediation of contaminated soil, sediments and water. This paper aims to critically review the application potential of biochar with a special focus on the synergistic and antagonistic effects on contaminant-degrading microorganisms in single and mixed-contaminated systems. Owing to the high specific surface area, porous structure, and compatible surface chemistry, biochar can support the proliferation and activity of contaminant-degrading microorganisms. A combination of biochar and microorganisms to remove a variety of contaminants has gained popularity in recent years alongside traditional chemical and physical remediation technologies. The microbial compatibility of biochar can be improved by optimizing the surface parameters so that toxic pollutant release is minimized, biofilm formation is encouraged, and microbial populations are enhanced. Biocompatible biochar thus shows potential in the bioremediation of organic contaminants by harboring microbial populations, releasing contaminant-degrading enzymes, and protecting beneficial microorganisms from immediate toxicity of surrounding contaminants. This review recommends that biochar-microorganism co-deployment holds a great potential for the removal of contaminants thereby reducing the risk of organic contaminants to human and environmental health.

Electrospun nanofiber-based glucose sensors for glucose detection

Diabetes is a chronic, systemic metabolic disease that leads to multiple complications, even death. Meanwhile, the number of people with diabetes worldwide is increasing year by year. Sensors play an important role in the development of biomedical devices. The development of efficient, stable, and inexpensive glucose sensors for the continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels has received widespread attention because they can provide reliable data for diabetes prevention and diagnosis. Electrospun nanofibers are new kinds of functional nanocomposites that show incredible capabilities for high-level biosensing. This article reviews glucose sensors based on electrospun nanofibers. The principles of the glucose sensor, the types of glucose measurement, and the glucose detection methods are briefly discussed. The principle of electrospinning and its applications and advantages in glucose sensors are then introduced. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the applications and advantages of polymers and nanomaterials in electrospun nanofiber-based glucose sensors. The relevant applications and comparisons of enzymatic and non-enzymatic nanofiber-based glucose sensors are discussed in detail. The main advantages and disadvantages of glucose sensors based on electrospun nanofibers are evaluated, and some solutions are proposed. Finally, potential commercial development and improved methods for glucose sensors based on electrospinning nanofibers are discussed.

Synthesis and Comparative Studies of Glucose Oxidase Immobilized on Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Different Coupling Agents

Squaric acid (SA) is a compound with potential to crosslink biomacromolecules. Although SA has become over the last years a well-known crosslinking agent as a result of its good biocompatibility, glutaraldehyde (GA), a compound with proven cytotoxicity is still one of the most used crosslinkers to develop nanomaterials. In this regard, the novelty of the present study consists in determining whether it may be possible to substitute GA with a new bifunctional and biocompatible compound, such as SA, in the process of enzyme immobilization on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Thus, a direct comparison between SA- and GA-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was realized in terms of physico-chemical properties and ability to immobilize catalytic enzymes. The optimal conditions of the synthesis of the two types of GOx-immobilized MNPs were described, thus emphasizing the difference between the two reagents. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering were used for size, shape and colloidal stability characterization of the pristine MNPs and of those coupled with GOx. Binding of GOx to MNPs by using GA or SA was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The stability of the immobilized and free enzyme was investigated by measuring the enzymatic activity. The study confirmed that the resulting activity of the immobilized enzyme and the optimization of enzyme immobilization depended on the type of reagent used and duration of the process. The catalytic performance of immobilized enzyme was tested, revealing that the long-term colloidal stability of SA-functionalized MNPs was superior to those prepared with GA. In conclusion, the SA-functionalized bioconjugates have a better potential as compared to the GA-modified nanosystems to be regarded as catalytic nanodevices for biomedical purposes such as biosensors.

Nano-biochar: A novel solution for sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation

Currently, the applications of biochar (BC) in agricultural practices and for environmental remediation purposes have demonstrated multifaceted advantages despite a few limitations. Nano-BC offers considerable opportunities especially for the remediation of hazardous contaminants as well as the improvement of crop productivity. Positive outcomes of nano-BC on soil physico-chemical and biological characteristics have indicated its suitability for agricultural applications. Nano-BC may effectively regulate the mobilization and sorption of important micro- and macro-nutrients, along with the hazardous contaminants including potentially toxic metals, pesticides, etc. Additionally, the sorption characteristics of nano-BC depends substantially on feedstock materials and pyrolysis temperatures. Nevertheless, the conducted investigations regarding nano-BC are in infant stages, requiring extensive field investigations. The nano-enhanced properties of BC on one hand dramatically improve its effectiveness and sustainability, on the other hand, there may be associated with toxicity development in diverse aquatic and/or terrestrial environments. Therefore, risk assessment on soil organisms and its indirect impact on human health is another area of concern linked with the field application of nano-BC. The present review delineates the potentiality of nano-BC as an emerging sorbent for sustainable agriculture and environmental applications.

Novel Magnetic Polymeric Filters with Laccase-Based Nanoparticles for Improving Congo Red Decolorization in Bioreactors

In this work, five different magnetic biofilters, containing magnetic nanoparticles (142 nm), immobilized laccase on nanoparticles (190 nm) and permanent magnetic elements, such as neodymium magnets and metallic meshes, were designed, manufactured and tested. The five types of filters were compared by measuring the decolorization of Congo Red dye inside bioreactors, the half-life of the filters and the amount of magnetic nanoparticle and enzyme lost during multiple cycles of operation. Filters containing laccase immobilized on magnetite (Laccase-magnetite), permanent magnets and metallic mesh presented the highest Congo Red decolorization (27%) and the largest half-life among all types of filters (seven cycles). The overall dye decolorization efficiencies were 5%, 13%, 17%, 23%, and 27% for the paper filter, paper filter with magnetite, paper filter with Laccase-magnetite, paper filter with Laccase-magnetite with magnets and paper filter with Laccase-magnetite with magnets and metallic mesh, respectively. Although the highest losses of magnetite occurred when using the filters containing magnets (57 mg), the use of permanent magnetic elements in the filters increased the half-life of the filter three-fold compared to the filters without enzymatic properties and two-fold compared to the filters with Laccase-magnetite. Results indicate that the novel use of permanent magnetic elements improved the nanoparticle retention in the filters and promoted the mass transfer between the dye and the biocatalyst to enhance wastewater treatment.

Catalytic roles, immobilization and management of recalcitrant environmental pollutants by laccases: Significance in sustainable green chemistry

We are facing a high risk of exposure to emerging contaminants and increasing environmental pollution with the concomitant growth of industries. Persistence of these pollutants is a major concern to the ecosystem. Laccases, also known as "green catalysts" are multi-copper oxidases which offers an eco-friendly solution for the degradation of these hazardous pollutants to less or non-toxic compounds. Although various other biological methods exist for the treatment of pollutants, the fact that laccases catalyze the oxidation of broad range of substrates in the presence of molecular oxygen without any additional cofactor and releases water as the by-product makes them exceptional. They have a good possibility of utilization in various industries, especially for the purpose of bioremediation. Besides this, they have also been used in medical/health care, food industry, bio-bleaching, wine stabilization, organic synthesis and biosensors. This review covers the catalytic behaviour of laccases, their immobilization strategies, potential applications in bioremediation of recalcitrant environmental pollutants and their engineering. It provides a comprehensive summary of most factors to consider while working with laccases in an industrial setting. It compares the benefits and drawbacks of the current techniques. Immobilization and mediators, two of the most significant aspects in working with laccases, have been meticulously discussed.

Recent Developments in the Immobilization of Laccase on Carbonaceous Supports for Environmental Applications - A Critical Review

Τhe ligninolytic enzyme laccase has proved its potential for environmental applications. However, there is no documented industrial application of free laccase due to low stability, poor reusability, and high costs. Immobilization has been considered as a powerful technique to enhance laccase's industrial potential. In this technology, appropriate support selection for laccase immobilization is a crucial step since the support could broadly affect the properties of the resulting catalyst system. Through the last decades, a large variety of inorganic, organic, and composite materials have been used in laccase immobilization. Among them, carbon-based materials have been explored as a support candidate for immobilization, due to their properties such as high porosity, high surface area, the existence of functional groups, and their highly aromatic structure. Carbon-based materials have also been used in culture media as supports, sources of nutrients, and inducers, for laccase production. This study aims to review the recent trends in laccase production, immobilization techniques, and essential support properties for enzyme immobilization. More specifically, this review analyzes and presents the significant benefits of carbon-based materials for their key role in laccase production and immobilization.

Activation of biochar through exoenzymes prompted by earthworms for vermibiochar production: A viable resource recovery option for heavy metal contaminated soils and water

The industrial revolution and indiscriminate usage of a wide spectrum of agrochemicals account for the dumping of heavy metals in the environment. In-situ/ex-situ physical, chemical, and bioremediation strategies with pros and cons have been adopted for recovering metal contaminated soils and water. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for a cost-effective and environment-friendly technique to combat metal pollution. Biochar combined with earthworms and vermifiltration is a suitable emerging technique for the remediation of metal-polluted soils and water. The chemical substances (e.g., sodium hydroxide, zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide, and phosphoric acid) have been used to activate biochar, which also faces several shortcomings. Studies reveal that extracellular enzymes have been used to activate biochar which is produced by earthworms and microbes that can alter the surface of the biochar. The present review focuses on the global scenario of metal pollution and its remediation through biochar activation using earthworms. The earthworms and biochar can produce "vermibiochar" which is capable of reducing the metal ions from contaminated water and soils. The vermifiltration can be a suitable technology for metal removal from wastewater/effluent. Thus, the biochar has a trick of producing entirely new options at a time when vermifiltration and other technologies are least expected. Further attention to the biochar-assisted vermifiltration of different sources of wastewater is required to be explored for the large-scale utilization of the process.

Characterization and application of biochar-immobilized crude horseradish peroxidase for removal of phenol from water

Biochar (BC) has attracted much attention as an environmentally friendly material for application in wastewater treatment. In this study, a suitability of wood-derived BC as a support for covalent immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) across glutaraldehide as crosslinker, known for the capability to remove phenol from water, was investigated. The efficiency of the immobilized HRP in removal of phenol (2 mM) from water at different reaction conditions (varying dosages of polyethylene glycol (PEG300) 0-750 mg/L; H₂O₂ 1.5-3.5 mM, as well as reaction time 5-120 min) and the general toxicity of bio-treated water (Allium cepa test) were measured. All analyzes were performed for free enzyme as well. The immobilized enzyme showed the highest activity at temperature 30 °C and pH 7.0. The greatest efficiency of immobilized enzyme in phenol removing (90 %) was obtained by applying 2.5 mM H₂O₂ and 1.5 mg/L of PEG300 at pH 7.0 after 2 h of reaction period. After 4 washings, immobilized HRP retained more than 79 % activity with phenol removal of 64 %. Utilizing immobilized enzyme significantly reduces the toxicity of the tested water (80 %), which further suggested that it might be considered as an environmentally acceptable process for wastewater treatment. Possible degradation products remained in treated water were analyzed in water samples by liquid and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, including also analysis of volatiles by solid phase microextraction technique; different phenol-base compounds were detected.

The study of laccase immobilization optimization and stability improvement on CTAB-KOH modified biochar

BACKGROUND

Although laccase has a good catalytic oxidation ability, free laccase shows a poor stability. Enzyme immobilization is a common method to improve enzyme stability and endow the enzyme with reusability. Adsorption is the simplest and common method. Modified biochar has attracted great attention due to its excellent performance.

RESULTS

In this paper, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-KOH modified biochar (CKMB) was used to immobilize laccase by adsorption method (laccase@CKMB). Based on the results of the single-factor experiments, the optimal loading conditions of laccase@CKMB were studied with the assistance of Design-Expert 12 and response surface methods. The predicted optimal experimental conditions were laccase dosage 1.78 mg/mL, pH 3.1 and 312 K. Under these conditions, the activity recovery of laccase@CKMB was the highest, reaching 61.78%. Then, the CKMB and laccase@CKMB were characterized by TGA, FT-IR, XRD, BET and SEM, and the results showed that laccase could be well immobilized on CKMB, the maximum enzyme loading could reach 57.5 mg/g. Compared to free laccase, the storage and pH stability of laccase@CKMB was improved greatly. The laccase@CKMB retained about 40% of relative activity (4 °C, 30 days) and more than 50% of relative activity at pH 2.0-6.0. In addition, the laccase@CKMB indicated the reusability up to 6 reaction cycles while retaining 45.1% of relative activity. Moreover, the thermal deactivation kinetic studies of laccase@CKMB showed a lower k value (0.00275 min^- 1) and higher t_1/2 values (252.0 min) than the k value (0.00573 min^- 1) and t_1/2 values (121.0 min) of free laccase.

CONCLUSIONS

We explored scientific and reasonable immobilization conditions of laccase@CKMB, and the laccase@CKMB possessed relatively better stabilities, which gave the immobilization of laccase on this cheap and easily available carrier material the possibility of industrial applications.

Application of statistical modeling for the production of highly pure rhamnolipids using magnetic biocatalysts: Evaluating its efficiency as a bioremediation agent

In the present study, highly pure rhamnolipids (RLs) was produced using biocatalysts immobilized on amino-functionalized chitosan coated magnetic nanoparticles. Upon immobilizing naringinase and Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) under the optimized conditions, an enhanced operational stability with biocatalytic loads of 935 ± 2.4 U/g (naringinase) and 825 ± 4.1 U/g (CaLB) were achieved. Subsequently, the immobilized biocatalysts were utilized sequentially in a two-step RLs synthesis process. The key parameters involved in RLs production were optimized using artificial neural network (ANN) coupled genetic algorithm (GA) and were compared with composite central design (CCD). On validating the efficiency of both models, mean square errors of 1.58% (CCD) and 1.04% (ANN) were obtained. Optimization of parameters by ANN-GA resulted in 1.2-fold increase in experimental RLs yield (80.53%), which was 1.05-fold higher when compared to CCD model. Further, to establish the efficiency of RLs as a bioremediation agent, it was utilized as washing agent. It was observed that at a soil to RLs volume of 1:05, RLs concentration of 0.4 mg/mL, a 95.35 ± 1.33% removal of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) was obtained at 35 ℃ and 160 rpm in 75 min. Thus, this strategy provides an efficient biocatalytic toolbox for RLs synthesis, which can be effectively used as a bioremediation agent.

Advances in laccase-triggered anabolism for biotechnology applications

This is the first comprehensive overview of laccase-triggered anabolism from fundamental theory to biotechnology applications. Laccase is a typical biological oxidordeuctase that induces the one-electronic transfer of diverse substrates for engendering four phenoxy radicals with concomitant reduction of O₂ into 2H₂O. In vivo, laccase can participate in anabolic processes to create multifarious functional biopolymers such as fungal pigments, plant lignins, and insect cuticles, using mono/polyphenols and their derivatives as enzymatic substrates, and is thus conducive to biological tissue morphogenesis and global carbon storage. Exhilaratingly, fungal laccase has high redox potential (E° = 500-800 mV) and thermodynamic efficiency, making it a remarkable candidate for utilization as a versatile catalyst in the green and circular economy. This review elaborates the anabolic mechanisms of laccase in initiating the polymerization of natural phenolic compounds and their derivatives in vivo via radical-based self/cross-coupling. Information is also presented on laccase immobilization engineering that expands the practical application ranges of laccase in biotechnology by improving the enzymatic catalytic activity, stability, and reuse rate. Particularly, advances in biotechnology applications in vitro through fungal laccase-triggered macromolecular biosynthesis may provide a key research direction beneficial to the rational design of green chemistry.

Impact of redox-mediators in the degradation of olsalazine by marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus aculeatus strain bpo2: Response surface methodology, laccase stability and kinetics

The indiscriminate disposal of olsalazine in the environment poses a threat to human health and natural ecosystems because of its cytotoxic and genotoxic nature. In the present study, degradation efficiency of olsalazine by the marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus aculeatus (MT492456) was investigated. Optimization of physicochemical parameters (pH. Temperature, Dry weight) and redox mediators {(2,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), p-Coumaric acid and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT)} was achieved with Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-Box-Behnken Design (BBD) resulting in 89.43% removal of olsalazine on 7^th day. The second-order polynomial regression model was found to be statistically significant, adequate and fit with p < 0.0001, F value=41.87 and correlation coefficient (R²=0.9826). Biotransformation was enhanced in the redox mediator-laccase systems resulting in 99.5% degradation of olsalazine. The efficiency of ABTS in the removal of olsalazine was more pronounced than HOBT and p-Coumaric acid in the laccase-mediator system. This is attributed to the potent nature of the electron transfer mechanism deployed during oxidation of olsalazine. The pseudo-second-order kinetics revealed that the average half-life (t_1/2) and removal rates (k₁) increases with increasing concentrations of olsalazine. Michaelis-Menten kinetics affirmed the interaction between laccase and olsalazine under optimized conditions with maximum removal rate, V_max=111.11 hr^-1 and half-saturation constant, K_m=1537 mg L^-1. At the highest drug concentration (2 mM); 98%, 95% and 93% laccase was remarkably stabilized in the enzyme-drug degradation system by HOBT, ABTS and p-Coumaric acid respectively. This study further revealed that the deactivation of laccase by the redox mediators is adequately compensated with enhanced removal of olsalazine.

The crucial role of bacterial laccases in the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are a class of metallo-oxidases found in a variety of fungi, plants, and bacteria as well as in certain insects. They can oxidize a wide variety of organic compounds and can be widely applied in many fields, especially in the field of biodegradation and detoxification of environmental pollutants. The practical efficacy of laccases depends on their ability to capture the target substance as well as their catalytic activity, which is related to their catalytic center, substrate selectivity, and substrate tolerance. Over the past few decades, many laccases have been identified in plants and fungi. Concurrently, bacterial laccases have received increasing attention because of their high thermostability and high tolerance to organic compounds. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of bacterial laccases in the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and to outline the correlation between the molecular structure of the mononuclear T1 Cu center of bacterial laccases and their substrate preference.

Immobilization of laccase on magnetically separable biochar for highly efficient removal of bisphenol A in water

Laccase was stably immobilized on a cost effective and nanosized magnetic biochar (L-MBC) by adsorption, precipitation and crosslinking, and it was used for high performance BPA removal. A large amount of enzyme could be immobilized on the magnetic biochar with high activity (2.251 U per mg MBC), and the L-MBC could be magnetically separated from the aqueous solution in 20 seconds. The successful immobilization of laccase was also confirmed via FTIR, SEM, and EDS analyses. The L-MBC presented better storage and stability performances, pH tolerance and thermal stability than the free laccase. It was found that BPA with an initial concentration of 25 mg L-1 could be thoroughly removed within 75 min, where BPA removal was attributed to enzymatic degradation and adsorption. In addition, the BPA removal efficiency by the L-MBC could be maintained above 85% even after seven cycles of repeated use. Due to high stability and efficient recyclability, the L-MBC-based biocatalyst has the potential to be a reliable method for treating BPA in environmental water sources.

Biochar and earthworms working in tandem: Research opportunities for soil bioremediation

Intensive use of agrochemicals is considered one of the major threats for soil quality. In an attempt to mitigate their side-effects on non-target organisms and soil functioning, many engineering and biological remediation methodologies are currently available. Among them, the use of biochar, a carbonaceous material produced from pyrolysing biomass, represents an attractive option enhancing both remediation and soil carbon storage potentials. Currently, activation of biochar with chemical or physical agents seeks for improving its remediation potential, but most of them have some undesirable drawbacks such as high costs and generation of chemical wastes. Alternatively, the use of biological procedures to activate biochar with extracellular enzymes is gaining acceptance mainly due to its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. In these strategies, microorganisms play a key role as a source of extracellular enzymes, which are retained on the biochar surface. Recently, several studies point out that soil macrofauna (earthworms) may act as a biological vector facilitating the adsorption of enzymes on biochar. This paper briefly introduces current biochar bioactivation methodologies and the mechanisms underlying the coating of biochar with enzymes. We then propose a new conceptual model using earthworms to activate biochar with extracellular enzymes. This new earthworm-biochar model can be used as a theoretical framework to produce a new product "vermichar", vermicompost produced from blended feedstock, earthworms, and biochar that can be used to improve soil quality and remove soil contaminants. This model can also be used to develop innovative in-situ "vermiremediation" technologies utilizing the beneficial effects of both earthworms and biochar. Since biochar may contain toxic chemicals generated during its production stages or later concentrated when applied to polluted soils, this paper also highlights the need for an ecotoxicological knowledge around earthworm-biochar interaction, promoting further discussion on suitable procedures for assessing the environmental risk of this conceptual model application in soil bioremediation.

Aptitude of Oxidative Enzymes for Treatment of Wastewater Pollutants: A Laccase Perspective

Natural water sources are very often contaminated by municipal wastewater discharges which contain either of xenobiotic pollutants and their sometimes more toxic degradation products, or both, which frustrates the universal millenium development goal of provision of the relatively scarce pristine freshwater to water-scarce and -stressed communities, in order to augment their socioeconomic well-being. Seeing that both regulatory measures, as regards the discharge limits of wastewater, and the query for efficient treatment methods remain unanswered, partially, the prospects of enzymatic treatment of wastewater is advisable. Therefore, a reconsideration was assigned to the possible capacity of oxidative enzymes and the respective challenges encountered during their applications in wastewater treatment, and ultimately, the prospects of laccase, a polyphenol oxidase that oxidizes aromatic and inorganic substrates with electron-donating groups in treatment aromatic contaminants of wastewater, in real wastewater situations, since it is assumed to be a vehicle for a greener community. Furthermore, the importance of laccase-driven catalysis toward maintaining mass-energy balance, hence minimizing environmental waste, was comprehensibly elucidated, as well the strategic positioning of laccase in a model wastewater treatment facility for effective treatment of wastewater contaminants.