Purification and characterization of two thermostable laccases with high cold adapted characteristics from Pycnoporus sp. SYBC-L1

Optimization and purification of laccase activity from Mammaliicoccus sciuri isolated from the soils of Similipal, Odisha, India: a kinetics study of crystal violet dye decolorization

Four laccase-producing bacteria were found in soil samples from the Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha, according to the current study. The isolates (SLCB1 to SLCB4) were evaluated for their laccase-producing ability in LB broth supplemented with guaiacol. The ABTS assay was performed to assess the laccase activity. The bacterium Mammaliicoccus sciuri shows the highest laccase activity i.e., 0.5125 U/L at the optimized conditions of pH 5.5, temperature 32.5 °C, ABTS concentration of 0.75 μl with an incubation time of 9 d. Laccase activity of M. sciuri grown in Sawdust was significantly increased in comparison to that in other agro wastes. The partially purified laccase enzyme after ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis showed a molecular weight of ∼58.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. A decolorization efficiency of 66.67% was recorded for the dye crystal violet after 1 h treatment with dialyzed laccase enzyme compared with phenol red, brilliant blue, and methylene blue.

Laccase Lac-W detoxifies aflatoxin B1 and degrades five other major mycotoxins in the absence of redox mediators

A multicopper oxidase Lac-W from Weizmannia coagulans 36D1 was identified and characterized as a laccase (Lac-W) with a robust enzymatic activity, which was used in various mycotoxins degradation. We demonstrated that Lac-W could directly degrade six major mycotoxins in the absence of redox mediators in pH 9.0, 24h static incubation at room temperature, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 88%), zearalenone (60%), deoxynivalenol (34%), T-2 toxin (19%), fumonisin B1 (18%), and ochratoxin A (12%). The optimal condition for Lac-W to degrade AFB1 was 30 °C, pH 9.0, enzyme-substrate ratio 3U/μg in 24h static condition. Furthermore, we characterized aflatoxin Q1 as a Lac-W-mediated degradation product of AFB1 using UHPLC-MS/MS. Interestingly, degradation products of AFB1 failed to generate cell death and apoptosis of intestinal porcine epithelial cells. Finally, our molecular docking simulation results revealed that the substrate-binding pocket of Lac-W was large enough to allow the entry of six mycotoxins with different structures, and their degradation rates were positively correlated to their interacting affinity with Lac-W. In summary, the unique properties of the Lac-W make it a great candidate for detoxifying multiple mycotoxins contaminated food and feed cost-effectively and eco-friendly. Our study provides new insights into development of versatile enzymes which could simultaneously degrade multiple mycotoxins.

Elimination of tetracyclines in seawater by laccase-mediator system

Long-term exposure of antibiotics at low level leads to the accumulation of antibiotics in environmental media and organisms, inducing the formation of antibiotic resistance genes. Seawater is an important sink for many contaminants. Here, laccase from Aspergillus sp. And mediators that follow different oxidation mechanisms were combined to degrade tetracyclines (TCs) at environmentally relevant levels (ng·L^-1-μg·L^-1) in coastal seawater. The high salinity and alkaline of seawater changed the enzymatic structure of laccase, resulting in a reduced affinity of laccase to the substrate in seawater (K_m of 0.0556 mmol L^-1) than that in buffer (K_m of 0.0181 mmol L^-1). Although the stability and activity of the laccase decreased in seawater, laccase at a concentration of 200 U·L^-1 with a laccase/syringaldehyde (SA) ratio of 1 U: 1 μmol could completely degrade TCs in seawater at initial concentrations of less than 2 μg L^-1 in 2 h. Molecular docking simulation showed that the interaction between TCs and laccase mainly includes hydrogen bond interaction and hydrophobic interaction. TCs were degraded into small molecular products through a series of reactions: demethylation, deamination, deamidation, dehydration, hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring-opening. Prediction of the toxicity of intermediates showed that the majority of TCs can be degraded into low-toxic or non-toxic, small-molecule products within 1 h, indicating that the degradation process of TCs by a laccase-SA system has good ecological safety. The successful removal of TCs by the laccase-SA system demonstrates its potential for the elimination of pollutants in marine environment.

Simultaneous removal of tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole by laccase-mediated oxidation and ferrate(VI) oxidation: the impact of mediators and metal ions

This study explores the impact of mediators and metal ions of laccase-mediated oxidation and ferrate(VI) oxidation for the simultaneous removal of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) and sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) and to effectively remove their antimicrobial activity. The results showed that the antimicrobial activity of tetracycline against Bacillus altitudinis and Escherichia coli was significantly reduced, and the antimicrobial activity of sulfamethoxazole against B. altitudinis disappeared completely after treatment with the laccase-ABTS system. The combination of 6.0 U/mL of laccase and 0.2 mmol/L of ABTS removed 100% of 20.0 mg/L of tetracycline after 1.0 min at pH 6.0 and 25.0 °C, whereas the removal ratio of 20.0 mg/L of sulfamethoxazole was only 6.7%. The Al3+ and Cu2+ ions promoted the oxidation, and the Mn2+ ion decelerated the oxidation of tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole by the laccase-mediator systems. In contrast, the antimicrobial activity of tetracycline against B. altitudinis and E. coli was shown to be significantly reduced, and the sulfamethoxazole still retained high antimicrobial activity against B. altitudinis after treatment with Fe(VI) oxidation. The removal ratio of 20.0 mg/L of tetracycline was 100% after 1.0 min of treatment with 982.0 mg/L of K2FeO4 at pH 6.0 and 25.0 °C, whereas the removal ratio of 20.0 mg/L of sulfamethoxazole was only 49.5%. The Al3+, Cu2+, and Mn2+ ions both decelerated the oxidation of tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole by Fe(VI) oxidation. In general, the combination of the laccase-ABTS system and Fe(VI) was proposed for the simultaneous treatment of TCs and SAs in wastewater and to effectively remove their antimicrobial activity.

Isolation and test of novel yeast strains with lignin usage capability and phenolic compound resistance

Five yeast fungi strains (i.e., two Cryptococcus albidus, one Candida guillermondii, and two Candida tropicalis) were isolated from sugarcane and tested for their use of lignin as sole carbon source and their potential to grow in the presence of phenol and phenol derivatives (i.e., pentachlorophenol and p-nitrophenol). The full set of isolated yeasts showed ligninolytic activity, achieving at least 36% lignin degradation after 25 days. The C. albidus JS-B1 strain had the highest ligninolytic activity, achieving 27% lignin degradation within 4 days. This increased activity was associated with the production of ligninolytic laccase enzymes. All the tested yeast fungi strains showed growth in the presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds (i.e., 900 mg/L phenol, 200 mg/L p-nitrophenol, 50 mg/L pentachlorophenol) and showed significant potential for lignin and lignin by-product degradation. Each of these five strains has the potential to be used in biological treatment processes for contaminated effluents from paper pulping and bleaching or phenol and phenol-derivative biodegradation processes for other industrial wastewater effluents.

Laccase production by Pleurotus ostreatus using cassava waste and its application in remediation of phenolic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated lignocellulosic biorefinery wastewater

The treatment of contaminants from lignocellulosic biorefinery effluent has recently been identified as a unique challenge. This study focuses on removing phenolic contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from lignocellulosic biorefinery wastewater (BRW) applying a laccase-assisted approach. Cassava waste was used as a substrate to produce the maximum yield of laccase enzyme (3.9 U/g) from Pleurotus ostreatus. Among the different inducers supplemented, CuSO₄ (0.5 mM) showed an eight-fold increase in enzyme production (30.8 U/g) after 240 h of incubation. The catalytic efficiency of laccase was observed as 128.7 ± 8.47 S^-1mM^-1 for syringaldazine oxidation at optimum pH 4.0 and 40 °C. Laccase activity was completely inhibited by lead (II) ion, mercury (II) ion, sodium dodecyl sulphate, sodium azide and 1,4 dithiothretiol and induced significantly by manganese (II) ion and rhamnolipid. After treating BRW with laccase, the concentrations of PAHs and phenolic contaminants of 1144 μg/L and 46160 μg/L were reduced to 96 μg/L and 16100 μg/L, respectively. The ability of laccase to effectively degrade PAHs in the presence of different phenolic compounds implies that phenolic contaminants may play a role in PAHs degradation. After 240 h, organic contaminants were removed from BRW in the following order: phenol >2,4-dinitrophenol > 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol > 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol > acenaphthene > fluorine > phenanthrene > fluoranthene > pyrene > anthracene > chrysene > naphthalene > benzo(a)anthracene > benzo(a)pyrene > benzo(b)fluoranthene > pentachlorophenol > indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene > benzo(j) fluoranthene > benzo[k]fluoranthène. The multiple contaminant remediation from the BRW by enzymatic method, clearly suggests that the laccase can be used as a bioremediation tool for the treatment of wastewater from various industries.

Degradation of sulfonamides in aquaculture wastewater by laccase-syringaldehyde mediator system: Response surface optimization, degradation kinetics, and degradation pathway

As a new type of environmental pollutant, environmental antibiotic residues have attracted widespread attention, and the degradation and removal of antibiotics has become an engaging topic for scholars. In this paper, Novozym 51003 industrialized laccase and syringaldehyde were combined to degrade sulfonamides in aquaculture wastewater. Design Expert10 software was used for multiple regression analysis, and a response surface regression model was established to obtain the optimal degradation parameters. In the actual application, the degradation system could maintain a stable performance within 9 h, and timely supplement of the mediator could achieve a better continuous degradation effect. Low concentrations of heavy metals and organic matter would not significantly affect the degradation performance of the laccase-mediator system, making the degradation system suitable for a wide range of water quality. Enzymatic reaction kinetics demonstrated a strong affinity of sulfadiazine to the substrate. Ten degradation products were speculated using high-resolution mass spectrum based on the mass/charge ratios and the publication results. Four types of possible degradation pathways of sulfadiazine were deduced. This work provides a practical method for the degradation and removal of sulfonamide antibiotics in actual sewage.

High Potential Decolourisation of Textile Dyes from Wastewater by Manganese Peroxidase Production of Newly Immobilised Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 and FTIR Analysis

Coloured wastewater from the textile industry is a very serious global problem. Among 16 different white-rot fungal isolates, Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 revealed high potential for decolourisation of mixed textile dyes (Navy EC-R, Ruby S3B and Super Black G) from real industrial wastewater samples. The efficiency of dye decolourisation was evaluated using the American Dye Manufacturers’ Institute (ADMI) standard methodology. The suitable support for fungal mycelium immobilisation was nylon sponges. The optimal dye decolourisation (95.39%) was achieved by using palm sugar and ammonium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The initial pH was 5 and the agitation speed was 100 rpm at 30 °C. The ADMI values of textile dyes decreased from 2475 to 114 within two days, reducing the treatment time from seven days before optimisation. The major mechanism of dye decolourisation was biodegradation, which was confirmed by UV–visible and FTIR spectra. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) (4942 U L⁻¹) was found to be the main enzyme during the decolourisation process at an initial dye concentration of 21,200 ADMI. The results indicated the strong potential of immobilised fungal cells to remove high concentrations of textile dyes from industrial wastewater and their potential ability to produce high MnP and laccase activities that can be used in further application.

Enzymatic synthesis of wet-resistant lignosulfonate-starch adhesives

This work describes a new method for improving the properties, mainly the wet-resistance, of starch-based adhesives using enzymatically polymerized lignosulfonates. A correlation of viscosity with molecular weight was found, allowing simple control of enzymatic polymerization of lignosulfonates. Incorporation of lignosulfonates polymerized from 29 kDa to > 4500 kDa using laccase led to a considerable increase in wet-resistance (from 15 to 20 min for the laminating glue and from 150 to 1200 min for the bag glue) while not affecting (for the laminating glue) or even improving the bonding time (from 80 to 60 s for the bag glue). Finally, the effect of active laccase in the final adhesive was investigated by enzymatic inactivation using NaN₃ before formulation of the glue, as well as by extra laccase addition. In conclusion, this study shows that enzymatically polymerized lignosulfonate is a robust strategy for improving wet resistance of starch-based adhesives.

Optimization, purification and characterization of laccase from Ganoderma leucocontextum along with its phylogenetic relationship

The aim of this work to study an efficient laccase producing fungus Ganoderma leucocontextum, which was identified by ITS regions of DNA and phylogenetic tree was constructed. This study showed the laccase first-time from G. leucocontextum by using medium containing guaiacol. The growth cultural (pH, temperature, incubation days, rpm) and nutritional (carbon and nitrogen sources) conditions were optimized, which enhanced the enzyme production up to 4.5-folds. Laccase production increased 855 U/L at 40 °C. The pH 5.0 was suitable for laccase secretion (2517 U/L) on the 7th day of incubation at 100 rpm (698.3 U/L). Glucose and sucrose were good carbon source to enhance the laccase synthesis. The 10 g/L beef (4671 U/L) and yeast extract (5776 U/L) were the best nitrogen source for laccase secretion from G. leucocontextum. The laccase was purified from the 80% ammonium sulphate precipitations of protein identified by nucleotides sequence. The molecular weight (65.0 kDa) of purified laccase was identified through SDS and native PAGE entitled as Glacc110. The Glacc110 was characterized under different parameters. It retained > 90% of its activity for 16 min incubation at 60 °C in acidic medium (pH 4.0). This enzyme exerted its optimal activity at pH 3.0 and temperature 70 °C with guaiacol substrate. The catalytic parameters K_m and V_max was 1.658 (mM) and 2.452 (mM/min), respectively. The thermo stability of the laccase produced by submerged fermentation of G. leucocontextum has potential for industrial and biotechnology applications. The results remarked the G. leucocontextum is a good source for laccase production.

Investigations on inhibitory effects of nickel and cobalt salts on the decolorization of textile dyes by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete velutina

Organic aromatic compounds used for dyeing and coloring in the textile industry are persistent and hazardous pollutants that must be treated before they are discharged into rivers and surface waters. Therefore, we investigated the potential of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete velutina to decolorize commonly used reactive dyes. The fungus decolorized in average 55% of Reactive Orange 16 (RO-16) after 14 days at a maximum rate of 0.09 d^-1 and a half-life of 8 days. Furthermore, we determined the inhibitory effects of co-present inorganic contaminants Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co) salts on the decolorization potential and determined IC₅₀ values of 5.55 mg l^-1 for Co and a weaker inhibition by Ni starting from a concentration of 20 mg l^-1. In the decolorization assay for Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) we observed the interference of a metabolite of P. velutina, which did not allow us to investigate the kinetics of the reaction. The formation of the metabolite, however, could be used to obtain IC₅₀ values of 3.37 mg l^-1 for Co and 7.58 mg l^-1 for Ni. Our results show that living white rot fungi, such as P. velutina, can be used for remediation of dye polluted wastewater, alternatively to enzyme mixtures, even in the co-presence of heavy metals.

Substrate specificity of a new laccase from Trametes polyzona WRF03

Various aromatic compounds that are structurally analogous to lignin were tested as possible/preferred substrates for purified laccase from newly isolated white rote fungi, Trametes polyzona WRF03. The pH optima were tested using different substrates and kinetic studies were conducted at these pH optima. The pH optima in the presence of ABTS, α-naphthol, o-dianisidine, and catechol were 4.5 but 5.0 and 5.5 in the presence of guaiacol and pyrogallol, respectively. The initial velocities obtained from the kinetic study were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 7 and Lineweaver-Burk plot to obtain kinetic constants (k_m and _Vmax) which were used to calculate substrate specificity. Amongst all the substrates tested, ABTS had the highest specificity-constant (181.51 M⁻¹s⁻¹), and therefore, the most preferred substrate was followed by α-naphthol, o-dianisidine, guaiacol, pyrogallol, and catechol. Resorcinol, orcinol, and veratryl alcohol did not display any considerable chemical shift in the presence of Trametes polyzona WRF03 laccase. Also, oxidation of phenolic substrates appeared to be dependent on the nature of the substituent groups and their relative position on the aromatic nucleus. Since most of these substrates are structural analogs of lignin and many recalcitrant environmental pollutants, the enzyme may find application in delignification, treatment of wastewater containing dyes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Ligninolytic Enzyme Production and Decolorization Capacity of Synthetic Dyes by Saprotrophic White Rot, Brown Rot, and Litter Decomposing Basidiomycetes

An extensive screening of saprotrophic Basidiomycetes causing white rot (WR), brown rot (BR), or litter decomposition (LD) for the production of laccase and Mn-peroxidase (MnP) and decolorization of the synthetic dyes Orange G and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) was performed. The study considered in total 150 strains belonging to 77 species. The aim of this work was to compare the decolorization and ligninolytic capacity among different ecophysiological and taxonomic groups of Basidiomycetes. WR strains decolorized both dyes most efficiently; high decolorization capacity was also found in some LD fungi. The enzyme production was recorded in all three ecophysiology groups, but to a different extent. All WR and LD fungi produced laccase, and the majority of them also produced MnP. The strains belonging to BR lacked decolorization capabilities. None of them produced MnP and the production of laccase was either very low or absent. The most efficient decolorization of both dyes and the highest laccase production was found among the members of the orders Polyporales and Agaricales. The strains with high MnP activity occurred across almost all fungal orders (Polyporales, Agaricales, Hymenochaetales, and Russulales). Synthetic dye decolorization by fungal strains was clearly related to their production of ligninolytic enzymes and both properties were determined by the interaction of their ecophysiology and taxonomy, with a more relevant role of ecophysiology. Our screening revealed 12 strains with high decolorization capacity (9 WR and 3 LD), which could be promising for further biotechnological utilization.

Characterization of a robust cold-adapted and thermostable laccase from Pycnoporus sp. SYBC-L10 with a strong ability for the degradation of tetracycline and oxytetracycline by laccase-mediated oxidation

A native laccase (Lac-Q) with robust cold-adapted and thermostable characteristics from the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus sp. SYBC-L10 was purified, characterized, and used in antibiotic treatments. Degradation experiments revealed that Lac-Q at 10.0 U mL^-1 coupled with 1.0 mmol L^-1 ABTS could degrade 100% of the tetracycline or oxytetracycline (50 mg L^-1) within 5 min with a static incubation at 0 °C (pH 6.0). The presence of the Mn²⁺ ion inhibited the removal rate of tetracycline and oxytetracycline by the Lac-Q-ABTS system, and the presence of Al³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Fe³⁺ accelerated the removal rate of tetracycline and oxytetracycline by the Lac-Q-ABTS system. Furthermore, the growth inhibition of Bacillus altitudinis SYBC hb4 and E. coli by tetracycline antibiotics revealed that the antimicrobial activity was significantly reduced after treatment with the Lac-Q-ABTS system. Finally, seven transformation products of oxytetracycline (namely TP 445, TP 431, TP 413, TP 399, TP 381, TP 367, and TP 351) were identified during the Lac-Q-mediated oxidation process by using UPLC-MS/MS. A possible degradation pathway including deamination, demethylation, and dehydration was proposed. These results suggest that the Lac-Q-ABTS system shows a great potential for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater containing different metal ions at various temperatures.

Cohnella sp. A01 laccase: thermostable, detergent resistant, anti-environmental and industrial pollutants enzyme

Laccase (EC 1.10.3.2; benzenediol; oxygen oxidoreductases) is a multi-copper oxidase that catalyzes the oxidation of phenols, polyphenols, aromatic amines, and different non-phenolic substrates with concomitant reduction of O₂ to H₂O. Enzymatic oxidation techniques have the potential of implementation in different areas of industrial fields. In this study, the Cohnella sp. A01 laccase gene was cloned into pET-26 (b+) vector and was transformed to E. coli BL21. Then it was purified using His tag affinity (Ni sepharose resin) chromatography. The estimated molecular weight was approximately 60 kDa using SDS-PAGE. The highest enzyme activity and best pH for 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) oxidation were recorded as 8 at 90 °C respectively. The calculated half-life and kinetic values including K_m, V_max, turn over number (k_cat), and catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) of the enzyme were 106 min at 90 °C and 686 μM, 10.69 U/ml, 20.3 S⁻, and 0.029 s⁻¹ μM⁻¹, respectively. The DMP was available as the substrate in all the calculations. Enzyme activity enhanced in the presence of Cu²⁺, NaCl, SDS, n-hexane, Triton X-100, tween 20, and tween 80, significantly. The binding residues were predicted and mapped upon the modeled tertiary structure of identified laccase. The remaining activity and structural properties of Cohnella sp. A01 laccase in extreme conditions such as high temperatures and presence of metals, detergents, and organic solvents suggest the potential of this enzyme in biotechnological and industrial applications. This process has been patented in Iranian Intellectual Property Centre under License No: 91325.

Decolorization of dyes by a novel sodium azide-resistant spore laccase from a halotolerant bacterium, Bacillus safensis sp. strain S31

The aim of this work was to find a new stable laccase against inhibitors and study the decolorization ability of free and immobilized laccase on different classes of dyes. Spores from a halotolerant bacterium, Bacillus safensis sp. strain S31, isolated from soil samples from a chromite mine in Iran showed laccase activity with maximum activity at 30 °C and pH 5.0 using 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) as the substrate. The enzyme retained about 60% of its initial activity in the presence of 10% (v v^-1) methanol, ethanol, and acetone. In contrast to many other laccases, NaN₃, at 0.1 and 1 mM concentrations, showed a slight inhibitory effect on the enzyme activity. Also, the spore laccase (8 U l^-1) decolorized malachite green, toluidine blue, and reactive black 5 at acidic pH values; the highest decolorization percent was 75% against reactive black 5. It was observed that addition of ABTS as a redox mediator enhanced the decolorization activity. Furthermore, immobilized spore laccase encased in calcium alginate beads decolorized 95% of reactive black 5 in the absence of mediators. Overall, this isolated spore laccase might be a potent enzyme to decolorize dyes in polluted wastewaters, especially those containing metals, salts, solvents, and sodium azide.

Identification of lipolytic enzymes isolated from bacteria indigenous to Eucalyptus wood species for application in the pulping industry

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Phenol red screening plates is the best method for detecting lipolytic activity.

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Substrate specificity is affected by temperature and pH.

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Essential to test substrates at various pH and temperature to determine optima.

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Lipolytic enzymes indigenous to Eucalyptus sp. can assist in pitch control.

This study highlights the importance of determining substrate specificity at variable experimental conditions. Lipases and esterases were isolated from microorganisms cultivated from Eucalyptus wood species and then concentrated (cellulases removed) and characterized. Phenol red agar plates supplemented with 1% olive oil or tributyrin was ascertained to be the most favourable method of screening for lipolytic activity. Lipolytic activity of the various enzymes were highest at 45–61 U/ml at the optimum temperature and pH of between at 30–35 °C and pH 4–5, respectively. Change in pH influenced the substrate specificity of the enzymes tested. The majority of enzymes tested displayed a propensity for longer aliphatic acyl chains such as dodecanoate (C₁₂), myristate (C₁₄), palmitate (C₁₆) and stearate (C₁₈) indicating that they could be characterised as potential lipases. Prospective esterases were also detected with specificity towards acetate (C₂), butyrate (C₄) and valerate (C₅). Enzymes maintained up to 95% activity at the optimal pH and temperature for 2–3 h. It is essential to test substrates at various pH and temperature when determining optimum activity of lipolytic enzymes, a method rarely employed. The stability of the enzymes at acidic pH and moderate temperatures makes them excellent candidates for application in the treatment of pitch during acid bi-sulphite pulping, which would greatly benefit the pulp and paper industry.

Induction, purification, and characterization of a thermo and pH stable laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 and its application on the clarification of litchi juice

A fungus J2 producing laccase with high yield was screened in soils and identified as Abortiporus biennis. The production of laccase was induced by 0.1 mM Cu²⁺, 0.1 mM tannic acid, and 0.5 M ethanol. The laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a couple of steps. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was AIGPTADLNISNADI. The properties of the purified laccase were investigated. The result showed the laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 is a thermo and pH stable enzyme. The laccase activity was inhibited by Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺, while promoted by Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺ at 10 mM level. Purified laccase was used to the clarification of litchi juice. After treatment with this laccase, the phenolic content of litchi juice had been found to be greatly reduced along with an increase in the clarity of the juice. The result indicated the potential of this laccase for application in juice procession.

Eichhornia crassipes: Agro-waster for a novel thermostable laccase production by Pycnoporus sanguineus SYBC-L1

The aim of this study was to explore the utilization of an intractable waster of Eichhornia crassipes in laccase production by Pycnoporus sanguineus SYBC-L1. E. crassipes as the sole carbon and nitrogen source was confirmed to produce laccase (7.26 U/g dry substrate). The fermentation medium for the maximum enzyme production was optimized and the laccase was then purified and characterized. The optimized culture medium was 25.1% E. crassipes, 13.9% sawdust, 1.5 mM CuSO₄, 40 μM gallic acid, 65% moisture content and initial pH 6.0. A maximum laccase activity of 32.02 U/g dry substrate was detected at 9th day, which was 4.5-fold compared to the initial medium. The molecular mass of the purified Lac-S was 58.4 kDa. The optimum activity of Lac-S for DMP was at pH 3.0 and 70°C. Lac-S showed not only high catalytic activities at low temperature, but also good stabilities toward pH and temperature. The residual catalytic activities of Lac-S were 30%, 40% and 50% at 0°C, 10°C and 20°C, and the half-lives at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C were 21.7, 9.7 and 1.5 h, respectively. The results provide a significant basis for E. crassipes further utilization and Lac-S specific application in harsh industry.

A High Redox Potential Laccase from Pycnoporus sanguineus RP15: Potential Application for Dye Decolorization

Laccase production by Pycnoporus sanguineus RP15 grown in wheat bran and corncob under solid-state fermentation was optimized by response surface methodology using a Central Composite Rotational Design. A laccase (Lacps1) was purified and characterized and the potential of the pure Lacps1 and the crude culture extract for synthetic dye decolorization was evaluated. At optimal conditions (eight days, 26 °C, 18% (w/w) milled corncob, 0.8% (w/w) NH₄Cl and 50 mmol·L⁻¹ CuSO₄, initial moisture 4.1 mL·g⁻¹), the laccase activity reached 138.6 ± 13.2 U·g⁻¹. Lacps1 was a monomeric glycoprotein (67 kDa, 24% carbohydrate). Optimum pH and temperature for the oxidation of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) were 4.4 and 74.4 °C, respectively. Lacps1 was stable at pH 3.0–8.0, and after two hours at 55–60 °C, presenting high redox potential (0.747 V vs. NHE). ABTS was oxidized with an apparent affinity constant of 147.0 ± 6.4 μmol·L⁻¹, maximum velocity of 413.4 ± 21.2 U·mg⁻¹ and catalytic efficiency of 3140.1 ± 149.6 L·mmol⁻¹·s⁻¹. The maximum decolorization percentages of bromophenol blue (BPB), remazol brilliant blue R and reactive blue 4 (RB4), at 25 or 40 °C without redox mediators, reached 90%, 80% and 60%, respectively, using either pure Lacps1 or the crude extract. This is the first study of the decolorization of BPB and RB4 by a P. sanguineus laccase. The data suggested good potential for treatment of industrial dye-containing effluents.

The fungal laccase-catalyzed oxidation of EGCG and the characterization of its products

BACKGROUND

Fungal laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is an important enzyme for catalyzing the oxidation of tea polyphenols during the fermentation of tea. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main ingredient of tea polyphenols. To a certain extent, the oxidation degree of EGCG reflects the fermentation degree of tea. This study preliminarily optimized the conditions for catalytically oxidizing EGCG by Aspergillus sp. trijbl1112 laccase and systematically analyzed the components and contents of the EGCG oxidation products.

RESULTS

Aspergillus sp. trijbl1112 laccase oxidized EGCG into free catechins, ester catechins, gallic acid and tea pigments. The reaction conditions had a significant impact on the oxidation rate, types and concentrations of the products. At natural pH, 69.29% of EGCG was oxidized when 1 mL of EGCG (1 mmol L(-1) ) was catalyzed by 10 µg of fungal laccase for 150 min at 70 °C. When the EGCG oxidation rate was 69.27%, free catechins ((+)-catechin and (-)-epigallocatechin) and tea pigments (mainly thearubigin and theabrownin) constituted 48.42 and 38.87% of the oxidation products respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results may provide a theoretical basis for the application of EGCG oxidation using laccase and provide a novel technique for obtaining high production of tea pigments.

Enhanced functionality and stabilization of a cold active laccase using nanotechnology based activation-immobilization

A simple nanotechnology based immobilization technique for imparting psychrostability and enhanced activity to a psychrophilic laccase has been described here. Laccase from a psychrophile was supplemented with Copper oxide nanoparticles (NP) corresponding to copper (NP-laccase), the cationic activator of this enzyme and entrapped in single walled nanotube (SWNT). The activity and stability of laccase was enhanced both at temperatures as low as 4°C and as high as 80°C in presence of NP and SWNT. The enzyme could be released and re-trapped (in SWNT) multiple times while retaining significant activity. Laccase, immobilized in SWNT, retained its activity after repeated freezing and thawing. This unique capability of SWNT to activate and stabilize cold active enzymes at temperatures much lower or higher than their optimal range may be utilized for processes that require bio-conversion at low temperatures while allowing for shifts to higher temperature if so required.

Peculiarities of Pycnoporus species for applications in biotechnology

The genus Pycnoporus forms a cosmopolitan group of four species belonging to the polyporoid white-rot fungi, the most representative group of homobasidiomycetes causing wood decay. Pycnoporus fungi are listed as food- and cosmetic-grade microorganisms and emerged in the early 1990s as a genus whose biochemistry, biodegradation and biotechnological properties have since been progressively detailed. First highlighted for their original metabolic pathways involved in the functionalization of plant cell wall aromatic compounds to yield high-value molecules, e.g. aromas and antioxidants, the Pycnoporus species were later explored for their potential to produce various enzymes of industrial interest, such as hydrolases and oxidases. However, the most noteworthy feature of the genus Pycnoporus is its ability to overproduce high redox potential laccase-a multi-copper extracellular phenoloxidase-as the predominant ligninolytic enzyme. A major potential use of the Pycnoporus fungi is thus to harness their laccases for various applications such as the bioconversion of agricultural by-products and raw plant materials into valuable products, the biopulping and biobleaching of paper pulp and the biodegradation of organopollutants, xenobiotics and industrial contaminants. All the studies performed in the last decade show the genus Pycnoporus to be a strong contender for white biotechnology. In this review, we describe the properties of Pycnoporus fungi in relation to their biotechnological applications and potential.