Indigo degradation with purified laccases from Trametes hirsuta and Sclerotium rolfsii

Enzymes in "Green" Synthetic Chemistry: Laccase and Lipase

Enzymes play an important role in numerous natural processes and are increasingly being utilized as environmentally friendly substitutes and alternatives to many common catalysts. Their essential advantages are high catalytic efficiency, substrate specificity, minimal formation of byproducts, and low energy demand. All of these benefits make enzymes highly desirable targets of academic research and industrial development. This review has the modest aim of briefly overviewing the classification, mechanism of action, basic kinetics and reaction condition effects that are common across all six enzyme classes. Special attention is devoted to immobilization strategies as the main tools to improve the resistance to environmental stress factors (temperature, pH and solvents) and prolong the catalytic lifecycle of these biocatalysts. The advantages and drawbacks of methods such as macromolecular crosslinking, solid scaffold carriers, entrapment, and surface modification (covalent and physical) are discussed and illustrated using numerous examples. Among the hundreds and possibly thousands of known and recently discovered enzymes, hydrolases and oxidoreductases are distinguished by their relative availability, stability, and wide use in synthetic applications, which include pharmaceutics, food and beverage treatments, environmental clean-up, and polymerizations. Two representatives of those groups-laccase (an oxidoreductase) and lipase (a hydrolase)-are discussed at length, including their structure, catalytic mechanism, and diverse usage. Objective representation of the current status and emerging trends are provided in the main conclusions.

Eco-friendly TEMPO/laccase/O2 biocatalytic system for degradation of Indigo Carmine: operative conditions and laccase inactivation

The biocatalytic system laccase/TEMPO/O₂ has attracted the attention of researchers over the past two decades. A variety of applications for the system include organic synthesis, modification of cellulose, and oxidative degradation of environmental contaminants. A rigorous and predictable quantitative assessment of the change in enzymatic activity under the influence of a mediator is important for such a system. In this study, the operative conditions for carrying out a model reaction for the degradation of the synthetic dye Indigo Carmine in the presence of Trametes versicolor laccase/TEMPO were determined and the enzyme inactivation under the action of a mediator and substrate was studied. The long-term stability of Trametes versicolor laccase was assessed and the regression model of the response surface of laccase activity under the influence of TEMPO was created. It has been shown that laccase is inactivated in the presence of TEMPO, but the addition of the dye, CuSO₄ or CuCl₂ reduces this effect. The system under study can be used repeatedly for the Indigo Carmine decolorization, however, a gradual falling rate during the process is observed from cycle to cycle. This is due to two reasons - firstly, a decrease in the enzyme activity with each batch and secondly, the consumption of the mediator (22% within 5 days). Relatively high enzyme activity (>40%) is maintained after 73 cycles (1 portion of IC contained 25 μM) using 500 μM TEMPO and 0.12 U mL^-1 laccase. The laccase/TEMPO system has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of artificial wastewater containing high concentrations of Indigo carmine (0.5 g L^-1). In this case, the dye solution becomes 100% colorless within 5 hours in the presence of dye bath components and within 7.5 hours in a buffer solution.

Potential of the enzyme laccase for the synthesis and derivatization of antimicrobial compounds

Laccases [E.C. 1.10.3.2, benzenediol:dioxygen oxidoreductase] can oxidize phenolic substances, e.g. di- and polyphenols, hydroxylated biaryls, aminophenols or aryldiamines. This large substrate spectrum is the basis for various reaction possibilities, which include depolymerization and polymerization reactions, but also the coupling of different substance classes. To catalyze these reactions, laccases demand only atmospheric oxygen and no depletive cofactors. The utilization of mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions such as room temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the avoidance of organic solvents makes the laccase-mediated reaction a valuable tool in green chemistry for the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as antimicrobial substances. In particular, the production of novel antibiotics becomes vital due to the evolution of antibiotic resistances amongst bacteria and fungi. Therefore, laccase-mediated homo- and heteromolecular coupling reactions result in derivatized or newly synthesized antibiotics. The coupling or derivatization of biologically active compounds or its basic structures may allow the development of novel pharmaceuticals, as well as the improvement of efficacy or tolerability of an already applied drug. Furthermore, by the laccase-mediated coupling of two different active substances a synergistic effect may be possible. However, the coupling of compounds that have no described efficacy can lead to biologically active substances by means of laccase. The review summarizes laccase-mediated reactions for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds valuable for medical purposes. In particular, reactions with two different reaction partners were shown in detail. In addition, studies with in vitro and in vivo experimental data for the confirmation of the antibacterial and/or antifungal efficacy of the products, synthesized with laccase, were of special interest. Analyses of the structure-activity relationship confirm the great potential of the novel compounds. These substances may represent not only a value for pharmaceutical and chemical industry, but also for other industries due to a possible functionalization of surfaces such as wood or textiles.

Abatement of microfibre pollution and detoxification of textile dye - Indigo by engineered plant enzymes

Microfibres (diameter <5 mm) and textile dyes released from textile industries are ubiquitous, cause environmental pollution, and harm aquatic flora, fauna, animals and human life. Therefore, enzymatic abatement of microfibre pollution and textile dye detoxification is essential. Microbial enzymes for such application present major challenges of scale and affordability to clean up large scale pollution. Therefore, enzymes required for the biodegradation of microfibres and indigo dye were expressed in transplastomic tobacco plants through chloroplast genetic engineering. Integration of laccase and lignin peroxidase genes into the tobacco chloroplast genomes and homoplasmy was confirmed by Southern blots. Decolorization (up to 86%) of samples containing indigo dye (100 mg/L) was obtained using cp-laccase (0.5% plant enzyme powder). Significant (8-fold) reduction in commercial microbial cellulase cocktail was achieved in pretreated cotton fibre hydrolysis by supplementing cost effective cellulases (endoglucanases, ß-glucosidases) and accessory enzymes (swollenin, xylanase, lipase) and ligninases (laccase lignin peroxidase) expressed in chloroplasts. Microfibre hydrolysis using cocktail of Cp-cellulases and Cp-accessory enzymes along with minimal dose (0.25% and 0.5%) of commercial cellulase blend (Ctec2) showed 88%-89% of sugar release from pretreated cotton and microfibres. Cp-ligninases, Cp-cellulases and Cp-accessory enzymes were stable in freeze dried leaves up to 15 and 36 months respectively at room temperature, when protected from light. Use of plant powder for decolorization or hydrolysis eliminated the need for preservatives, purification or concentration or cold chain. Evidently, abatement of microfibre pollution and textile dye detoxification using Cp-enzymes is a novel and cost-effective approach to prevent their environmental pollution.

Recent advances in biodecolorization and biodegradation of environmental threatening textile finishing dyes

Organic nature of dyes and their commercially made products are widely utilized in many industries including paper, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, photography, petroleum as well as in textile manufacturing. The textile industry being the top most consumer of a large variety of dyes during various unit processes operation generates substantial amount of wastewater; hence, nominated as "Major Polluter of Potable Water". The direct discharge of such effluents into environment poses serious threats to the functioning of biotic communities of natural ecosystems. The detection of these synthetic dyes is considered as relatively easy, however, it is extremely difficult to completely eliminate them from wastewater and freshwater ecosystems. Aromatic chemical structure seems to be the main reason behind low biodegradability of these dyes. Currently, various physiochemical and biological methods are employed for their remediation. Among them, microbial degradation has attracted greater attention due to its sustainability, high efficiency, cost effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature. The current review presents recent advances in biodegradation of industrial dyes towards a sustainable and tangible technological innovative solutions as an alternative to existing conventional physicochemical treatment processes.

New Laccase-Mediated System Utilized for Bio-Discoloration of Indigo-Dyed Denim Fabrics

In this study, indigo-dyed denim fabric was decolorized via separate and simultaneous applying of laccase, sodium hydrosulfite, and cellulase. In this regard, the surface reflectance and color coordinates of the discolored fabrics were evaluated and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the cellulase treated fabric were prepared to analyze their surfaces. Finally, the characterization of the treated samples was investigated, including moisture content, crease recovery angle, air permeability, and abrasion resistance. The color experiments showed that simultaneous applying of laccase, sodium hydrosulfite, and cellulose had a 55.79% improvement in the samples' lightness (L*). Furthermore, the color coordinate test of specimens revealed that the hue of the treated samples was changed to blue and green, and the purity of color (C*) was modified. The increment in the moisture content and air permeability of the treated specimens indicated that the comfort of the jeans clothing had been enhanced. As a result, sodium hydrosulfite demonstrates a high-efficiency denim discoloration in the laccase-mediated system.

Biomaterials and Electroactive Bacteria for Biodegradable Electronics

The global production of unrecycled electronic waste is extensively growing each year, urging the search for alternatives in biodegradable electronic materials. Electroactive bacteria and their nanowires have emerged as a new route toward electronic biological materials (e-biologics). Recent studies on electron transport in cable bacteria—filamentous, multicellular electroactive bacteria—showed centimeter long electron transport in an organized conductive fiber structure with high conductivities and remarkable intrinsic electrical properties. In this work we give a brief overview of the recent advances in biodegradable electronics with a focus on the use of biomaterials and electroactive bacteria, and with special attention for cable bacteria. We investigate the potential of cable bacteria in this field, as we compare the intrinsic electrical properties of cable bacteria to organic and inorganic electronic materials. Based on their intrinsic electrical properties, we show cable bacteria filaments to have great potential as for instance interconnects and transistor channels in a new generation of bioelectronics. Together with other biomaterials and electroactive bacteria they open electrifying routes toward a new generation of biodegradable electronics.

Laccases—Versatile Enzymes Used to Reduce Environmental Pollution

The accumulation of waste and toxic compounds has become increasingly harmful to the environment and human health. In this context, the use of laccases has become a focus of interest, due to the properties of these versatile enzymes: low substrate specificity, and water formation as a non-toxic end product. Thus, we begin our study with a general overview of the importance of laccase for the environment and industry, starting with the sources of laccases (plant, bacterial and fungal laccases), the structure and mechanism of laccases, microbial biosynthesis, and the immobilization of laccases. Then, we continue with an overview of agro-waste treatment by laccases wherein we observe the importance of laccases for the biodisponibilization of substrates and the biodegradation of agro-industrial byproducts; we then show some aspects regarding the degradation of xenobiotic compounds, dyes, and pharmaceutical products. The objective of this research is to emphasize and fully investigate the effects of laccase action on the decomposition of lignocellulosic materials and on the removal of harmful compounds from soil and water, in order to provide a sustainable solution to reducing environmental pollution.

Biodegradation of Reactive Red 198 by textile effluent adapted microbial strains

A sustainable technology to eliminate the persistent reactive dyes from the textile effluents discharged indiscriminately in the environment is highly desirous given the explosive growth of textile industries. The present study investigated the potential of two different bacterial strains, Bacillus cereus SKB12 and Enterobacter hormaechei SKB16 isolated from the dye house effluent sludge in the biotransformation of Reactive Red 198 (RR 198). Process variables such as temperature, pH, shaking conditions and contact time were optimized for the successful decolourization of RR 198. Maximum decolourization of 80% and 85% of RR 198 was achieved at pH 6 and 7, and 40 °C in microaerophilic conditions on treatment with B. cereus and E. hormaechei, respectively. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses conducted further affirmed that the decolourization of RR 198 was rather due to biodegradation than biosorption through shift in wavenumbers, retention time variations and the appearance of lesser molecular weight peaks. Degradative pathway for RR 198 predicted based on the enzyme assay data and dye degraded metabolite peaks acquired through GC-MS analysis highlighted the significance of azoreductase and laccase in the degradation of RR 198 into smaller non-toxic compounds. In addition, toxicity assessment through zootoxicological and phytotoxicological experiments using brine shrimp and Vigna radiata validated the detoxified status of the metabolites thus proving the promising potentials of the bacterial strains in the remediation of azo dyes.

Development of efficient strain of Ganoderma lucidum for biological stripping of cotton fabric dyed Reactive Blue 21

One of the most common dyeing problems of textile industries is uneven and faulty dyeing over the finished quality of fabrics due to different reasons. These problems are usually tackled through chemical degradation in which uneven and faulty dye is removed from the surface of fiber but fabric quality is compromised. Chemical process also reduces the strength of the fabric and durability of textile material by reduction in reactive dye ability. The fabric cannot be reused due to the reduced strength. To overcome above mentioned problem, biological method of stripping in which enzymes produced by different micro-organisms are used. This process has no harmful effect on the fabric and is safe for environment. In this research work reactive blue 21 dye with 0.5, 2 and 4% shade strengths was used to dye cotton fabric. The Ganoderma lucidum fungal strains were mutated by UV mutagen, and five were selected for further processing. These mutant strains were grown at temperature ranges (20 °C to 40 °C); pH(3–5); inoculum size(1–5 mL) and fermentation time (3–15 days) . The required nutrients media to produce the ligninolytic enzymes was added to the flask. The strain which gave the fast decolourization results was selected for further optimization. Optimization was done by observing the variables: incubation time 12 days, pH 4, temperature 30 °C, and inoculum size 3 mL by applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Central Composite Design (CCD). During the process of fabric color stripping, the enzyme assay revealed that the respective mutant UV-60 strain produced active enzymes with their V_max, Mnp (427U/mL), LiP (785U/mL), and Lac (75 U/mL) enzymes decolorized 89% of the dye which is 25% more than the parent strain and also the production of enzyme is Mnp (344U/mL), LiP (693U/mL), and Lac (59 U/mL) enzymes which is lower than mutant strain.

The mechanism of degradation of alizarin red by a white-rot fungus Trametes gibbosa

Background

Alizarin red (AR) is a typical anthraquinone dye, and the resulting wastewater is toxic and difficult to remove. A study showed that the white rot fungus Trametes gibbosa (T. gibbosa) can degrade dye wastewater by decolorization and has its own enzyme-producing traits.

Methods

In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed after alizarin red treatment for 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 h. The key pathways and key enzymes involved in alizarin red degradation were found to be through the analysis of KEGG and GO. The Glutathione S-transferase (GST), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase activities of T. gibbosa treated with alizarin red for 0–14 h were detected. LC–MS and GC–MS analyses of alizarin red decomposition products after 7 h and 14 h were performed.

Results

The glutathione metabolic pathway ko00480, and the key enzymes GST, MnP, laccase and CYP450 were selected. Most of the genes encoding these enzymes were upregulated under alizarin red conditions. The GST activity increased 1.8 times from 117.55 U/mg prot at 0 h to 217.03 U/mg prot at 14 h. The MnP activity increased 2.9 times from 6.45 to 18.55 U/L. The laccase activity increased 3.7 times from 7.22 to 27.28 U/L. Analysis of the alizarin red decolourization rate showed that the decolourization rate at 14 h reached 20.21%. The main degradation intermediates were found to be 1,4-butene diacid, phthalic acid, 1,1-diphenylethylene, 9,10-dihydroanthracene, 1,2-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, bisphenol, benzophenol-5,2-butene, acrylaldehyde, and 1-butylene, and the degradation process of AR was inferred. Overall, 1,4-butene diacid is the most important intermediate product produced by AR degradation.

Conclusions

The glutathione metabolic pathway was the key pathway for AR degradation. GST, MnP, laccase and CYP450 were the key enzymes for AR degradation. 1,4-butene diacid is the most important intermediate product. This study explored the process of AR biodegradation at the molecular and biochemical levels and provided a theoretical basis for its application in practical production.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00720-8.

Laccase-Mediator System Using a Natural Mediator as a Whitening Agent for the Decolorization of Melanin

In this study, a laccase-mediator system (LMS) using a natural mediator was developed as a whitening agent for melanin decolorization. Seven natural mediators were used to replace synthetic mediators and successfully overcome the low redox potential of laccase and limited access of melanin to the active site of laccase. The melanin decolorization activity of laccases from Trametes versicolor (lacT) and Myceliophthora thermophila (lacM) was significantly enhanced using natural mediators including acetosyringone, syringaldehyde, and acetovanillone, which showed low cytotoxicity. The methoxy and ketone groups of natural mediators play an important role in melanin decolorization. The specificity constants of lacT and lacM for melanin decolorization were enhanced by 247 and 334, respectively, when acetosyringone was used as a mediator. LMS using lacM and acetosyringone could also decolorize the melanin present in the cellulose hydrogel film, which mimics the skin condition. Furthermore, LMS could decolorize not only synthetic eumelanin analogs prepared by the oxidation of tyrosine but also natural melanin produced by melanoma cells.

Myco-decontamination of azo dyes: nano-augmentation technologies

Effluents of textile, paper, and related industries contain significant amounts of synthetic dyes which has serious environmental and health implications. Remediation of dyes through physical and chemical techniques has specific limitations. Augmented biological decontamination strategies 'microbial remediation' may involve ring-opening of dye molecules besides the reduction of constituent metal ions. Both bacterial and fungal genera are known to exhibit metabolic versatility which can be harnessed for effective bio-removal of the toxic dye contaminants. Ascomycetous/basidiomycetes fungi can effectively decontaminate azo dyes through laccase/peroxidase enzyme-mediated catalysis. The extent, efficacy, and range of fungal dye decontamination can be enhanced by the conjugated application of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles (NPs) and their composites. Fungal cell-enabled NP synthesis- 'myco-farmed NPs', is a low-cost strategy for scaled-up fabrication of a variety of metal, metal oxide, non-metal oxide NPs through oxidation/reduction of dissolved ions/molecules by extracellular biomolecules. Augmented and rapid decontamination of azo dyes at high concentrations can be achieved by the use of myco-farmed NPs, NPs adsorbed fungal biomass, and nano-immobilized fungi-derived bio-catalytical agents. This manuscript will explore the opportunities and benefits of mycoremediation and application of fungus-NP bionanoconjugate to remediate dye pollutants in wastewaters and land contaminated with the effluent of textile industries.

Nanocrystalline ZnO: A Competent and Reusable Catalyst for the Preparation of Pharmacology Relevant Heterocycles in the Aqueous Medium

:

Nanoparticle catalyzed synthesis is a green and convenient method to achieve most of the chemical transformations in water or other green solvents. Nanoparticle ensures an easy isolation process of catalyst as well as products from the reaction mixture avoiding the hectic work up procedure. Zinc oxide is a biocompatible, environmentally benign and economically viable nanocatalyst with effectivity comparable to the other metal nanocatalyst employed in several reaction strategies. This review mainly focuses on the recent applications of zinc oxide in the synthesis of biologically important heterocyclic molecules under sustainable reaction conditions.

:

Application of zinc oxide in organic synthesis: Considering the achievable advantages of this nanocatalyst, presently several research groups are paying attention in anchoring zincoxide or its modified structure in several types of organic conversions e.g. multicomponent reactions, ligand-free coupling reactions, cycloaddition reaction, etc. The advantages and limitations of this nanocatalyst are also demonstrated. The present study aims to highlight the recent multifaceted applications of ZnO towards the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic motifs. Being a promising biocompatible nanoparticle, this catalyst has an important contribution in the fields of synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Biodegradation of bisphenol A by the immobilized laccase on some synthesized and modified forms of zeolite Y

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental pollutant with adverse effects on different ecosystems. In this study, immobilized laccase enzymes onto inorganic supports were used to remove BPA. Laccase was successfully immobilized on sodium zeolite Y (NaY) and its modified desilicated (DSY) and dealuminated (DAY) forms. NaY-based supports were instrumentally characterized. The immobilized laccase on NaY (laccase@NaY), desilicated (laccase@DSY), and dealuminated (laccase@DAY) forms showed significant improvement on immobilization yield (IY%) and efficiency (IE%). Laccase@DSY and laccase@NaY showed IY% = 73.18 ± 3.33 % and 46.23 ± 1.81 % and IE% = 94.50 ± 1.86 %, and 74.39 ± 1.41 %, respectively, whereas IY% and IE% for laccase@DAY were achieved as 81.12 ± 1.32 % and 98.56 ± 2.93 %, respectively. The supports also increased the enzyme characteristics such as pH-temperature range, catalytic stability, and reusability. K_m values were 0.73 ± 0.05, 0.26 ± 0.09, 0.31 ± 0.5, and 1.01 ± 0.03 mM for laccase@NaY, laccase@DAY, laccase@DSY, and the free enzyme, respectively. The enzyme demonstrated higher biodegradation ability of bisphenol A upon immobilization on the supports compared to that of the soluble enzyme. A bio-removal yield of 86.7 % was obtained considering three parameters including amount of laccase@DAY (8 U mg^-1), concentration of BPA (0.5 mM), and treatment time (1 h) based on response surface methodology (RSM). Biodegradation metabolites (49 ± 5.8 %) and unconverted BPA (14 ± 5.2 %) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Applications of Microbial Laccases: Patent Review of the Past Decade (2009–2019)

There is a high number of well characterized, commercially available laccases with different redox potentials and low substrate specificity, which in turn makes them attractive for a vast array of biotechnological applications. Laccases operate as batteries, storing electrons from individual substrate oxidation reactions to reduce molecular oxygen, releasing water as the only by-product. Due to society’s increasing environmental awareness and the global intensification of bio-based economies, the biotechnological industry is also expanding. Enzymes such as laccases are seen as a better alternative for use in the wood, paper, textile, and food industries, and they are being applied as biocatalysts, biosensors, and biofuel cells. Almost 140 years from the first description of laccase, industrial implementations of these enzymes still remain scarce in comparison to their potential, which is mostly due to high production costs and the limited control of the enzymatic reaction side product(s). This review summarizes the laccase applications in the last decade, focusing on the published patents during this period.

The first fungal laccase with an alkaline pH optimum obtained by directed evolution and its application in indigo dye decolorization

Engineering of fungal laccases with optimum catalytic activity at alkaline pH has been a long-lasting challenge. In this study, a mutant library containing 3000 clones was obtained by error-prone PCR to adapt the optimum pH of a fungal laccase Lcc9 from the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. After three rounds of functional screening, a mutant with three amino acid changes (E116K, N229D, I393T) named PIE5 was selected. PIE5 showed an optimum pH of 8.5 and 8.0 against guaiacol and 2,6-DMP when expressed in Pichia pastoris, representing the first fungal laccase that possesses an optimum pH at an alkaline condition. Site directed mutagenesis disclosed that N229D contributed the most to the optimum pH increment. A single N229D mutation caused an increase in optimum pH by 1.5 units. When used in indigo dye decolorization, PIE5 efficiently decolorized 87.1 ± 1.1% and 90.9 ± 0.3% indigo dye at the optimum conditions of pH 7.0-7.5 and 60 °C, and with either methyl 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoate or 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonate) as the mediator. In comparison, the commercially available fungal laccase TvLac from Trametes villosa decolorized 84.3 ± 1.8% of indigo dye under its optimum conditions (opt. pH 5.0 and 60 °C). The properties of an alkaline-dependent activity and the high indigo dye decolorization ability (1.3-fold better than the parental Lcc9) make the new fungal laccase PIE5 an alternative for specific industrial applications.

Stability of Selected Hydrogen Bonded Semiconductors in Organic Electronic Devices

The electronics era is flourishing and morphing itself into Internet of Everything, IoE. At the same time, questions arise on the issue of electronic materials employed: especially their natural availability and low-cost fabrication, their functional stability in devices, and finally their desired biodegradation at the end of their life cycle. Hydrogen bonded pigments and natural dyes like indigo, anthraquinone and acridone are not only biodegradable and of bio-origin but also have functionality robustness and offer versatility in designing electronics and sensors components. With this Perspective, we intend to coalesce all the scattered reports on the above-mentioned classes of hydrogen bonded semiconductors, spanning across several disciplines and many active research groups. The article will comprise both published and unpublished results, on stability during aging, upon electrical, chemical and thermal stress, and will finish with an outlook section related to biological degradation and biological stability of selected hydrogen bonded molecules employed as semiconductors in organic electronic devices. We demonstrate that when the purity, the long-range order and the strength of chemical bonds, are considered, then the Hydrogen bonded organic semiconductors are the privileged class of materials having the potential to compete with inorganic semiconductors. As an experimental historical study of stability, we fabricated and characterized organic transistors from a material batch synthesized in 1932 and compared the results to a fresh material batch.

Comparison of indigo carmine decolorization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and crude laccase enzyme from Funalia trogii

The effects of incubation time, temperature, initial pH, and dye concentration on the indigo carmine decolorization activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and some factors on the decolorization potential of crude laccase enzyme obtained from Funalia trogii ATCC 200800 were comparatively investigated. This bacterium showed effective decolorization activity at all agitation and temperature values. Indigo carmine was greatly decolorized by P. aeruginosa at all pH values except pH 10. A decrease in decolorization activity occurred with increasing dye concentration, but this bacterium effectively decolorized the dye within 24 h. The decolorization process was through microbial metabolism, not biosorption. No decolorization or laccase activity could be obtained by the cell-free intracellular extract or culture filtrate of this bacterium. On the other hand, crude laccase effectively decolorized indigo carmine under highly acidic conditions, especially at pH 3.0 as 57% in 300 seconds. This activity decreased progressively due to the increase in pH values. In a short incubation period and at high temperature values, the crude laccase enzyme removed the color of the dye at 50 °C (56%), 60 °C (45%), and 70 °C (38%). These data are important for improving methods for decolorization of textile dyes used at high temperatures in various industrial applications.

The influence of the synthetic food colourings tartrazine, allura red and indigo carmine on the body weight of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) larvae

Substances for protecting plants often contain colourings, the impact of which on invertebrates has been studied insufficiently. The addition of food colourings in different concentrations to the diet of saprophage beetles can affect their metabolism, causing loss of body weight. In the experiment, we determined the impact of tartrazine, allura red and indigo carmine on the body weight of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 larvae. The substances were added to their fodder at five concentrations (1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 g/kg of dry fodder) during a 21-day experiment. Statistically significant data on changes in the body weight of T. molitor larvae were received after adding 1 g/kg concentration of indigo carmine and 0.1 and 1 g/kg concentrations of tartrazine. In the other variants of the experiment, no statistically significant differences were determined. Tartrazine, allura red and indigo carmine cause decrease in the body weight of T. molitor larvae, depending on the concentration of the colouring. The toxic effect of synthetic food colourings on living organisms and the low number of studies devoted to such impact on insects indicate the relevance and necessity for further research in this sphere.

Textile Dye Decolorizing Synechococcus PCC7942 Engineered With CotA Laccase

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic phototrophs capable of achieving high cellular densities with minimal inputs. These prokaryotic organisms can grow using sunlight as energy source and carbon dioxide as carbon source what makes them promising candidates as microbial cell factories for the production of numerous compounds such as chemicals, fuels, or biocatalysts. In this study, we have successfully designed and constructed using synthetic biology approach two recombinant strains of Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 for heterologous expression of the industrially relevant Bacillus subtilis CotA laccase. One of the strains (PCC7942-NSI-CotA) was constructed through integration of the laccase gene into neutral site I of the cyanobacterial genome whilst the other (PCC7942-NSII-CotA) targeted neutral site II of the genome. Of the two strains the one with CotA laccase integrated in neutral site II (PCC7942-NSII-CotA) was superior in terms of growth rate and enzymatic activity toward typical laccase substrates: ABTS [2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)] and syringaldazine. That may suggest that two of the traditionally used neutral sites of S. elongatus PCC7942 are not equally suitable for the expression of certain transgenes. The PCC7942-NSII-CotA produced protein was capable of decolourising three classes of dyes namely: anthraquinonic-, azo-, and indigoid-type over 7 days of incubation making the strain a potentially useful microbial cell factory for the production of broad-spectrum biodegradation agent. Interestingly, presence of additional synthetic redox mediator ABTS had no effect on the degradation of these dyes.

Laccase-mediator system produced by Trametes hirsuta Bm-2 on lignocellulosic substrate improves dye decolorization

Lignin is a source for obtaining natural phenols with high commercial value that can act as redox mediators enhancing effects in dye decolorization. In this study Trametes hirsuta Bm-2 was grown on wheat bran to produce laccases and phenol extracts (PE). Ultrafiltered phenols obtained at different times were evaluated in their potential as redox mediators of laccase activity and indigo carmin decolorization. Laccase activity (L) on ABTS increased up to 12.4 times with L/PE72 compared with laccase alone and L/PE48 showed the highest level of dye decolorization (97%) compared with laccase (12%). The chromatographic analysis by HPLC showed variation in the profile and concentration of phenols at different times of culture. Stability of the laccase mediator system (LMs) in dye decolorization was maintained over 3 months. Our results suggest the use of natural mediators as a strategy for improving efficiency in dye biodegradation by laccase-producing fungi.

Improvement of activated sludge resistance to shock loading by fungal enzyme addition during textile wastewater treatment

The effects of the additions of the fungal enzymatic extract were investigated in relation to the treatment of real textile wastewater (RTW) by the activated sludge process (ASP). The used enzyme cocktail was produced by a new isolated fungal Chaetomium globosum IMA1. The system that was operated with enzyme addition showed a better chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency (95%) compared to the control system (75%). In addition, the improvement of color removal (OD₆₂₀) efficiencies was around 15%, when the newly consortium fungal enzymes was added. As the organic loading rate (OLR) increased from 0.33 g to 0.66 g COD L^-1 d^-1, a decrease in the performance of the two reactors was observed by monitoring the quality of treated effluents. However, the ASP working with enzyme addition showed a strong resistance to shock loadings and restored after few days compared to the control system, which was strongly inhibited. In fact, the enzyme addition improved the sludge volume index (SVI) and the activity of microorganisms. A high activity of laccase (300 U.L^-1) enzyme was observed throughout the decolorization process in the improved system.

Degradation of textile dyes by cyanobacteria

Dyes are recalcitrant compounds that resist conventional biological treatments. The degradation of three textile dyes (Indigo, RBBR and Sulphur Black), and the dye-containing liquid effluent and solid waste from the Municipal Treatment Station, Americana, São Paulo, Brazil, by the cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae UTCC64, Phormidium autumnale UTEX1580 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 was evaluated. The dye degradation efficiency of the cyanobacteria was compared with anaerobic and anaerobic-aerobic systems in terms of discolouration and toxicity evaluations. The discoloration was evaluated by absorption spectroscopy. Toxicity was measured using the organisms Hydra attenuata, the alga Selenastrum capricornutum and lettuce seeds. The three cyanobacteria showed the potential to remediate textile effluent by removing the colour and reducing the toxicity. However, the growth of cyanobacteria on sludge was slow and discoloration was not efficient. The cyanobacteria P. autumnale UTEX1580 was the only strain that completely degraded the indigo dye. An evaluation of the mutagenicity potential was performed by use of the micronucleus assay using Allium sp. No mutagenicity was observed after the treatment. Two metabolites were produced during the degradation, anthranilic acid and isatin, but toxicity did not increase after the treatment. The cyanobacteria showed the ability to degrade the dyes present in a textile effluent; therefore, they can be used in a tertiary treatment of effluents with recalcitrant compounds.

Aflatoxin B₁ and M₁ Degradation by Lac2 from Pleurotus pulmonarius and Redox Mediators

Laccases (LCs) are multicopper oxidases that find application as versatile biocatalysts for the green bioremediation of environmental pollutants and xenobiotics. In this study we elucidate the degrading activity of Lac2 pure enzyme form Pleurotus pulmonarius towards aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and M₁ (AFM₁). LC enzyme was purified using three chromatographic steps and identified as Lac2 through zymogram and LC-MS/MS. The degradation assays were performed in vitro at 25 °C for 72 h in buffer solution. AFB₁ degradation by Lac2 direct oxidation was 23%. Toxin degradation was also investigated in the presence of three redox mediators, (2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) (ABTS) and two naturally-occurring phenols, acetosyringone (AS) and syringaldehyde (SA). The direct effect of the enzyme and the mediated action of Lac2 with redox mediators univocally proved the correlation between Lac2 activity and aflatoxins degradation. The degradation of AFB₁ was enhanced by the addition of all mediators at 10 mM, with AS being the most effective (90% of degradation). AFM₁ was completely degraded by Lac2 with all mediators at 10 mM. The novelty of this study relies on the identification of a pure enzyme as capable of degrading AFB₁ and, for the first time, AFM₁, and on the evidence that the mechanism of an effective degradation occurs via the mediation of natural phenolic compounds. These results opened new perspective for Lac2 application in the food and feed supply chains as a biotransforming agent of AFB₁ and AFM₁.

Evaluation of the treatment performance of lab-scaled vertical flow constructed wetlands in removal of organic compounds, color and nutrients in azo dye-containing wastewater

The objective of this study is to examine the treatment performance of vertical flow intermittent feeding constructed wetland (VFCW) in removal of organic pollution, nutrients and color in azo-dye containing wastewater. The systems consisted of PVC reactors, some filling materials such as gravel, sand and zeolite and wetland plants including Typha angustifolia and Canna indica. The average treatment efficiency of the systems for COD, color, sulphate, NH4-N, and PO4-P were in the range of 57-63%, 94-99%, 44-48%, 39-44%, and 84-88%, respectively among the VFCW reactors. It is concluded that VFCW reactor system can effectively be used in the treatment of dye-rich wastewater, especially for the removal of color and in the reduction of COD. Biofilm formation and cleavage of azo bonds could be observed by SEM and FTIR results, respectively. Almost similar NH4-N and PO4-P removal were obtained in all reactors by using same amount of zeolite media.

Identification of degradation products of indigoids by tandem mass spectrometry

The study concerns identification of photodegradation products of indigotin, indirubin and isoindigo. Experimental methodology consists of degradation of standard solutions of indigoids in a solar box and analysis of samples taken at different aging time by using capillary high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric and spectrophotometric detectors. Identification of the formed compounds was based on careful interpretation of the electrospray ionization MS/MS spectra. Apart from the well-known degradation products of indigoids: isatin, isatoic anhydride and anthranilic acid, another seven species were also identified, and their proposed structures were confirmed by high-resolution molecular masses measurements; according to the best knowledge of authors, they have not been reported so far. The obtained results formed the basis for postulating mechanism of the process. Moreover, the MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) method was developed for the identification of natural dyes and their degradation products in textiles of historical value. Apart from such colorants as indigotin and flavonoids, also presence of degradation products of indigoids was confirmed.

Ozonation of indigo enhanced by carboxylated carbon nanotubes: performance optimization, degradation products, reaction mechanism and toxicity evaluation

As a promising disinfection technique to replace chlorination, ozonation has been demonstrated to be efficient in water treatment. This paper describes an effective way to enhance the ozonation of indigo by using carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxyl groups (CNTs-COOH) as catalysts. The result of kinetic studies showed that the presence of CNTs-COOH dramatically increased the decolorization rate of indigo. Different types of catalysts were compared to further elucidate the internal mechanism of the catalytic reaction and the special nanostructure and the functional –COOH groups are considered to play an important role in the catalytic ozonation process. Four aromatic intermediate products were identified using an electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometer and further rationalized by the frontier electron density calculations. Ion chromatography analysis revealed that the nitrogen atom of indigo was released predominantly as ammonium and to a lesser extent as nitrate. The presence of the catalyst CNTs-COOH leads to a higher mineralization degree than single ozonation, as suggested by the total organic carbon (TOC) measurement. Three major carboxylic acids (i.e., oxalic, formic and acetic acids) were also identified as oxidation by-products, and they contributed significantly to the residual TOC after 2 h of ozonation. In addition, the toxicity evolution during the degradation was investigated through two aquatic model species to evaluate the potential ecological risks of the intermediate products.

Bioremediation of dyes by fungi isolated from contaminated dye effluent sites for bio-usability

Biodegradation and detoxification of dyes, Malachite green, Nigrosin and Basic fuchsin have been carried out using two fungal isolates Aspergillus niger, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, isolated from dye effluent soil. Three methods were selected for biodegradation, viz. agar overlay and liquid media methods; stationary and shaking conditions at 25 °C. Aspergillus niger recorded maximum decolorization of the dye Basic fuchsin (81.85%) followed by Nigrosin (77.47%), Malachite green (72.77%) and dye mixture (33.08%) under shaking condition. Whereas, P. chrysosporium recorded decolorization to the maximum with the Nigrosin (90.15%) followed by Basic fuchsin (89.8%), Malachite green (83.25%) and mixture (78.4%). The selected fungal strains performed better under shaking conditions compared to stationary method; moreover the inoculation of fungus also brought the pH of the dye solutions to neutral from acidic. Seed germination bioassay study exhibited that when inoculated dye solutions were used, seed showed germination while uninoculated dyes inhibited germination even after four days of observation. Similarly, microbial growth was also inhibited by uninoculated dyes. The excellent performance of A. niger and P. chrysporium in the biodegradation of textile dyes of different chemical structures suggests and reinforces the potential of these fungi for environmental decontamination.

Induction of a laccase Lcc9 from Coprinopsis cinerea by fungal coculture and its application on indigo dye decolorization

A fungal coculture system comprised of Coprinopsis cinerea Okayama 7 (#130) and Gongronella sp. w5 produced 900 times higher laccase activity than that in pure culture. A fungal laccase named Lcc9 was induced from C. cinerea for the first time by coculture. Lcc9 was purified, characterized, and found to have high activity toward phenolic substrates at the optimum pH of 6.5 and temperature of 60°C. The laccase was stable at alkaline pH values, and its activity was not significantly affected by cations and organic solvents. Lcc9 showed decolorization capability toward indigo dye in the presence of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonate), with 75% of indigo was decolorized by 50 U/L enzyme after 1h of incubation under optimal catalytic conditions. These results showed that fungal coculture could active silent laccase gene, and the unusual properties make Lcc9 a candidate for specific industrial and environmental applications.

Fungal laccases and their applications in bioremediation

Laccases are blue multicopper oxidases, which catalyze the monoelectronic oxidation of a broad spectrum of substrates, for example, ortho- and para-diphenols, polyphenols, aminophenols, and aromatic or aliphatic amines, coupled with a full, four-electron reduction of O₂ to H₂O. Hence, they are capable of degrading lignin and are present abundantly in many white-rot fungi. Laccases decolorize and detoxify the industrial effluents and help in wastewater treatment. They act on both phenolic and nonphenolic lignin-related compounds as well as highly recalcitrant environmental pollutants, and they can be effectively used in paper and pulp industries, textile industries, xenobiotic degradation, and bioremediation and act as biosensors. Recently, laccase has been applied to nanobiotechnology, which is an increasing research field, and catalyzes electron transfer reactions without additional cofactors. Several techniques have been developed for the immobilization of biomolecule such as micropatterning, self-assembled monolayer, and layer-by-layer techniques, which immobilize laccase and preserve their enzymatic activity. In this review, we describe the fungal source of laccases and their application in environment protection.