Effects of nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 on the laccase-catalyzed conversion of bisphenol A

Purification and biochemical characterization of a new thermostable laccase from Enterococcus faecium A2 by a three-phase partitioning method and investigation of its decolorization potential

Three-phase partitioning (TPP) is a simple, fast, cost-effective, and highly efficient process that can be used in the purification of laccases. In this study, microorganisms with laccase activity were isolated from water samples collected from the Agri-Diyadin hot spring. The isolate with the highest laccase activity was found to be the A2 strain. As a result of molecular (16S rRNA sequence) and conventional (morphological, biochemical, and physiological) analyses, it was determined that the A2 isolate was 99% similar to Enterococcus faecium (Genbank number: MH424896). The laccase was purified to 4.9-fold with 110% recovery using the TPP. The molecular mass of the enzyme was found by SDS-PAGE to be 50.11 kDa. Optimum pH 6.0 and optimum temperature for laccase were determined as 80 °C. The laccase exhibited pH stability over a wide range (pH 3.0-9.0) and a high thermostability, retaining over 90% of its activity after 1 h of incubation at 20-90 °C. The laccase exhibited high thermostability, with a heat inactivation half-life of approximately 24 h at 80 °C. The enzyme remained highly stable in the presence of surfactants and increased its activity in the presence of organic solvents, Cr²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ metal ions. The K_m, V_max, k_cat, and k_cat/K_m values of laccase for 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) substrate were 0.68 mM, 5.29 μmol mL^-1 min^-1, 110.2 s^-1, and 162.1 s^-1 mM^-1, respectively.

Elimination and detoxification of phenanthrene assisted by a laccase from halophile Alkalibacillus almallahensis

Phenanthrene (Phe), a tricyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH), is found in high concentrations as a pollutant in various environments. In this study, the removal or (oxidizing) ability of Phe by a laccase from Alkalibacillus almallahensis was investigated. The laccase (12 U mL-1) was able to remove 63% of Phe (50 mg L-1) under optimal conditions of 40 °C, pH 8, 1.5 M NaCl and in the presence of 1 mM HBT as a laccase mediator after a 72 h incubation period. The results for the effect of different solvents, ionic and non-ionic surfactants on the activity of the halophilic laccase towards Phe showed that the addition of these compounds increase removal efficiency and complete enzymatic removal of Phe will achieve in a solution of 5% (v/v) acetone and 1.5% tween 80. The kinetic parameters K m and V max of laccase-catalyzed removal of the substrate were determined as 0.544 mM and 0.882 µmol h-1 mg-1, respectively. A microtoxicity study with respect to the inhibition of algal growth showed a decrease in toxicity of the laccase-treated Phe solution.

Enhancement and analysis of Anthracene degradation by Tween 80 in LMS-HOBt

This study examines the specific effect of Tween 80 on the conversion of anthracene (ANT) in laccase medium system regarding surfactant chemical changes and mechanism. The conversion rate and degradation products of ANT were investigated in different concentrations of Tween 80 solution. Between Tween 80 concentration 0-40 critical micelle concentrations (CMC), the kinetic parameter-k (h-1) and corresponding half-life T1/2 decreased with increasing concentration. When Tween 80 was above 20 CMC the laccase-medium system converted > 95% of ANT to anthraquinone within 12 h. During the entire enzymatic reaction, the laccase activity in the system increased with increasing Tween 80 concentration. Combined with GC/MS analysis of the product, it was speculated that hydrogens belonging to the ether-oxygen bond and carbon-carbon double bond α-CH of Tween 80, were removed by the laccase-media system, promoting its degradation. Additionally, enhanced activity caused by oxygen free radicals (ROS) such as RO• and ROO•, continuously oxidized Tween 80, which in turn produced free radicals while converting ANT. This study provides new theoretical support toward the application of surfactants in the elimination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Kinetic Study of Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidation of 2-Hydroxyanthracene and 9-Phenanthrol in Presence of Biosurfactant Escin

The kinetics of fungal peroxidase-catalyzed 2-hydroxyanthracene and 9-phenanthrol oxidation was investigated in presence of biosurfactant escin at pH 5.5 and 25 °C. The kinetic measurements were performed using the fluorimetric method and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of escin was determined using the dynamic light scattering technique. Inactivation of peroxidase was observed in absence of biosurfactant escin. It was shown that escin, used in concentrations lower than CMC, decreases or completely stops the peroxidase inactivation and increases the conversion of 2-hydroxyanthracene as well as of 9-phenanthrol. The environmentally friendly method of peroxidase-catalyzed 2-hydroxyanthracene and 9-phenanthrol oxidation in presence of biosurfactant Escin has an advantage over traditional decontamination methods due to their less environmental impact.

Emergent contaminants: Endocrine disruptors and their laccase-assisted degradation - A review

Herein, an effort has been made to highlight the trends of the state-of-the-art of laccase-assisted degradation of emerging contaminants at large and endocrine disruptors in particular. Since first described in the 19th century, laccase has received particular interest for inter- and multidisciplinary investigations due to its uniqueness and remarkable biotechnological applicability. There has always been a paramount concern over the widespread occurrences of various pollutant types, around the globe. Therefore, pollution free processes are gaining ground all over the world. With ever increasing scientific knowledge, socioeconomic awareness, human health-related issues and ecological apprehensions, people are more concerned about the widespread environmental pollutants. In this context, the occurrences of newly identified pollutants so-called "emerging contaminants - ECs" in our main water bodies is of continued and burning concern worldwide. Undoubtedly, various efforts have already been made to tackle this challenging ECs concern though using different approaches including physical and chemical, however, each has considerable limitations. In this review, we present information on how laccase-assisted approach can change this limited tendency of physical and chemical based approaches. A special focus has been given to the laccase-assisted systems including pristine laccase, laccase-mediator catalyzed system and immobilized-laccase catalyzed system that promotes the endocrine disruptors removal. Towards the end, a list of outstanding questions and research gaps are given that can pave the way for future studies.

Surfactants Facilitating Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme-Mediated CO2 Absorption into a Carbonate Solution

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme-mediated absorption processes are regarded as promising alternatives to the conventional amine-based process for CO₂ capture because of their low energy penalty and low risk of causing secondary pollution. The activity and stability of the CA enzyme are crucial to reducing the equipment and operating costs of the enzyme-mediated process. This work investigated three cationic and nonionic surfactants to improve the activity and stability of a technical-grade CA enzyme in a 20 wt % potassium carbonate solution. Experimental results revealed that the impact of the surfactants on the CA enzyme depended on their properties. For example, the cationic surfactant significantly enhanced the activity of CA enzyme but adversely affected enzyme stability. However, in the presence of the cationic surfactant after 30 days at 50 °C, the activity of the CA enzyme still outperformed that of CA without added surfactant. The nonionic surfactant significantly improved enzyme stability. Furthermore, the addition of surfactants within a critical micelle concentration of 1.0 did not distinctly influence the gas-liquid mass transfer, indicating that surfactant-enzyme interaction was responsible for the observed variations in the activity and stability of the tested enzyme.

Biodegradation of lignin and nicotine with white rot fungi for the delignification and detoxification of tobacco stalk

BACKGROUND

Tobacco stalk is one kind of abundant crop residues in China. The high lignification of tobacco stalk increases its reusing cost and the existing of nicotine will cause serious pollution. The biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass has been demonstrated to be an environmental and economical approach for the utilization of plant stalk. Meanwhile, many nicotine-degrading microorganisms were found in nature. However, microorganisms which could degraded both nicotine and lignin haven't been reported. Therefore, it's imperative to find some suitable microorganisms to break down lignin and simultaneously remove nicotine in tobacco stalk.

RESULTS

The nicotine in tobacco stalk could be degraded effectively by Trametes versicolor, Trametes hirsute and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The nicotine content in tobacco stalk was lowered to below 500 mg/kg (a safe concentration to environment) after 10 days of fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor, and 15 days with Trametes hirsute. The degradation rate of lignin in the fermented tobacco stalk was 37.70, 51.56 and 53.75% with Trametes versicolor, Trametes hirsute and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, respectively. Meanwhile, 24.28% hemicellulose was degraded by Phanerochaete chrysosporium and 28.19% cellulose was removed by Trametes hirsute. Through the enzyme activity analysis, the main and highest ligninolytic enzymes produced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes hirsute and Trametes versicolor were lignin peroxidase (88.62 U · L-1), manganese peroxidase (100.95 U · L-1) and laccase (745.65 U · L-1). Meanwhile, relatively high and stable cellulase activity was also detected during the fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and the highest endoglucanase, exoglucanase and filter paper enzyme activities were 0.38 U · mL-1, 0.45 U · mL-1 and 0.35U · mL-1, respectively. Moreover, the products in the fermentation of tobacco stalk with P. chrysosporium were identified with GC-MS, besides the chemicals produced in the degradation of lignin and nicotine, some small molecular valuable chemicals and fatty acid were also detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study developed a new method for the degradation and detoxification of tobacco stalk by fermentation with white rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes hirsute. The different oxidative enzymes and chemical products detected during the degradation indicated a possible pathway for the utilization of tobacco stalk.

Immobilization of fungal laccase onto a nonionic surfactant-modified clay material: application to PAH degradation

Nonionic surfactant-modified clay is a useful absorbent material that effectively removes hydrophobic organic compounds from soil/groundwater. We developed a novel material by applying an immobilized fungal laccase onto nonionic surfactant-modified clay. Low-water-solubility polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (naphthalene/phenanthrene) were degraded in the presence of this bioactive material. PAH degradation by free laccase was higher than degradation by immobilized laccase when the surfactant concentration was allowed to form micelles. PAH degradation by immobilized laccase on TX-100-modified clay was higher than on Brij35-modified clay. Strong laccase degradation of PAH can be maintained by adding surfactant monomers or micelles. The physical adsorption of nonionic surfactants onto clay plays an important role in PAH degradation by laccase, which can be explained by the structure and molecular interactions of the surfactant with the clay and enzyme. A system where laccase is immobilized onto TX-100-monomer-modified clay is a good candidate bioactive material for in situ PAHs bioremediation.

Comparison of different microbial laccases as tools for industrial uses

Laccases from different sources are employed in a number of biotechnological processes, each characterized by specific reaction constraints and thus requiring an enzyme with suitable properties. In order to avoid the bias generated by different assay methodologies, in this work we investigated the main properties of ten laccases from fungi and bacteria under identical conditions. As a general rule, the optimal activity was apparent at pH 3-4 and was lost at pH≥7.0 (all laccases were stable at pH≥7.0); enzymes active at neutral pH values were also identified. For all tested laccases, activity increased with temperature up to 80°C and stability was good at 25°C. Interestingly, laccases insensitive to high salt concentration were identified, this favoring their use in treating waste waters. Indeed, bacterial laccases retained a significant activity in the presence of DMSO (up to 40% final concentration) and of surfactants, suggesting that they can be applied in lignin degradation processes requiring solvents. The available laccases are versatile and satisfy requirements related to different processes. Notably, the recombinant laccase from Bacillus licheniformis favorably compares with the tested enzymes, indicating that it is well suited for different biotechnological applications.

Jute hydrophobization via laccase-catalyzed grafting of fluorophenol and fluoroamine

The figure mechanism of the 4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenol (TFMPP) and 1H,1H-perfluorononylamine (PFNL) grafting onto the lignins of jute fabrics.

Improvement of methyl orange dye biotreatment by a novel isolated strain, Aeromonas veronii GRI, by SPB1 biosurfactant addition

Aeromonas veronii GRI (KF964486), isolated from acclimated textile effluent after selective enrichment on azo dye, was assessed for methyl orange biodegradation potency. Results suggested the potential of this bacterium for use in effective treatment of azo-dye-contaminated wastewaters under static conditions at neutral and alkaline pH value, characteristic of typical textile effluents. The strain could tolerate higher doses of dyes as it was able to decolorize up to 1000 mg/l. When used as microbial surfactant to enhance methyl orange biodecolorization, Bacillus subtilis SPB1-derived lipopeptide accelerated the decolorization rate and maximized slightly the decolorization efficiency at an optimal concentration of about 0.025%. In order to enhance the process efficiency, a Taguchi design was conducted. Phytotoxicity bioassay using sesame and radish seeds were carried out to assess the biotreatment effectiveness. The bacterium was able to effectively decolorize the azo dye when inoculated with an initial optical density of about 0.5 with 0.25% sucrose, 0.125% yeast extract, 0.01% SPB1 biosurfactant, and when conducting an agitation phase of about 24 h after static incubation. Germination potency showed an increase toward the nonoptimized conditions indicating an improvement of the biotreatment. When comparing with synthetic surfactants, a drastic decrease and an inhibition of orange methyl decolorization were observed in the presence of CTAB and SDS. The nonionic surfactant Tween 80 had a positive effect on methyl orange biodecolorization. Also, studies ensured that methyl orange removal by this strain could be due to endocellular enzymatic activities. To conclude, the addition of SPB1 bioemulsifier reduced energy costs by reducing effective decolorization period, biosurfactant stimulated bacterial decolorization method may provide highly efficient, inexpensive, and time-saving procedure in treatment of textile effluents.

Evaluation of the protective effect of chemical additives in the oxidation of phenolic compounds catalysed by peroxidase

The use of oxidoredutive enzymes in removing organic pollutants has been the subject of much research. The oxidation of phenolic compounds in the presence of chemical additives has been the focus of this study. In this investigation, the influence of the additives polyethylene glycol and Triton X-100 was evaluated in the phenol oxidation, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and total phenolic compounds present in coffee processing wastewater (CPW) at different pH values, performed by turnip peroxidase and peroxidase extracted from soybean seed hulls. The influence of these additives was observed only in the oxidation of phenol and caffeic acid. In the oxidation of other studied phenolic compounds, the percentage of oxidation remained unchanged in the presence of these chemical additives. In the oxidation of CPW in the presence of additives, no change in the oxidation of phenolic compounds was observed. Although several studies show the importance of evaluating the influence of additives on the behaviour of enzymes, this study found a positive response from the economic point of view for the treatment of real wastewater, since the addition of these substances showed no influence on the oxidation of phenolic compounds, which makes the process less costly.

Biodegradation of diesel oil by a novel microbial consortium: comparison between co-inoculation with biosurfactant-producing strain and exogenously added biosurfactants

Bioremediation, involving the use of microorganisms to detoxify or remove pollutants, is the most interesting strategy for hydrocarbon remediation. In this aim, four hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were isolated from oil-contaminated soil in Tunisia. They were identified by the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, as Lysinibacillus bronitolerans RI18 (KF964487), Bacillus thuringiensis RI16 (KM111604), Bacillus weihenstephanensis RI12 (KM094930), and Acinetobacter radioresistens RI7 (KJ829530). Moreover, a lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis SPB1, confirmed to increase diesel solubility, was tested to increase diesel biodegradation along with co-inoculation with two biosurfactant-producing strains. Culture studies revealed the enhancement of diesel biodegradation by the selected consortium with the addition of SPB1 lipopeptide and in the cases of co-inoculation by biosurfactant-producing strain. In fact, an improvement of about 38.42 and 49.65 % of diesel degradation was registered in the presence of 0.1 % lipopeptide biosurfactant and when culturing B. subtilis SPB1 strain with the isolated consortium, respectively. Furthermore, the best improvement, evaluated to about 55.4 %, was recorded when using the consortium cultured with B. subtilis SPB1 and A. radioresistens RI7 strains. Gas chromatography analyses were correlated with the gravimetric evaluation of the residual hydrocarbons. Results suggested the potential applicability of the selected consortium along with the ex situ- and in situ-added biosurfactant for the effective bioremediation of diesel-contaminated water and soil.

Laccase-catalyzed bisphenol A oxidation in the presence of 10-propyl sulfonic acid phenoxazine

The kinetics of the Coriolopsis byrsina laccase-catalyzed bisphenol A (BisA) oxidation was investigated in the absence and presence of electron-transfer mediator 3-phenoxazin-10-yl-propane-1-sulfonic acid (PPSA) at pH5.5 and 25°C. It was shown that oxidation rate of the hardly degrading compound BisA increased in the presence of the highly reactive substrate PPSA. The increase of reaction rate depends on PPSA and BisA concentrations as well on their ratio, e.g., at 0.2 mmol/L of BisA and 2 μmol/L of PPSA the rate increased 2 times. The kinetic data were analyzed using a scheme of synergistic laccase-catalyzed BisA oxidation. The calculated constant, characterizing reactivity of PPSA with laccase, is almost 1000 times higher than the constant, characterizing reactivity of BisA with laccase. This means that mediator-assisted BisA oxidation rate can be 1000 times higher in comparison to non-mediator reaction if compounds concentration is equal but very low.

A novel laccase from basidiomycete Cerrena sp.: Cloning, heterologous expression, and characterization

A novel laccase gene Lac1 and its cDNA were cloned from a white-rot fungus Cerrena sp. and characterized. The 1554-bp cDNA of Lac1 encoded a mature protein with 497 amino acids, preceded by a signal peptide of 20 amino acids. An unconventional intron splice site and incomplete splicing variants of Lac1 were observed. Lac1 was heterologously expressed in the yeast host Pichia pastoris, and a maximal laccase activity of 6.3UmL(-1) in the fermentation broth was achieved after fermentation for 9 days. The recombinant protein rLac1 was purified, and its enzymatic properties and functional characteristics were investigated. When ABTS was used as the substrate, the enzyme was most active at pH 3.5 and 55°C, and stable at pH 4-10 and 20-60°C. The Km and kcat values of rLac1 toward ABTS were 28.9 μM and 332.4s(-1), respectively. Furthermore, rLac1 was tolerant to common metal ions up to 100mM concentration and capable of decolorizing structurally different dyes in the absence of a redox mediator. Hence, Lac1 may be useful for industrial applications, such as dye decolorization and bioremediation.

Malachite green bioremoval by a newly isolated strain Citrobacter sedlakii RI11; enhancement of the treatment by biosurfactant addition

Citrobacter sedlackii RI11, isolated from acclimated textile effluent after selective enrichment on synthetic dyes, was assessed for malachite green (MG) biotreatment potency. Results indicate that this bacterium has potential for use in effective treatment of MG contaminated wastewaters under shaking conditions at neutral and alkaline pH value, characteristic of typical textile effluents. Also, the newly isolated strain can tolerate higher doses of dye and decolorize up to 1,000 mg/l of dye. When used as microbial surfactant to enhance MG biodecolorization, Bacillus subtilis SPB1-derived lipopeptide accelerated the decolorization rate and maximized the decolorization efficiency at an optimal concentration of biosurfactant of about 0.075%. Studies ensured that MG removal by this strain could be due to biodegradation and/or adsorption. Results on germination potencies of different seeds using the treated dyes under different conditions favor the use of SPB1 biosurfactant for the treatment of MG.

The biotechnological potential of subtilisin-like fibrinolytic enzyme from a newly isolated Lactobacillus plantarum KSK-II in blood destaining and antimicrobials

An antimicrobial oxidative- and SDS-stable fibrinolytic alkaline protease designated as KSK-II was produced by Lactobacillus plantarum KSK-II isolated from kishk, a traditional Egyptian food. Maximum enzyme productivity was obtained in medium containing 1% lactose and 0.5% soybean flour as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Purification of enzyme increased its specific activity to 1,140-fold with a recovery of 33% and molecular weight of 43.6 kDa. Enzyme activity was totally lost in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and was restored after addition of Fe(2+) suggesting that KSK-II is a metalloprotease and Fe(2+) acts as cofactor. Enzyme hydrolyzed not only the natural proteins but also synthetic substrates, particularly Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA. KSK-II can hydrolyze the Lys-X easier than Arg-X; thus, it was considered as a subtilisin-family protease. Its apparent Km , Vmax , and Kcat were 0.41 mM, 6.4 µmol mg(-1) min(-1) , and 28.0 s(-1) , respectively. KSK-II is industrially important from the perspectives of its maximal activity at 50°C (stable up to 70°C), ability to function at alkaline pH (10.0), stability at broad pH ranges (7.5-12.0) in addition to its stability toward SDS, H2 O2 , organic solvents, and detergents. We emphasize for the first time the potential of fibrinolytic activity for alkaline proteases used in detergents especially in blood destaining.

Effects of rhamnolipid biosurfactant JBR425 and synthetic surfactant surfyno1465 on the peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of 2-naphthol

The kinetics of the recombinant Coprinus cinereus peroxidase-catalyzed 2-naphthol oxidation was investigated in the presence of rhamnolipid biosurfactant JBR425 and synthetic surfactant Surfynol465 at pH 5.5 and 250C, with concentrations of (bio)surfactants both less than critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and larger than CMC. It was shown that monomers of JBR425 as well as monomers of Surfynol465 had an enhancing effect on the conversion of 2-naphthol in dose response manner and did not influence the initial rate of 2-naphthol oxidation. The results were accounted by a scheme, which contains a stadium of enzyme inhibition by oligomeric 2-naphthol oxidation products. The action of the biosurfactant's (or synthetic surfactant's) monomers was explained by avoidance of the enzyme active center clothing with oligomers. Similar results have demonstrated the potential of rhamnolipid biosurfactant JBR425 due to its biodegradability. When biosurfactants' concentrations are larger than CMC, (bio)surfactants have an opposite effect on the oxidation of 2-naphthol by peroxidase.

A surfactant tolerant laccase of Meripilus giganteus

A laccase (Lcc1) from the white-rot fungus Meripilus giganteus was purified with superior yields of 34% and 90% by conventional chromatography or by foam separation, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) yielded a molecular mass of 55 kDa. The enzyme possessed an isoelectric point of 3.1 and was able to oxidize the common laccase substrate 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) at a pH of 2.0, whereas the enzyme was still able to oxidize ABTS and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) at pH 6.0. Lcc1 exhibited low K ( m ) values of 8 μM (ABTS) and 80 μM (DMP) and remarkable catalytic efficiency towards the non-phenolic substrate ABTS of 37,437 k (cat)/k (m) (s(-1) mM(-1)). The laccase showed a high stability towards high concentrations of various metal ions, EDTA and surfactants indicating a considerable biotechnological potential. Furthermore, Lcc1 exhibited an increased activity as well as a striking boost of stability in the presence of surfactants. Degenerated primers were deduced from peptide fragments. The complete coding sequence of lcc1 was determined to 1,551 bp and confirmed via amplification of the 2,214 bp genomic sequence which included 12 introns. The deduced 516 amino acid (aa) sequence of the lcc1 gene shared 82% identity and 90% similarity with a laccase from Rigidoporus microporus. The sequence data may aid theoretical studies and enzyme engineering efforts to create laccases with an improved stability towards metal ions and bipolar compounds.