Tree bark scrape fungus: A potential source of laccase for application in bioremediation of non-textile dyes

Abstract

AbstractAlthough laccase has been recognized as a wonder molecule, and green enzyme, the use of low yielding fungal strains, poor production, purification, and low enzyme kinetics have hampered its larger-scale applications. Hence the present research was aimed to select high yielding fungal strains and to optimize the production, purification, and kinetics of laccase ofAspergillussp. HB_RZ4.Aspergillussp. HB_RZ4 produced a copious amount of laccase on under meso-acidophillic shaking conditions in a medium containing glucose and yeast extract. A 25 µM of CuSO4enhanced the enzyme yield. The enzyme was best purified on Sephadex G-100 column. Purified enzyme resembled with the laccase ofA. flavus. Kinetics of purified enzyme revealed the high substrate specificity and good velocity of reaction with ABTS as substrate. The enzyme was stable over a wide range of pH and temperature. The peptide structure of the purified enzyme resembled with the laccase ofA. kawachiiIFO 4308. The fungus decolorized various dyes independent of the requirement of a laccase mediator system (LMS).Aspergillussp. HB_RZ4 came out as a potent natural producer of laccase, it decolorized the dyes even in absence of LMS and thus can be used for bioremediation.