ABSTRACT
The search for efficient and green oxidation technologies has increased interest in utilization of laccases in non conventional methods. Laccases catalyze a wide range of substrates due to low substrate specificity and strong oxidative potentials. Challenges to large-scale enzyme utilization include, low enzyme activity and instability which restrict use in many areas of biotechnology. In the study, 59 fungi comprising Aspergillus niger (40%), Trichoderma harzianum (31%), Aspergillus flavus (9.0%), Trichoderma viride (5.0%), Fusarium oxysporum (5.0%), Rhizopus stolonifer (5.0%), Trametes sp. (3.0%) and Aspergillus nidulans (2.0%) were isolated and screened for laccase production. Plate screening test showed 57.5%, 34.0% and 8.5% of fungi were laccase-positive on ABTS, Guaiacol, and α-naphthol agar respectively. Isolates were further screened in liquid cultures, and the highest laccase producer identified molecularly. Trametes sp isolate B7 was selected for solid state fermentation (SSF). Laccase production in SSF was highest at pH 5.0 (2356 U/mL). The purified laccase showed high activity (pH 3.0 - 6.0) and stability (pH 3.0 - 8.5) using ABTS. It was active (20 - 80°C) and thermostable (30 - 80°C) with optimum stability at 70°C (100% for 1 hour). The percentage decolourization of Phenol red were 28% and 36% using 1000 U/mL and 2000 U/mL crude laccases respectively. Similarly, RBBR (100%), Congo red (75%) and Malachite green (62%), and 77.4%, 64% and 28% were decolourized using 1000 U/mL and 2000 U/mL crude laccases respectively. ABTS agar was very reliable in large-scale screening for laccase which possessed thermostable property and degraded synthetic dyes without use of enzyme mediators. These attribute made the enzyme suitable for application in industry and biotechnology.
ABSTRACT
Background Laccase has been considered important for the degradation of lignocellulose by wood rot fungi. The properties and functions of laccase in white rot fungi have been investigated extensively, but those from brown rot fungi remain largely unknown. In this paper, a laccase isoform Pplcc2 from the brown rot fungus Postia placenta MAD-698-R was expressed heterologously in Pichia pastoris GS115, purified and the properties of the enzyme were determined. Results The molecular weight of the protein was determined to be 67 kDa using SDS-PAGE. It cannot oxidize syringaldazine (SGZ), but it can oxidize 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothialozin-6-Sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP). Specific activity for ABTS was 1960 ± 19 Unit/mg. The catalytic constant (k cat) was 1213 ± 18.3 s-1 for ABTS and 293.2 ± 21.9 s-1 for DMP. Km was 22.08 µM for ABTS and 11.62 µM for DMP. The optimal pH for the oxidation of ABTS and DMP was 3.5 and 5.0 respectively. The optimal temperature for the oxidation of ABTS and DMP was 60°C. Conclusions This is the first identified thermo activated and thermostable laccase in brown rot fungi. This investigation will contribute to understanding the roles played by laccases in brown rot fungi.