Influence of Oxygen Supply on Growth and Laccases Production by Pleurotus sajor-caju PS-2001 in Submerged Process

Abstract (1) Background: Oxygen supply is an important parameter to be considered in submerged cultures. This study evaluated the influence of different conditions for dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on laccases activities and growth of Pleurotus sajor-caju PS-2001 in submerged process in stirred-tank bioreactor. (2) Methods: Initially, three different conditions were tested: uncontrolled DO and minimum levels of 30% and 80% of saturation, with the pH controlled between 4.5 and 7.0. (3) Results: Best results were observed at 30% DO (26 U mL-1 of laccases at 96 h), whereas higher mycelial biomass was observed at 30% and 80% DO (above 4.5 g L-1). Four different conditions of DO (uncontrolled, 10%, 30% and 50% of saturation) were tested at pH 6.5, with higher laccases activity (80 U mL-1 at 66 h) and lower mycelial growth (1.36 g L-1 at 90 h) being achieved with DO of 30%. In this test, the highest values for volumetric productivity and specific yield factor were determined. Under the different pH conditions tested, the production of laccases is favoured at DO concentration of 30% of saturation, while superior DO levels favours fungal growth. (4) Conclusion: The results indicate that dissolved oxygen concentration is a critical factor for the culture of P. sajor-caju PS-2001 and has important effects not only on laccases production but also on fungal growth.

Effects of pH, Temperature and Agitation on the Decolourisation of Dyes by Laccase-Containing Enzyme Preparation from Pleurotus sajor-caju

(1) Background: In this study, the effects of different pH values ​​(2.4, 3.2, 4.4 and 5.0), temperatures (30, 35, 40, 45 and 50°C) and agitation (100 rpm) on the enzymatic decolourisation of twenty-two dyes belonging to the chromophore groups anthraquinone, azo and triphenylmethane were assessed. (2) Methods: In all conditions, it was used a crude enzyme broth containing 30 U mL-1 laccases produced by Pleurotus sajor-caju PS-2001 in submerged process. (3) Results: Regarding the effects of pH values, the best results were obtained at pH 3.2 and 30°C, in which bleaching was observed for all dyes evaluated. In assays conducted at different temperatures, highest levels of decolourisation were observed at 35°C and pH 3.2 for nineteen of the dyes assessed. Thirteen dyes presented colour reduction exceeding 50% after the enzymatic treatment, including all acid and all disperse dyes evaluated. The reciprocal agitation of 100 rpm promoted negative effect on decolourisation. (4) Conclusion: From the results achieved, one can conclude that the laccase-containing preparation of P. sajor-caju PS-2001 has potential for the decolourisation of some dyes widely used in different industrial sectors, especially in the textile industry, and therefore could be used in future strategies for the biotreatment of coloured wastes.