Immobilization of partially purified laccase on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) microbeads and its application in biodegradation of catechol

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundOne significant component of new, rapid economic development is the creation of biodegradable polymers. One of these biopolymers is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). This biodegradable, thermoplastic and water insoluble storage polymer can be generated from sustainable carbon sources. PHA may be effectively used for treating wastewaters by immobilizing enzymes. For eliminating micro‐pollutants along with many phenolic compounds, laccase is considered as a potential enzyme. Hence, it has been known to be highly effective for water purification procedures. However, adequate immobilization is required for laccase to perform efficient catalysis. The immobilization procedure increases laccase stability with respect to reusability, temperature, pH and storage, making it superior to free laccase.ResultIn the present study, laccase was partially purified from Beauveria pseudobassiana PHF4 by gel filtration chromatography and further immobilized on PHA microbeads. The crude extract displayed specific activity of 19.08 U/mg and PHA microbeads demonstrated immobilization efficiency of 77.44%. Characterization of PHA microbeads by scanning electron microscopy showed increase in their size from 3–5 μm to 5–6 μm after the immobilization. Furthermore, catechol biodegradation by immobilized laccase was analyzed using UV–Vis spectrophotometry (84.25% in 10 h), also confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (83.65% in 24 h).ConclusionHence by immobilizing laccase on PHA microbeads, the pollution and environmental damage that catechol and similar chemicals cause, can be addressed while also developing ecofriendly solutions.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.