Metallic-aromatic compounds synergistically induce Lentinus crinitus laccase production

Abstract

Abstract Lentinus crinitus is a basidiomycete with the ability to produce laccase and other enzymes of biotechnological interest. Laccase production depends on cultivation conditions and can be induced by metallic, phenolic or aromatic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the laccase production of L. crinitus cultivated in sugarcane vinasse and urea with addition of laccase inducers. L. crinitus was cultivated in sugarcane vinasse with urea and supplemented with copper sulfate (0, 50, 150, 250, 350 and 450 μM) and aromatic compounds (guaiacol, veratryl alcohol, or 2,5-xylidine) added alone or combined to the cultivation medium. Cooper (150 or 250 μM) increased laccase activity in 14.5 (49,000 U/L) and 28.5% (55,000 U/L), respectively. Guaiacol had no significant effect, but veratryl alcohol (~46000 U/L) and xylidine (~75000 U/L) increased laccase activity. Copper with other inducers had the most relevant effects on laccase production. Simultaneous guaiacol addition with 150 or 250 μM copper increased 108% and 151% laccase activity, respectively, when compared with only copper addition to vinasse-urea medium. Veratryl alcohol and 150 or 250 μM copper addition increased 100% and 138% laccase activity, respectively, when compared to only copper addition. Interaction analysis of the variables guaiacol or veratryl alcohol and copper (250 µM) added to cultivation medium demonstrated synergistic effects resulting in laccase activity increase. These results highlight the importance of L. crinitus as a laccase producer and emphasize the relevance of studies using a combination of inducers to increase laccase production.