Laccase engineering by rational and evolutionary design

Simultaneous enhancement of activity and stability of Bacillus safensis-derived laccase and its application in lignocellulose saccharification

Effective hydrolysis of lignocelluloses for producing reducing sugar is impeded by the covalent binding of hemicellulose and cellulose through lignin, which could be eliminated by laccases. This study identified a novel thermostable laccase from Bacillus safensis TCCC 111022 and created an iterative mutant E231D/Y441H, exhibiting 1.59-fold greater specific activity and a 183 % greater half-life at 80°C than the wild-type enzyme. Computational analysis revealed that the stability and activity of the E231D/Y441H could be simultaneously enhanced by increasing the flexibility of the ring around the substrate binding pocket. Additionally, the saccharification efficiency of sugarcane bagasse and corn stalks were both enhanced by 235 % in the system adding E231D/Y441H, mixed-cellulases, and mediator (1-hydroxybenzotriazole) compared to the samples treated with mixed-cellulases. The findings of this research provide a reference for the degradation of lignocellulosic substrates and contribute to the sustainable development of biomass-based industries.

Marine microalgae - Mediated biodegradation of polystyrene microplastics: Insights from enzymatic and molecular docking studies

Biodegradation of microplastics (MPs) through microalgal strains would be of eco-friendly approach for significant pollution abatement. Polystyrene (PS) is a major contaminant in the marine environment; however studies on marine microalgal degradation of PS MPs have been very limited. In the present study, six marine microalgal strains viz. Picochlorum maculatum, Dunaliella salina, Amphora sp., Navicula sp., Synechocystis sp. and Limnospira indica were investigated for their ability to degrade PS MPs for the incubation period of 45 days. Results from weight reduction, ATR-FTIR, SEM, and molecular docking analysis confirmed that microalgae formed biofilms on PS MPs, causing structural changes, and laccase-driven enzymatic breakdown. A maximum weight loss of 23.2 ± 0.21% and a minimum of 11.3 ± 0.026% were caused by the colonized microalgae Synechocystis sp. and Amphora sp. respectively. The study indicated that a higher reduction rate was observed in the Synechocystis sp. Treated PS MPs with a rate of 0.0058 g/day and a lower half-life of 119.34 days. SEM analysis showed that microalgae caused pits, erosion, and damage to the PS film. ATR-FTIR confirmed the chemical modifications and proved biodegradation. Laccase enzyme activity was higher in Synechocystis sp., and molecular docking showed the laccase interaction with the derivatives of PS, elucidating the breakdown process. This study highlights the potential of microalgae for eco-friendly microplastic degradation and paves the way for future research on the by-products of this process. Exploring the ecological impact of by-products and optimizing scalable methods can further enhance the sustainability and practical applications of this promising solution.

Frontiers in laccase nanozymes-enabled colorimetric sensing: A review

In recent years, nanozyme-based analytics have become popular. Among these, laccase nanozyme-based colorimetric sensors have emerged as simple and rapid colorimetric detection methods for various analytes, effectively addressing natural enzymes' stability and high-cost limitations. Laccase nanozymes are nanomaterials that exhibit inherent laccase enzyme-like activity. They can oxidize phenolic compounds to generate a coloured product, independently or with a chromogenic agent. This chromogenic reaction provides the basis for developing simple and robust colorimetric assays for various analytes, enabling rapid and point-of-need analytical decision-making in food safety, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. This review article provides a concise overview of laccase nanozymes, including their classification and catalytic mechanisms. The article mainly discusses colorimetric and dual-mode detection methods and outlines various strategies to enhance the colorimetric sensing performance of laccase nanozymes. Additionally, the article highlights future research directions that could further improve laccase nanozyme-enabled colorimetric sensing. We hope this work will enhance the field's understanding and help future researchers identify gaps in developing simple, low-cost colorimetric sensors.

Detoxification of aflatoxin B1 by a Bacillus subtilis spore coat protein through formation of the main metabolites AFQ1 and epi-AFQ1

A variety of important agricultural crops host fungi from the Aspergillus genus can produce cancerogenic secondary metabolites such as aflatoxins. Consequently, novel strategies for detoxification and their removal from food and feed chains are required. Here, detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by the Bacillus subtilis multi-copper oxidase CotA (BsCotA) was investigated. This laccase was recombinantly produced in E. coli while codon optimization led to duplication of the amount of active protein obtained. CuCl2 was added to the cultivation medium leading to a 25-fold increase of V max corresponding to improved incorporation of Cu2+ into the enzyme protein which is essential for the catalytic reaction. To avoid potential cytotoxicity of Cu2+, cultivation was performed at microaerobic conditions indeed leading to 100x more functional protein when compared to standard aerobic conditions. This was indicated by an increase of V max from 0.30 ± 0.02 to 33.56 ± 2.02 U/mg. Degradation kinetics of AFB1 using HPLC with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) analysis indicated a theoretical substrate saturation above solubility in water. At a relatively high concentration of 500 μg/L, AFB1 was decomposed at 10.75 μg/Lh (0.17 nmol*min-1*mg-1) at a dosage of 0.2 μM BsCotA. AFQ1 and epi-AFQ1 were identified as the initial oxidation products according to mass spectrometry (i.e., HPLC-MS, HPLC-QTOF). None of these molecules were substrates for laccase but both decomposed in buffer. However, decomposition does not seem to be due to hydration of the vinyl ether in the terminal furan ring. Genotoxicity of the formed AFB1 was assessed in several dilutions based on the de-repression of the bacterial SOS response to DNA damage indicating about 80-times reduction in toxicity when compared to AFQ1. The results of this study indicate that BsCotA has high potential for the biological detoxification of aflatoxin B1.

Exploring laccase: a sustainable enzymatic solution for the paper recycling domain

The global advocacy of resource conservation and waste management emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices, particularly in sectors such as paper manufacturing and recycling. Currently, conventional chemical methods are predominant for paper production, necessitating the use of substantial amount of toxic chemicals. This chemical-intensive approach compromises the recycled fiber quality, generates hazardous effluent causing serious ecological threats which triggers regulatory complexities for the mills. To address these challenges modern research suggests adopting sustainable eco-friendly practices such as employing enzymes. This review aims to explore the applicability of 'laccase' enzyme for paper recycling, investigating its properties and contribution to improved recycling practices. By delving into the potential application of laccase integration into the papermaking process, this article sheds light on the limitations inherent in traditional methods surmounted within both research and translational landscapes. Culture and process optimization studies, supporting the technological improvements and the future prospects have been documented.

Biodegradation strategies of veterinary medicines in the environment: Enzymatic degradation

One Health closely integrates healthy farming, human medicine, and environmental ecology. Due to the ecotoxicity and risk of transmission of drug resistance, veterinary medicines (VMs) are regarded as emerging environmental pollutants. To reduce or mitigate the environmental risk of VMs, developing friendly, safe, and effective removal technologies is an important means of environmental remediation for VMs. Many previous studies have proved that biodegradation has significant advantages in removing VMs, and biodegradation based on enzyme catalysis presents higher operability and specificity. This review focused on biodegradation strategies of environmental pollutants and reviewed the enzymatic degradation of VMs including antimicrobial drugs, insecticides, and disinfectants. We reviewed the sources and catalytic mechanisms of peroxidase, laccase, and organophosphorus hydrolases, and summarized the latest research status of immobilization methods and bioengineering techniques in improving the performance of degrading enzymes. The mechanism of enzymatic degradation for VMs was elucidated in the current research. Suggestions and prospects for researching and developing enzymatic degradation of VMs were also put forward. This review will offer new ideas for the biodegradation of VMs and have a guide significance for the risk mitigation and detoxification of VMs in the environment.

Bisphenol A contamination in aquatic environments: a review of sources, environmental concerns, and microbial remediation

The production of polycarbonate, a high-performance transparent plastic, employs bisphenol A, which is a prominent endocrine-disrupting compound. Polycarbonates are frequently used in the manufacturing of food, bottles, storage containers for newborns, and beverage packaging materials. Global production of BPA in 2022 was estimated to be in the region of 10 million tonnes. About 65-70% of all bisphenol A is used to make polycarbonate plastics. Bisphenol A leaches from improperly disposed plastic items and enters the environment through wastewater from plastic-producing industries, contaminating, sediments, surface water, and ground water. The concentration BPA in industrial and domestic wastewater ranges from 16 to 1465 ng/L while in surface water it has been detected 170-3113 ng/L. Wastewater treatment can be highly effective at removing BPA, giving reductions of 91-98%. Regardless, the remaining 2-9% of BPA will continue through to the environment, with low levels of BPA commonly observed in surface water and sediment in the USA and Europe. The health effects of BPA have been the subject of prolonged public and scientific debate, with PubMed listing more than 17,000 scientific papers as of 2023. Bisphenol A poses environmental and health hazards in aquatic systems, affecting ecosystems and human health. While several studies have revealed its presence in aqueous streams, environmentally sound technologies should be explored for its removal from the contaminated environment. Concern is mostly related to its estrogen-like activity, although it can interact with other receptor systems as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Present review article encompasses the updated information on sources, environmental concerns, and sustainable remediation techniques for bisphenol A removal from aquatic ecosystems, discussing gaps, constraints, and future research requirements.

Engineering and Expression Strategies for Optimization of L-Asparaginase Development and Production

Genetic engineering for heterologous expression has advanced in recent years. Model systems such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pichia pastoris are often used as host microorganisms for the enzymatic production of L-asparaginase, an enzyme widely used in the clinic for the treatment of leukemia and in bakeries for the reduction of acrylamide. Newly developed recombinant L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) may have a low affinity for asparagine, reduced catalytic activity, low stability, and increased glutaminase activity or immunogenicity. Some successful commercial preparations of L-ASNase are now available. Therefore, obtaining novel L-ASNases with improved properties suitable for food or clinical applications remains a challenge. The combination of rational design and/or directed evolution and heterologous expression has been used to create enzymes with desired characteristics. Computer design, combined with other methods, could make it possible to generate mutant libraries of novel L-ASNases without costly and time-consuming efforts. In this review, we summarize the strategies and approaches for obtaining and developing L-ASNase with improved properties.

Enzymatic polyethylene biorecycling: Confronting challenges and shaping the future

Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used plastic known for its resistance to biodegradation, posing a significant environmental challenge. Recent advances have shed light on microorganisms and insects capable of breaking down PE and identified potential PE-degrading enzymes (PEases), hinting at the possibility of PE biorecycling. Research on enzymatic PE degradation is still in its early stages, especially compared to the progress made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While PET hydrolases have been extensively studied and engineered for improved performance, even the products of PEases remain mostly undefined. This Perspective analyzes the current state of enzymatic PE degradation research, highlighting obstacles in the search for bona fide PEases and suggesting areas for future exploration. A critical challenge impeding progress in this field stems from the inert nature of the C-C and C-H bonds of PE. Furthermore, breaking down PE into small molecules using only one monofunctional enzyme is theoretically impossible. Overcoming these obstacles requires identifying enzymatic pathways, which can be facilitated using emerging technologies like omics, structure-based design, and computer-assisted engineering of enzymes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying PE enzymatic biodegradation is crucial for research progress and for identifying potential solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis.

Exploring the Application and Prospects of Synthetic Biology in Engineered Living Materials

At the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science, engineered living materials (ELMs) exhibit unprecedented potential. Possessing unique "living" attributes, ELMs represent a significant paradigm shift in material design, showcasing self-organization, self-repair, adaptability, and evolvability, surpassing conventional synthetic materials. This review focuses on reviewing the applications of ELMs derived from bacteria, fungi, and plants in environmental remediation, eco-friendly architecture, and sustainable energy. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress and emerging design strategies for ELMs in various application fields from the perspectives of synthetic biology and materials science. In addition, the review provides valuable references for the design of novel ELMs, extending the potential applications of future ELMs. The investigation into the synergistic application possibilities amongst different species of ELMs offers beneficial reference information for researchers and practitioners in this field. Finally, future trends and development challenges of synthetic biology for ELMs in the coming years are discussed in detail.

Laccase Engineering: Redox Potential Is Not the Only Activity-Determining Feature in the Metalloproteins

Laccase, one of the metalloproteins, belongs to the multicopper oxidase family. It oxidizes a wide range of substrates and generates water as a sole by-product. The engineering of laccase is important to broaden their industrial and environmental applications. The general assumption is that the low redox potential of laccases is the principal obstacle, as evidenced by their low activity towards certain substrates. Therefore, the primary goal of engineering laccases is to improve their oxidation capability, thereby increasing their redox potential. Even though some of the determinants of laccase are known, it is still not entirely clear how to enhance its redox potential. However, the laccase active site has additional characteristics that regulate the enzymes' activity and specificity. These include the electrostatic and hydrophobic environment of the substrate binding pocket, the steric effect at the substrate binding site, and the orientation of the binding substrate with respect to the T1 site of the laccase. In this review, these features of the substrate binding site will be discussed to highlight their importance as a target for future laccase engineering.

Structural Insight into the Amino Acid Environment of the Two-Domain Laccase's Trinuclear Copper Cluster

Laccases are industrially relevant enzymes. However, their range of applications is limited by their functioning and stability. Most of the currently known laccases function in acidic conditions at temperatures below 60 °C, but two-domain laccases (2D) oxidize some substrates in alkaline conditions and above 70 °C. In this study, we aim to establish the structural factors affecting the alkaline activity of the 2D laccase from Streptomyces griseoflavus (SgfSL). The range of methods used allowed us to show that the alkaline activity of SgfSL is influenced by the polar residues located close to the trinuclear center (TNC). Structural and functional studies of the SgfSL mutants Met199Ala/Asp268Asn and Met199Gly/Asp268Asn revealed that the substitution Asp268Asn (11 Å from the TNC) affects the orientation of the Asn261 (the second coordination sphere of the TNC), resulting in hydrogen-bond-network reorganization, which leads to a change in the SgfSL-activity pH profile. The combination of the Met199Gly/Arg240His and Asp268Asn substitutions increased the efficiency (kcat/KM) of the 2,6-DMP oxidation by 34-fold compared with the SgfSL. Our results extend the knowledge about the structure and functioning of 2D laccases' TNC active sites and open up new possibilities for the directed engineering of laccases.

Improved laccase production by Trametes versicolor using Copper-Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine as a novel and high-efficient inducer

A highly efficient strategy using Copper-Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK-Cu) as a novel inducer was developed to enhance laccase production by Trametes versicolor. After medium optimization, laccase activity increased by 12.77-fold compared to that without GHK-Cu. The laccase production of 1113.8 U L-1 was obtained by scaling-up culture in 5-L stirring tank. The laccase production induced by CuSO4 was poorer than that of GHK-Cu at the same mole concentration. GHK-Cu could increase the permeability of cell membrane with less damage, and it facilitated the adsorption, accumulation, and utilization of copper by fungal cells, which was beneficial for laccase synthesis. GHK-Cu induced better expression of laccase related genes than that of CuSO4, resulting in higher laccase production. This study provided a useful method for induced production of laccase by applying GHK chelated metal ion as a non-toxic inducer, which reduced the safety risk of laccase broth and provided the potential application of crude laccase in food industry. In addition, GHK can be used as the carrier of different metal ions to enhance the production of other metalloenzymes.

Improvement of thermoalkaliphilic laccase (CtLac) by a directed evolution and application to lignin degradation

Abstract

Thermoalkaliphilic laccase (CtLac) from the Caldalkalibacillus thermarum strain TA2.A1 has advantageous properties with potential industrial applications, such as high enzyme activity and stability at 70 °C and pH 8.0. In the present study, a directed evolution approach using a combination of random and site-directed mutagenesis was adopted to enhance the laccase activity of CtLac. Spectrophotometric assay and real-time oxygen measurement techniques were employed to compare and evaluate the enzyme activity among mutants. V243 was targeted for site-directed mutagenesis based on library screening. V243D showed a 25–35% higher laccase activity than wild-type CtLac in the spectrophotometric assay and oxygen consumption measurement results. V243D also showed higher catalytic efficiency than wild-type CtLac with decreased Km and increased kcat values. In addition, V243D enhanced oxidative degradation of the lignin model compound, guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (GGGE), by 10% and produced a 5–30% increase in high-value aldehydes than wild-type CtLac under optimal enzymatic conditions (i.e., 70 °C and pH 8.0). Considering the lack of protein structural information, we used the directed evolution approach to predict Val at the 243 position of CtLac as one of the critical amino acids contributing to the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Moreover, it found that the real-time oxygen measurement technique could overcome the limitations of the spectrophotometric assay, and apply to evaluate oxidase activity in mutagenesis research.

Key points

• CtLac was engineered for enhanced laccase activity through directed evolution approach

• V243D showed higher catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) than wild-type CtLac

• V243D produced higher amounts of high-value aldehydes from rice straw than wild-type CtLac

Designed High-Redox Potential Laccases Exhibit High Functional Diversity

White-rot fungi secrete an impressive repertoire of high-redox potential laccases (HRPLs) and peroxidases for efficient oxidation and utilization of lignin. Laccases are attractive enzymes for the chemical industry due to their broad substrate range and low environmental impact. Since expression of functional recombinant HRPLs is challenging, however, iterative-directed evolution protocols have been applied to improve their expression, activity, and stability. We implement a rational, stabilize-and-diversify strategy to two HRPLs that we could not functionally express. First, we use the PROSS stability-design algorithm to allow functional expression in yeast. Second, we use the stabilized enzymes as starting points for FuncLib active-site design to improve their activity and substrate diversity. Four of the FuncLib-designed HRPLs and their PROSS progenitor exhibit substantial diversity in reactivity profiles against high-redox potential substrates, including lignin monomers. Combinations of 3-4 subtle mutations that change the polarity, solvation, and sterics of the substrate-oxidation site result in orders of magnitude changes in reactivity profiles. These stable and versatile HRPLs are a step toward generating an effective lignin-degrading consortium of enzymes that can be secreted from yeast. The stabilize-and-diversify strategy can be applied to other challenging enzyme families to study and expand the utility of natural enzymes.

Recent advances in the utilization of immobilized laccase for the degradation of phenolic compounds in aqueous solutions: A review

Phenolic compounds such as phenol, bisphenol A, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 4-chlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol are well known to be highly detrimental to both human and living beings. Thus, it is of critical importance that suitable remediation technologies are developed to effectively remove phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions. Biodegradation utilizing enzymatic technologies is a promising biotechnological solution to sustainably address the pollution in the aquatic environment as caused by phenolic compounds under a defined environmentally optimized strategy and thus should be investigated in great detail. This review aims to present the latest developments in the employment of immobilized laccase for the degradation of phenolic compounds in water. The review first succinctly delineates the fundamentals of biological enzyme degradation along with a critical discussion on the myriad types of laccase immobilization techniques, which include physical adsorption, ionic adsorption, covalent binding, entrapment, and self-immobilization. Then, this review presents the major properties of immobilized laccase, namely pH stability, thermal stability, reusability, and storage stability, as well as the degradation efficiencies and associated kinetic parameters. In addition, the optimization of the immobilized enzyme, specifically on laccase immobilization methods and multi-enzyme system are critically discussed. Finally, pertinent future perspectives are elucidated in order to significantly advance the developments of this research field to a higher level.

Does Tyrosine Protect S. coelicolor Laccase from Oxidative Degradation or Act as an Extended Catalytic Site?

We have investigated the roles of tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp) residues in the four-electron reduction of oxygen catalyzed by Streptomyces coelicolor laccase (SLAC). During normal enzymatic turnover in laccases, reducing equivalents are delivered to a type 1 Cu center (CuT1) and then are transferred over 13 Å to a trinuclear Cu site (TNC: (CuT3)2CuT2) where O2 reduction occurs. The TNC in SLAC is surrounded by a large cluster of Tyr and Trp residues that can provide reducing equivalents when the normal flow of electrons is disrupted. Prior studies by Canters and co-workers [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131 (33), 11680-11682] have shown that when O2 reacts with a reduced SLAC variant lacking the CuT1 center, a Tyr108• radical near the TNC forms rapidly. We have found that the Tyr108• radical is reduced 10 times faster than CuT12+ by excess ascorbate, possibly because of radical transfer along Tyr/Trp chains.

In silico homology modeling, docking and sequence analysis of some bacterial laccases to unravel enzymatic specificity towards lignin biodegradation

Laccase is a delignifying enzyme that belongs to the oxidoreductase family, and it has long been investigated as a pretreatment agent in biofuel production. In this study, amino acid sequences of five bacterial laccases from Bifidobacterium breve, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudodesulfovibrio hydrargyri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Veillonella rodentium have been retrieved from UniProtKB for sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 7.0 and 3 D structure prediction by homology modeling in SWISS-MODEL. Multiple sequence alignment between all the bacterial laccase sequences revealed a similar structural fold, although the overall protein sequence varied greatly with the substrate binding sites. Further molecular docking in AutoDock Vina and MD stimulation (MDS) in GROMACS for those modelled enzymes were performed considering both apo and ligand bound structures considering both apo and its ligand bound form. Investigation of molecular interaction utilizing docking of five bacterial laccases with three substrates (ABTS, DMP and Guaiacol) revealed that ABTS with K. pneumoniae laccase had the highest binding energy of -7.00 kcal/mol. In the current MDS investigation, bacterial laccases demonstrated greater binding and substrate energy in the ligand bound complex than in the apo form for ABTS, DMP and Guaiacol. In most cases of bacterial laccase, MDS revealed that DMP bound complex was more stable within an average RMSD value lower than 0.5 nm throughout 100 ns time scale. Thus, in silico studies undertaken in this work will be useful in determining the stable enzyme-substrate complex which further might improve the enzymatic catalysis of bacterial laccases for lignin breakdown and biofuel generation.

Designing Artificial Metalloenzymes by Tuning of the Environment beyond the Primary Coordination Sphere

Metalloenzymes catalyze a variety of reactions using a limited number of natural amino acids and metallocofactors. Therefore, the environment beyond the primary coordination sphere must play an important role in both conferring and tuning their phenomenal catalytic properties, enabling active sites with otherwise similar primary coordination environments to perform a diverse array of biological functions. However, since the interactions beyond the primary coordination sphere are numerous and weak, it has been difficult to pinpoint structural features responsible for the tuning of activities of native enzymes. Designing artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) offers an excellent basis to elucidate the roles of these interactions and to further develop practical biological catalysts. In this review, we highlight how the secondary coordination spheres of ArMs influence metal binding and catalysis, with particular focus on the use of native protein scaffolds as templates for the design of ArMs by either rational design aided by computational modeling, directed evolution, or a combination of both approaches. In describing successes in designing heme, nonheme Fe, and Cu metalloenzymes, heteronuclear metalloenzymes containing heme, and those ArMs containing other metal centers (including those with non-native metal ions and metallocofactors), we have summarized insights gained on how careful controls of the interactions in the secondary coordination sphere, including hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions, allow the generation and tuning of these respective systems to approach, rival, and, in a few cases, exceed those of native enzymes. We have also provided an outlook on the remaining challenges in the field and future directions that will allow for a deeper understanding of the secondary coordination sphere a deeper understanding of the secondary coordintion sphere to be gained, and in turn to guide the design of a broader and more efficient variety of ArMs.

Catalytic roles, immobilization and management of recalcitrant environmental pollutants by laccases: Significance in sustainable green chemistry

We are facing a high risk of exposure to emerging contaminants and increasing environmental pollution with the concomitant growth of industries. Persistence of these pollutants is a major concern to the ecosystem. Laccases, also known as "green catalysts" are multi-copper oxidases which offers an eco-friendly solution for the degradation of these hazardous pollutants to less or non-toxic compounds. Although various other biological methods exist for the treatment of pollutants, the fact that laccases catalyze the oxidation of broad range of substrates in the presence of molecular oxygen without any additional cofactor and releases water as the by-product makes them exceptional. They have a good possibility of utilization in various industries, especially for the purpose of bioremediation. Besides this, they have also been used in medical/health care, food industry, bio-bleaching, wine stabilization, organic synthesis and biosensors. This review covers the catalytic behaviour of laccases, their immobilization strategies, potential applications in bioremediation of recalcitrant environmental pollutants and their engineering. It provides a comprehensive summary of most factors to consider while working with laccases in an industrial setting. It compares the benefits and drawbacks of the current techniques. Immobilization and mediators, two of the most significant aspects in working with laccases, have been meticulously discussed.

Considerations regarding affinity determinants for aflatoxin B1 in binding cavity of fungal laccase based on in silico mutational and in vitro verification studies

Laccase, a multicopper oxidase, is well known for its industrial potentials to remove environmental pollutants due to its low substrate specificity to oxidize phenols and thus catalytic versatility. Many efforts focused on the metabolic mechanism, yet to decipher the structural determinants responsible for the differentiation between substrates. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a new substrate for laccase, is a mycotoxin with a formidable environmental threat to public health and food safety. In the present study, we combined biochemical, in silico mutational and molecular-docking data to gain an insight to the function of key residues in the active cavity close to the T1 copper site in a characterized recombinant laccase from Cerrena unicolor (rCuL). Kinetic data for computer-assisted virtual mutants established the binding affinity of hydrogen bonds and residues (Asn336, Asp207, Val391, and Thr165) in rCuL to AFB1. The augmented binding affinity to AFB1 may be related to the conformational rearrangements of the laccase and its ability to hydrogen-bond with the substrate. Furthermore, the optimal pH and temperature for rCuL and variants mediated AFB1 degradation may depend on their pH stability and thermostability. Our findings reinforce the importance of the structure-function relationship of fungal laccases in degrading AFB1, providing mechanistic guidance for future biocatalyst and bioengineering applications.

Enzymatic Oxidation of Ca-Lignosulfonate and Kraft Lignin in Different Lignin-Laccase-Mediator-Systems and MDF Production

Laccase-mediator-oxidized lignin offers replacement for conventional chemical binders to produce fiberboards. Compared to the previously reported laccase–mediator system (LMS), a lignin-laccase-mediator-system (LLMS) has an advantage in that it requires much shorter fiber-enzyme incubation time due to significantly increased redox reactions. However, the cost of regularly applying laccase on an industrial scale is currently too high. We have employed CcLcc5 from cultures of the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea as a novel basi-laccase (a CAZy subfamily AA1_1 laccase) in medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production, in comparison to the commercial formulation Novozym 51003 with recombinantly produced asco-laccase MtL (a CAZy subfamily AA1_3 laccase-like multicopper oxidase from the ascomycete Myceliophthora thermophila). With the best-performing natural mediator 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP), unpurified CcLcc5 was almost as good as formulated Novozym 51003 in increasing the molecular weight (MW) of the technical lignins tested, the hydrophilic high-MW Ca-lignosulfonate and the hydrophobic low-MW kraft lignin (Indulin AT). Oxygen consumption rates of the two distantly related, poorly conserved enzymes (31% sequence identity) with different mediators and lignosulfonate were also comparable, but Indulin AT significantly reduced the oxidative activity of Novozym 51003 unlike CcLcc5, regardless of the mediator used, either DMP or guaiacol. Oxygen uptake by both laccases was much faster with both technical lignins with DMP than with guaiacol. In case of lignosulfonate and DMP, 20–30 min of incubation was sufficient for full oxygen consumption, which fits in well in time with the usual binder application steps in industrial MDF production processes. LLMS-bonded MDF was thus produced on a pilot-plant scale with either crude CcLcc5 or Novozym 51003 at reduced enzyme levels of 5 kU/kg absolutely dry wood fiber with lignosulfonate and mediator DMP. Boards produced with CcLcc5 were comparably good as those made with Novozym 51003. Boards reached nearly standard specifications in internal bond strength (IB) and modulus of rupture (MOR), while thickness swelling (TS) was less good based on the hydrophilic character of lignosulfonate. LLMS-bonded MDF with Indulin AT and DMP performed better in TS but showed reduced IB and MOR values.

Recent advances in tuning redox properties of electron transfer centers in metalloenzymes catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction and H2 oxidation important for fuel cells design

Current fuel-cell catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and H₂ oxidation use precious metals and, for ORR, require high overpotentials. In contrast, metalloenzymes perform their respective reaction at low overpotentials using earth-abundant metals, making metalloenzymes ideal candidates for inspiring electrocatalytic design. Critical to the success of these enzymes are redox-active metal centers surrounding the enzyme active sites that ensure fast electron transfer (ET) to or away from the active site, by tuning the catalytic potential of the reaction as observed in multicopper oxidases but also in dictating the catalytic bias of the reaction as realized in hydrogenases. This review summarizes recent advances in studying these ET centers in multicopper oxidases and heme-copper oxidases that perform ORR and hydrogenases in carrying out H₂ oxidation. Insights gained from understanding how the reduction potential of the ET centers effects reactivity at the active site in both the enzymes and their models are provided.

A Brief History of Colour, the Environmental Impact of Synthetic Dyes and Removal by Using Laccases

The history of colour is fascinating from a social and artistic viewpoint because it shows the way; use; and importance acquired. The use of colours date back to the Stone Age (the first news of cave paintings); colour has contributed to the social and symbolic development of civilizations. Colour has been associated with hierarchy; power and leadership in some of them. The advent of synthetic dyes has revolutionized the colour industry; and due to their low cost; their use has spread to different industrial sectors. Although the percentage of coloured wastewater discharged by the textile; food; pharmaceutical; cosmetic; and paper industries; among other productive areas; are unknown; the toxic effect and ecological implications of this discharged into water bodies are harmful. This review briefly shows the social and artistic history surrounding the discovery and use of natural and synthetic dyes. We summarise the environmental impact caused by the discharge of untreated or poorly treated coloured wastewater to water bodies; which has led to physical; chemical and biological treatments to reduce the colour units so as important physicochemical parameters. We also focus on laccase utility (EC 1.10.3.2), for discolouration enzymatic treatment of coloured wastewater, before its discharge into water bodies. Laccases (p-diphenol: oxidoreductase dioxide) are multicopper oxidoreductase enzymes widely distributed in plants, insects, bacteria, and fungi. Fungal laccases have employed for wastewater colour removal due to their high redox potential. This review includes an analysis of the stability of laccases, the factors that influence production at high scales to achieve discolouration of high volumes of contaminated wastewater, the biotechnological impact of laccases, and the degradation routes that some dyes may follow when using the laccase for colour removal.

Design of bioreactor based on immobilized laccase on silica-chitosan support for phenol removal in continuous mode

A silica-chitosan support was employed for laccase immobilization. The hybrid support was obtained using calcium ion as linking agent that coordinates silanol and hydroxyl groups of chitosan. The insoluble biocatalyst was then packed in a column and used in a flow system for phenol removal. The immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) showed a good storage stability (70 % of activity in 70 days) and good reusability (90-50 % of catalytic activity at the 4th reuse in function of chitosan type). The best performance for the phenol removal was obtained with a low molecular weight chitosan from crab shells at pH 5 and with a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The apparent Michaelis-Menten (V_max^app, K_m^app) and the inherent (V_max^inh, K_m^inh) constants were also determined to evaluate the influence of the phenol structure on the performance of the system. The enzymatic oxidation of a phenol mixture (4-methylcatechol, catechol, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, and tyrosol) was followed for 21 h in a continuous mode by HPLC. The phenol mixture removal of 90 % was also confirmed by Folin-Ciocalteu assay.

Recombinant laccase rPOXA 1B real-time, accelerated and molecular dynamics stability study

Background

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are multi-copper oxidoreductases with great biotechnological importance due to their high oxidative potential and utility for removing synthetic dyes, oxidizing phenolic compounds, and degrading pesticides, among others.

Methods

A real-time stability study (RTS) was conducted for a year, by using enzyme concentrates from 3 batches (L1, L3, and L4). For which, five temperatures 243.15, 277.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K were assayed. Using RTS data and the Arrhenius equation, we calculated the rPOXA 1B accelerated stability (AS). Molecular dynamics (MD) computational study results were very close to those obtained experimentally at four different temperatures 241, 278, 298, and 314 K.

Results

In the RTS, 101.16, 115.81, 75.23, 46.09, 5.81, and 4.83% of the relative enzyme activity were recovered, at respective assayed temperatures. AS study, showed that rPOXA 1B is stable at 240.98 ± 5.38, 277.40 ± 1.32 or 297.53 ± 3.88 K; with t_1/2 values of 230.8, 46.2, and 12.6 months, respectively. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters supported the high stability of rPOXA 1B, with an E_d value of 41.40 KJ mol^− 1, a low variation of K_M and V_max, at 240.98 ± 5.38, and 297.53 ± 3.88 K, and ∆G values showing deactivation reaction does not occur. The MD indicates that fluctuations in loop, coils or loops with hydrophilic or intermediate polarity amino acids as well as in some residues of POXA 1B 3D structure, increases with temperature; changing from three fluctuating residues at 278 K to six residues at 298 K, and nine residues at 314 K.

Conclusions

Laccase rPOXA 1B demonstrated experimentally and computationally to be a stable enzyme, with t_1/2 of 230.8, 46.2 or 12.6 months, if it is preserved impure without preservatives at temperatures of 240.98 ± 5.38, 277.40 ± 1.32 or 297.53 ± 3.88 K respectively; this study could be of great utility for large scale producers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00698-3.

Laccase and Its Mutant Displayed on the Bacillus subtilis Spore Coat for Oxidation of Phenolic Compounds in Organic Solvents

Enzymes displayed on the Bacillus subtilis spore coat have several features that are useful for biocatalysis. The enzyme is preimmobilized on an inert surface of the spore coat, which is due to the natural sporulation process. As a result, protein stability can be increased, and they are resistant to environmental changes. Next, they would not lyse under extreme conditions, such as in organic solvents. Furthermore, they can be easily removed from the reaction solution and reused. The laboratory evolved CotA laccase variant T480A-CotA was used to oxidize the following phenolic substrates: (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and sinapic acid. The kinetic parameters were determined and T480A-CotA had a greater Vmax/Km than wt-CotA for all substrates. The Vmax/Km for T480A-CotA was 4.1, 5.6, and 1.4-fold greater than wt-CotA for (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and sinapic acid, respectively. The activity of wt-CotA and T480A-CotA was measured at different concentrations from 0–70% in organic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile). The Vmax for T480A-CotA was observed to be greater than the wt-CotA in all organic solvents. Finally, the T480A-CotA was recycled 7 times over a 23-h period and up to 60% activity for (+)-catechin remained. The product yield was up to 3.1-fold greater than the wild-type.

Structural analysis and biochemical properties of laccase enzymes from two Pediococcus species

Prokaryotic laccases are emergent biocatalysts. However, they have not been broadly found and characterized in bacterial organisms, especially in lactic acid bacteria. Recently, a prokaryotic laccase from the lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici 5930, which can degrade biogenic amines, was discovered. Thus, our study aimed to shed light on laccases from lactic acid bacteria focusing on two Pediococcus laccases, P. acidilactici 5930 and Pediococcus pentosaceus 4816, which have provided valuable information on their biochemical activities on redox mediators and biogenic amines. Both laccases are able to oxidize canonical substrates as ABTS, ferrocyanide and 2,6-DMP, and non-conventional substrates as biogenic amines. With ABTS as a substrate, they prefer an acidic environment and show sigmoidal kinetic activity, and are rather thermostable. Moreover, this study has provided the first structural view of two lactic acid bacteria laccases, revealing new structural features not seen before in other well-studied laccases, but which seem characteristic for this group of bacteria. We believe that understanding the role of laccases in lactic acid bacteria will have an impact on their biotechnological applications and provide a framework for the development of engineered lactic acid bacteria with enhanced properties.

Rational engineering of the lccβ T. versicolor laccase for the mediator-less oxidation of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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Computational-assisted protein engineering of the binding pocket of laccases.

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Mutants have activity increased up to ~ 300% in a broader pH range compared to the WT.

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Enhanced activity towards bulky PAHs in comparison to the WT enzyme.

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Ability to oxidize harmful PAH model compounds (dyes) that the WT enzyme cannot modify.

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Higher oxidation levels without mediators compared to the WT laccase with mediators.

Laccases are among the most sought-after biocatalyst for many green applications, from biosensors to pollution remedial, because they simply need oxygen from the air to oxidize and degrade a broad range of substrates. However, natural laccases cannot process large and toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) except in the presence of small molecules, called mediators, which facilitate the reaction but are inconvenient for practical on-field applications. Here we exploited structure-based protein engineering to generate rationally modified fungal laccases with increased ability to process bulky PAHs even in a mediator-less reaction. Computational simulations were used to estimate the impact of mutations in the enzymatic binding pocket on the ability to bind and oxidize a selected set of organic compounds. The most promising mutants were produced and their activity was evaluated by biochemical assays with phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. Mutant laccases engineered with a larger binding pocket showed enhanced activity (up to ~ 300% at pH 3.0) in a wider range of pH values (3.0–8.0) in comparison to the wild type enzyme. In contrast to the natural laccase, these mutants efficiently degraded bulky and harmful triphenylmethane dyes such as Ethyl Green (up to 91.64% after 24 h), even in the absence of mediators, with positive implications for the use of such modified laccases in many green chemistry processes (e.g. wastewater treatment).

Stabilization-destabilization and redox properties of laccases from medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum and human pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica

Laccases or benzenediol oxygen oxidoreductases (EC 1.10.3.2) are polyphenol multicopper oxidases that are known for their structural and functional diversity in various life forms. In the present study, the molecular and physico-chemical properties (redox-potential and secondary structures) of fungal laccase isozymes (FLIs) isolated from a medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed and compared with those of the recombinant bacterial laccases (rLac) obtained from different Yersinia enterocolitica strains. It was revealed that the FLIs contained His-Cys-His as the most conserved residue in its domain I Cu site, while the fourth and fifth residues were variable (Ile, Leu, or Phe). Evidently, the cyclic voltammetric measurements of Glac L2 at Type 1 Cu site revealed greater E° for ABTS/ABTS⁺ (0.312 V) and ABTS⁺/ABTS²⁺ (0.773 V) compared to the E° of rLac. Furthermore, circular dichroism-based conformational analysis revealed structural stability of the FLIs at acidic pH (3.0) and low temperature (<30 °C), while the isozymes were destabilized at neutral pH (7.0) and high-temperature conditions (>70 °C). The zymographic studies further confirmed the functional inactivation of FLIs at high temperatures (≥70 °C), predominantly due to domain unfolding. These findings provide novel insight into the evolution of the catalytic efficiency and redox properties of the FLIs, contributing to the existing knowledge regarding stress responses, metabolite production, and the biotechnological utilization of metabolites.

Copper arylnitrene intermediates: formation, structure and reactivity

The mechanism of oxidation of arylamines by copper enzymes is not clarified yet. Here, we explored a reaction between a possible high-valent copper(ii)-oxyl intermediate and arylamine. We have employed a TPA ligand (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) with the NH2 group in position 2 of one of the pyridine rings (TPANH2). This model system allows generation of [(TPANH2)Cu(O)]+ in the gas phase, which immediately undergoes a reaction between the arylamino group and the copper oxyl moiety. The reaction leads to elimination of H2O and formation of a copper-nitrene complex. The structure of the resulting copper-nitrene complex was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy in the gas phase. We show that the copper-nitrene complex reacts by hydrogen atom transfer with 1,4-cyclohexadiene and by an order of magnitude faster by a double hydrogen atom transfer with ethanethiol and methanol. DFT calculations explain the formation of the copper nitrene as well as its reactivity in agreement with the experimental findings.

Enhancing the decolorization activity of Bacillus pumilus W3 CotA-laccase to Reactive Black 5 by site-saturation mutagenesis

Reactive Black 5 (RB5) is a typical refractory azo dye. Widespread utilization of RB5 has caused a variety of environmental and health problems. The enzymatic degradation of RB5 can be a promising solution due to its superiority as an eco-friendly and cost-competitive process. Bacterial CotA-laccase shows great application prospect to eliminate hazardous dyes from wastewater. However, efficient decolorization of RB5 CotA-laccase generally requires the participation of costly, toxic mediators. In the present study, we modified the amino acids Thr415 and Thr418 near the type 1 copper site and the amino acid Gln442 at the entrance of the substrate-binding pocket of Bacillus pumilus W3 CotA-laccase to boost its RB5 decolorization activity based on molecular docking analysis and site-saturation mutagenesis. Through the strategies, two double site mutants T415D/Q442A and T418K/Q442A obtained demonstrated 43.94 and 52.64% RB5 decolorization rates in the absence of a mediator at pH 10.0, respectively, which were about 3.70- and 4.43-fold higher compared with the wild-type CotA-laccase. Unexpectedly, the catalytic efficiency of the T418K/Q442A to ABTS was enhanced by 5.33-fold compared with the wild-type CotA-laccase. The mechanisms of conferring enhanced activity to the mutants were proposed by structural analysis. In summary, the mutants T415D/Q442A and T418K/Q442A have good application potentials for the biodegradation of RB5. KEY POINTS: • Three amino acids of CotA-laccase were manipulated by site-saturation mutagenesis. • Decolorization rate of two mutants to RB5 was enhanced 3.70- and 4.43-fold, respectively. • The mechanisms of awarding enhanced activity to the mutants were supposed.

Comparative Genomics Platform and Phylogenetic Analysis of Fungal Laccases and Multi-Copper Oxidases

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2), a group of multi-copper oxidases (MCOs), play multiple biological functions and widely exist in many species. Fungal laccases have been extensively studied for their industrial applications, however, there was no database specially focused on fungal laccases. To provide a comparative genomics platform for fungal laccases, we have developed a comparative genomics platform for laccases and MCOs (http://laccase.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/). Based on protein domain profiles of characterized sequences, 3,571 laccases were predicted from 690 genomes including 253 fungi. The number of putative laccases and their properties exhibited dynamic distribution across the taxonomy. A total of 505 laccases from 68 genomes were selected and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. As a result, four clades comprised of nine subclades were phylogenetically grouped by their putative functions and analyzed at the sequence level. Our work would provide a workbench for putative laccases mainly focused on the fungal kingdom as well as a new perspective in the identification and classification of putative laccases and MCOs.

Evolved Fusarium oxysporum laccase expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fusarium oxysporum laccase was functionally expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and engineered towards higher expression levels and higher reactivity towards 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, that could be used as a mediator for lignin modification. A combination of classical culture optimization and protein engineering led to around 30 times higher activity in the culture supernatant. The winner mutant exhibited three times lower Km, four times higher kcat and ten times higher catalytic efficiency than the parental enzyme. The strategy for laccase engineering was composed of a combination of random methods with a rational approach based on QM/MM MD studies of the enzyme complex with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Laccase mediator system with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol caused fulvic acids release from biosolubilized coal.

"Yellow" laccase from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a blue laccase that enhances its substrate affinity by forming a reversible tyrosyl-product adduct

Yellow laccases lack the typical blue type 1 Cu absorption band around 600 nm; however, multi-copper oxidases with laccase properties have been reported. We provide the first evidence that the yellow laccase isolated from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is obtained from a blue form by covalent, but nevertheless reversible modification with a phenolic product. After separating the phenolics from the extracellular medium, a typical blue laccase is obtained. With ABTS as model substrate for this blue enzyme, a non-natural purple adduct is formed with a spectrum nearly identical to that of the 1:1 adduct of an ABTS radical and Tyr. This modification significantly increases the stability and substrate affinity of the enzyme, not by acting primarily as bound mediator, but by structural changes that also alters the type 1 Cu site. The HPLC-MS analyses of the ABTS adduct trypsin digests revealed a distinct tyrosine within a unique loop as site involved in the modification of the blue laccase form. Thus, S. sclerotiorum yellow laccase seems to be an intrinsically blue multi-copper oxidase that boosts its activity and stability with a radical-forming aromatic substrate. This particular case could, at least in part, explain the enigma of the yellow laccases.

Laccases: structure, function, and potential application in water bioremediation

The global rise in urbanization and industrial activity has led to the production and incorporation of foreign contaminant molecules into ecosystems, distorting them and impacting human and animal health. Physical, chemical, and biological strategies have been adopted to eliminate these contaminants from water bodies under anthropogenic stress. Biotechnological processes involving microorganisms and enzymes have been used for this purpose; specifically, laccases, which are broad spectrum biocatalysts, have been used to degrade several compounds, such as those that can be found in the effluents from industries and hospitals. Laccases have shown high potential in the biotransformation of diverse pollutants using crude enzyme extracts or free enzymes. However, their application in bioremediation and water treatment at a large scale is limited by the complex composition and high salt concentration and pH values of contaminated media that affect protein stability, recovery and recycling. These issues are also associated with operational problems and the necessity of large-scale production of laccase. Hence, more knowledge on the molecular characteristics of water bodies is required to identify and develop new laccases that can be used under complex conditions and to develop novel strategies and processes to achieve their efficient application in treating contaminated water. Recently, stability, efficiency, separation and reuse issues have been overcome by the immobilization of enzymes and development of novel biocatalytic materials. This review provides recent information on laccases from different sources, their structures and biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and application in the bioremediation and biotransformation of contaminant molecules in water. Moreover, we discuss a series of improvements that have been attempted for better organic solvent tolerance, thermo-tolerance, and operational stability of laccases, as per process requirements.

Structural and biochemical insights into an engineered high-redox potential laccase overproduced in Aspergillus

Fungal laccases have great potential as biocatalysts oxidizing a variety of aromatic compounds using oxygen as co-substrate. Here, the crystal structure of 7D5 laccase (PDB 6H5Y), developed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and overproduced in Aspergillus oryzae, is compared with that of the wild type produced by basidiomycete PM1 (Coriolopsis sp.), PDB 5ANH. SAXS showed both enzymes form monomers in solution, 7D5 laccase with a more oblate geometric structure due to heavier and more heterogeneous glycosylation. The enzyme presents superior catalytic constants towards all tested substrates, with no significant change in optimal pH or redox potential. It shows noticeable high catalytic efficiency with ABTS and dimethyl-4-phenylenediamine, 7 and 32 times better than the wild type, respectively. Computational simulations demonstrated a more favorable binding and electron transfer from the substrate to the T1 copper due to the introduced mutations. PM1 laccase is exceptionally stable to thermal inactivation (t_1/2 70 °C = 1.2 h). Yet, both enzymes display outstanding structural robustness at high temperature. They keep folded during 2 h at 100 °C though, thereafter, 7D5 laccase unfolds faster. Rigidification of certain loops due to the mutations added on the protein surface would diminish the capability to absorb temperature fluctuations leading to earlier protein unfolding.

Aptitude of Oxidative Enzymes for Treatment of Wastewater Pollutants: A Laccase Perspective

Natural water sources are very often contaminated by municipal wastewater discharges which contain either of xenobiotic pollutants and their sometimes more toxic degradation products, or both, which frustrates the universal millenium development goal of provision of the relatively scarce pristine freshwater to water-scarce and -stressed communities, in order to augment their socioeconomic well-being. Seeing that both regulatory measures, as regards the discharge limits of wastewater, and the query for efficient treatment methods remain unanswered, partially, the prospects of enzymatic treatment of wastewater is advisable. Therefore, a reconsideration was assigned to the possible capacity of oxidative enzymes and the respective challenges encountered during their applications in wastewater treatment, and ultimately, the prospects of laccase, a polyphenol oxidase that oxidizes aromatic and inorganic substrates with electron-donating groups in treatment aromatic contaminants of wastewater, in real wastewater situations, since it is assumed to be a vehicle for a greener community. Furthermore, the importance of laccase-driven catalysis toward maintaining mass-energy balance, hence minimizing environmental waste, was comprehensibly elucidated, as well the strategic positioning of laccase in a model wastewater treatment facility for effective treatment of wastewater contaminants.

A comparative structural analysis of the surface properties of asco-laccases

Laccases of different biological origins have been widely investigated and these studies have elucidated fundamentals of the generic catalytic mechanism. However, other features such as surface properties and residues located away from the catalytic centres may also have impact on enzyme function. Here we present the crystal structure of laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila (MtL) to a resolution of 1.62 Å together with a thorough structural comparison with other members of the CAZy family AA1_3 that comprises fungal laccases from ascomycetes. The recombinant protein produced in A. oryzae has a molecular mass of 75 kDa, a pI of 4.2 and carries 13.5 kDa N-linked glycans. In the crystal, MtL forms a dimer with the phenolic substrate binding pocket blocked, suggesting that the active form of the enzyme is monomeric. Overall, the MtL structure conforms with the canonical fold of fungal laccases as well as the features specific for the asco-laccases. However, the structural comparisons also reveal significant variations within this taxonomic subgroup. Notable differences in the T1-Cu active site topology and polar motifs imply molecular evolution to serve different functional roles. Very few surface residues are conserved and it is noticeable that they encompass residues that interact with the N-glycans and/or are located at domain interfaces. The N-glycosylation sites are surprisingly conserved among asco-laccases and in most cases the glycan displays extensive interactions with the protein. In particular, the glycans at Asn88 and Asn210 appear to have evolved as an integral part of the asco-laccase structure. An uneven distribution of the carbohydrates around the enzyme give unique properties to a distinct part of the surface of the asco-laccases which may have implication for laccase function–in particular towards large substrates.

A highly stable laccase obtained by swapping the second cupredoxin domain

The robustness of a high-redox potential laccase has been enhanced by swapping its second cupredoxin domain with that from another fungal laccase, which introduced a pool of neutral mutations in the protein sequence without affecting enzyme functionality. The new laccase showed outstanding stability to temperature, pH (2-9) and to organic solvents, while maintaining the ability to oxidize high-redox potential substrates. By engineering the signal peptide, enzyme secretion levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were increased, which allowed to purify the engineered enzyme for further characterization. The purified domain-swap laccase presented higher activity in the presence of ethanol or methanol, superior half-lives at 50-70 °C, improved stability at acidic pH, and similar catalytic efficiency for DMP albeit a lower one for ABTS (due to a shift in optimum pH). A new N-glycosylation site and a putative new surface salt-bridge were evaluated as possible determinants for the improved stability by site-directed mutagenesis. Although neither seemed to be strictly responsible for the improved thermostability, the new salt bridge was found to notably contribute to the high stability of the swapped enzyme in a broad pH range. Finally, the application potential of the new laccase was demonstrated with the enzymatic treatment of kraft lignin, an industrially relevant lignin stream, at high temperature, neutral pH and short incubation times.

Identification and evaluation of bioremediation potential of laccase isoforms produced by Cyathus bulleri on wheat bran

Multiplicity in laccases among lignin degrading fungal species is of interest as it confers the ability to degrade several types of lignocellulosics. The combination of laccases produced on such substrates could be beneficial for treatment of complex aromatics, including dyes. In this study, we report on production of high units (679.6Ug^-1 substrate) of laccase on solid wheat bran (WB) by Cyathus bulleri. Laccase, purified from the culture filtrates of WB grown fungus, was effective for oxidation of veratryl alcohol, Reactive blue 21 and textile effluent without assistance of externally added mediators. De novo sequencing of the 'purified' laccase lead to identification of several peptides that originated from different laccase genes. Transcriptome analysis of the fungus, cultivated on WB, confirmed presence of 8 isozymes, that were re-amplified and sequenced from the cDNA prepared from WB grown fungus. The 8 isozymes were grouped into 3 classes, based on their sequence relationship with other basidiomycete laccases. The isoforms produced on WB decolorized (by ∼57%) and degraded textile effluent far more effectively, compared to laccase obtained from Basal salt cultivated fungus. The decolorization and degradation was also accompanied by more than 95% reduction in phytotoxicity.

Colorimetric High-Throughput Screening Assays for the Directed Evolution of Fungal Laccases

In this chapter we describe several high-throughput screening assays for the evaluation of mutant libraries for the directed evolution of fungal laccases in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The assays are based on the direct oxidation of three syringyl-type phenols derived from lignin (sinapic acid, acetosyringone, and syringaldehyde), an artificial laccase mediator (violuric acid), and three organic synthetic dyes (Methyl Orange, Evans Blue, and Remazol Brilliant Blue). While the assays with the natural phenols can be used for laccases with low redox potential, the rest are exclusive for high-redox potential laccases. In fact, the violuric acid assay is devised as a method to ascertain that the high-redox potential of laccase is not lost during directed evolution.