Harnessing the biocatalytic attributes and applied perspectives of nanoengineered laccases-A review

Nano-structured polyaniline in biocatalysis: Manifesting simultaneous competence of polyaniline nanofibers and nanotubes as immobilization matrices for laccase mediated synthesis of drug intermediates

Customized nano-biocatalysts of laccase have been made using nano-structured polyaniline viz. nano-fibers and nano-tubes, as immobilization supports and a simultaneous comparison between them has been made. Laccases are poly-phenol oxidases having tremendous utility concerning wider areas of application especially in the field of organic and drug syntheses. Considering importance of laccases in drug syntheses, an effort has been made to immobilize laccase on the nano-structured polyaniline by adsorption. Immobilization was assessed using percentage enzyme loading as well as immobilization efficiency. Further immobilization process was strengthened using statistical optimization (Response Surface Methodology) for the parameters affecting immobilization viz. pH, Stirring rate, Enzyme Support ratio. In comparison to free enzyme, better thermal stability was depicted with almost 3- and 4-fold increase in half-life for immobilized laccase on nanofibers and nanotubes, respectively, at 80 °C. The storage stability of the nano-biocatalysts was revealed by the retention >50 % of higher enzyme activity in comparison to free form, when stored at 4 °C for up to 60 days. Moreover, slow and gradual decline in activity was observed when the immobilized laccase preparations were re-utilized for ten consecutive cycles of guaiacol oxidation. Greater than 60 % retention of enzyme activity after consistent catalytic cycles renders the utilization of immobilization preparations in industrial biocatalysis. Manifestation of efficient nano-biocatalysts has portrayed superior enzyme kinetics in rendering efficient biotransformations of ortho-phenylenediamine analogues to subsequent Phenazines which are known to possess therapeutic properties ranging from anti-microbial to anti-proliferative and so on.

Fabrication, characterization, and application of laccase-immobilized membranes for acetamiprid and diuron degradation

Water and wastewater pollution by acetamiprid and diuron is considered a serious environmental problem. In this study, chitosan (CHS), a naturally occurring bioadsorbent considered ecologically harmless to remove these micropollutants, was developed as a possible carrier to immobilize laccase (Lac) from Trametes trogii. Polyethylene glycol methyl ether (PEGME) was chosen for blending CHS, so a hybrid biocatalyst-based Lac/CHS-PEGME membrane was prepared. The prepared CHS-PEGME and Lac/CHS-PEGME membranes were characterized by Fourier-transformed-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM), and X-ray-diffraction (XRD). Pesticide degradation tests with Lac/CHS-PEGME were performed at different contact times and initial concentrations. Acetamiprid degradation was most effective (84 %) at the 12th hour, at an initial concentration of 0.1 mg/L, while diuron degradation was most effective (65 %) at an initial concentration of 6 mg/L and a contact time of 16th hour. Under optimum conditions, the reusability of Lac/CHS-PEGME was found to be 8 cycles for acetamiprid and 5 cycles for diuron. From these results, it is understood that acetamiprid is degraded more quickly and effectively than diuron. Adsorption process data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. These findings showed that using Lac/CHS-PEGME was a practical and environmentally friendly method for acetamiprid and diuron degradation.

Revolutionizing protein hydrolysis in wastewater: Innovative immobilization of metagenome-derived protease in periodic mesoporous organosilica with imidazolium framework

This research focused on utilizing periodic mesoporous organosilica with imidazolium framework (PMO-IL), to immobilize a metagenome-sourced protease (PersiProtease1), thereby enhancing its functional efficiency and catalytic effectiveness in processing primary proteins found in tannery wastewater. The successful immobilization of enzyme was confirmed through the use of N2 adsorption-desorption experiment, XRD, FTIR, TEM, FESEM, EDS and elemental analytical techniques. The immobilized enzyme exhibited greater stability in the presence of various metal ions and inhibitors compared to its free form. Furthermore, enzyme binding to PMO-IL nanoparticles (NPs) reduced leaching, evidenced by only 11.41 % of enzyme leakage following a 120-min incubation at 80 °C and 6.99 % after 240 min at 25 °C. Additionally, PersiPro@PMO-IL maintained impressive operational consistency, preserving 62.24 % of its activity over 20 cycles. It also demonstrated notable stability under saline conditions, with an increase of 1.5 times compared to the free enzyme in the presence of 5 M NaCl. The rate of collagen hydrolysis by the immobilized protease was 46.82 % after a 15-minute incubation at 60 °C and marginally decreased to 39.02 % after 20 cycles indicative of sustained efficacy without significant leaching throughout the cycles. These findings underscore the effectiveness of PMO-IL NPs as a viable candidate for treating wastewater containing protein.

A review of nanotechnology in enzyme cascade to address challenges in pre-treating biomass

Nanotechnology has become a revolutionary technique for improving the preliminary treatment of lignocellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels. Traditional methods of pre-treatment have encountered difficulties in effectively degrading the intricate lignocellulosic composition, thereby impeding the conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of enzyme cascade processes that present a potential solution for addressing the limitations. The focus of this review article is to delve into the utilization of nanotechnology in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass through enzyme cascade processes. The review commences with an analysis of the composition and structure of lignocellulosic biomass, followed by a discussion on the drawbacks associated with conventional pre-treatment techniques. The subsequent analysis explores the importance of efficient pre-treatment methods in the context of biofuel production. We thoroughly investigate the utilization of nanotechnology in the pre-treatment of enzyme cascades across three distinct sections. Nanomaterials for enzyme immobilization, enhanced enzyme stability and activity through nanotechnology, and nanocarriers for controlled enzyme delivery. Moreover, the techniques used to analyse nanomaterials and the interactions between enzymes and nanomaterials are introduced. This review emphasizes the significance of comprehending the mechanisms underlying the synergy between nanotechnology and enzymes establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly nanotechnology applications.

Recent Progress and Future Prospects of Laccase Immobilization on MOF Supports for Industrial Applications

Laccase is a multicopper oxidoreductase enzyme that can oxidize organics such as phenolic compounds. Laccases appear to be unstable at room temperature, and their conformation often changes in a strongly acidic or alkaline environment, making them less effective. Therefore, rationally linking enzymes with supports can effectively improve the stability and reusability of native enzymes and add important industrial value. However, in the process of immobilization, many factors may lead to a decrease in enzymatic activity. Therefore, the selection of a suitable support can ensure the activity and economic utilization of immobilized catalysts. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous and simple hybrid support materials. Moreover, the characteristics of the metal ion ligand of MOFs can enable a potential synergistic effect with the metal ions of the active center of metalloenzymes, enhancing the catalytic activity of such enzymes. Therefore, in addition to summarizing the biological characteristics and enzymatic properties of laccase, this article reviews laccase immobilization using MOF supports, as well as the application prospects of immobilized laccase in many fields.

A graphitized carbon@boron carbide-mediated laccase-based amperometric biosensor for epinephrine detection

The development of novel electron transfer mediator is important for laccase-based electrochemical biosensors. Here, graphitized carbon coated boron carbide (GC@B4C) was first used as the mediator to transfer electrons from laccase (Lac) to nickel foam (NF) electrode. The GC shell of GC@B4C particles was characterized and confirmed by HRTEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The fabricated Lac/GC@B4C/NF electrode was applied for amperometric detection of epinephrine (EP). Detection results indicated Lac/GC@B4C/NF electrode has wide linear range (0.1 µM-2.6 mM), low detection limit (40 nM), high sensitivity (76.05 µA mM-1), strong anti-interference ability and favorable stability for EP detection. This work opened up the use of nonmetallic carbide as the mediator for enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors.

Research Progress in Enzyme Biofuel Cells Modified Using Nanomaterials and Their Implementation as Self-Powered Sensors

Enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs) can convert chemical or biochemical energy in fuel into electrical energy, and therefore have received widespread attention. EBFCs have advantages that traditional fuel cells cannot match, such as a wide range of fuel sources, environmental friendliness, and mild reaction conditions. At present, research on EBFCs mainly focuses on two aspects: one is the use of nanomaterials with excellent properties to construct high-performance EBFCs, and the other is self-powered sensors based on EBFCs. This article reviews the applied nanomaterials based on the working principle of EBFCs, analyzes the design ideas of self-powered sensors based on enzyme biofuel cells, and looks forward to their future research directions and application prospects. This article also points out the key properties of nanomaterials in EBFCs, such as electronic conductivity, biocompatibility, and catalytic activity. And the research on EBFCs is classified according to different research goals, such as improving battery efficiency, expanding the fuel range, and achieving self-powered sensors.

Laccase immobilized on nanocomposites for wastewater pollutants degradation: current status and future prospects

The bio-enzyme degradation technology is a promising approach to sustainably remove pollution in the water and laccase is one of the most widely used enzymes in this area. Nevertheless, the further industrial application of laccase is limited by low stability, short service, low reusability and high price. The immobilization technology can significantly improve the stability and reusability of enzymes and thus promoting their industrial applications. Nanocomposite materials have been developed and applied in the efficient immobilization of laccase due to their superior physical, chemical, and biological performance. This paper presents a comprehensive review of various nanocomposite immobilization methods for laccase and the consequent changes in enzymatic properties post-immobilization. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on the factors that impact laccase immobilization and its water removal efficiency. Furthermore, this review examines the effectiveness of common contaminants' removal mechanisms while summarizing and discussing issues related to laccase immobilization on nanocomposite carriers. This review aims to provide valuable guidance for enhancing laccase immobilization efficiency and enzymatic water pollutant removal.

Green Synthesized Iron-Coated Silver Nanoparticles: Economic Bimetallic Nanoparticles Potential Against Methicillin-Resistance Staphylococcus aureus

Iron coating was introduced as one of the novel techniques to improve physicochemical and biological properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In the current experiment, impact of iron coating on the antimicrobial potency of AgNPs was investigated against methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To obtain more accurate data about the antimicrobial potency of examined nanostructures, the experiment was done on the 10 isolates of MRSA which were isolated from skin lesions. AgNPs and iron-coated AgNPs (Fe@AgNPs) were fabricated based on a green one-pot reaction procedure. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Fe@AgNPs was not significantly different with MIC of AgNPs against eight out of 10 examined MRSA isolates. Also, by iron coating a reduction in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs was observed against two MRSA isolates. The average MIC of AgNPs against 10 MRSA isolates was calculated to be 2.16 ± 0.382 mg/mL and this value was reduced to 1.70 ± 0.638 mg/mL for Fe@AgNPs. However, this difference was not considered significant statistically (P-value > 0.05). From productivity point of view, it was found that iron coating would improve the productivity of the synthesis reaction more than fivefold. Productivity of AgNPs was calculated to be 1.02 ± 0.07 g/L, meanwhile this value was 5.25 ± 0.05 g/L for Fe@AgNPs. Iron coating may provide another economic benefit to reduce final price of AgNPs. It is obvious that the price of a particular nanostructure made of silver and iron is significantly lower than that of pure silver. These findings can be considered for the fabrication of economic and potent antimicrobial nanoparticles.

Microbial functionalities and immobilization of environmental lead: Biogeochemical and molecular mechanisms and implications for bioremediation

The increasing environmental and human health concerns about lead in the environment have stimulated scientists to search for microbial processes as innovative bioremediation strategies for a suite of different contaminated media. In this paper, we provide a compressive synthesis of existing research on microbial mediated biogeochemical processes that transform lead into recalcitrant precipitates of phosphate, sulfide, and carbonate, in a genetic, metabolic, and systematics context as they relate to application in both laboratory and field immobilization of environmental lead. Specifically, we focus on microbial functionalities of phosphate solubilization, sulfate reduction, and carbonate synthesis related to their respective mechanisms that immobilize lead through biomineralization and biosorption. The contributions of specific microbes, both single isolates or consortia, to actual or potential applications in environmental remediation are discussed. While many of the approaches are successful under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, field application requires optimization for a host of variables, including microbial competitiveness, soil physical and chemical parameters, metal concentrations, and co-contaminants. This review challenges the reader to consider bioremediation approaches that maximize microbial competitiveness, metabolism, and the associated molecular mechanisms for future engineering applications. Ultimately, we outline important research directions to bridge future scientific research activities with practical applications for bioremediation of lead and other toxic metals in environmental systems.

Nanostructured supports for multienzyme co-immobilization for biotechnological applications: Achievements, challenges and prospects

The synergistic combination of current biotechnological and nanotechnological research has turned to multienzyme co-immobilization as a promising concept to design biocatalysis engineering. It has also intensified the development and deployment of multipurpose biocatalysts, for instance, multienzyme co-immobilized constructs, via biocatalysis/protein engineering to scale-up and fulfil the ever-increasing industrial demands. Considering the characteristic features of both the loaded multienzymes and nanostructure carriers, i.e., selectivity, specificity, stability, resistivity, induce activity, reaction efficacy, multi-usability, high catalytic turnover, optimal yield, ease in recovery, and cost-effectiveness, multienzyme-based green biocatalysts have become a powerful norm in biocatalysis/protein engineering sectors. In this context, the current state-of-the-art in enzyme engineering with a synergistic combination of nanotechnology, at large, and nanomaterials, in particular, are significantly contributing and providing robust tools to engineer and/or tailor enzymes to fulfil the growing catalytic and contemporary industrial needs. Considering the above critics and unique structural, physicochemical, and functional attributes, herein, we spotlight important aspects spanning across prospective nano-carriers for multienzyme co-immobilization. Further, this work comprehensively discuss the current advances in deploying multienzyme-based cascade reactions in numerous sectors, including environmental remediation and protection, drug delivery systems (DDS), biofuel cells development and energy production, bio-electroanalytical devices (biosensors), therapeutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical oriented applications. In conclusion, the continuous developments in nano-assembling the multienzyme loaded co-immobilized nanostructure carriers would be a unique way that could act as a core of modern biotechnological research.

Hierarchically-structured laccase@Ni3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers for antibiotic degradation: Application in real wastewater effluent and toxicity evaluation

Laccase@Ni₃(PO₄)₂ hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs) were prepared by the anisotropic growth of biomineralized nickel phosphate. The immobilization yield was 77.5 ± 3.6 %, and the immobilized enzyme retained 50 % of its initial activity after 18 reusability cycles. The immobilized and free enzymes lost 80 % of their activity after 18 and 6 h incubation in municipal wastewater effluent (MWWE), respectively. The increase in α-helix content (8 %) following immobilization led to a more rigid enzyme structure, potentially contributing to its improved stability. The removal of ciprofloxacin from MWWE by laccase@Ni₃(PO₄)₂·HNFs/p-coumaric acid oxidation system was optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Under the optimized conditions [initial laccase activity (0.05 U mL^-1), the concentration of p-coumaric acid (2.9 mM), and treatment time (4.9 h)], the biocatalyst removed 90 % of ciprofloxacin (10 mg L^-1) from MWWE. The toxicity of ciprofloxacin against some G⁺ and G^- bacteria was reduced by 35-70 %, depending on their strain. The EC₅₀ of ciprofloxacin for the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata reduced from 3.08 to 1.07 mg L^-1 (p-value <0.05) after the bioremoval. Also, the acute and chronic toxicity of identified biodegradation products was lower than ciprofloxacin at three trophic levels, as predicted by ECOSAR software.

Biological pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for the production of fungal laccase and bacterial cellulase

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is a promising source of appreciable quantities of fermentable sugars. However, the presence of lignin hinders utilization of these carbohydrates and hence pretreatment to remove lignin is necessarily carried out. Here, a biological pretreatment method was synchronized with the production of a thermostable cellulase using SB as a raw material. Initially, bagasse was fermented by a laccase producing fungus, Trametes pubescens MB 89 under solid state fermentation (SSF) and a titer of 1758 IU mL^-1 of laccase was obtained. Investigations of nine factors affecting laccase production through Plackett Burman design improved the titers to 6539 IU mL^-1 . Five factors (incubation period, concentration of CuSO₄ , temperature, moisture content, and particle size) were found significant which were optimized through Central Composite design leading to an improvement in the titers by ~5 folds (8841 IU mL^-1 ). Biologically pretreated SB was fermented by a thermophilic bacterium, Neobacillus sedimentimangrovi UE25, that yielded 8.64 IU mL^-1 of cellulase. Delignification and cellulose utilization were affirmed by structural analysis through FTIR and SEM. The synchronized process yielded higher titers of laccase and cellulase under SSF of SB with the minimum use of corrosive chemicals.

Trimesic acid-modified magnetic gum as a highly efficient and recyclable biocatalyst for the one-pot green synthesis of condensation reactions

In this work, a novel and efficient magnetic biocatalyst was designed, prepared and identified using cherry tree gum as a biopolymer functionalized with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (gum@Fe₃O₄@BTA). The obtained biocatalyst was prepared using available and cheap materials in an easy process. This biocatalyst was used as an efficient catalyst with high catalytic activity for the synthesis of a three-component one-pot protocol and four-component one-pot protocol of tetrahydro-4H-chromene derivatives and polyhydroquinoline derivatives in EtOH green solvent under reflux conditions, respectively. The synthesized heterogeneous biocatalysts were identified and analyzed by FT-IR, EDS, FESEM, TGA and XRD techniques. The synthesis of tetrahydro-4H-chromene and polyhydroquinoline derivatives by using this biocatalyst has advantages such as high efficiency, short reaction time, simple work method, absence of dangerous solvents, environmentally friendly conditions, easy separation of the biocatalyst by an external magnet, and the ability reuse for five periods without significant decrease in catalytic activity.

Graphene oxide/chitosan composites as novel support to provide high yield and stable formulations of pectinase for industrial applications

An extracellular pectinase from a mixed consortium of Bacillus sp. (BSP) was immobilized onto graphene oxide/chitosan composite (GO/CS) through covalent binding to enhance its recycling and operational stability features. Different parameters were optimized, including cross-linker concentration (%), time, pH, and GO/CS-pectinase ratios. GO/CS-pectinase was further characterized by FT-IR and XRD. The activity of GO/CS-pectinase was reached up to 804 μmolmin-1 with an immobilization efficiency of 80.64 ± 1.15 % under optimum conditions. GO/CS-pectinase exhibited a 3.0-folds higher half-life (t1/2) than free pectinase at 50, 55, and 60 °C, respectively. The Vmax and KM values of GO/CS-pectinase were found to be nearly equal to the free pectinase indicating that conformational flexibility was retained. Kd, t1/2, ∆G*, ∆H*, and ∆S* of both free pectinase and GO/CS-pectinase was 0.0339 & 0.0721 min-1, 9.62 and 40.44 min, 81.35, 90.72 kJmol-1, 47.098 & 63.635 kJmol-1, -102.86 & -81.340 Jmole-1 K-1. SEM morphological analysis further confirmed the successful binding of pectinase with GO/CS, which retained about 92 % of its original catalytic activity after ten consecutive reaction cycles. Finally, GO/CS-pectinase was employed for guava juice clarification which exhibited the turbidity reduction up to 81 % after 75 min of treatment.

Expanding the Scope of Nanobiocatalysis and Nanosensing: Applications of Nanomaterial Constructs

The synergistic interaction between advanced biotechnology and nanotechnology has allowed the development of innovative nanomaterials. Those nanomaterials can conveniently act as supports for enzymes to be employed as nanobiocatalysts and nanosensing constructs. These systems generate a great capacity to improve the biocatalytic potential of enzymes by improving their stability, efficiency, and product yield, as well as facilitating their purification and reuse for various bioprocessing operating cycles. The different specific physicochemical characteristics and the supramolecular nature of the nanocarriers obtained from different economical and abundant sources have allowed the continuous development of functional nanostructures for different industries such as food and agriculture. The remarkable biotechnological potential of nanobiocatalysts and nanosensors has generated applied research and use in different areas such as biofuels, medical diagnosis, medical therapies, environmental bioremediation, and the food industry. The objective of this work is to present the different manufacturing strategies of nanomaterials with various advantages in biocatalysis and nanosensing of various compounds in the industry, providing great benefits to society and the environment.

Nanomaterials as Redox Mediators in Laccase-Based Amperometric Biosensors for Catechol Assay

Laccase is a copper-containing enzyme that does not require hydrogen peroxide as a co-substrate or additional cofactors for an enzymatic reaction. Nanomaterials of various chemical structures are usually applied to the construction of enzyme-based biosensors. Metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, and composite NPs perform various functions in electrochemical transformation schemes as a platform for the enzyme immobilization, a mediator of an electron transfer, and a signal amplifier. We describe here the development of amperometric biosensors (ABSs) based on laccase and redox-active micro/nanoparticles (hereafter—NPs), which were immobilized on a graphite electrode (GE). For this purpose, we isolated a highly purified enzyme from the fungus Trametes zonatus, and then synthesized bi- and trimetallic NPs of noble and transition metals, as well as hexacyanoferrates (HCF) of noble metals; these were layered onto the surfaces of GEs. The electroactivity of many of the NPs immobilized on the GEs was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments. The most effective mediators of electron transfer were selected as the platform for the development of laccase-based ABSs. As a result, a number of catechol-sensitive ABSs were constructed and characterized. The laccase/CuCo/GE was demonstrated to possess the highest sensitivity to catechol (4523 A·M⁻¹·m⁻²) among the tested ABSs. The proposed ABSs may be promising for the analysis of phenolic derivatives in real samples of drinking water, wastewater, and food products.

A pilot study for enhanced transformation of a metabolite 3,5-dichloroaniline derived from dicarboximide fungicides through immobilized laccase mediator system

This pilot investigation aimed to evaluate the removal efficiency and the underlying biocatalytic pathways of immobilized fungal laccase during the oxidative biotransformation of a non-phenolic metabolite, 3,5-dichloroaniline (3,5-DCA) derived from dicarboximide fungicides. The maximum loading of laccase on the microporous support surfaces could reach 36.4 mg/g. The immobilized laccase on the microporous support surfaces exhibited excellent thermal stability, pH adaptability, storage stability, and reusability compared to free laccase. The ILMS assay indicated that the immobilized laccase efficiently removed studied 3,5-DCA (99-100%) in the aqueous medium, within 72 h in the presence of catechol. In this study, we identified three coupling reaction products during the removal of 3,5-DCA through an ILMS assay. Based on the identified coupling reaction products, we proposed the reaction pathway for the biotransformation of 3,5-DCA by immobilized laccase, which was shown to be potentially useful in the sustainable environmental remediation of aniline metabolite (i.e., 3,5-DCA) derived from dicarboximide fungicides.

Instantaneous synthesis and full characterization of organic-inorganic laccase-cobalt phosphate hybrid nanoflowers

A novel approach termed the "concentrated method" was developed for the instant fabrication of laccase@Co₃(PO₄)₂•hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs). The constructed HNFs were obtained by optimizing the concentration of cobalt chloride and phosphate buffer to reach the highest activity recovery. The incorporation of 30 mM CoCl₂ and 160 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) resulted in a fast anisotropic growth of the nanomaterials. The purposed method did not involve harsh conditions and prolonged incubation of precursors, as the most reported approaches for the synthesis of HNFs. The catalytic efficiency of the immobilized and free laccase was 460 and 400 M⁻¹S⁻¹, respectively. Also, the enzymatic activity of the prepared biocatalyst was 113% of the free enzyme (0.5 U mL⁻¹). The stability of the synthesized HNFs was enhanced by 400% at pH 6.5–9.5 and the elevated temperatures. The activity of laccase@Co₃(PO₄)₂•HNFs declined to 50% of the initial value after 10 reusability cycles, indicating successful immobilization of the enzyme. Structural studies revealed a 32% increase in the α-helix content after hybridization with cobalt phosphate, which improved the activity and stability of the immobilized laccase. Furthermore, the fabricated HNFs exhibited a considerable ability to remove moxifloxacin as an emerging pollutant. The antibiotic (10 mg L⁻¹) was removed by 24% and 75% after 24 h through adsorption and biodegradation, respectively. This study introduces a new method for synthesizing HNFs, which could be used for the fabrication of efficient biocatalysts, biosensors, and adsorbents for industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications.

Design of laccase-metal-organic framework hybrid constructs for biocatalytic removal of textile dyes

This study aims to present a simple and effective carrier matrix to immobilize laccase as opposed to complex and tedious immobilization processes and also to use it in the removal of textile dyes. For this purpose, Cobalt (Co) and Copper (Cu) based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared and laccase was immobilized on two different MOFs via encapsulation. The characterization outcomes showed that laccase was well immobilized into MOF supports. Optimum pH and temperature were found for Lac/Co-MOF (pH 4.5 at 50 °C) and Lac/Cu-MOF (pH 5.0 at 50 °C). The Km (0.03 mM) and Vmax (97.4 μmol/min) values of Lac/Cu-MOF were lower than those of Lac/Co-MOF (Km = 0.13 mM, Vmax = 230.7 μmol/min). The immobilized laccases showed good reusability as well as improved resistance to temperature denaturation and high storage stability. For instance, the Lac/Co-MOF and Lac/Cu-MOF retained more than 58% activity after 4 weeks of storage at room temperature. Meanwhile, Lac/Co-MOF and Lac/Cu-MOF maintained 56.5% and 55.8% of their initial activity, respectively, after 12 reuse cycles. Moreover, thermal deactivation kinetic studies of immobilized laccases displayed lower k value, higher t_1/2, and enhancement of thermodynamic parameters, which means better thermostability. Finally, the decolorization activities for the Lac/Co-MOF were 78% and 61% at the 5th cycle for Reactive Blue 171 and Reactive Blue 198, respectively. In conclusion, it can be inferred that the MOFs are more sustainable and beneficial support for laccase immobilization and they can be efficient for removing textile dyes from industrial wastes.

Degradation and Detection of Endocrine Disruptors by Laccase-Mimetic Polyoxometalates

Endocrine disruptors are newly identified water contaminants and immediately caught worldwide concern. An effort has been made to degrade endocrine disruptors in the water body by relying on laccase-assisted approaches, including laccase-mediated catalytic systems, immobilized laccase catalytic systems, and nano-catalytic systems based on atypical protein enzymes. Analogous to laccases, polyoxometalates (POMs) have a similar size as these enzymes. They are also capable of using oxygen as an electron acceptor, which could assist the removal of endocrine disruptors in water. This perspective begins with a brief introduction to endocrine disruptors and laccases, summarizes current approaches employing laccases, and focuses on the nano-catalytic systems that mimic the function of laccases. Among the inorganic nanoparticles, POMs meet the design requirements and are easy for large-scale production. The catalytic performance of POMs in water treatment is highlighted, and an example of using polyoxovanadates for endocrine disruptor degradation is given at the end of this perspective. Exploring laccase-mimetic POMs will give key insights into the degradation of emergent water contaminants.

Free and immobilized biocatalysts for removing micropollutants from water and wastewater: Recent progress and challenges

Enzymatic conversion of micropollutants into less-toxic derivatives is an important bioremediation strategy. This paper aims to critically review the progress in water and wastewater treatment by both free and immobilized enzymes presenting this approach as highly efficient and performed under environmentally benign and friendly conditions. The review also summarises the effects of inorganic and organic wastewater matrix constituents on enzymatic activity and degradation efficiency of micropollutants. Finally, application of enzymatic reactors facilitate continuous treatment of wastewater and obtaining of pure final effluents. Of a particular note, enzymatic treatment of micropollutants from wastewater has been mostly reported by laboratory scale studies. Thus, this review also highlights key research gaps of the existing techniques and provides future perspectives to facilitate the transfer of the lab-scale solutions to a larger scale and to improve operationability of biodegradation processes.

The beauty of biocatalysis: sustainable synthesis of ingredients in cosmetics

Covering: 2015 up to July 2021The market for cosmetics is consumer driven and the desire for green, sustainable and natural ingredients is increasing. The use of isolated enzymes and whole-cell organisms to synthesise these products is congruent with these values, especially when combined with the use of renewable, recyclable or waste feedstocks. The literature of biocatalysis for the synthesis of ingredients in cosmetics in the past five years is herein reviewed.

Multi-enzyme co-immobilized nano-assemblies: Bringing enzymes together for expanding bio-catalysis scope to meet biotechnological challenges

Co-immobilization of multi-enzymes has emerged as a promising concept to design and signify bio-catalysis engineering. Undoubtedly, the existence and importance of basic immobilization methods such as encapsulation, covalent binding, cross-linking, or even simple adsorption cannot be ignored as they are the core of advanced co-immobilization strategies. Different strategies have been developed and deployed to green the twenty-first century bio-catalysis. Moreover, co-immobilization of multi-enzymes has successfully resolved the limitations of individual enzyme loaded constructs. With an added value of this advanced bio-catalysis engineering platform, designing, and fabricating co-immobilized enzymes loaded nanostructure carriers to perform a particular set of reactions with high catalytic turnover is of supreme interest. Herein, we spotlight the emergence of co-immobilization strategies by bringing multi-enzymes together with various types of nanocarriers to expand the bio-catalysis scope. Following a brief introduction, the first part of the review focuses on multienzyme co-immobilization strategies, i.e., random co-immobilization, compartmentalization, and positional co-immobilization. The second part comprehensively covers four major categories of nanocarriers, i.e., carbon based nanocarriers, polymer based nanocarriers, silica-based nanocarriers, and metal-based nanocarriers along with their particular examples. In each section, several critical factors that can affect the performance and successful deployment of co-immobilization of enzymes are given in this work.

Robust nanocarriers to engineer nanobiocatalysts for bioprocessing applications

The synergistic integration of bio-catalysis engineering with nanostructured materials, as unique multifunctional carrier matrices, has emerged as a new interface of nanobiocatalysis (NBC). NBC is an emerging innovation that offers significant considerations to expand the designing and fabrication of robust catalysts at the nanoscale with improved catalytic characteristics for multipurpose bioprocessing applications. In addition, nanostructured materials with unique structural, physical, chemical, and functional entities have manifested significant contributions in mimicking the enzyme microenvironment. A fine-tuned enzyme microenvironment with an added-value of NBC offers chemo- regio- and stereo- selectivities and specificities. Furthermore, NBC is growing rapidly and will become a powerful norm in bio-catalysis with much controlled features, such as selectivity, specificity, stability, resistivity, induce activity, reaction efficacy, multi-usability, improved mass transfer efficiency, high catalytic turnover, optimal yield, ease in recovery, and cost-effectiveness. Considering the above critics and unique structural, physicochemical, and functional attributes, herein, we present and discuss advances in NBC and its bioprocessing applications in different fields. Briefly, this review is focused on four parts, i.e., (1) NBC as a drive towards applied nanobiocatalysts (as an introduction with opportunities), (2) promising nanocarriers to develop nanobiocatalysts, (3) applications in the fields of biotransformation, biofuel production, carbohydrate hydrolysis, bio-/nanosensing, detergent formulations, and extraction and purification of value-added compounds, and (4) current challenges, concluding remarks, and future trends.

Nano and micro architectured cues as smart materials to mitigate recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater

Pharmaceuticals have been recognized for saving billions of lives, but they also appear as a novel group of environmental pollutants. The presence of pharmaceutically active residues in seawater, surface water, wastewater treatment plants, sludges, and soils has been widely reported. Their persistence in the environment for extended durations exerts various adverse consequences, such as gene toxicity, hormonal interference, antibiotic resistance, sex organs imposition, and many others. Various methodologies have been envisioned for their removal from the aqueous media. Different processes have been restricted due to high cost, inefficient removal, generation of toxic materials, and high capital requirement. The employment of nanostructured materials to mitigate pharmaceutical contaminants has been increasing during the last decades. The adsorptive nanomaterials have a high surface area, low cost, eco-friendliness, and high affinity for inorganic and organic molecules. In this review, we have documented the rising concerns of environmental pharmaceutical contamination and their remediation by applications of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials could be a robust candidate for the removal of an array of environmental contaminants in water.

Trends in predictive biodegradation for sustainable mitigation of environmental pollutants: Recent progress and future outlook

The feasibility of in-silico techniques, together with the computational framework, has been applied to predictive bioremediation aiming to clean-up contaminants, toxicity evaluation, and possibilities for the degradation of complex recalcitrant compounds. Emerging contaminants from different industries have posed a significant hazard to the environment and public health. Given current bioremediation strategies, it is often a failure or inadequate for sustainable mitigation of hazardous pollutants. However, clear-cut vital information about biodegradation is quite incomplete from a conventional remediation techniques perspective. Lacking complete information on bio-transformed compounds leads to seeking alternative methods. Only scarce information about the transformed products and toxicity profile is available in the published literature. To fulfill this literature gap, various computational or in-silico technologies have emerged as alternating techniques, which are being recognized as in-silico approaches for bioremediation. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and biodegradation pathways predictions are the vital part of predictive biodegradation, including the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), Quantitative structure-biodegradation relationship (QSBR) model system. Furthermore, machine learning (ML), artificial neural network (ANN), genetic algorithm (GA) based programs offer simultaneous biodegradation prediction along with toxicity and environmental fate prediction. Herein, we spotlight the feasibility of in-silico remediation approaches for various persistent, recalcitrant contaminants while traditional bioremediation fails to mitigate such pollutants. Such could be addressed by exploiting described model systems and algorithm-based programs. Furthermore, recent advances in QSAR modeling, algorithm, and dedicated biodegradation prediction system have been summarized with unique attributes.

Cloning, Overexpression, and Characterization of a Thermostable, Organic Solvent-Tolerant Laccase from Bacillus pumilus ARA and Its Application to Dye Decolorization

A thermostable and organic solvent-tolerant bacterial laccase from Bacillus pumilus ARA has been expressed heterologously and characterized, which shows potential decolorization capacity to various types of industrial synthetic dyes. The optimal temperature and pH were 85 °C and 3.5, respectively, while the purified recombinant laccase B.P.Lacc was stable under 55-75 °C and pH 5.0-8.0 conditions. The apparent kinetic parameters K m and V max of B.P.Lacc for ABTS as the substrate were 0.33 mM and 32.4 U/mg, respectively. Ethanol (1%, v/v) and methanol (2%, v/v) could stimulate the enzyme activity. The recombinant laccase retained over 95% of its initial activity in 10% (v/v) methanol. The optimal expression conditions for the laccase production of B.P.Lacc in LB medium were obtained: induction temperature of 25 °C, 0.4 mM Cu2+, and 1.0 mM IPTG added into the culture. After 5 h, the final laccase production was 1283 U/mL. Moreover, the laccase activity increased to 4822 U/mL after follow-up 2 h stationary cultivation, with about a 3.76-fold increase. The purified B.P.Lacc was able to efficiently decolorize synthetic dyes combined with mediators. Adding 1.0 mM ABTS, more than 90% of BRRB was decolorized by the enzyme, whether at pH 4.0 or pH 7.9. The outstanding enzymatic properties suggested that B.P.Lacc may be suitable for a wide application in future biodegradation fields.