Efficient Breakdown and Detox of Various Dyes by Enzyme from Medicinal Mushroom

Jenn Hoskins
21st May, 2024

Efficient Breakdown and Detox of Various Dyes by Enzyme from Medicinal Mushroom

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Central China Normal University found that LAC-4 laccase can efficiently decolorize various industrial dyes, achieving up to 99.94% efficiency for some dyes within 24 hours
  • The enzyme also showed over 80% decolorization efficiency for mixtures of different dyes, with some combinations improving the degradation of otherwise hard-to-degrade dyes
  • LAC-4 laccase significantly reduced or eliminated the toxic effects of dyes on plants, highlighting its potential for reducing environmental toxicity and promoting ecosystem health
The increasing prevalence of dye pollutants in industrial wastewater poses significant environmental challenges. These pollutants, often resistant to conventional treatment methods, necessitate innovative approaches for effective remediation. A recent study conducted by researchers at Central China Normal University[1] has explored the potential of LAC-4 laccase in decolorizing and detoxifying various dyes, both individually and in mixtures. This study builds on prior research, emphasizing the enzyme's versatility and effectiveness in treating dye pollutants. Laccases are enzymes capable of oxidizing a wide range of substrates, including industrial dyes, by catalyzing the reduction of molecular oxygen to water. The study focused on evaluating the decolorization ability and detoxification effects of LAC-4 laccase on four different types of dyes: azo, anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, and indigo dyes. The researchers established reaction systems for each dye type and tested the enzyme's efficacy under optimal conditions of 30°C and pH 5.0. The findings revealed that LAC-4 laccase could efficiently decolorize single dyes, achieving decolorization efficiencies of 75.94% for Orange G, 93.30% for Acid Orange 7 (both azo dyes), 96.56% for Remazol Brilliant Blue R (anthraquinone dye), 99.94% for Bromophenol Blue, 96.37% for Methyl Green (both triphenylmethane dyes), and 37.23% for Indigo Carmine (indigo dye) within 24 hours. These results underscore the enzyme's broad-spectrum activity and its potential for bioremediation applications. Additionally, the study investigated the decolorization of dye mixtures, combining dyes of the same or different types at equal concentrations (100 mg/L). The enzyme demonstrated a decolorization efficiency of over 80% for various dye combinations, such as Orange G + Indigo Carmine, Reactive Orange 16 + Methyl Green, and Remazol Brilliant Blue R + Methyl Green. Interestingly, the interaction between dyes in mixtures led to improved decolorization efficiencies and rates, particularly for dyes that were otherwise challenging to degrade. This phenomenon aligns with earlier findings where the presence of certain dyes facilitated the degradation of more recalcitrant ones. For instance, a study on Bjerkandera adusta highlighted its ability to decolorize and detoxify complex dye mixtures in wastewater, emphasizing the role of enzyme versatility in effective bioremediation[2]. Similarly, the laccase-mediated degradation of recalcitrant compounds such as Bisphenol A and Carbamazepine has been well-documented, further supporting the enzyme's broad applicability in environmental biotechnology[3]. The LAC-4 laccase also exhibited strong continuous batch decolorization capabilities for single dyes, two-dye mixtures, and four-dye mixtures, maintaining high stability and reusability. This is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the practical challenges of enzyme application in industrial settings, where long-term stability and repeated use are crucial for cost-effectiveness. Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of enzyme immobilization for enhanced stability and reusability, though the current study found free LAC-4 to be highly effective without immobilization[4]. Moreover, the study assessed the detoxification effects of LAC-4-catalyzed decolorization on plant toxicity. The results indicated a marked reduction or complete elimination of toxic effects for both single dyes and dye mixtures, underscoring the enzyme's potential for reducing environmental toxicity and promoting ecosystem health. In summary, the research conducted by Central China Normal University provides compelling evidence of LAC-4 laccase's efficacy in decolorizing and detoxifying a wide range of industrial dyes. By efficiently degrading both single and mixed dyes, LAC-4 laccase holds significant promise for bioremediation applications, offering a sustainable and effective solution for managing dye pollutants in wastewater. This study builds on and expands the existing body of knowledge, highlighting the enzyme's versatility and potential for real-world environmental applications.

EnvironmentBiochemMycology

References

Main Study

1) Efficient degradation and detoxification of structurally different dyes and mixed dyes by LAC-4 laccase purified from white-rot fungi Ganoderma lucidum.

Published 19th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116450

Related Studies

2) Scale-up of a bioprocess for textile wastewater treatment using Bjerkandera adusta.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.12.067

3) Laccase-assisted degradation of emerging recalcitrant compounds - A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128031

4) Cloning, expression and characterization of laccase from Bacillus licheniformis NS2324 in E. coli application in dye decolorization.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.104


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