Occurrence and Applications of Fungal Laccases: A Comprehensive Biotechnological Review

Author: Hansika Wadhwa, Reena Singh and Chirag Chopra

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Abstract

Laccases are enzymes that are typically excreted into the surrounding medium by filamentous fungi as part of their secondary metabolism. The production of laccases can be affected by various factors such as cultivation method, carbon availability, nitrogen source, and the concentration of microelements. The following sections of the paper will detail the impact that these different process parameters can have on laccase production. Fungal laccases are enzymes that belong to the oxidoreductase class of enzymes, which have a wide range of applications in various industries. Laccases are now being used more frequently in the food industry as a means of creating affordable and nutritious foods. However, to continue this trend, it is important to establish widespread access to laccase and improve production systems. The presence of laccase has been identified in multiple types of fungi, which suggests that it is possible for many fungi to produce laccase. To make laccases more accessible for industrial usage, cost-effective methods have been devised such as refining fermentation media, creating new fermentation techniques, and genetically modifying eukaryotic recombinant strains to produce laccases on a large scale. The low yield, heterogeneity, cost, and difficulties in extraction of fungal laccases are some of the hurdles in this area of research. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, occurrence, and applications of fungal laccases. It highlights the potential of these enzymes for various industrial, medical, and environmental applications and provides insights into the future direction of laccase research.

Keywords

Enzymes, Sources, Laccases; Fungus, Applications

Conclusion

The review paper provides an in-depth analysis of fungal laccases and their biotechnological applications. The paper discusses the various sources of fungal laccases, their properties, and their potential applications in various industries such as bioremediation, pulp and paper, textile, food, and pharmaceuticals. The paper highlights the importance of fungal laccases in bioremediation, where they can degrade and detoxify various pollutants such as PAHs, pesticides, and dyes. Fungal laccases also have applications in the pulp and paper industry, where they can improve the quality of paper products by improving the delignification process, brightness, and strength. Moreover, fungal laccases can be used in the textile industry for bleaching and dyeing fabrics, and for removing excess dye from wastewater. They also have potential applications in the food industry to improve the shelf life of food products and enhance the aroma and flavor of wine and beer products. Finally, the paper discusses the potential applications of fungal laccases in the pharmaceutical industry, where they can be used for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and the detection of pharmaceuticals in environmental samples.

References

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How to cite this article

Hansika Wadhwa, Reena Singh and Chirag Chopra (2023). Occurrence and Applications of Fungal Laccases: A Comprehensive Biotechnological Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 463-469.