Process Biochemistry, Vol.84, 112-123, 2019
Immobilized fungal laccase as "green catalyst" for the decolourization process - State of the art
The omnipresence of enzyme decides on their essential role in the infinite number of catalytic transformations taking place in nature as well as on their undisputed physiological significance in a series of metabolic changes. They comprise an extremely valuable tool as "green catalysts" in many technological processes in various industries. Removal of dyes from industrial wastewater constitutes a significant problem for highly developed countries resulting from the continuous economic progress and the increased production of coloured impurities. This generates the need to search for new, effective and ecological technologies for removal of toxic dyes. The enzymes, immobilised on a carrier to increase and facilitate their recovery from the post-process mixture, more and more often find application in various industries. The use of enzymes, including laccase, is a promising technology for the removal of coloured impurities from wastewater. This article reviews the application of laccase as the "green catalyst" in the decolourization process. Research results published so far indicate that the immobilization positively affects the entire protein structure of the enzyme and strengthening, which translates into an increased resistance of the enzyme to unfavourable process conditions. Selected immobilization methods and the carriers most commonly used for this purpose are also presented.