Immobilization of laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila on functionalized silica nanoparticles: Optimization and application in lindane degradation

Abstract

This work is focused on immobilization of laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila expressed in Aspergillus oiyzae (Novozym 51003 (R) laccase) on amino modified fumed nano-silica (AFNS) and the possible use in bioremediation. Hereby, for the first time, factors affecting the immobilization of Novozym 51003 (R) laccase on AFNS were investigated for defining the immobilization mechanism and optimizing the utilization of AFNS as support for laccase immobilization. The highest specific activity (13.1 IU.mg(-1) proteins) was achieved at offered 160 mg per g of AFNS and for the same offered protein concentration the highest activity immobilization yield, reaching 68.3% after the equilibrium time, at optimum pH 5.0, was obtained. Laccase immobilization occurs by adsorption as monolayer enzyme binding in 40 min, following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The possible use of obtained immobilized preparation was investigated in degradation of pesticide lindane. Within 24 h, lindane concentration was reduced to 56.8% of initial concentration and after seven repeated reuses it retained 70% of the original activity.