Laccase nanoparticle: Synthesis, characterization, entrapment in alginate beads and application in the biodegradation of Bisphenol A

Abstract

Laccase nanoparticles (LNP) were synthesized by desolvation of the enzyme with ethanol and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. LNP was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and then entrapped in alginate beads for the biodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The stability of the immobilized LNP (iLNP) to heat inactivation was also investigated. The iLNP retained about 53±4.7% of its initial activity after 7 cycles of catalysis. The iLNP was stable to thermal inactivation at 40-70°C as obtained from its kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The iLNP removed 80 mg/L BPA from solutions with a biodegradation efficiency (BE) of 92% after 1 h. Repeated use of the iLNP in BPA removal resulted in a BE of 75% after 7 cycles of catalysis. iLNP serves as a novel biocatalyst in the bioremediation of pollutants such as BPA, and its thermostable characteristics make it useful for other biotechnological applications