An Improved Method to Encapsulate Laccase from Trametes versicolor with Enhanced Stability and Catalytic Activity

In this work, laccase from Trametes versicolor pretreated with copper ion solution was entrapped in copper alginate beads. The presence of laccase in copper alginate beads was verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The alginate concentration used was optimized based on the specific activity and immobilization yield. After entrapment, laccase presents perfect pH stability and thermal stability with 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) as the substrate. Moreover, laccase in copper alginate beads exhibits good reusability during continuous batch operation for removing 2,4-dichlorophenol. More importantly, owing to the coupled effect of copper ion activation and copper alginate entrapment, the entrapped laccase shows a 3.0-fold and a 2.4-fold increase in specific activity and 2,4-DCP degradation rate compared with that of free laccase, respectively.