In situ encapsulation of laccase in microfibers by emulsion electrospinning: Preparation, characterization, and application

Laccase from Trametes versicolor was successfully in situ encapsulated into the poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA)/PEO-PPO-PEO (F108) electrospun microfibers by emulsion electrospinning. The porous morphology of electrospun microfibers was observed with scanning electron microscope, and the core-shell structure of microfibers and existence of laccase in microfibers were proved by laser confocal scanning microscopy micrograph. In this study, fibrous porosity and core-shell structure are advantageous to the activity and stability preservation of immobilized laccase. The activity of immobilized laccase could retain over 67% of that of the free enzyme. After 10 successive runs in the enzyme reactor, the immobilized laccase could also maintain 50% of its initial activity. Crystal violet dye was successfully degraded by the PDLLA/F108-laccase electrospun microfiber membranes. It was observed that the immobilized laccase possessed a broadening pH range of catalysis activity compared to free laccase. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.