Highly efficient removal of dyes from wastewater using nanocellulose from quinoa husk as a carrier for immobilization of laccase

In this study, the synthesis of nanocellulose (NC) from an agro-waste of quinoa husks (QS) was reported for the first time. The NC nano-carrier was utilized for immobilization of a model laccase enzyme (PersiLac1) providing an innovative, green, and practical nano-biocatalyst for efficient removal of two different model dyes (malachite green (MG) and congo red (CR)) from water. This nano-biocatalyst developed a synergistic adsorption degradation approach leading the dye molecules easily gathered near the nano-carrier by adsorption and then degraded effectively by the enzyme. Upon enzyme immobilization, the dye removals (%) were remarkably improved for both 150 mg/L of dyes (from 54% and 12%, for MG and CR, respectively, in case of the pristine NCs, to 98% and 60% for the immobilized enzyme). The immobilized PersiLac1 could decolorize the concentrated dye solutions and showed superior reusability (up to 83% dye removal after 18th runs for MG) and remarkable performance from complex real textile effluents.

Automated summary

This study reports the synthesis of nanocellulose from quinoa husks and its utilization as a carrier for immobilizing a model laccase enzyme. The immobilized enzyme demonstrated efficient removal of malachite green and congo red dyes through a synergistic adsorption degradation approach. This immobilized PersiLac1 enzyme showed remarkable improvement in dye removal and exhibited superior reusability and performance in treating complex textile effluents.