Laccases-Versatile Enzymes Used to Reduce Environmental Pollution

The accumulation of waste and toxic compounds has become increasingly harmful to the environment and human health. In this context, the use of laccases has become a focus of interest, due to the properties of these versatile enzymes: low substrate specificity, and water formation as a non-toxic end product. Thus, we begin our study with a general overview of the importance of laccase for the environment and industry, starting with the sources of laccases (plant, bacterial and fungal laccases), the structure and mechanism of laccases, microbial biosynthesis, and the immobilization of laccases. Then, we continue with an overview of agro-waste treatment by laccases wherein we observe the importance of laccases for the biodisponibilization of substrates and the biodegradation of agro-industrial byproducts; we then show some aspects regarding the degradation of xenobiotic compounds, dyes, and pharmaceutical products. The objective of this research is to emphasize and fully investigate the effects of laccase action on the decomposition of lignocellulosic materials and on the removal of harmful compounds from soil and water, in order to provide a sustainable solution to reducing environmental pollution.

Automated summary

The accumulation of waste and toxic compounds poses an increasing threat to the environment and human health. Laccases have gained interest due to their versatile properties, including low substrate specificity and non-toxic product formation. This article provides an overview of the importance of laccases in the environment and industry, discussing their sources, structure, mechanism, microbial biosynthesis, and immobilization. It also highlights their applications in agro-waste treatment and degradation of harmful compounds, emphasizing the potential for reducing environmental pollution.