Feasibility and potential of laccase-based enzyme in wastewater treatment through sustainable approach: A review

The worldwide increase in metropolitan cities and rise in industrialization have resulted in the assimilation of hazardous pollutants into the ecosystems. Different physical, chemical and biological techniques have been employed to remove these toxins from water bodies. Several bioprocess applications using microbes and their enzymes are utilized to achieve the goal. Biocatalysts, such as laccases, are employed explicitly to deplete a variety of organic pollutants. However, the degradation of contaminants using biocatalysts has many disadvantages concerning the stability and activity of the enzyme. Hence, they are immobilized on different supports to improve the enzyme kinetics and recyclability. Furthermore, standard wastewater treatment methods are not effective in eliminating all the contaminants. As a result, membrane separation technologies have emerged to overcome the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment methods. Moreover, enzymes immobilized onto these membranes have generated new avenues in wastewater purification technology. This review provides the latest information on laccases from diverse sources, their molecular framework and their mode of action. This report also gives information about various immobilization techniques and the application of membrane bioreactors to eliminate and biotransform hazardous contaminants. In a nutshell, laccases appear to be the most promising biocatalysts for green and cost-efficient wastewater treatment technologies.

Automated summary

The increase in metropolitan cities and industrialization has led to the assimilation of hazardous pollutants into ecosystems. Various techniques, including bioprocesses, are used to remove these toxins from water bodies. Laccases, as biocatalysts, are specifically employed to degrade organic pollutants; however, their stability and activity are limited. Immobilization techniques are used to improve enzyme kinetics and recyclability. Membrane separation technologies have emerged to overcome the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment methods. Enzymes immobilized on these membranes provide new avenues for wastewater purification technology.