Laccase from Trametes versicolor

Laccase is an enzyme, produced by ericoid mycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza fungi. It belongs to the group of polyphenol oxidases. Laccase is also present in plants and bacteria.

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Laccase from Trametes versicolor has been used:

• to assess the use of four laccase-producing strains in waste water treatment
• in laccase assay
• in screening the lignols

Some of the enzymatic actions of laccase are associated with sporulation, detoxification, morphogenesis, melanin polymerization and it offers protection to spore coat. Laccase can catalyse a number of substrates including medicinal drugs and halogenated pesticides. It utilizes oxygen for its catalysis. For these reasons, it might be useful in the biological degradation of micropollutants in wastewater treatment.

Laccase catalyzes the oxidation of phenol containing compounds, including lignin, through the reduction of oxygen to water. The presence of mediators will allow the oxidation of non-phenlic compounds as well. The primary function of laccase is to degrade lignin in fungi.

One unit corresponds to the amount of enzyme which converts 1 μmole of catechol per minute at pH 5.0 and 25 °C

former nomenclature: Coriolus versicolor