Wastewater treatment breakthrough: Enzyme from fungus could revolutionize dye decolorization.
Researchers investigated the properties of crude laccase from Trametes versicolor produced through a low-cost solid-substrate fermentation process. The enzyme showed optimal activity at 45ºC and remained stable at temperatures between 40-47ºC and pH 4.5. It also demonstrated high stability in the presence of certain salts, but lost activity when exposed to specific metal ions. The crude laccase successfully decolorized various dyes, with complete decolorization achieved for Indigo Carmine in 4 hours, Remazol Brilliant Blue R in 6 hours, Orange II in 48 hours, and Congo Red in 13 days.