Microbial Laccases and Nanobiotechnology: Environmental Perspective

Abstract

In recent years advances in nanotechnology have open up a new era in industrial technology. Majority of nanoparticles are incorporated into products. Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are oxidoreductases belonging to multi-copper oxidases, which have been subject of intensive research in last decade due to their ability to oxidize both phenolic and nonphenolic lignin related compounds. They are widely distributed in bacteria, fungi, plants and insects. Among all these sources fungi is reported as the best laccase producer. They have been described in different genera of ascomycetes and deuteromycetes, however mainly laccases are found in basidiomycetes. Laccases have number of industrial and environmental applications including bioremediation, pulp and paper industry, textile industry, food technology, nanobiotechnology, medicine and cosmetology. More recently laccase is also used in design of biosensors, biofuel cells and as bioremediation agent to clean up herbicides, pesticides and certain explosives in soil. Especially they are used in the field of biodegradation and treatment of xenobiotics. Though it has been studied from last century it remains a topic of research till today due to its enormous hidden potential. This paper reviews the occurrence, general properties and applications of laccases. This review is also emphasized on role of nanobiotechnology in environmental and various industrial sectors.