Laccase immobilization for water purification: A comprehensive review

Laccase is a promising biocatalyst for micro-pollutants removal and water purification. However, laccase can only play its significant catalytic role after effective immobilization. The immobilization process improves the laccase stability, in terms of thermal, pH, storage and operation. Furthermore, the reusability of immobilized laccase makes it more advantageous in the practical applications of water purification, in comparison with free laccase. The laccase immobilization is a promising water purification technology. In this review, the immobilization methods and immobilized carriers are summarized. Then, the pollutant removal mechanism by immobilized laccases, and its influencing factors are reviewed. Afterwards, the relationship among carrier adsorption, enzymatic degradation and pollutant removal efficiency are analyzed. Finally, the application of immobilized laccase for water purification in recent years is demonstrated. This review is expected to provide a valuable guideline for enzymatic water purification.