A review on the laccase assisted decolourization of dyes: Recent trends and research progress

Increased industrialization and urbanized civilization lead to the evolution of several persisting hazardous pollutants. In order to degrade these tenacious pollutants in the global environment, bioremediation using microorganisms and enzymes have been exploited. Laccase, a multicopper oxidase enzyme, has been harnessed extensively for the degradation of a broad spectrum of pollutants including endocrine disruptors, microplastics, organic dyes and pharmaceuticals because of its monoelectronic oxidation of substrates and low substrate specificity. Though laccase is exploited in various fields like paper & pulp and textile industries, predominantly laccase is utilized in decolourization of innumerable dyes. In this review, properties of laccase based on the source, mechanism of laccase-mediated dye decolourization, factors and operational parameters which affects the dye decolourization efficiency, different supports utilized for the immobilization of laccase, synergistic effect of laccase and its future prospects have been highlighted. Among the different laccase studied, fungal and bacterial laccase has been harnessed predominantly in decolourization applications while the application of insect laccase is still lacking. Also, recyclability and elevated operational stability of the laccase can be achieved by trapping or immobilizing the enzyme and synergistic approach has shown promising effect on enhancing the decolourization efficiency.