Immobilization of Laccase in β-Cyclodextrin Composite Hydrogel for Efficient Degradation of Dye Pollutants

A stable and efficient biocatalyst was prepared by encapsulating Trametes versicolor laccase using an acrylic acid-grafted β-cyclodextrin hydrogel (Lac-CD-PAA). Scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments showed that there were regularly distributed channels in the spongy Lac-CD-PAA. In addition, a large number of mesopores and macropores existed in the wall of the hydrogel lamellae. This network structure reduced the diffusion resistance of the hydrogel to the target substrate. The relative activity of the resulting Lac-CD-PAA could be maintained at 35.8% after six cycles of use. Lac-CD-PAA exhibited higher thermal and chemical stability compared to free laccase. The negative charge on the surface of Lac-CD-PAA gives it the ability to pretreat cationic dyes. In six consecutive methylene blue decolorization tests, Lac-CD-PAA decolorized better than free laccase. The results showed that the prepared β-cyclodextrin-based composite hydrogel was a good carrier for laccase.