Process optimization, purification and characterization of alkaline stable white laccase from Myrothecium verrucaria ITCC-8447 and its application in delignification of agroresidues.

Abstract The white laccase was produced from Myrothecium verrucaria ITCC-8447 under submerged fermentation. The media components were optimized by response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). The nutritional components (glucose and peptone) and physical parameters (pH and temperature) were optimized by response surface methodology for enhanced laccase production by Myrothecium verrucaria ITCC-8447. The enzyme activity under optimum condition exhibited 1.45 fold increases in laccase activity. The white laccase was subjected to ion exchange chromatography with 6 fold purification. The molecular weight of white laccase was ~63–75 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE followed by the activity staining with ABTS where green bands confirmed the presence of laccase. The enzyme was stable over an alkaline pH range of 7–9 and the temperature range of 30–40 °C. The characterization of white laccase was done by CD spectra, UV–visible absorption, FTIR and XRD. The K m and V max values of the purified laccase were 2.5 mM and1818.2 μmol/min/L. The delignification capability of the white laccase was determined by reduction in Kappa number (58.8%) and Klason lignin (64.7%) of wheat straw after 12 h of incubation. Further the delignification was confirmed FTIR and XRD. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The process optimization of white laccase using CCD-RSM from Myrothecium verrucaria ITCC-8447 • Purification of white laccase and its characterization by CD, UV-spectra, FTIR and XRD • First report on white laccase for the efficient delignification of agroresidues: a step towards "Green and Clean Environment" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]