Abstract
Broad-spectrum biocatalysts enzymes, Laccases, have been implicated in the complete degradation of harmful pollutants into less-toxic compounds. In this study, two extracellularly produced Laccases were purified to homogeneity from two different Ascomycetes spp. Trichoderma lixii FLU1 (TlFLU1) and Talaromyces pinophilus FLU12 (TpFLU12). The purified enzymes are monomeric units, with a molecular mass of 44 kDa and 68.7 kDa for TlFLU1 and TpFLU12, respectively, on SDS-PAGE and zymogram. It reveals distinct properties beyond classic protein absorption at 270-280 nm, with TlFLU1's peak at 270 nm aligning with this typical range of type II Cu site (white Laccase), while TpFLU12's unique 600 nm peak signifies a type I Cu2+ site (blue Laccase), highlighting the diverse spectral fingerprints within the Laccase family. The Km and kcat values revealed that ABTS is the most suitable substrate as compared to 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, caffeic acid and guaiacol for both Laccases. The bioinformatics analysis revealed critical His, Ile, and Arg residues for copper binding at active sites, deviating from the traditional two His and a Cys motif in some Laccases. The predicted biological functions of the Laccases include oxidation-reduction, lignin metabolism, cellular metal ion homeostasis, phenylpropanoid catabolism, aromatic compound metabolism, cellulose metabolism, and biological adhesion. Additionally, investigation of degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by purified Laccases show significant reductions in residual concentrations of fluoranthene and anthracene after a 96-h incubation period. TlFLU1 Laccase achieved 39.0% and 44.9% transformation of fluoranthene and anthracene, respectively, while TpFLU12 Laccase achieved 47.2% and 50.0% transformation, respectively. The enzyme structure-function relationship study provided insights into the catalytic mechanism of these Laccases for possible biotechnological and industrial applications.