Production of ligninolytic enzymes by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora for decolourization of synthetic dyes

The aim of this research was to produce a mixture of ligninolytic enzymes for decolourization of synthetic dyes, which are usually present in waste waters from textile industry. White rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, known for the production of laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) for application in bio-pulping was used for this purpose. Procedure for the enzyme production in stationary cultures was optimized regarding the type of sugar as a carbon source, type of wood as inductor and immobilization support material as well as additional nitrogen supply. By varying the culture conditions, production media with the excess of Lac activity, equivalence of both activities and excess of MnP activity were prepared and further used to decolorize three structurally different dyes. The initial decolourization rate of Remazol Brilliant Blue was more than twice higher at the excess of Lac activities than at the excess of MnP in the medium, while the initial decolourization rate of the dyes Copper(II) phtalocyanine and Reactive Orange 16 was three times higher when the excess of MnP was present in the enzyme mixture compared to the medium with excess of Lac. Results showed that Lac and MnP from C. subvermispora can be used for decolourization and that 'tailor made' enzyme mixtures can be produced by varying cultivation conditions.