Fungal laccase – a versatile enzyme for biotechnological applications

Laccase belongs to the small group of enzymes called the blue multi copper oxidases. Laccase is widely distributed in higher plants and fungi. In fungi, laccase is present in Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes, Basidiomycetes and is particularly abundant in many white-rot fungi that degrade lignin. Laccases have been subject of intensive research in the last decades due to their broad substrate specificity. In the recent years, their uses span from the textile to the pulp and paper industries, and food applications to bioremediation processes. Laccases also have uses in organic synthesis, where typical substrates are phenols and amines, and the reaction products are dimers and oligomers derived from the coupling of reactive radical intermediates. More recently, they have found applications in other field such as in the design of biosensors and biofuel cells. In this review, the occurrence, mode of action, general properties, production and immobilization of laccases will be discussed. Here, we will also provide discussion of potential applications of these blue enzymes.