Covalent immobilization of laccase on Fe3O4-graphene oxide nanocomposite for biodegradation of phenolic compounds

Laccase from Trametes Versicolor (E.C. 1.10.3.2) was immobilized on the Fe3O4–graphene hybrid nanocomposite through the covalent attachment method (Lac/Fe3O4/GO). The effect of immobilization conditions on the activity and recovered activities such as contact time, the concentration of glutaraldehyde and enzyme was evaluated. The recovered activity of the immobilized laccase on the Fe3O4–graphene oxide nanocomposite was ca. 86%. Immobilized laccase unlike free laccase retained the activity and exhibited higher resistance to temperature and pH changes and also improved storage and thermal stability. Approximately 70% of relative activity for immobilized laccase was remained after being incubated for 2 h at 55 °C, but free laccase only remained 48%. Immobilized laccase retained 88% of initial activity after storage for 20 days, however, the free laccase only 32%. Finally, Lac/Fe3O4/GO capability was evaluated by the oxidation of phenol, p-chlorophenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol. Lac/Fe3O4/GO was characterized by SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and AGFM.