Laccase bound to cryogel functionalized with phenylalanine for the decolorization of textile dyes

In this study, amino acid functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacrylolyl-l-phenylalanine) [PHEMAPA] cryogel discs were prepared. In this respect, phenylalanine containing N-methacryloyl-(L)-phenylalanine methyl ester (MAPA) was polymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) without requirement of any activation step. Laccase bound poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-l-phenylalanine) [Lac-PHEMAPA] cryogel discs were applied for decolorization of Reactive Blue-247 (RB-247). The ability of Lac-PHEMAPA cryogel discs on dye decolorization was found to be as 90% in 2 h and even more within 4h. The decolorization activities of 86% and 73% were observed at relatively low (4°C) and high (60°C) temperatures, respectively. The effect of dye concentration on dye decolorization and 100% decolorization activity was achieved in dye concentration between 50–300 ppm. Lac-PHEMAPA cryogel discs maintained 80% of its decolorization activity after six cycles. Consequently, the PHEMAPA cryogel discs are promising materials for immobilizing laccase. The Lac-PHEMAPA has a rapid dye decolorization in a broad range of temperature. The preparation is furthermore very stable and activity is preserved during storage.