Transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon by fungal laccases and potential application in soil remediation

Abstract:

Fungal laccases are capable of transforming many organic pollutants, thus are promising in environmental detoxification. Over the last two decades, the characteristics and mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) transformation by laccase were extensively studied, meanwhile fungal ligninolytic enzymes-based remediation technologies targeting PAHs-contaminated soil were rapidly developed. In this article, we begin with a review of the redox mechanisms and PAHs oxidation characteristics of fungal laccase. A fate model of PAHs transformed by laccase in soil is put forward based on our recent studies. The remediation potentials of fungal laccase and remediation efforts using agricultural wastes like spent mushroom substrates are summarized. Lastly, a few key issues associated with research frontiers and practical application of fungi and their laccase systems are discussed.